How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a Home in Singapore in 2026?
(Realistic Budget Guide)

 
 
 

Introduction: Renovation Costs in Singapore Have Changed

If you’re planning to renovate your home in Singapore in 2026, one of the first questions you’ll ask is simple:

“How much will it really cost?”

The short answer: it depends — but not in a vague way. Renovation costs in Singapore have become more predictable in recent years, even though prices have increased due to inflation, manpower shortages, and rising material costs.

In 2026, most homeowners can expect renovation budgets to fall anywhere between $25,000 to over $150,000, depending on property type, scope of work, and material choices.

This guide breaks down realistic renovation costs in Singapore for 2026, based on current market data, homeowner trends, and what renovators are actually charging today.


What Affects Home Renovation Costs in Singapore?

Before looking at numbers, it’s important to understand why renovation quotes vary so much, even for homes of similar size.

1. Property Type and Size

Your home type is the biggest cost driver:

  • HDB flats (BTO vs resale)

  • Condominiums

  • Landed properties

Larger homes require more materials, more labour, and longer timelines — all of which increase cost.

2. Scope of Renovation Works

Renovation scope generally falls into three levels:

  • Light renovation – painting, basic flooring, minor carpentry

  • Moderate renovation – kitchen, bathrooms, carpentry, lighting upgrades

  • Full renovation – hacking, rewiring, plumbing, full carpentry, layout changes

The wider the scope, the higher the cost.

3. Material Selection

Materials can change your budget by tens of thousands.

Examples:

  • Vinyl flooring vs marble tiles

  • Laminate carpentry vs veneer or solid wood

  • Quartz vs natural stone countertops

Premium materials raise cost but also improve durability and resale value.

4. Design Complexity & Customisation

Custom carpentry, curved walls, feature ceilings, hidden storage, and designer lighting all add labour hours — which means higher cost.

5. Resale vs New Property

Resale homes usually cost 20–30% more to renovate due to:

  • Hacking old finishes

  • Full electrical rewiring

  • Plumbing replacement

  • Waterproofing repairs



Average Renovation Costs in Singapore (2026)



HDB Renovation Costs (2026)

BTO / New HDB Flats

Because BTO flats come with new infrastructure, costs are lower.

  • 3-room BTO: $25,000 – $45,000

  • 4-room BTO: $35,000 – $55,000

  • 5-room BTO: $48,000 – $77,000

These typically include flooring, carpentry, kitchen, bathrooms, painting, and lighting.

Resale HDB Flats

Resale flats require more preparatory work.

  • 3-room resale: $48,000 – $72,000

  • 4-room resale: $58,000 – $82,000

  • 5-room resale: $66,000 – $95,000

Premium or designer renovations can exceed $100,000, especially with layout changes.

Condominium Renovation Costs (2026)

Condos have stricter MCST rules, limited working hours, and higher workmanship standards.

  • 2-bedroom condo (new): $28,000 – $50,000

  • 2-bedroom condo (resale): $45,000 – $75,000

  • 3-bedroom condo (new): $40,000 – $70,000

  • 3-bedroom condo (resale): $62,000 – $98,000

Wet works and carpentry are the biggest cost drivers.

Landed Property Renovation Costs (2026)

Landed homes have the widest cost range.

  • Light renovation: $80,000 – $150,000

  • Moderate renovation: $150,000 – $300,000

  • Extensive renovation / A&A works: $300,000 – $500,000+

Structural changes, façade work, and custom carpentry push costs up quickly.


Renovation Cost Breakdown by Work Category

Understanding where your money goes helps you control your budget.

Carpentry & Built-ins (~35–40%)

  • Kitchen cabinets

  • Wardrobes

  • TV consoles

  • Storage systems

Estimated cost: $5,000 – $25,000+

Masonry & Wet Works (~20–30%)

  • Tiling

  • Bathroom works

  • Kitchen wet areas

  • Waterproofing

Estimated cost: $2,500 – $21,000+

Electrical & Lighting (~10%)

  • Rewiring

  • Lighting points

  • Switches

  • Smart home systems

Estimated cost: $1,000 – $16,000+

Painting & Finishes (~15–20%)

  • Painting

  • Plastering

  • Surface preparation

Estimated cost: $800 – $6,000+

Hacking & Disposal (~5–10%)

  • Wall removal

  • Tile hacking

  • Debris disposal

Estimated cost: $300 – $6,000+


How Much Should You Budget? (Practical Guide)

Budget Tiers (2026)

  • Basic renovation: $25,000 – $40,000

  • Moderate renovation: $45,000 – $75,000

  • Premium renovation: $80,000 – $120,000+

Always add a 10–20% contingency buffer for unexpected works.

How to Reduce Renovation Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

  • Limit unnecessary hacking

  • Choose durable mid-range materials

  • Prioritise kitchen and bathrooms

  • Get itemised quotes

  • Avoid last-minute design changes

Good planning saves more money than bargaining.


Contractor vs Interior Designer: Which Is Better?

Hiring a Contractor

  • Lower cost

  • Faster execution

  • Less design input

Best for straightforward renovations.

Hiring an Interior Designer

  • Better layout planning

  • Design coordination

  • Higher cost (design fees included)

Best for full-home transformations or resale properties.


Renovation Loans in Singapore (2026)

HDB Renovation Loan

  • Up to $30,000

  • Lower interest rates

  • Only for HDB owners

Bank Renovation Loans

  • Higher limits

  • Faster approval

  • Slightly higher interest

Always compare total repayment, not just monthly instalments.


Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Renovate Confidently

Renovating a home in Singapore in 2026 is a major investment — but with the right expectations and planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful or wasteful.

Understand your scope, set a realistic budget, choose reliable professionals, and always leave room for contingencies.

A well-planned renovation not only improves your daily life — it protects your property value for years to come.

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