HDB Renovation Costs in Singapore: BTO vs Resale (2026 Guide)
Please note: Costs, loan amounts, tenures and timelines mentioned here are indicative estimates based on publicly available information at the time of writing. Your actual figures depend on the licensed lender's assessment of your profile and prevailing MAS rules.
Renovating an HDB flat in Singapore is one of the biggest one-off expenses most households will ever plan for. Costs vary widely depending on whether you're moving into a new BTO or an older resale flat, the size of your unit, the extent of hacking and rewiring needed, and the finishes you choose. This guide breaks down realistic 2026 price ranges so you can budget before you speak to an Interior Designer or apply for a renovation loan.
Key takeaways
- BTO renovations typically start from around S$25,000–S$45,000 for a light 4-room refresh, while resale flats often start higher because of hacking, rewiring and plumbing works.
- The single biggest cost drivers are carpentry, flooring and hacking — not lighting or furniture.
- HDB renovation loans from banks are capped at S$30,000 or 6× monthly income, whichever is lower, with tenures up to 5 years (MAS and lender guidelines).
- Get at least three itemised quotes and compare on scope, not just headline price.
How HDB renovation budgets are usually built
Contractors and Interior Designers price renovation work in three broad buckets: structural/hacking works, wet works (flooring, tiling, plumbing, waterproofing) and finishing works (carpentry, painting, electrical). Furniture, appliances and window furnishings are usually quoted separately.
A realistic budget adds a 10–15% contingency for variations discovered mid-project — think concealed pipes, uneven walls, or additional power points once you finalise furniture.
BTO vs resale: why the starting points differ
BTOs are handed over with standard flooring, doors and sanitary fittings, so many homeowners keep them and focus spend on carpentry and painting. Resale flats often need hacking of old finishes, rewiring, plumbing replacement and waterproofing — work that can add S$10,000–S$25,000 before any 'design' begins.
Older resale flats may also need a permit-based Home Improvement Programme (HIP) check and may fall under HDB rules on wet-area waterproofing and window replacement.
Helpful next steps
Indicative HDB renovation cost ranges (2026)
Room-by-room ranges for standard finishes. Premium materials, extensive carpentry or full hacking can push costs 30–60% higher.
| Scope | BTO (typical) | Resale (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Hacking & disposal | S$0–S$1,500 | S$3,000–S$8,000 |
| Masonry & tiling | S$3,000–S$6,000 | S$6,000–S$14,000 |
| Carpentry (kitchen + wardrobes + TV console) | S$10,000–S$18,000 | S$12,000–S$22,000 |
| Plumbing & sanitary | S$1,500–S$3,000 | S$3,000–S$6,000 |
| Electrical & lighting | S$2,000–S$4,000 | S$3,500–S$6,500 |
| Painting | S$1,500–S$3,000 | S$2,000–S$3,500 |
| Glass, aluminium, doors | S$1,500–S$4,000 | S$3,000–S$6,000 |
| Design fee & project management | S$3,000–S$6,000 | S$4,000–S$8,000 |
Ranges compiled from typical Singapore HDB renovation quotes. Actual pricing depends on flat type, scope and contractor.
Typical total by flat type
| Flat type | Light refresh | Mid-range renovation | Full overhaul |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-room BTO | S$18,000–S$28,000 | S$28,000–S$42,000 | S$42,000–S$60,000 |
| 4-room BTO | S$25,000–S$40,000 | S$40,000–S$58,000 | S$58,000–S$80,000 |
| 4-room resale | S$35,000–S$50,000 | S$50,000–S$70,000 | S$70,000–S$100,000 |
| 5-room resale / executive | S$45,000–S$65,000 | S$65,000–S$90,000 | S$90,000–S$130,000 |
HDB renovation loan vs personal loan
| Feature | HDB renovation loan (banks) | Personal loan |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Restricted to renovation-related items with receipts | No restriction |
| Maximum amount | S$30,000 or 6× monthly income (whichever lower) | Up to 12× monthly income across all unsecured facilities (MAS cap) |
| Tenure | Up to 5 years | 1–7 years |
| Interest | Typically lower flat rate; total interest depends on lender | Rates vary by lender and profile |
| Disbursement | Usually paid directly to contractor | Paid to borrower |
Product features vary by bank. Always confirm current terms before applying.
Step-by-step
- 1
Set a realistic budget
Start with your all-in ceiling (renovation + furniture + appliances). Subtract 10–15% as contingency before speaking to contractors.
- 2
Shortlist 3 contractors or IDs
Compare itemised quotes on the same scope. HDB requires renovation works to be done by an HDB-registered contractor.
- 3
Compare financing options
Check bank renovation loans (up to S$30k), personal loans and cash. Ensure total repayment fits your monthly budget.
- 4
Sign the contract only after scope is fixed
Insist on a written schedule, payment milestones and defect liability period. Avoid paying more than 20% upfront.
- 5
Track progress and variations in writing
Approve any additional works in writing before they begin, so surprise costs don't derail your budget.
Real Singapore examples
4-room BTO couple
A couple moving into a 4-room BTO in Punggol spent S$38,500 on essentials: kitchen carpentry, wardrobes, feature TV console, painting, lighting and window grilles. They kept the standard flooring and toilets, saving around S$8,000.
5-room resale family
A family renovating a 30-year-old 5-room resale in Bedok spent S$78,000. Hacking, full rewiring, waterproofing and new floor tiles alone made up S$32,000 before any design work.
Examples are illustrative only and may not reflect your individual outcome.
Try the repayment calculator
Adjust the amount, tenure and monthly interest rate to see an indicative repayment. Actual figures depend on the lender's assessment.
Estimate your monthly repayment
Based on reducing balance interest — an indicative estimate only.
Amount
$20,000
Rate
2.0%/month
Tenure
1 year (12 months)
Estimated monthly repayment
$1,891
Loan amount
$20,000
Total interest
$2,694
Interest is calculated on the remaining outstanding balance each month. As the balance reduces, the interest portion decreases and the principal portion increases.
This calculator provides an estimate based on reducing balance interest using a monthly rate commonly quoted by moneylenders in Singapore. Actual repayment may vary depending on lender terms.
Frequently asked questions
OneCompare is a licensed comparison and referral service. Figures shown are indicative and depend on lender assessment — no approval is guaranteed. Compare offers, apply when you're ready, or chat with our team on WhatsApp.
Loan approval, loan amount and terms are subject to the lender's assessment and applicable requirements.
Reviewed by the OneCompare Editorial Team
Our editors cross-check every article against Singapore's Moneylenders Act, MAS advisories and Ministry of Law guidance. Articles are refreshed on a rolling schedule so figures and rules stay current — if you spot anything out of date, please let us know.