Answer
Renovation Budget for HDB & Condo in Singapore
Renovation is often the largest cash expense after the down payment. Here are the real numbers so you can plan.
Answer: Typical renovation costs in 2026: 3-room HDB $30,000\u2013$50,000, 4-room HDB $40,000\u2013$65,000, 5-room HDB $50,000\u2013$80,000, condo $60,000\u2013$150,000. Package renovations are 30\u201340% cheaper than custom interior design. Budget an extra 10\u201315% for appliances, furniture, and contingency.
Renovation Cost by Property Type
| Property | Package Reno | Custom ID | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Room HDB (~65 sqm) | $20,000\u2013$35,000 | $35,000\u2013$55,000 | $30,000\u2013$50,000 |
| 4-Room HDB (~90 sqm) | $28,000\u2013$42,000 | $45,000\u2013$80,000 | $40,000\u2013$65,000 |
| 5-Room HDB (~110 sqm) | $35,000\u2013$50,000 | $55,000\u2013$95,000 | $50,000\u2013$80,000 |
| Condo 2-bed (~65 sqm) | $35,000\u2013$55,000 | $60,000\u2013$100,000 | $50,000\u2013$90,000 |
| Condo 3-bed (~90 sqm) | $50,000\u2013$75,000 | $80,000\u2013$140,000 | $70,000\u2013$120,000 |
| Condo 4-bed+ (~130 sqm) | $70,000\u2013$100,000 | $110,000\u2013$200,000 | $100,000\u2013$180,000 |
Ranges reflect 2025\u20132026 market rates. Custom ID includes designer fees (8\u201315% of project cost).
Where the Money Goes \u2014 4-Room HDB Example
| Category | Budget Range | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Carpentry (wardrobes, kitchen, shoe cabinet) | $12,000\u2013$25,000 | 30\u201340% |
| Flooring & tiling | $5,000\u2013$12,000 | 12\u201318% |
| Electrical & lighting | $3,000\u2013$8,000 | 8\u201312% |
| Plumbing | $2,000\u2013$5,000 | 5\u20138% |
| Painting | $1,500\u2013$3,500 | 4\u20136% |
| Hacking & disposal | $2,000\u2013$5,000 | 5\u20138% |
| False ceiling / partition | $2,000\u2013$6,000 | 5\u20139% |
| Design fees (if custom ID) | $3,000\u2013$8,000 | 8\u201312% |
| Total renovation | $40,000\u2013$65,000 | 100% |
Carpentry is always the biggest line item. Custom wardrobes alone can cost $5K\u2013$12K.
What Else to Budget For
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Aircon (3\u20134 units, installed) | $3,500\u2013$6,000 |
| Kitchen appliances (oven, hood, hob) | $2,000\u2013$8,000 |
| Washer / dryer | $1,000\u2013$3,000 |
| Curtains & blinds | $1,000\u2013$3,000 |
| Lighting fixtures | $1,000\u2013$5,000 |
| Furniture (sofa, dining, beds) | $5,000\u2013$20,000 |
| Smart home (locks, sensors) | $500\u2013$3,000 |
| Total add-ons | $14,000\u2013$48,000 |
Typical Payment Schedule
| Milestone | % of Contract | On a $50,000 Job |
|---|---|---|
| Signing of contract | 10% | $5,000 |
| Materials delivered / hacking done | 30% | $15,000 |
| Mid-point (carpentry installed) | 30% | $15,000 |
| Handover inspection | 25% | $12,500 |
| Retention (1\u20133 months post-handover) | 5% | $2,500 |
Never pay more than 50% before mid-point. Hold retention to cover defects found after moving in.
Package vs Custom ID
| Factor | Package Renovation | Custom Interior Design |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (4-room HDB) | $28,000\u2013$42,000 | $45,000\u2013$80,000 |
| Timeline | 6\u20138 weeks | 8\u201314 weeks |
| Design input | Choose from set options | Fully bespoke |
| Materials | Standard range | Premium options available |
| Project management | Self-manage | Designer manages |
| Best for | Budget-conscious, resale flats | Dream home, new BTOs |
Factor renovation into your upgrade math.
Your renovation budget is cash that comes out of pocket \u2014 it affects how much you can put toward down payment and stamp duty.
FAQ
How much does it cost to renovate a 4-room HDB in 2026?
A typical 4-room HDB renovation costs $40,000–$65,000. A basic package renovation starts from $28,000–$35,000, while a full custom ID renovation with premium materials can reach $60,000–$80,000. The biggest costs are carpentry ($10K–$25K), tiling ($5K–$12K), and electrical/plumbing ($3K–$8K).
How much should I budget for condo renovation?
Condo renovations typically cost $60,000–$150,000 depending on size and scope. A 2-bedroom condo (~700 sqft) ranges $50K–$90K, a 3-bedroom (~1,000 sqft) $70K–$120K, and a 4-bedroom+ (~1,400 sqft) $100K–$180K. Condos cost more because of higher-end finishes and MCST approval requirements.
What is the difference between package and custom ID renovation?
Package renovation ($25K–$45K for HDB) bundles common works at a fixed price: flooring, painting, electrical, basic carpentry. Custom ID renovation ($50K–$100K+) involves a designer who creates bespoke layouts, custom carpentry, and premium materials. Package is cheaper and faster; custom gives more control over design.
What is the typical payment schedule for renovation?
Most contractors require: 10% deposit on signing, 30% when materials arrive, 30% at mid-point (carpentry installed), 25% at handover inspection, and 5% retention held for 1–3 months for defect liability. Never pay more than 50% before mid-point.
What should I budget for beyond the renovation quote?
Budget 10–15% above your renovation quote for: electrical appliances ($5K–$15K), curtains/blinds ($1K–$3K), lighting fixtures ($1K–$5K), furniture ($5K–$20K), and a contingency buffer for changes. A $50K renovation often ends up at $60K–$65K all-in.
Can I use CPF to pay for renovation?
No, CPF cannot be used for renovation. Renovation must be paid in cash. However, you can take an HDB renovation loan (up to $30,000 at 3.5% p.a. over 5 years) or a bank renovation loan (varies by bank). Some buyers refinance slightly more on their mortgage to free up cash for renovation.
Related
Last updated Feb 2026. Cost ranges based on market quotes from renovation contractors and interior designers. This is a guide, not a quotation.