Answer
Moving House Checklist — Singapore 2026
Everything you need to do before, during, and after moving — utilities, address, movers, renovation, and handover.
Answer: Start 4–8 weeks before if renovating, 2–3 weeks if not. Key tasks: SP utilities transfer (3 business days lead time), Singpass address change (within 28 days, mandatory), broadband setup (2 weeks ahead), hire movers ($300–$800 for a typical move). Renovation timeline: HDB 4–6 weeks moderate, condo 4–8 weeks. Budget $40K–$65K for HDB renovation, $60K–$150K for condo. On handover day: check every fixture, take photos, collect all keys and access cards.
The Master Checklist
Sorted by when you should do each task
| When | Task | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks before | Hire contractor / ID firm | $40K–$150K | Get 3 quotes, check HDB/MCST permit rules |
| 4 weeks before | Book movers | $300–$800 | Get 3 quotes, confirm date & insurance |
| 2–3 weeks before | Apply for broadband | $35–$50/mo | 1Gbps fibre, 3–7 day installation wait |
| 1 week before | SP utilities transfer | $50–$150 deposit | Apply at spgroup.com.sg, 3 business days |
| 1 week before | SingPost mail redirect | $30 / 3 months | Apply at singpost.com, starts in 5 days |
| Moving day | Handover + move | — | Inspect unit, collect keys, photo everything |
| Within 28 days | Update Singpass address | Free | Legal requirement, $50 fine if late |
| Within 1 month | Update bank, insurance, employer | Free | Most can be done online, budget 2–3 hours |
Moving Costs by Property Type
| Move Type | Movers | Extras | Total Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-room HDB → HDB | $300–$400 | $50–$150 | $350–$550 |
| 4-room HDB → condo | $400–$600 | $100–$200 | $500–$800 |
| Condo → condo | $400–$700 | $100–$200 | $500–$900 |
| Large condo / landed | $600–$1,200 | $200–$400 | $800–$1,600 |
Extras include piano moving, disassembly/reassembly, packing materials. Weekend/PH adds 20–50% surcharge.
Renovation Timeline
| Phase | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Permit approval | 1–2 weeks | HDB or MCST renovation permit |
| Hacking & demolition | 3–5 days | Remove old tiles, walls (no wet area hacking for HDB) |
| Electrical & plumbing | 1–2 weeks | Rewiring, new pipe runs, power points |
| Masonry & tiling | 1–2 weeks | Waterproofing, floor & wall tiles |
| Carpentry & fixtures | 2–3 weeks | Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, vanities |
| Painting & cleanup | 3–5 days | 2 coats, touch-ups, deep cleaning |
| Total (moderate reno) | 4–8 weeks | HDB 4–6 wks, condo 4–8 wks, BTO 8–12 wks |
Buying the new place? Run the numbers first
Stamp duty, down payment, monthly mortgage — know exactly what you're looking at before committing.
FAQ
How do I transfer SP utilities when moving house?
Apply online at spgroup.com.sg or the SP app. You need: new address, move-in date, NRIC/FIN, and your SP account number. Apply at least 3 business days before your move-in date. SP will close your old account and open a new one — you'll get a final bill for the old place. Deposit: $50-$150 depending on your property type (refunded from old account if no outstanding). Pro tip: set the same date for closing the old and opening the new account so you're not paying for both. Monthly bills: $150-$300 for a 3-room HDB, $200-$500 for a condo.
How do I change my address with Singpass/ICA?
For Singapore Citizens and PRs: update your address via Singpass at www.ica.gov.sg within 28 days of moving (it's a legal requirement under the National Registration Act — $50 fine if you don't). The update is free and takes effect immediately for government records. This automatically updates your address with CPF, IRAS, and most government agencies. Separately update: bank accounts, credit cards, insurance policies, employer HR, SingPost mail forwarding ($30 for 3 months), vehicle registration (LTA), children's school records. Budget 2-3 hours for all the admin.
How much do movers cost in Singapore?
For a typical 3-4 room HDB to HDB move: $300-$500. HDB to condo or condo to condo: $400-$700. Large condo/landed with many items: $600-$1,200. This includes a lorry, 2-3 movers, basic disassembly/reassembly of furniture. Extras that add cost: piano ($150-$300), additional trips ($100-$200 each), weekend/PH surcharge (20-50%), packing service ($200-$400), storage ($150-$300/month). Book 2-4 weeks ahead. Get 3 quotes minimum. Cheapest isn't always best — check Google reviews. Damage insurance: most movers offer basic coverage ($300-$500 per claim) but read the fine print.
How long does renovation take before moving in?
HDB resale: 4-6 weeks for a moderate renovation (painting, flooring, kitchen, bathrooms). Extensive (hacking walls, new layout): 8-12 weeks. Condo resale: 4-8 weeks moderate, 8-14 weeks extensive. New condo (TOP): 6-10 weeks if you're doing a full ID renovation. BTO: 8-12 weeks (more work needed since it's bare). Key timeline items: MCST/HDB permit approval (1-2 weeks), hacking (3-5 days), electrical/plumbing (1-2 weeks), tiling (1-2 weeks), carpentry (2-3 weeks), painting (3-5 days), cleaning (1-2 days). Budget: HDB $40K-$65K, condo $60K-$150K.
What is the HDB handover process?
For HDB resale: handover happens on completion day (8-10 weeks after OTP exercise). Seller passes all keys, access cards, and remote controls. Do a final inspection before the seller leaves — check all fixtures, electrical, plumbing, and that agreed-upon items are left/removed. For BTO: key collection at HDB Hub after TOP is issued. You'll receive your keys, car park labels, and a defect checklist. Report defects within the 1-year DLP (Defect Liability Period). HDB charges no handover fee. Pro tip: take timestamped photos and videos of the entire unit on handover day.
What broadband and TV setup do I need at the new place?
Internet: most condos and newer HDBs have fibre-ready sockets (ONT). Sign up with any ISP (Singtel, StarHub, M1, ViewQwest, MyRepublic). 1Gbps plans: $35-$50/month. Installation: free if fibre point exists, $50-$100 if new installation needed. Wait time: 3-7 business days. Apply 2 weeks before moving. For older HDB without fibre: request OpenNet installation (free, 2-3 weeks). TV: most people use streaming now (Netflix $13-$23/mo, Disney+ $12/mo). If you want cable: Singtel TV or StarHub TV+ $30-$80/month. Smart TV + 1Gbps fibre is the standard 2026 setup.
Related
- Condo Renovation Cost — $30K–$80K typical
- Renovation Budget HDB & Condo — detailed breakdown
- HDB Renovation Guidelines 2026
- Sell HDB Buy Condo Timeline
- HDB Upgrading to Condo Guide
Last updated Feb 2026. Costs are estimates based on current market rates. SP utilities info from spgroup.com.sg. Address change requirements per National Registration Act. This is general information, not professional advice.