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How Much Should You Budget for 3, 4 and 5 Room HDB Renovation in 2026?

Written By
Lam Cheng Yan
Date Written:
8/1/2026

Renovation costs are one of the biggest unknowns for homeowners, especially if you are collecting keys soon or renovating for the first time. Prices change every year due to labour availability, material costs, and overall demand in the renovation market.

This guide breaks down realistic HDB renovation costs for 3, 4 and 5-room flats in Singapore. These figures reflect current on-ground expectations, not ideal-case marketing numbers. Use them as a planning benchmark rather than a fixed rule.


A table comparing the costs from 3-room to 5-room BTOs

What Affects HDB Renovation Cost in Singapore

Before looking at numbers, it helps to understand why renovation budgets can differ so much, even between flats of the same size.

Flat Type and Size

Larger flats generally require more materials, longer work timelines, and higher labour costs. A 5-room HDB naturally costs more to renovate than a 3-room flat, even if the design style is similar. More rooms also mean more lighting points, more carpentry, and more finishing work.

BTO vs Resale

BTO renovation costs are often lower because the unit is relatively new. There is little to no hacking involved, and major systems like plumbing and electrical wiring are usually in good condition. Resale flats, on the other hand, often require dismantling old carpentry, tiles, and fittings, which adds to labour and disposal costs.

Scope of Work

A light renovation focused on carpentry, painting, and flooring will cost significantly less than a full overhaul. Once rewiring, plumbing changes, or structural works are involved, costs rise quickly. The more trades required, the higher the overall budget.

Material Choices

Material selection plays a big role in final costs. Laminate, quartz, and solid surface countertops all come at very different price points. The same applies to tiles, lighting fixtures, and bathroom fittings. Small upgrades across multiple areas can add up faster than expected.

Photo by Darwin Interior

3 Room HDB Renovation Cost in 2026

Typical Budget Range

Most homeowners can expect a 3-room HDB renovation cost to fall between $25,000 to $45,000.

This range works well for homeowners who prioritise function over heavy design features. It is also the most manageable flat type for budget-conscious renovations.

What This Covers

Within this range, homeowners typically include:

  • Basic kitchen and wardrobe carpentry

  • Painting and essential lighting

  • Vinyl or tile flooring

  • Standard bathroom fittings

These works focus on making the home comfortable and practical, without extensive customisation.

When Costs Go Higher

Budgets tend to exceed $45,000 when homeowners opt for custom carpentry, additional storage features, extensive electrical upgrades, or higher-end finishes.

For a 3-room BTO, costs are often on the lower end since hacking and reinstatement works are minimal.

Photo by Luxcraft

4 Room HDB Renovation Cost in 2026

Typical Budget Range

The average renovation cost for a 4-room HDB flat ranges from $35,000 to $65,000.

This flat type offers more flexibility in layout and design, which also means a wider cost range.

What This Covers

Most 4-room renovations include:

  • Full kitchen carpentry

  • Built-in wardrobes for bedrooms

  • Flooring throughout the unit

  • Electrical and plumbing upgrades

The overall cost depends heavily on how much built-in storage and layout changes are involved.

Why 4 Room Flats Vary the Most

4-room flats are the most common in Singapore, and homeowner preferences differ widely. Some prioritise storage, others want open layouts or feature walls. Resale 4-room flats also require additional hacking and disposal work, which can push costs higher.

Photo by Massing Design

5 Room HDB Renovation Cost in 2026

Typical Budget Range

A realistic 5-room HDB renovation cost sits between $50,000 to $90,000.

Larger space means higher costs, even before design features are added.

What This Covers

For 5-room flats, budgets are usually spent on:

  • Extensive carpentry across multiple rooms

  • Larger kitchens and dining areas

  • Feature walls and storage systems

  • Higher electrical and lighting demand

The scale of work alone increases labour and material costs.

BTO vs Resale Considerations

A 5-room BTO renovation cost in Singapore is usually lower than resale. Clean layouts allow homeowners to focus on carpentry and finishes rather than demolition. Resale units often require more groundwork before renovation can begin.

Photo by A Blank Canvas

BTO Renovation Cost vs Resale Renovation Cost

BTO Flats

BTO renovations are generally more predictable because:

  • Hacking costs are lower

  • Hidden defects are rare

  • Budget planning is easier

Resale Flats

Resale renovations often come with:

  • Higher preparation and hacking costs

  • Possible rewiring and replumbing

  • Greater risk of cost overruns

If budget control is a priority, BTO renovations tend to be easier to manage.

Photo by Parallax Studio

How to Set a Realistic HDB Renovation Budget

Decide Your Non-Negotiables

Identify what matters most to you, whether it is storage, kitchen functionality, or long-term durability. Allocate your budget to these areas first instead of spreading it thinly across everything.

Leave a Buffer

Always set aside 10 to 15 percent of your renovation budget as contingency. Unexpected site conditions are common, especially in resale flats.

Avoid Under-Quoting

Extremely low quotes often exclude necessary works. These missing costs usually resurface midway through the renovation and are harder to control later.

Photo by A Blank Canvas

Is a Budget-Friendly HDB Renovation Still Possible in 2026?

Yes, but it requires realistic expectations.

A budget-friendly BTO renovation in Singapore often means:

  • Standardised carpentry modules

  • Fewer custom design features

  • Practical materials over trend-driven finishes

Smart budgeting is not about cutting corners. It is about spending intentionally and avoiding unnecessary upgrades.

Renovation costs in Singapore are never fixed numbers. They depend on flat type, scope of work, and expectations. Instead of chasing the cheapest quote, focus on clarity, transparency, and realistic planning.

Knowing the renovation cost range for HDB flats allows you to plan confidently and avoid costly surprises later.

Share this article
Articles
/
Guides

How Much Should You Budget for 3, 4 and 5 Room HDB Renovation in 2026?

Written By
Lam Cheng Yan
Date Written:
8/1/2026

Renovation costs are one of the biggest unknowns for homeowners, especially if you are collecting keys soon or renovating for the first time. Prices change every year due to labour availability, material costs, and overall demand in the renovation market.

This guide breaks down realistic HDB renovation costs for 3, 4 and 5-room flats in Singapore. These figures reflect current on-ground expectations, not ideal-case marketing numbers. Use them as a planning benchmark rather than a fixed rule.


A table comparing the costs from 3-room to 5-room BTOs

What Affects HDB Renovation Cost in Singapore

Before looking at numbers, it helps to understand why renovation budgets can differ so much, even between flats of the same size.

Flat Type and Size

Larger flats generally require more materials, longer work timelines, and higher labour costs. A 5-room HDB naturally costs more to renovate than a 3-room flat, even if the design style is similar. More rooms also mean more lighting points, more carpentry, and more finishing work.

BTO vs Resale

BTO renovation costs are often lower because the unit is relatively new. There is little to no hacking involved, and major systems like plumbing and electrical wiring are usually in good condition. Resale flats, on the other hand, often require dismantling old carpentry, tiles, and fittings, which adds to labour and disposal costs.

Scope of Work

A light renovation focused on carpentry, painting, and flooring will cost significantly less than a full overhaul. Once rewiring, plumbing changes, or structural works are involved, costs rise quickly. The more trades required, the higher the overall budget.

Material Choices

Material selection plays a big role in final costs. Laminate, quartz, and solid surface countertops all come at very different price points. The same applies to tiles, lighting fixtures, and bathroom fittings. Small upgrades across multiple areas can add up faster than expected.

Photo by Darwin Interior

3 Room HDB Renovation Cost in 2026

Typical Budget Range

Most homeowners can expect a 3-room HDB renovation cost to fall between $25,000 to $45,000.

This range works well for homeowners who prioritise function over heavy design features. It is also the most manageable flat type for budget-conscious renovations.

What This Covers

Within this range, homeowners typically include:

  • Basic kitchen and wardrobe carpentry

  • Painting and essential lighting

  • Vinyl or tile flooring

  • Standard bathroom fittings

These works focus on making the home comfortable and practical, without extensive customisation.

When Costs Go Higher

Budgets tend to exceed $45,000 when homeowners opt for custom carpentry, additional storage features, extensive electrical upgrades, or higher-end finishes.

For a 3-room BTO, costs are often on the lower end since hacking and reinstatement works are minimal.

Photo by Luxcraft

4 Room HDB Renovation Cost in 2026

Typical Budget Range

The average renovation cost for a 4-room HDB flat ranges from $35,000 to $65,000.

This flat type offers more flexibility in layout and design, which also means a wider cost range.

What This Covers

Most 4-room renovations include:

  • Full kitchen carpentry

  • Built-in wardrobes for bedrooms

  • Flooring throughout the unit

  • Electrical and plumbing upgrades

The overall cost depends heavily on how much built-in storage and layout changes are involved.

Why 4 Room Flats Vary the Most

4-room flats are the most common in Singapore, and homeowner preferences differ widely. Some prioritise storage, others want open layouts or feature walls. Resale 4-room flats also require additional hacking and disposal work, which can push costs higher.

Photo by Massing Design

5 Room HDB Renovation Cost in 2026

Typical Budget Range

A realistic 5-room HDB renovation cost sits between $50,000 to $90,000.

Larger space means higher costs, even before design features are added.

What This Covers

For 5-room flats, budgets are usually spent on:

  • Extensive carpentry across multiple rooms

  • Larger kitchens and dining areas

  • Feature walls and storage systems

  • Higher electrical and lighting demand

The scale of work alone increases labour and material costs.

BTO vs Resale Considerations

A 5-room BTO renovation cost in Singapore is usually lower than resale. Clean layouts allow homeowners to focus on carpentry and finishes rather than demolition. Resale units often require more groundwork before renovation can begin.

Photo by A Blank Canvas

BTO Renovation Cost vs Resale Renovation Cost

BTO Flats

BTO renovations are generally more predictable because:

  • Hacking costs are lower

  • Hidden defects are rare

  • Budget planning is easier

Resale Flats

Resale renovations often come with:

  • Higher preparation and hacking costs

  • Possible rewiring and replumbing

  • Greater risk of cost overruns

If budget control is a priority, BTO renovations tend to be easier to manage.

Photo by Parallax Studio

How to Set a Realistic HDB Renovation Budget

Decide Your Non-Negotiables

Identify what matters most to you, whether it is storage, kitchen functionality, or long-term durability. Allocate your budget to these areas first instead of spreading it thinly across everything.

Leave a Buffer

Always set aside 10 to 15 percent of your renovation budget as contingency. Unexpected site conditions are common, especially in resale flats.

Avoid Under-Quoting

Extremely low quotes often exclude necessary works. These missing costs usually resurface midway through the renovation and are harder to control later.

Photo by A Blank Canvas

Is a Budget-Friendly HDB Renovation Still Possible in 2026?

Yes, but it requires realistic expectations.

A budget-friendly BTO renovation in Singapore often means:

  • Standardised carpentry modules

  • Fewer custom design features

  • Practical materials over trend-driven finishes

Smart budgeting is not about cutting corners. It is about spending intentionally and avoiding unnecessary upgrades.

Renovation costs in Singapore are never fixed numbers. They depend on flat type, scope of work, and expectations. Instead of chasing the cheapest quote, focus on clarity, transparency, and realistic planning.

Knowing the renovation cost range for HDB flats allows you to plan confidently and avoid costly surprises later.

Share this article