2026 HDB BTO Renovation Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Renovate an HDB Flat?

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Key Takeaways

HDB renovation costs typically range from S$15,400–S$85,000 for new or BTO flats and S$28,100–S$120,000 for resale flats, depending on the flat type and renovation scope.
Resale HDB flats generally cost more to renovate than BTO flats because they may require additional works such as hacking, replacing existing finishes, plumbing or electrical upgrades.
Your final HDB renovation cost depends on more than your flat size, with carpentry, materials, room-specific works, layout changes and unexpected expenses all affecting the total budget.

At a Glance: How Much Does it Cost for a HDB Renovation in Singapore?

This is the HDB and BTO renovation cost guide for 2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room and 5-room flats in Singapore, covering both new BTO and resale units.

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HDB Renovation Costs for New and Resale Flats in Singapore

HDB Renovation Costs:

Flat Type	New/BTO Renovation Cost	Resale Renovation Cost
HDB 2-Room Flexi	S$15,400 – S$31,600	S$28,100 – S$41,300
HDB 3-Room	S$35,000 – S$55,000	S$45,000 – S$75,000
HDB 4-Room	S$50,000 – S$70,000	S$55,000 – S$85,000
HDB 5-Room	S$60,000 – S$85,000	S$70,000 – S$120,000
HDB 3-Gen	S$61,300 – S$93,200	S$79,200 – S$103,500
HDB Executive	S$83,500 – S$118,200	—
HDB Maisonette	S$91,200 – S$134,800	—
HDB Jumbo	S$101,000 – S$155,900	—

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How we calculated these estimates: These HDB renovation cost ranges are based on HomeMatch's latest renovation cost data and benchmarks across common renovation works in Singapore. You can read about our cost methodology for a detailed explanation of how we calculate and benchmark renovation costs.

For the most common HDB flat types, renovation costs typically range from S$15,400 to S$85,000 for new or BTO flats, and S$28,100 to S$120,000 for resale flats, depending on the flat type and renovation scope.

Larger or less common HDB flat types can have higher renovation costs. Our estimates range from S$61,300–S$93,200 for 3-Gen flats, S$83,500–S$118,200 for Executive flats, S$91,200–S$134,800 for Maisonettes, and S$101,000–S$155,900 for Jumbo flats.

These figures are a starting point for budgeting rather than fixed prices, as your final costs will depend on the condition of your HDB unit, materials, custom carpentry and the amount of renovation works required.

Your renovation costs can also vary significantly depending on how much of the existing layout you keep. Keeping the layout and choosing cost-effective finishes can help reduce your budget, while extensive custom carpentry, premium materials, structural changes and additional electrical works can push costs higher.

For more details, the sections below break down HDB renovation costs by flat type and room. This includes the main factors that can increase your budget, additional expenses to prepare for, and essential HDB renovation guidelines to know before work begins.

Tables of Content

HDB Renovation Cost by Flat Type

The size of your HDB flat gives you a useful starting point for estimating renovation costs, but it does not determine your final budget on its own. The condition of the flat and scope of your renovation works can make a significant difference.

HDB Renovation Cost by Flat Type

HDB Renovation Cost by Flat Type:

HDB Flat Type	BTO / New Flat	Resale Flat
2-Room Flexi	S$15,400 – S$31,600	S$28,100 – S$41,300
3-Room	S$35,000 – S$55,000	S$45,000 – S$75,000
4-Room	S$50,000 – S$70,000	S$55,000 – S$85,000
5-Room	S$60,000 – S$85,000	S$70,000 – S$120,000

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2 Room HDB Interior Design by Redefine Interior

2-room Flexi: A 2-room Flexi renovation typically costs S$15,400–S$31,600 for a new BTO and S$28,100–S$41,300 for a resale flat. Space optimisation and storage are often important considerations, so custom carpentry and multifunctional furniture can make up a significant part of the budget.

3-room: Expect to spend around S$35,000-S$55,000 for a new 3-room flat and S$45,000-S$75,000 for a resale unit. Your budget will depend on how many rooms you renovate, the amount of storage you need and whether you retain the existing layout.

4-room: A 4-room BTO renovation typically costs S$50,000-S$70,000 for a new flat and S$55,700-S$80,400 for a resale flat. The larger space can mean more flooring, carpentry, lighting and storage, particularly if you plan to renovate the entire flat.

5-room: For a 5-room flat, budget around S$60,000-S$85,000 for a new BTO and S$70,000-S$120,000 for a resale flat. The larger floor area can increase costs, although keeping the existing layout and limiting custom works can help keep the renovation within budget, similar to how careful planning maximises space in HDB maisonette renovation layouts.

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Find the Right HDB Renovator for Your Project

Knowing your likely HDB renovation cost is only the first step. The next challenge is finding a Renovator who understands your flat, budget, design preferences and renovation requirements.

You could spend hours searching through renovation firms, comparing portfolios and requesting quotations. Or, spend 15 minutes with HomeMatch and let us narrow down the search for you.

At HomeMatch, we don't just match you with a firm. We match you with the right person based on your budget, design, property, timeline and other requirements.

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It was almost like they didn’t exist - so we started our search on Google. HomeMatch came across as a no brainer for us to try because of their case trust accredited IDs, clear outline of their services and the fact that they came at no cost to us. The communication with HomeMatch were always swift, clear and helpful. From our online form, they called and clarified our needs then set about to match us with five IDs. We were able to view their profiles, portfolios and video snippets which were handy when it came to comparing meeting them in person whether they were authentic. Four of the five IDs contacted us swiftly and met with us twice - the first time to understand our requirements and floor plan and the second time to propose layout and itemized quotation. Same went for the fifth ID who was a later match because the initial match was not able to meet us. HomeMatch really came through with promptly replacing the initial recommendation such that the replacement ID was able to meet us the very next day. We were able to select an ID from the five based on all our interactions and although the process from contacting HomeMatch to signing with ID took 2 months it would have taken even longer had we tried to source IDs from the wild. HomeMatch services didn’t end with us signing the contract. HomeMatch reviewed our contract and advised us of its pros and shortcomings. They also provided critical tips that will help make our renovation journey a successful one. Although our Reno work have not begun we know that clear communication works best and we can always count on HomeMatch should we need them again.

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BTO vs Resale HDB Renovation Cost

In general, resale HDB flats cost more to renovate than BTO flats, but this is not always the case. Having an accurate HDB floor plan for BTO or resale helps you define your renovation scope, which ultimately matters more than whether the property is new or resale.

BTO vs Resale HDB Renovation Cost

BTO vs Resale HDB Renovation Cost:

Factors	BTO / New HDB Flat	Resale HDB Flat
Existing finishes	Usually newer	May need replacement
Hacking	Usually limited	More likely
Repairs	Generally fewer	More likely
Layout changes	Less common	More common
Overall cost	Generally lower	Generally higher

A new BTO flat usually needs less rectification work, so you can focus your budget on areas such as kitchen carpentry, wardrobes, flooring, lighting and other finishes.

A resale flat may require additional renovation works before you can start with your preferred design. Existing tiles, carpentry, fittings or other finishes may need to be removed, while older plumbing or electrical systems may require attention.

However, a resale flat is not automatically more expensive. A well-maintained unit with a layout you are happy to keep may require relatively little work. Similarly, a BTO homeowner who chooses extensive custom carpentry, premium finishes and major design upgrades can spend considerably more.

The best way to compare costs is therefore to look at the actual renovation scope, rather than the property type alone.

HDB Renovation Cost by Room

Your total renovation cost will also depend on which rooms you renovate and the scope of work involved. The following figures are based on HomeMatch's latest room-specific renovation cost estimates and industry benchmarks.

HDB Renovation Cost by Room

HDB Renovation Cost by Room:

Area	Typical Renovation Cost	Main Cost Factors
Kitchen	S$10,800 – S$22,300	Carpentry, countertops, tiling, plumbing and electrical works
Bathroom	S$4,200 – S$8,700 per bathroom	Hacking, waterproofing, tiling, plumbing and sanitary fittings
Kitchen + 2 bathrooms	S$18,700 – S$31,600	Kitchen carpentry, wet works, plumbing and bathroom fittings
Living & dining room	S$8,000 – S$18,000	Flooring, carpentry, lighting, painting and feature walls
Bedroom	S$3,500 – S$9,000 per room	Wardrobes, flooring, painting, lighting and storage
Master bedroom + walk-in wardrobe	S$6,000 – S$14,000	Custom carpentry, wardrobe configuration, lighting and finishes

These figures are intended as a guide rather than fixed prices. Your actual HDB renovation cost will depend on the condition of your flat, the scope of renovation works, material selections and whether additional rectification works are required.

HDB 3 Gen Resale Renovation by Vitas Design

For example, a bedroom that only needs repainting and basic lighting will cost considerably less than one with a full-height wardrobe, feature wall and custom study area. Similarly, renovating a resale kitchen may cost more if existing cabinets, tiles or plumbing need to be removed or replaced.

If you're carrying out a partial renovation, you can also use these figures to prioritise the areas that need the most work. Kitchens and bathrooms are common choices because they involve more specialised works, while living rooms and bedrooms can often be upgraded later as your budget allows.

What Can Increase Your HDB Renovation Cost?

Even if you start with a reasonable budget, certain renovation choices can quickly increase your contractor's quote, especially when the flat size is larger, the scope includes major works, or the design is more customised, all of which lead to higher costs.

Factors that Increase HDB Renovation Costs

Factors that Increase HDB Renovation Costs:

Cost Factor	Why It Can Increase Your Budget
Custom carpentry	More materials, labour and installation
Hacking	Demolition, labour and debris disposal
Flooring	Material and installation costs
Electrical works	Additional power and lighting points
Plumbing	Moving or replacing water points
Premium finishes	Higher material costs
Layout changes	Additional demolition and construction
False ceilings	Materials, labour and lighting installation

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You can keep costs more manageable by retaining the existing layout where possible, limiting custom carpentry and choosing cost-effective materials and finishes.

In some critical areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, paying a higher upfront cost for more durable materials can be worth considering over time.

Your choice of wall finishes and floor finishes can also affect the budget depending on the material and installation method.

In general, full renovations and homes like executive flats tend to cost more because they involve more area and work.

HDB Interior Design Styles and Renovation Costs

4 Room HDB Resale Scandinavian Interior Design Style by Molecule Interior

The interior design style you choose for your HDB flat can also influence your renovation costs. Some styles rely on simple finishes and minimal carpentry, while others use more built-ins, feature walls, decorative lighting or premium materials.

HDB Interior Design Styles and Renovation Costs

HDB Interior Design Styles and Renovation Costs:

Interior Design Style	What Defines the Style	Key Cost Considerations	Potential Cost Impact
Minimalist	Clean lines, simple finishes and minimal visual clutter	Simpler materials and less built-in carpentry can help control costs	Low to moderate
Scandinavian	Light colours, natural elements, clean lines and functional furniture	Simple finishes and loose furniture can keep costs manageable	Low to moderate
Japandi	A blend of Japanese simplicity and Scandinavian warmth, with natural materials and uncluttered spaces	Natural materials, custom storage and carefully selected finishes can increase costs	Moderate
Modern	Sleek lines, contemporary finishes and a streamlined appearance	Carpentry, lighting, flooring and material choices can significantly affect costs	Moderate
Contemporary	Clean, sophisticated lines combined with current design trends and statement elements	Customised finishes, feature walls, lighting and carpentry can increase costs	Moderate to high
Industrial	Exposed materials, raw textures, dark tones and functional elements	Some exposed finishes can reduce costs, but custom metalwork and other features can add to the budget	Moderate
Luxury / Hotel-inspired	Premium finishes, polished details and a sophisticated, resort-like feel	Extensive carpentry, premium materials, feature lighting and customised finishes	High

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Take note that these are broad indications rather than fixed cost categories. The renovation scope matters more than the design style itself. For example, a minimalist HDB renovation with extensive built-in carpentry can cost more than a simple contemporary renovation that uses mostly loose furniture.

For smaller HDB flats such as a 2-room BTO flexi, styles that prioritise space efficiency, extendable dining tables, multi functional furniture and clean lines can also help you make better use of limited floor space without relying on excessive custom carpentry.

As you explore different design styles, consider how much carpentry, flooring, wall finishes, lighting and other renovation works each style requires. This can help you choose a look that fits both your aesthetic preferences and realistic budget.

Additional HDB Renovation Costs to Budget For

Your contractor's quotation is not necessarily the total amount you will spend on your new home. Remember to set aside money for other expenses associated with moving into an HDB flat such as:

Additional HDB Renovation Costs to Budget For

Additional HDB Renovation Costs to Budget For:

Additional Expense	Why You May Need to Budget for It
Furniture	Usually separate from renovation works
Appliances	Refrigerator, washing machine and other appliances
Temporary accommodation	If you cannot stay in the flat during renovation; full renovations may require this because of dust, noise, renovation debris and safety concerns
Moving and storage	Moving belongings or storing furniture
Post-renovation cleaning	Deep cleaning after renovation works
Unexpected costs	Unforeseen works or changes to the renovation scope

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Where possible, keep around 10–20% of your renovation budget as a contingency. You may not need to spend it, but having a buffer can help if unexpected costs arise during the renovation process.

If your renovation budget is tight, renovation loans can help spread the cost of the renovation while keeping some cash available for these additional expenses. Learn more about renovation budgeting, loans and financing options.

HDB Renovation Guidelines and Permits You Need to Know

efore your renovation works begin, check whether the planned works require HDB approval or permits. Certain renovation works require HDB or BCA approval, and homeowners are responsible for ensuring the necessary permits and requirements are followed.

HDB Renovation Permits and Requirements

HDB Renovation Permits and Requirements:

Renovation Work	What to Know
Hacking or demolishing walls	Prior approval may be required
Structural changes	Must comply with HDB requirements and protect structural integrity
Electrical works	Should be carried out by the appropriate licensed electrical worker
Renovation contractor	Must be listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC)
Other controlled works	Confirm whether approval is required before starting

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A few HDB renovation rules are particularly important to know:

Renovation applications: Where a permit is required, an HDB-listed renovation contractor must submit the application on the homeowner's behalf.
New flat bathroom restrictions: New flats or BTOs are subject to a three-year restriction on hacking or removing bathroom and toilet floor and wall finishes to protect the original waterproofing.
Noisy renovation works: Noisy works must stop on Sundays and Public Holidays. Demolition and heavy drilling are generally restricted to 9am to 5pm on weekdays.
Approval timeline: Renovation permit applications can take around 2–4 weeks to process, so factor this into your renovation timeline rather than waiting until work is due to begin.

Do not assume that a contractor can proceed simply because a particular renovation work appears minor. Check the latest HDB requirements and obtain any necessary permits before work begins.

How to Choose the Right HDB Renovation Contractor

Once you have a realistic idea of your HDB renovation cost, the next step is to find a Renovator who can deliver the required works within your budget.

When comparing Renovators, don't focus on the headline price alone. Look at the detailed quotations that should include the scope of work, materials, exclusions and payment terms in each quotation.

How to Choose the Right HDB Renovation Contractor

How to Choose the Right HDB Renovation Contractor:

What to Compare	What to Look For
Scope of work	Make sure all agreed renovation works are clearly listed
Materials and finishes	Check the brands, specifications and quantities included
Exclusions	Look for works or items that are not included in the quoted price
Payment schedule	Prefer fair progressive payments tied to completed milestones
HDB registration	Check whether the contractor is listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors
Past work	Review relevant HDB projects and renovation experience
Contract terms	Check the renovation timeline, warranties, defects process and cancellation terms

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Before choosing the right HDB renovation contractor, compare detailed renovation quotations rather than choosing based on the lowest price. A cheaper quote may exclude important works or use different materials, making it difficult to compare the actual value of each proposal.

You should also pay attention to the payment schedule. Avoid heavily front-loaded payments where possible and make sure your renovation contract includes a fair progressive payment schedule, with payments tied to completed renovation milestones.

Looking for an HDB-Approved Renovator?

You can browse HomeMatch's list of HDB-approved Renovators. Finding a suitable Renovator shouldn't mean comparing dozens of firms and quotations yourself. Tell us about your HDB flat, budget, design preferences and renovation requirements, and we'll narrow down your options to Renovators who are a better fit for your project.

At HomeMatch, we don't just help you find a renovation firm. We help you find the right individual Renovator based on your requirements.

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Find the Right HDB Renovator Within Your Budget

Knowing your HDB renovation cost can help you set a realistic budget, but finding a Renovator who can work within it is just as important. Working with an HDB-approved Renovator can also help ensure your renovation meets the relevant requirements.

At HomeMatch, we help you get there by matching you with carefully screened Renovators who fit your budget, design, property, timeline, and other requirements. Instead of simply giving you a list of firms to contact, we help you find the right individual Renovator for your project.

Our Safest-Smartest Assurance means you'll also have 100% deposit protection, contract checks and dispute resolution support.

We also have our HomeMatch S$1 million Protection Fund, which protects homeowners against issues such as unfinished work, firm closures and major delays, with coverage of up to S$150,000 per project.

Ready to find the right Renovator for your HDB renovation? Get matched with HomeMatch today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

‍How much does it cost to renovate a 4-room HDB flat in Singapore?

A 4-room HDB renovation typically costs S$50,000–S$70,000 for a new BTO flat and S$55,000–S$85,000 for a resale flat, depending on the renovation scope, materials and condition of the unit.

Is BTO renovation cheaper than resale?

Generally, yes. Resale flats are more likely to require additional works such as hacking, replacing existing finishes, repairs, plumbing or electrical upgrades. However, your renovation scope ultimately has a bigger impact on the final cost. BTO flats can also have restrictions on certain renovation works, so check the relevant HDB guidelines before renovation begins.

How much does an HDB kitchen renovation cost?

A typical HDB kitchen renovation costs around S$10,800–S$22,300, depending on the carpentry, materials, plumbing, electrical works and other renovation requirements.

How much does an HDB bathroom renovation cost?

Budget approximately S$4,200–S$8,700 per bathroom, depending on the extent of hacking, waterproofing, tiling, plumbing and sanitary fittings. Costs can vary depending on whether you are doing basic updates or more extensive renovation works.

Do I need an HDB renovation permit?

Some renovation works require HDB's prior approval. For example, all demolition or hacking of walls, whether partial or complete, requires HDB's prior written approval. Other works may also require approval depending on the type of renovation. Check the latest HDB renovation guidelines before work begins, particularly if you plan to hack walls, replace certain floor or wall finishes, or make structural changes.

How much should I set aside for unexpected renovation costs?

As a planning guideline, consider setting aside around 10–20% of your renovation budget as a contingency. This can provide a buffer for unforeseen works or changes to your renovation scope, particularly when renovating a resale flat where additional issues may only become apparent after work begins.