Renovating your home in Singapore is exciting, but without a solid budget, costs can spiral out of control. In fact, renovation costs in 2025 have risen by 2-3%, according to Qanvast. Expect to spend S$36,100 to S$43,700 for a 3-room BTO, S$51,000 to S$61,800 for a 4-room, and S$67,000 to S$82,400 for a 5-room.
Factors like property type, renovation scope, and material choices all play a role in determining the final bill. Whether you’re upgrading a BTO, resale flat, condo, or landed home, careful planning is essential to avoid unexpected expenses.
This guide will break down renovation costs by property type and room, key pricing factors, and cost-saving strategies to help you budget wisely and maximize your renovation investment.
How Much Should I Budget for My New Home Renovations?
This question is a very important one, and you shouldn’t start your plans to renovate your home without having an answer to this question.
Knowing your budget will allow you to get a renovation loan that has a loan amount that is suitable for your specific budget needs.
Renovation costs in Singapore go beyond just furniture or a fresh coat of paint. A full home makeover typically includes multiple components, each with its own pricing factors. Understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
What Does Renovation Cost Include?
Full renovation costs often involves:
- Hacking: Removing walls, floors, or built-in structures (S$400 – S$700)
- Masonry: Tiling, flooring, and cement works (S$1,300 – S$3,000)
- Carpentry: Built-in wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, feature walls (S$3,400 – S$6,100)
- Electrical Works: Wiring, lighting installations, socket placements (S$1,700 – S$3,200)
- Painting: Wall and ceiling repainting for a fresh look (S$200 – S$1,400)
- Windows, Doors, and Grilles: Installation and replacements (S$2,600 – S$5,100)
- Cleaning & Disposal: Post-renovation cleanup (S$300 – S$1,100)
These costs depend on property size, material choices, and customization levels. Prioritizing essential works over luxury upgrades can help keep your renovation budget in check.
How Property Type Affects Renovation Costs
The type of property you own also impacts renovation costs. New BTO flats generally require minimal structural work but still need essential carpentry, flooring, and kitchen setups, keeping costs lower.
Resale flats, however, often need hacking, rewiring, and plumbing upgrades, leading to costs that are 20-40% higher.
Condos typically involve premium materials and custom designs, while landed properties require extensive renovations, sometimes reaching six-figure sums due to structural modifications.
Renovation Cost Trends in 2024-2025
Renovation costs have risen by 2-3% in 2025, driven by higher material prices, labor shortages, and inflation. Imported materials such as marble, quartz, and wood have seen price hikes, while increased demand for skilled labor has pushed up contractor fees. With these rising costs, budgeting wisely and prioritizing essential renovations is more important than ever.
Average Renovation Cost by Property Type (2026)
Renovation costs vary significantly based on property type, with resale units generally costing more due to hacking, rewiring, and plumbing upgrades. New BTOs and condos require fewer structural changes, keeping renovation expenses lower.
Below is a breakdown of expected renovation costs in 2026, helping you budget based on your home type.
| Property Type | Estimated Home Renovation Cost (2026) | Notes |
| BTO Flats | S$36,100 – S$82,400 | Minimal structural work needed. Costs depend on flat size. |
| Resale HDB Flats | S$51,000 – S$97,000 | Higher costs due to hacking, rewiring, and plumbing upgrades. |
| New Private Condo | S$40,400 – S$51,500 | Typically lower renovation costs with fewer structural changes. |
| Resale Condo | S$80,800 – S$105,000 | More extensive work needed, such as hacking and carpentry. |
(Source: Renovation calculator by Qanvast)
Room-by-Room Breakdown of Renovation Costs
Each room in your home requires different types of renovation work, affecting the overall budget. Spaces like kitchens and bathrooms involve plumbing and waterproofing, while bedrooms and living rooms focus more on flooring, storage, and ceiling design.
Below is an updated cost breakdown for each room in 2025 based on a 90 sqm 4-room HDB BTO with one bathroom:
A. Living Room Renovation Costs
| Renovation Level | Estimated Cost (2026) |
| Light Renovation | S$400 – S$3,900 |
| Moderate Renovation | S$3,900 – S$10,000 |
| Extensive Renovation | S$10,000 – S$59,900 |
Living room costs depend on flooring materials, built-in furniture, and ceiling enhancements. Budget-friendly flooring like vinyl or laminate is widely used, while parquet and marble increase costs. Adding a built-in TV console or false ceiling with recessed lighting will also drive up expenses.
B. Bedroom Renovation Costs
| Renovation Level | Estimated Cost (2026) |
| Light Renovation | S$400 – S$3,700 |
| Moderate Renovation | S$3,700 – S$9,400 |
| Extensive Renovation | S$9,400 – S$64,400 |
Bedroom renovations are typically less expensive unless major built-in furniture is involved. Custom wardrobes can range from S$3,000 to S$8,000, depending on materials and design. Flooring choices—laminate for affordability or hardwood for luxury—also impact pricing. Those looking for feature walls or false ceilings should account for additional costs.
C. Bathroom Renovation Costs
| Renovation Level | Estimated Cost (2026) |
| Light Renovation | S$400 – S$2,800 |
| Moderate Renovation | S$2,600 – S$7,500 |
| Extensive Renovation | S$7,500 – S$64,400 |
Bathroom makeovers often require waterproofing, plumbing, and tiling, making them one of the costlier spaces to renovate. Waterproofing can cost up to S$1,500, while full wall and floor tiling can range between S$3,000 and S$8,000. If you’re upgrading to luxury fittings like rain showers, vanity units, or smart toilets, expect to pay between S$2,000 and S$5,000.
D. Kitchen Renovation Costs
| Renovation Level | Estimated Cost (2026) |
| Light Renovation | S$400 – S$10,900 |
| Moderate Renovation | S$6,400 – S$12,800 |
| Extensive Renovation | S$12,800 – S$59,700 |
Kitchen renovations tend to be the most expensive, as they require extensive carpentry, plumbing, and appliances. Custom cabinetry alone can cost between S$5,000 and S$15,000, while quartz or granite countertops are priced at S$100 to S$200 per foot run. Essential plumbing work, such as sink and faucet installation, can add another S$800 to S$2,500. If you’re investing in built-in ovens, cooktops, and range hoods, expect to spend between S$2,000 and S$8,000.
For those on a budget, opting for prefabricated kitchen cabinets and choosing more affordable countertop materials can help cut costs without sacrificing functionality.
Breakdown of Specific Renovation Components
Every renovation involves different types of work, each with its own pricing range. Structural modifications, tiling, carpentry, and electrical work can significantly impact costs, so understanding these components helps with budgeting effectively.
A. Hacking & Demolition (S$400 – S$700)
Hacking is needed when removing walls, old flooring, or built-in furniture in resale flats or major renovations. However, an alternative to hacking floors is overlaying new tiles, which can save costs while reducing debris and labour costs.
B. Masonry Works (S$1,300 – S$3,000)
Masonry work includes tiling walls and floors, which can be a major cost factor depending on the material used:
- Ceramic tiles – Affordable and widely used.
- Homogeneous tiles – More durable and slightly pricier.
- Marble flooring – Luxurious but the most expensive option.
Full-wall tiling is costlier than partial tiling, making painted or wallpapered walls a more budget-friendly alternative.
C. Carpentry (S$3,400 – S$6,100)
Custom carpentry adds functionality and style, but it also raises renovation costs. Built-in wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, and feature walls often take up a significant portion of the budget.
To save money, homeowners can opt for prefabricated furniture, which costs less than fully customized carpentry while still providing modern aesthetics and storage solutions.
D. Plumbing & Electrical Work (S$1,700 – S$3,200)
Rewiring is essential for older resale flats, where outdated electrical systems may not support modern appliances. Upgrading plumbing, such as replacing pipes or installing new fixtures, is another hidden cost that often arises when renovating bathrooms and kitchens.
Homeowners should budget for additional electrical points and concealed wiring, as these are often overlooked but necessary for modern living spaces.
How Much Can I Borrow for a Renovation Loan?
There is no definitive answer on how much you can borrow for a loan intended for house renovation. Factors include the value of the house that you are renovating, your credit rating, and your ability to pay the loan.
Renovation loans in Singapore are typically offered by banks and licensed moneylenders, helping homeowners cover renovation costs without draining their savings. Banks usually provide renovation loans up to $30,000 or six times the borrower’s monthly income, with interest rates ranging from 3.5% to 5% per annum and repayment periods of 1 to 5 years.
Alternatively, licensed moneylenders offer renovation loans capped at six months’ worth of monthly salary, with shorter 6 to 12-month tenures. Homeowners should compare interest rates, loan terms, and repayment flexibility to find the best financing option for their needs.
Different kinds of home renovation loans have their own credit score requirement, so be sure that your credit score is high enough for the type of loan that you want to get.
Conclusion
Renovating your home in Singapore requires careful budgeting and planning, as costs can vary significantly based on property type, renovation scope, and material choices. By making informed decisions and prioritizing essential renovations, you can achieve a stylish, functional home without overspending.
Key Takeaways:
- BTO flats are the most affordable to renovate, while resale flats cost 20-40% more due to hacking and rewiring. Private condos and landed homes require higher budgets for customization and structural work.
- Renovation costs increased by 2-3% in 2025, driven by higher material prices, inflation, and labor shortages. Choosing cost-effective materials and comparing contractor quotes can help manage expenses.
- Banks offer renovation loans up to $30,000, while licensed moneylenders provide short-term loans up to six months’ salary.
Need a renovation loan? Get fast approval and flexible repayment plans with Fortune Credit, a trusted licensed moneylender in Singapore. Request a quote and finance your home makeover today! No obligation to apply.
