Singapore renovation costs in 2026 typically range S$40,000–S$120,000 for HDB resale (4-room), S$60,000–S$180,000 for condo (3-bedroom), and S$200,000–S$500,000 for landed (3-bedroom terrace). Costs split roughly: 35% carpentry/built-ins, 25% wet works (kitchen + bathroom), 15% electrical + lighting, 10% flooring, 15% paint/finishes/contingency. New launch (BTO/condo) renovations average 30-40% lower as no demolition needed.
2026 renovation cost ranges
| Property type | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDB BTO (new) 4-rm | S$25,000-40,000 | S$40,000-65,000 | S$65,000-95,000 |
| HDB resale 4-rm | S$40,000-65,000 | S$65,000-90,000 | S$90,000-120,000 |
| HDB resale 5-rm | S$50,000-80,000 | S$80,000-110,000 | S$110,000-150,000 |
| Condo (new launch) 3BR | S$30,000-55,000 | S$55,000-85,000 | S$85,000-120,000 |
| Condo (resale) 3BR | S$60,000-90,000 | S$90,000-140,000 | S$140,000-180,000 |
| Landed (terrace, 3BR) | S$200,000-300,000 | S$300,000-400,000 | S$400,000-500,000+ |
Cost breakdown by category
| Category | % of total | Standard 4-room HDB |
|---|---|---|
| Carpentry / built-in | 35% | S$22,750 |
| Wet works (kitchen, bathroom) | 25% | S$16,250 |
| Electrical + lighting | 15% | S$9,750 |
| Flooring | 10% | S$6,500 |
| Painting / wall finishes | 8% | S$5,200 |
| Plaster / ceiling | 5% | S$3,250 |
| Contingency | 2% | S$1,300 |
| Total | 100% | S$65,000 |
Renovation timeline
- Resale HDB: 8-12 weeks for standard renovation
- New BTO: 6-10 weeks (less demolition)
- Resale condo: 10-14 weeks
- New condo: 6-8 weeks
- Landed: 4-8 months for full renovation
Renovation financing options
| Option | Interest rate | Max amount | Tenure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renovation loan (bank) | 3.5-5.5% | 6× monthly income, max S$30k | 5 years |
| Personal loan | 6-9% | 10× monthly income | 5 years |
| Credit line / cash | — | Unlimited | — |
| CPF (not allowed) | — | — | Cannot use CPF for renovation |
Cost-saving strategies
- Skip flooring replacement: Original flooring saves S$5-10k if in good condition
- Open-plan kitchen: Removing walls is cheaper than custom cabinetry
- Standard tile sizes: Custom-cut tiles cost 30-50% more
- Defer master bedroom: Many couples do master bedroom in Year 2-3
- HDB renovation permits: Some structural changes need HDB approval — plan timeline carefully
Hidden costs to budget for
- Hacking deposit (HDB): S$1,000-3,000 refundable
- Power tools allowance: Some contractors charge separately
- Moving costs: S$1,500-3,500 typical
- Furniture + appliances: Easily 50-100% of renovation cost on top
- Reno disruption: 3-month rental during renovation if needed: S$8-15k
FAQ
Can I use CPF for renovation?
No. CPF is restricted to property purchase and mortgage, not renovation.
Is renovation loan interest deductible?
No for residential. Renovation loan is consumer credit; interest is not tax-deductible.
What's the cheapest way to renovate?
DIY-friendly with paint + minor carpentry: S$15-25k for an HDB resale. Skip wet works if existing kitchen/bathroom usable.
Are contractor quotes negotiable?
Yes — typically 5-15% negotiation room. Get 3+ quotes for benchmark.
How do I avoid renovation overruns?
Lock specifications in writing before signing contract; build in 10-15% contingency; pay milestone-based (not upfront).