How much does an HDB renovation cost in Singapore?

The honest answer: it depends. But here’s what actually drives the price — and how to plan a budget you can live with.

By Alderic Tan · 3dots · Updated 15 August 2026

Quick answer

There is no single price. An HDB renovation is budgeted around two things: the size of the flat and how deep the work goes.

A newer flat needing a light refresh sits at the low end of any range; an older resale unit needing hacking, rewiring and new flooring sits much higher.

Carpentry is usually the single largest line item, followed by wet works in kitchens and bathrooms.

The most useful early step is understanding what moves the number, then prioritising — not chasing a headline figure.

Indicative budget ranges by flat type

3-room flat: a modest refresh through to a fuller renovation typically spans a few tens of thousands of dollars.

4-room flat: the most common project size, with budgets that rise with carpentry, finishes and the amount of hacking involved.

5-room / executive: more space means more flooring, more carpentry and more services — so budgets sit higher again.

Older resale units: add cost for hacking, rewiring, replumbing and levelling that newer BTO flats don’t need.

Because the spread is so wide, the most useful thing you can do early is understand what moves the number — then prioritise.

What actually drives the cost

Two flats of the same size can differ enormously in price. These are the biggest levers:

Condition and age of the flat. A new BTO needs far less than an older resale unit that requires hacking, rewiring or replumbing.

Scope of work. A cosmetic refresh costs a fraction of a layout change that moves walls, wet areas or the kitchen.

Carpentry. Built-in cabinetry — wardrobes, kitchen, feature walls — is often the single largest line item. The more bespoke, the more it costs.

Materials and finishes. The gap between standard and premium tiles, laminates, stone and fittings adds up quickly across a whole home.

Wet works. Bathrooms and kitchens are the most labour- and material-intensive rooms to renovate.

Electrical and lighting. Additional points, a new distribution board, or a considered lighting scheme all add cost — and a lot of the “feel” of a space.

Where the money usually goes

On a typical full HDB renovation, the largest shares of the budget tend to fall into carpentry, wet works (bathrooms and kitchen), and flooring. Painting, electrical, hacking and miscellaneous works make up the rest. Knowing this helps you decide where to invest and where to hold back.

How to plan a realistic budget

Separate “must-have” from “nice-to-have.” Structure, safety and the rooms you use most come first.

Keep a contingency. Set aside roughly 10% for the surprises that older flats in particular can spring.

Invest where you touch every day. Good carpentry, a solid kitchen and comfortable lighting pay back daily; trend-driven extras often don’t.

Get an itemised quote. A clear, line-by-line proposal lets you compare fairly and adjust scope — rather than a single lump sum.

How 3dots approaches pricing

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all number. We’d rather understand your flat, your priorities and your budget first, then give you a clear, itemised proposal you can actually make decisions with. That way you know what you’re paying for — and where you have room to choose.

Want a number for your flat?

Tell us about your space and we’ll prepare a clear, itemised proposal — no obligation.

This guide is general information, not a quotation. Renovation costs vary with scope, condition and material choices, and change over time. For a figure specific to your home, please get in touch.

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