Renovation Cost Singapore: BTO vs Resale Flat Cost Breakdown (2026 Guide)

If you are researching renovation cost in Singapore, one of the first questions you’ll face is whether BTO flats or resale HDB flats cost more to renovate.

While the purchase price often dominates headlines, renovation costs can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars—and the difference between a BTO and resale renovation is bigger than most homeowners expect.

This guide breaks down renovation cost Singapore homeowners should realistically budget, comparing BTO vs resale flats in terms of cost, duration, scope of work, and hidden expenses.

Average Renovation Cost in Singapore (Quick Overview)

Property Type	Typical Renovation Cost Singapore
3-Room BTO	$15,000 – $30,000
4-Room BTO	$25,000 – $40,000
4-Room Resale	$35,000 – $60,000
5-Room Resale	$45,000 – $80,000+

These are realistic 2025–2026 renovation cost ranges observed across Singapore, excluding luxury upgrades.

BTO Renovation Cost in Singapore

Typical BTO Renovation Cost

$15,000 – $35,000

HDB BTO flats come brand new, which significantly lowers renovation costs in Singapore because:

• No demolition needed

• New electrical wiring

• New plumbing pipes

• Clean walls and floors

Most BTO renovation budgets are spent on:

• Flooring (if homeowner choose to opt out during purchase their purchase or wish to upgrade to a tile of their choice)

• Carpentry

• Kitchen cabinets

• Wardrobes

• Painting

Because there is little unknown work, BTO renovation cost in Singapore is more predictable.

Why BTO Renovation Costs Are Lower

✔ Minimal hacking

✔ No debris disposal fees

✔ Fewer labour hours

For first-time homeowners, BTO flats usually represent the lowest renovation cost entry point in Singapore.

Resale Flat Renovation Cost in Singapore

Typical Resale Renovation Cost

$25,000 – $60,000+

HDB Resale flats cost more to renovate in Singapore due to existing conditions:

• Old tiles need hacking

• Existing carpentry must be removed

• Plumbing may be outdated

• Electrical wiring often needs upgrading

Hidden defects such as water leakage or uneven flooring are common, increasing final renovation costs.

Why Resale Renovation Costs Are Higher

✔ Demolition work

✔ Disposal fees

✔ Repairing wear-and-tear

✔ Higher labour cost

✔ Unpredictable defects

Tip: For resale flats, always budget an extra 10–20% contingency on top of your quoted renovation cost.

Renovation Duration vs Cost in Singapore

Time equals money in renovation.

BTO Renovation Timeline

• 2–4 weeks (basic)

• 4–8 weeks (full renovation)

Shorter timelines keep labour costs lower.

Resale Renovation Timeline

• 6–10 weeks (standard)

• 10–12+ weeks (major works)

Renovation Scope: What Impacts Cost Most in Singapore?

High-Cost Renovation Items

• Tile hacking & re-tiling

• Electrical rewiring

• Plumbing replacement

• Custom carpentry

• Structural wall removal

Resale flats typically require more of these, pushing up total renovation cost in Singapore.

HDB Permits & Renovation Cost Impact

HDB permits are required for:

• Structural wall removal

• Gas pipe relocation

• Major electrical or plumbing works

In resale flats, permit requirements are sometimes discovered after hacking, causing:

• Work stoppages

• Extended timelines

• Higher renovation cost

BTO owners usually apply permits earlier, reducing surprises.

BTO vs Resale: Renovation Cost Comparison In Singapore

Factor	BTO	Resale
Renovation cost predictability	High	Lower
Demolition required	Minimal	Extensive
Hidden repair costs	Low	High
Renovation duration	Shorter	Longer
Overall renovation cost Singapore	Lower	Higher

Which Has Better Renovation Value in Singapore?

Choose HDB BTO flat if you want:

• Lower renovation cost in Singapore

• Faster move-in

• Minimal renovation stress

Choose HDB Resale flat if you want:

• Larger unit sizes

• Flexible layouts

• Prime locations

  
  

Final Thoughts: Renovation Cost Singapore Reality Check

When evaluating renovation cost in Singapore, the property price alone is not enough.

• HDB BTO flats = lower, more controlled renovation costs

• HDB Resale flats = higher costs, but more flexibility and larger living space

The smartest homeowners plan renovation costs before buying, not after collecting keys.