You’ve set aside a budget, picked out a few moodboards — but how much does it really cost to renovate an HDB flat in Singapore in 2025?

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With prices on the rise due to material costs and manpower demand, having a clear HDB renovation budget can make or break your project. Whether you’re working on a 3-room, 4-room, or 5-room flat, renovation costs can vary widely depending on your design goals, layout, and the extent of work involved.

In this updated guide, EZiD will walk you through the average renovation cost in Singapore for 2025, including cost breakdowns by room size, scope of work, and practical budgeting tips. If you're planning a reno soon, this is where you should start!
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1. What Affects Renovation Cost in Singapore?

Renovation prices aren’t one-size-fits-all — they’re influenced by a mix of practical and design factors. For starters, the size of your flat plays a major role. Naturally, renovating a 5-room flat costs more than a 3-room unit simply because there’s more space to cover.

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Next is your scope of work. Are you planning a light refresh with minimal carpentry, or a full overhaul with custom wardrobes, built-ins, and hacking works? The more extensive the renovation, the higher your bill. Your choice of materials also matters — think quartz countertops vs. laminate, or vinyl flooring vs. tiles.

Lastly, working with a trusted interior design team adds value through professional space planning, project coordination, and expert advice — helping you avoid costly mistakes and stay on track from concept to completion.

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💡 Tip: Before starting, define your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. It’s the best way to control your renovation cost.

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2. Average Renovation Cost by Flat Size

So, how much should you really budget to renovate a typical HDB flat in Singapore in 2025? While prices vary based on scope and materials, we've created a general cost range table based on the size of your flat and the level of renovation you’re planning — from light upgrades to full-on overhauls.

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These figures serve as a starting point to plan your HDB flat renovation budget. If you're renovating a resale unit, expect the costs to trend higher — especially if hacking, rewiring, or waterproofing works are needed to replace older fittings or structures.

📊 Tip: Always ask for an itemised quotation from your ID or contractor — it’s the best way to track where your money is going and spot hidden costs early.

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3. Resale vs BTO cost comparison (2025)

While flat size plays a big role in determining your renovation cost, the type of flat — BTO vs resale — also makes a significant difference. Renovating a resale flat typically costs more than a BTO, mainly because older units often require additional works such as hacking, plumbing upgrades, and replacement of worn-out fixtures.

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BTO flats, on the other hand, come bare but relatively clean — so you’re working with a fresh slate. That means fewer repairs but more work required to build everything from scratch. Resale renovations, by contrast, often involve tearing down existing fittings before rebuilding, which increases both labour and material costs.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of estimated renovation costs in 2025 for both BTO and resale flats, across different renovation scopes:

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4. Cost Breakdown by Renovation Category

Beyond flat size, it’s also helpful to understand where your renovation budget actually goes. Here’s a breakdown of the main cost categories, so you can see which parts of your reno are likely to take up the biggest chunk of your spending.

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5. Common Hidden Costs You Might Overlook

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Even the most carefully planned renovation budgets can get thrown off by small, unexpected expenses — and they often come from places you wouldn’t think to look. These aren't major works like carpentry or tiling, but rather the little extras that slip under the radar and quietly push your costs up.

For instance, adding extra power points is incredibly common in modern homes, especially with so many devices to charge. But each additional socket can cost around $70–$100, and if you want concealed wiring for a cleaner look, expect to pay an extra $25–$30 per point.

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Partial walls or room dividers may look like a cost-friendly alternative to full walls, but they usually involve the same amount of labour — including hacking and rebuilding — which can cost $300–$500 or more.

Planning to change your doors? Removing old door frames is rarely included in the main quote and can cost anywhere from $600–$900 per frame, even before the cost of the new doors is factored in.

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Another one many homeowners miss: floor protection during renovation. If you're working on a resale unit or have existing flooring you want to preserve, laying protective sheets or boards can cost a few hundred dollars — but it’s a cost worth planning for.

And finally, once everything’s done, don’t forget about the clean-up. Debris removal and post-renovation cleaning often aren’t included in your renovation package, and together can cost upwards of $400.

💡 Tip: Buffer in an extra 10–15% of your total renovation budget to cover these hidden costs. It’s one of the smartest ways to avoid last-minute stress or overspending.

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6. Tips to Keep Your Renovation Within Budget

Renovation costs can add up quickly, but staying within budget isn’t about stripping things down — it’s about making smart, informed decisions right from the start.

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Begin with a clear and realistic conversation with your interior designer about your goals, budget range, and lifestyle needs. The more transparent you are from the beginning, the easier it is to plan a design that not only fits your space — but your wallet too.

Rather than removing features entirely, look at material alternatives that balance quality and cost. For example, opt for high-pressure laminates instead of veneer, or consider vinyl flooring instead of tiles in certain areas. These choices still deliver on style, without overstretching your budget.

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And don’t forget the buffer — always set aside 10–15% as a contingency for unexpected costs, such as on-site issues, last-minute design tweaks, or hidden repairs in resale flats.

Final tip: If you have a budget constraint, save more on the fixtures and just get them off the shelf. 

Planning a renovation can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to.

With the right cost insights and a trusted design partner, you can stay in control from start to finish. Whether you're upgrading a resale or starting fresh with your BTO, budgeting smart is the first step toward a home that works for you.

EZiD connects you with Ryan’s top interior designers in Singapore who can help you design with confidence, renovate with purpose, and create a home that reflects your style — all within your budget.