Larger budgets, no HDB permit for internal works, and a management office that sets rules of its own. Here is what changes when the project is a condominium.
By Alderic Tan · 3dots · Updated 16 August 2026
Quick answer
Published 2026 ranges put a full condominium renovation at roughly $50,000 to $150,000 and above, with cosmetic updates from about $30,000. The bigger difference from an HDB flat is procedural: approvals come from your MCST, not HDB.
Every development has its own by-laws — permitted working hours, renovation deposit, contractor requirements and debris disposal.
Wet areas, the building facade and anything structural are the most tightly controlled works.
Allow extra time before work starts for MCST submission and deposit lodgement.
Condominium budgets vary more widely than HDB ones, because unit sizes and material choices vary more widely. Published 2026 guides put cosmetic updates from around $30,000 and full renovations between $50,000 and $150,000, with larger units and premium finishes going beyond that.
The drivers are the same three as anywhere: floor area, how much bespoke carpentry you build, and the grade of materials. Treat published figures as market context rather than a price for your unit.
For internal, non-structural work in a private condominium there is no HDB permit. What replaces it is your management corporation, and its requirements are specific to your development rather than standardised across the island.
Submit your plans for approval before work starts, usually with your contractor’s details and insurance.
Lodge a renovation deposit, refundable against damage to common property.
Work within permitted hours. Commonly weekday office hours with a half day on Saturday and nothing on Sundays or public holidays — but check yours, as they differ.
Protect common areas. Lift padding, corridor protection and designated debris routes are typically mandatory.
Notify neighbours where the by-laws require it, particularly for noisy works.
Structural walls, the facade, windows visible from outside, and anything affecting waterproofing or fire safety are the works most likely to be refused or heavily conditioned.
Floor area. More square metres of flooring, painting and skirting before any design decisions.
Material grade. Condo projects more often specify stone, full-height doors and bespoke metalwork.
Air-conditioning. Concealed ducting and fan coil relocation are more involved than replacing wall units.
Access and haulage. Restricted lift bookings and long corridor runs slow material delivery and removal.
Compressed working hours. Tighter permitted hours stretch the same scope over more calendar weeks.
No HDB permit process for internal non-structural work, though MCST approval replaces it.
Newer developments have modern electrical capacity and sound waterproofing, so less rectification.
Floors and walls in newer units are generally true, reducing levelling and skimming.
A new launch usually needs carpentry, lighting and window treatments, and little else — the shell is sound and the services are new. An older unit behaves more like a resale flat: rewiring, replumbing, waterproofing and often window and air-conditioning replacement before design work begins. Our resale guide covers that groundwork, and it applies to ageing private units too.
We handle the MCST submission alongside you, plan the schedule around your development’s permitted hours rather than against them, and sequence deliveries to the access you actually have. The proposal is itemised, so you can see what the constraints cost and decide accordingly.
Published 2026 ranges put cosmetic updates from around $30,000 and full condominium renovations between $50,000 and $150,000 or more, depending on unit size, material grade and how much bespoke carpentry is built. These are indicative market ranges, not quotations.
No. HDB permits apply to HDB flats. For a private condominium, approval comes from your MCST or management office, which sets its own by-laws on submissions, deposits, permitted working hours and protection of common property.
Most developments permit work during weekday office hours with a half day on Saturday, and none on Sundays or public holidays. Hours vary between developments, so check your own by-laws before agreeing a schedule.