Many Singapore homeowners want to know the actual cost of a full home renovation in 2026. The total budget depends on property size, material selection, design scope, and contractor fees. In this guide, we take a detailed look at the realistic cost range of a Singapore renovation, the average renovation cost by property type, and some tips to help you stay on budget, including HDB renovation permit costs. The following section explains the key factors that directly influence full home renovation costs in Singapore.
Factors That Affect Full Home Renovation Costs in Singapore
The cost of a whole house renovation in Singapore varies from person to person. The main reason for this is that the cost depends on various factors. Below is a simple explanation of the factors that directly affect your budget.
1. Size of Property
The larger the flat or house, the more work and materials are required. For example, while a 3-room HDB flat renovation costs around SGD 32,000–55,000, a 5-room HDB flat renovation can run SGD 52,000–85,000+, depending on whether it’s a new (BTO) or resale unit.
2. Type of Property
Renovation costs also vary by property type due to regulations and construction scope:
- HDB Flats: Governed by strict permits and renovation rules.
- Condominiums: Require customised interiors based on MCST layout guidelines.
- Landed Houses: Involve extensive structural and material work.
3. Material Quality
If you use premium tiles, imported fittings or quartz countertops, the cost increases. Moderate quality carpentry work and laminate finish are relatively affordable.
4. Design Complexity
Design complexity directly impacts renovation cost. Minimalist designs reduce carpentry hours and material usage, while modern or luxury designs increase costs due to custom fabrication, designer fees, and premium finishes.
5. Contractor vs Interior Designer
Contractors usually do the work directly, while designers provide plans, mood boards, and material selection. Hiring a designer typically increases the service fee and project management charge.
6. Labor & Permit Fees
In Singapore, renovation permits especially forHDB flats and skilled labour cost are both significant factors, usually accounting for 10–15% of the total budget.
Pro Tip: The total cost of a 4-room HDB renovation using medium-quality materials is usually between SGD 45,000–60,000.
Average Full Home Renovation Cost in Singapore (BTO vs. Resale)
This section outlines realistic renovation cost ranges by property type and ownership status, based on current 2026 Singapore market rates and our own project experience across HDB, condo, and landed homes.
| Property Type | BTO / New (SGD) | Resale (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Room HDB | $32,000 – $42,000 | $38,000 – $55,000 |
| 4-Room HDB | $45,000 – $60,000 | $55,000 – $80,000 |
| 5-Room HDB | $52,000 – $70,000 | $60,000 – $85,000+ |
| Condo (3-Bedroom) | $60,000 – $80,000 | $70,000 – $100,000+ |
| Landed House | — | $100,000 – $300,000+ |
Key Takeaways
- HDB flats are still the most affordable renovation option, especially for 3-room units.
- Resale properties consistently cost 15–25% more than BTO or new units for an equivalent scope of work — the difference comes from removing old fixtures, rectifying uneven surfaces, and redoing waterproofing before new work can begin.
- Condo and landed properties tend to cost more because of different layouts, ceiling heights, and material preferences, and landed properties add MCST-independent structural scope.
- 2026 renovation trends show a slight cost increase due to the addition of sustainable materials, modular carpentry, and smart-home systems.
If you want more detail, see our guides to kitchen renovation cost and built-in wardrobe renovation cost.
Monthly Cost Breakdown by Work Type
Renovation costs vary depending on the type of room or task. Understanding these individual costs is often the most useful step in estimating the cost of an entire home renovation. The table below shows typical 2026 costs by room or task.
| Area / Work Type | Typical Cost (SGD) | Common Works Included |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | $10,000 – $25,000 | Custom cabinets, countertop, wall & floor tiling, plumbing line, electrical rewiring, lighting setup |
| Bathroom | $5,000 – $12,000 | Waterproofing, new fittings, wall & floor tiles, vanity installation, heater & plumbing replacement |
| Flooring | $6,000 – $15,000 | Vinyl / parquet / homogeneous tiles installation, skirting, floor levelling, hacking old flooring |
| Carpentry | $8,000 – $20,000 | Wardrobes, TV console, shelves, kitchen cabinets, built-in storage, custom carpentry work |
| Painting | $1,500 – $3,000 | Whole-house repainting, minor plaster repair, colour consultation |
If you are renovating your kitchen and bathroom at the same time, the contractor can usually use a shared labour setup. This can save you about 8–10% on total cost, since the same plumber and tiler are employed for both jobs.
Hidden or Additional Costs
Most homeowners budget for major tasks but there are some hidden costs that can become a burden later on if not planned for from the start. The final bill can increase by 10–20% because of these.
Permit Fees (HDB Renovation Permit)
During HDB or condo renovation, it’s mandatory to obtain a renovation permit for certain works. Application and inspection costs for this permit usually range from S$200–500, on top of contractor fees. See our full HDB renovation approval guide for the complete permit process and requirements.
Hacking & Debris Disposal
Hacking old tiles, walls, or built-in fixtures generates a significant amount of debris that needs proper disposal — this includes haulage, corridor/lift protection works, and disposal fees charged by the town council or building management. Most homeowners underestimate this line item, which can add SGD 2,000–4,000 depending on the scope of hacking involved.
Electrical & Rewiring Works
Rewiring the entire house may require new electrical points, lighting circuits, and power load upgrades. Costs range from S$1,500–4,000, depending on the number of rooms and wiring quality. Older resale flats typically need more extensive rewiring than new BTOs — see our full electrical rewiring cost guide for a detailed breakdown.
Project Management Fees
If you use an interior designer or project manager, they typically charge 10–15% of the total contract value. This fee covers site coordination, scheduling, and quality control.
GST & Contractor Mark-Ups
The current GST rate in Singapore is 9% (as of 2026), applied directly to the entire invoice. Some contractors may also add a procurement or admin markup of 3–5%.
Pro Advice for Singapore Homeowners
- When getting a renovation quote, always ask: Does this include permit fees, GST, and hacking costs?
- Obtain an itemised quotation from the contractor.
- Only sign if provisional sums or optional works are listed separately.
FAQs about Full Home Renovation Cost in Singapore
How much does a 4-room HDB renovation cost in 2026?
The average cost of renovating a 4-room HDB flat is around S$45,000 to S$80,000 in 2026, depending on whether it’s a new BTO or resale unit. This range includes kitchen, bathroom, flooring, and carpentry — better design or material quality pushes the budget higher.
What is the cheapest way to renovate a home in Singapore?
The most cost-effective way is a partial renovation, such as updating just the kitchen or bathroom. Using common materials, laminate finishes, and working directly with a contractor (rather than through a designer) can reduce costs by 15–20%.
How long does a full renovation take?
A full-house renovation typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the scope of the project and permit approval timelines. More design or structural work extends this further.
Can I renovate without a permit in Singapore?
No — in most cases, work cannot be done without a permit, especially in HDB flats. Except for light work such as painting or installing curtains, an HDB Renovation Permit is required for structural or electrical work.
Does renovation cost include furniture?
Usually not. Renovation quotes typically only include fixed items such as carpentry, electrical, and tiling. Furniture, sofas, and decor items usually need to be budgeted separately.
Conclusion
Home renovations in Singapore require careful budgeting, contractor selection, and cost planning to avoid overspending. Once you have a clear understanding of the average renovation cost and plan according to your home’s size and design scope, the entire process becomes smoother, more transparent, and less stressful.
At La Maison Carpentry, we specialise in HDB, Condo, and Landed home renovations, offering end-to-end solutions from design consultation to project completion. Our team helps you plan realistically, avoid hidden costs, and make data-driven decisions based on current 2026 Singapore market rates.
Get My Free Renovation Quote — receive a personalised cost estimate for your HDB, Condo, or Landed home renovation from our in-house design and budgeting team.