

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.



