The only things more stressful than the actual process of renovating your home are the last minute surprises when it comes to renovation cost. So it is only fair that you are in possession of all the facts before you start renovating your home. Essentially, there is no single answer to the question of what would be the ideal or average home renovation cost in Singapore. This is primarily because the final price of renovation is a function of several products and services.

So, How Much Does Renovation Cost in Singapore?

renovation-cost-singapore-before-and-after-renovation
Budgeting for your renovation cost in Singapore doesn’t have to be an ordeal

To begin with, let us take you through the various factors that affect the house renovation cost of your Singapore home in one way or another.

#1: Renovation Cost Singapore Based on the Type of Property

Type of PropertyScope of WorkCost Range for Renovation*
HDB BTOKitchen, wardrobe, and furniture***$10,000 – $60,000
HDB ResaleFull home design** + furniture$30,000 – $100,000
New CondoFurniture only$10,000 – $60,000
Resale CondoFull home design** + furniture$30,000 – $150,000
*Refers to Singapore dollars
**Full home design includes carpentry, masonry, flooring, ceiling, plumbing, electrical work, painting and hacking
***Furniture here refers to in-built furniture

We hope the above table gives you a fair idea of the renovation price list to budget for. But there are still a few things to keep in mind when it comes to planning your renovation cost. Unless you own a private property, any home you buy in Singapore will belong to one of the following categories:

1. HDB BTO Renovation Cost

HDBs are, basically, new government subsidised housing that are built-to-order. Such homes are already furnished with the basic amenities and thus, don’t require extensive renovation. Moreover, since new HDBs are highly subsidised by the government, they come attached with several rules and regulations pertaining to renovation. The average renovation cost Singapore HDB ranges between $10,000 – $60,000 .

For example, the bathroom and kitchen floorings or tiles cannot be hacked for a new HDB BTO that is less than 5 years old. 

Also Read: Estimate Your Kitchen Renovation Cost With Ease Using These 6 Expert Tips

2. HDB Resale Renovation Cost

Typically, for HDB resale properties, these older homes have an older layout and might have amenities that don’t necessarily match modern sensibilities. Hence, these homes require an extensive overhaul of their interiors with hacking, plumbing, electrical, painting, masonry and all other renovation services. The average renovation cost of a Singapore HDB ranges between $30,000 – $100,000.

Also, the rules regarding the renovation of older HDBs are much more relaxed. Naturally, the cost for renovation for such properties tends to be higher than HDB BTO renovation cost. 

For more information on HDB renovation cost Singapore, check out: Everything You Need to Know About Renovating Your HDB.

3. New Condo Renovation Cost Singapore

Condos, which are privately owned, non-subsidised residences in Singapore, cost more than HDBs. However, these apartments come equipped with more amenities and high-end furnishings. Newly launched condo units have sleek looking interiors complete with all the essential fittings and usually good quality flooring. Hence, an end-to-end renovation is rarely, if ever, necessary. 

So if you have a new condo, chances are you can save good money on your condo renovation cost in Singapore. The average renovation cost for a Singapore Condo ranges between $30,000 – $150,000.

4. Resale Condo Renovation Cost Singapore

The scope of renovation and its imminent cost depends on how old the condo is and how many times ownership of the unit has changed. Condo renovation costs tend to be higher than HDBs as it is assumed that people who buy condos have a higher budget for renovations.  The average renovation cost Singapore Condo ranges between $10,000.

For a better idea, find out How Can an Interior Designer Help You Calculate Renovation Cost of Your Condo.

#2: Renovation Price List Based on the Size of Your Home

The larger the home, the higher the renovation cost in Singapore. This is provided all other factors like type of property and scope of work are constant. To help, we’ve put together a comprehensive renovation price list by Livspace to help you calculate renovation cost for budget renovation Singapore.

If you still think that you might be going over budget, check out 7 Smart Hacks for Budget Renovation Singapore.

Comparison by Size of New Properties

New PropertiesCost of Renovation Singapore (starting at)*
2 Room$10,000*
3 Room$14,500*
4 Room$17,500*
5 Room$19,500*
*in Singapore dollars

Comparison by Size of Resale Properties

Resale PropertiesCost of Renovation Singapore (starting at)*
3 Room$32,000*
4 Room$36,500*
5 Room$39,500*
*in Singapore dollars

#3: How long Will New and Resale Condo Renovations Take in Singapore?

In Singapore, the ideal time that a renovation takes is between 10 and 16 weeks. However, this depends on the nature of your requirements.

Typically, a new condo will take lesser time than a resale condo, as resale condos might involve masonry and demolition work. For the case of resale condos, management approval might also be required, which can increase the time taken for renovation.

To take a case by case look, your renovation might require hacking of existing walls. For that, a PE endorsement and management approval is essential. In fact, sometimes, the management can ask to stop renovation for a few days until all approvals are in place.

Also Read: What Is the Average Cost of Renovation for a 3-, 4- and 5-Room HDB Flat in Singapore?

#4. Renovation Cost in Singapore Based on the Scope of Work

Renovating a home is not a simple task with just one type of work. It is a mammoth project with various kinds of services that involve people with different skill sets. Some of these services cost more than the others. The following renovation cost breakdown table includes the percentage of the total cost that goes into a particular kind of service. 

You can roughly estimate the ultimate cost of renovating your home using our Singapore renovation cost estimator depending on which of these services you will be opting for.

Percentage of Renovation Cost Breakdown Per Service

Renovation ServicePercentage of Cost*
Carpentry35%
Masonry25%
Glass & Aluminium11%
Electrical9%
Hacking7%
Ceiling Partition7%
Painting6%
Plumbing5%
*Percentage of total cost

#5: The Furniture You Buy Affects Your Renovation Cost

renovation cost singapore-living room
Livspace can help you pick the right furniture for your budget renovation Singapore
renovation cost singapore-white ladder unit-wooden flooring
Always buy furniture that supports your scope of renovation

Movable furniture (not in-built) is a major component of the cost of furnishing your home. Typically, this cost is not calculated within the renovation cost in Singapore. It is uncommon, but not unheard of, for homeowners to use their existing furniture if the items are in good condition. That said, since space is a major constraint in most Singaporean homes, it’s best to buy furniture that fits into the scope of your new home.

If you opt to renovate your home with Livspace, our interior designers will help you pick just the right kind of furniture from our partner brands including IKEA, Crate & Barrel, Castlery, Hin Lim and others. 

#6: Hiring an Interior Designer

renovation-cost-singapore-hire-an-interior-designer
Get beautiful stress-free interiors with our professional interior designers

Are you wondering if and why you need an interior designer to renovate your home? Let’s help you out with the reasons. 

You definitely need an interior designer to furnish your home because;

  • Interior designers are experts who understand that good design is far more than just aesthetics.
  • They can help you create functional spaces and make the most of the space available in your home. 
  • They personalise spaces in your home to reflect your personality, taste and style.
  • If you want go for a specific style like Scandinavian or Industrial, there is no one better than a designer to renovate your home
  • You can save both time and money by avoiding expensive renovation mishaps and mistakes.

When you sign up with Livspace, we include the cost of your interior designer (or renovation quotation Singapore SEPARATELY) with your price estimate. This gives you complete clarity on how much you are paying for their services. So when you meet your interior designer for the first time, make sure you ask these essential questions

#7. What Increases the Renovation Cost in Singapore?

Certain specific design features tend to shoot up the cost for renovation for homes. This is because the price of these elements is substantially higher than other alternatives within their category. Here’s a comprehensive list of features that can be considered ‘splurges’ during renovation.

#1: Fancy Tiling 

renovation cost singapore-marble-bathroom tiles
Stone flooring and tiles in larger dimensions cost more

Any tiling that is not the usual vitrified tiles costs more. So if you want to opt for marble, granite or mosaic tiles for your walls or floors, expect a substantial rise in the renovation cost in Singapore. Similarly, if you want to use tiles of larger dimensions (more than 2 x 2 inches) for a more seamless look, then the compensation is higher. 

For more budget floor ideas for your home, check out these budget living room floor tiles.

#2: Ceiling Detailing

renovation cost singapore-false ceiling
False ceiling with cove lights shoot up your renovation cost

Detailed false ceilings tend to cost quite a bit when compared to normal ceilings. If you want features like rounded details, L-box or U-box shapes or cove lighting for your ceiling, expect the final price to shoot up. 

#3: Platform Beds 

platform bed designs-multi purpose furniture
Platform beds are very space-efficient but expensive to install

Platform beds are popular in Singapore, especially for compact bedrooms. This kind of raised bed offers additional storage options in the bedroom without taking up too much additional space. However, the carpentry charges for this type of integrated and multi-functional furniture is higher than usual.

#4: Shelving and Partitions

open shelving-partition designs
Open shelving and partitions can increase renovation cost in Singapore homes

Open shelves and niches (sometimes with profile lighting) can quickly add up to become an expensive design feature in your home. Moreover, installing partitions too tends to raise the final renovation cost in Singapore homes.

#5: Customised Furniture in Unusual Shapes

round ottoman-triangular table
Furniture in unusual shapes is more expensive, adding to renovation costs

Customising your furniture is a great way to make your home stand out, but they will bring up the overall price of your renovations. Rounded furniture or furniture that has oblique/unusual shapes (like hexagonal, abstract etc.) costs more than furniture in common forms. The prior has more novelty and stands out as a statement. If that is your intention, the extra cost is a matter of choice. 

#8. What Are Some of the Most Common Reno Challenges?

Some of the most common reno challenges include:

  • Unexpected shortage of materials, that can result in a delay
  • Longer waiting times for custom furniture or furniture ordered online
  • High prices of carpentry
  • Inferior material quality
  • Not setting a realistic budget
  • Hiring the wrong contractor
  • Management approvals and requisite permissions

#9. How to Finance Your Home Renovation?

Now that you know how much you are going to be spending on your home renovation, it’s time to think about your finances. Are you planning to take a renovation loan or can you manage without it? We have a solution for all the worried homeowners—UOB Personal Loan, which can help you overcome cash flow shortfalls for various purposes, including home renovation.

#10. How is a Renovation Loan Different From a Personal Loan?

While a renovation loan is a loan facility that can be availed solely for the purpose of refreshing or renovating one’s home, a personal loan allows more flexibility. The sanctioned fund under a personal loan can be used at the user’s discretion, including renovation of their home.

Personal LoanRenovation Loan
Loan amountUp to 4X renovation loanCapped at S$30,000
UsageFlexibleOnly for renovation
Cash disbursementAlmost instant
(Disbursed to
customer’s savings
account)
Time-consuming
(Disbursed to
renovation company)
Paperwork involvedNegligibleCan take some time

With a personal loan, you may be able to use the funds for issues that arise unexpectedly such as cash flow shortfall. Or you can even use it to set aside some of the funds for furnishing your new home.

#11. How Can Livspace Help You with Your Personal Loan?

We at Livspace have tied up with UOB as our banking partner for renovations. As a part of this strategic tie-up, UOB is offering interest-free personal loans* to individuals for the first year. You can borrow up to 5 years with affordable fixed monthly repayment and get your interest waived for the first year. So, your home renovation budget is taken care of and is in safe hands.

To know more about condo renovation package Singapore for your home, find out more here: Your 2021 Home Renovation Cost Singapore Guide for Every Type of Property

We would love to hear from you! Write to us at editor.sg@livspace.com.

FAQs

1. How Much Should You Spend on Renovation in Singapore?

The average renovation cost of a home reno in Singapore can cost anywhere between $10,000 – $100,000. Costs can go up based on the specific nature of your requirements.

2. How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a 4-Room in Singapore?

Renovating a 4-room HDB can cost you somewhere between $180,000 – $200,000.

3. What is the Average Renovation Cost in Singapore?

The average renovation cost in Singapore can vary between $10,000 – $100,000. Costs can go up based on the specific nature of your requirements. Final cost will depend upon the nature of your requirements.