1. Introduction
Renovating a home in Singapore represents a significant yet exciting investment for homeowners. Whether moving into a newly purchased Build-To-Order (BTO) flat or revamping an older resale property, understanding the renovation costs involved is crucial for realistic budget planning and successful project execution. In 2025, renovation costs in Singapore continue to be shaped by rising material prices, labor shortages, and growing demand for smart and energy-efficient home upgrades. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed breakdown of general renovation costs across different property types, levels of renovation, and key cost components, helping homeowners prepare effectively for their home makeover journey.
Renovation Costs by Property Type and Size
Renovation costs vary widely depending on the type of property, its size, and the extent of works required. Below is an overview of typical renovation budgets based on popular property types in Singapore:
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HDB BTO Flats: Renovating a new BTO flat generally costs less than older resale units, as many fittings are relatively new. A 2-room BTO unit renovation can range between SGD 15,400 to SGD 31,600, whereas a 3-room BTO unit averages SGD 32,800 to SGD 51,500. For larger 4-room and 5-room BTO flats, costs rise to approximately SGD 40,300-SGD 62,300 and SGD 44,700-SGD 69,800 respectively.
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HDB Resale Flats: Older resale flats typically require more extensive renovations due to outdated fixtures and potential structural issues like plumbing and electrical rewiring. Renovation costs for resale 3-room units range from SGD 42,900 to SGD 66,600; 4-room resale flats cost between SGD 55,700 and SGD 80,400; while larger 5-room resale units may require SGD 64,300 to SGD 92,600.
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Executive, Maisonette, and Jumbo HDBs: These larger and more spacious units see renovation costs from approximately SGD 83,500 to SGD 155,900, reflecting their complex layouts and size.
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Condominiums: Condo renovations vary based on age and type. Studio units may cost SGD 15,400 to SGD 37,300, while 2-bedroom condo renovations range between SGD 24,800 and SGD 48,200 for new properties, and SGD 47,900 to SGD 71,100 for resale units.
2. Levels of Renovation and Typical Costs
Renovation work typically falls into three categories, each with corresponding cost considerations:
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Light Renovation (SGD 400 – SGD 10,900): Basic updates including painting, minor carpentry, simple flooring, and superficial repairs. Ideal for homes requiring minimal intervention.
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Moderate Renovation (SGD 2,600 – SGD 12,800): Includes structural modifications such as hacking down non-load-bearing walls, replacing flooring, upgraded cabinetry, and moderate carpentry.
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Extensive Renovation (SGD 7,500 – upwards of SGD 100,000): Comprehensive home makeovers involving major structural changes, rewiring, plumbing upgrades, complete room overhauls, and installation of premium finishes or smart home features.
3. Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations
Kitchens and bathrooms are among the most costly areas to renovate due to their complex plumbing, cabinetry, and electrical needs. Kitchen renovation packages in Singapore range from SGD 5,590 for basic cabinet replacements to upwards of SGD 25,000 to SGD 30,000 for premium designs involving hacking, quartz countertops, custom carpentry, and integrated appliances. Bathroom renovations similarly vary widely depending on fixtures, tiling, and water-efficiency upgrades.
Key Cost Components in Renovations
Understanding which components drive renovation costs can help homeowners prioritize and budget effectively:
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Carpentry and Masonry: These often account for over 60% of total renovation costs due to high labor requirements for custom cabinetry, partitions, and structural adjustments.
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Electrical and Lighting Works: Each power or lighting point installation can cost SGD 60 to SGD 100+, accumulating significantly in large projects.
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Plumbing: Upgrades, especially in older flats, can increase renovation costs notably when pipes and fittings need replacing or rerouting.
Factors Influencing Renovation Costs in 2025
Several prevailing factors shape renovation costs in Singapore in 2025:
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Material Price Inflation: Global supply chain disruptions and inflation have raised the price of raw materials like timber, tiles, and metals.
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Labor Shortages: Skilled construction and renovation labor remain in high demand, pushing up manpower costs.
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Smart and Sustainable Features: Increasing homeowner preference for energy-efficient lighting, smart home technologies, and eco-friendly materials tends to elevate budgets.
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Scope and Customization: More customized designs, high-end finishes, and additional features invariably cost more.
4. Renovation Timelines and Budgeting Tips
Typical renovation timelines range from 8 to 12 weeks for most HDB and condominium projects. Efficient planning, clear communication with contractors, and realistic budgeting help minimize delays and unexpected expenses. Homeowners are advised to allocate a contingency budget of 10-15% for unforeseen variations. Additionally, comparing quotations from multiple renovation contractors and considering renovation packages can offer cost savings and transparency.
5. Conclusion
General renovation costs in Singapore in 2025 exhibit a wide range influenced by property type, size, renovation extent, and homeowner preferences. While light renovations may start under SGD 10,000, extensive whole-home projects for resale flats or larger properties can exceed SGD 100,000. Careful budgeting, understanding major cost drivers, and planning timelines are essential to achieving a successful renovation without financial surprises. With the right preparation, Singaporean homeowners can transform their living spaces into comfortable, modern homes aligned with their lifestyles and aspirations.
