Renovating an HDB flat is most homeowners' biggest spend after the flat itself — so it pays to know the numbers before you start. This guide gives realistic 2026 cost ranges for BTO and resale flats, what's included, and what moves the price.
How much does an HDB renovation cost in 2026?
There's no flat rate — cost scales with the flat's size, its condition, how much you change, and your finishes. As indicative market ranges for a full renovation:
BTO vs resale: why the gap?
| BTO flat | Resale flat | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting condition | New, bare | Lived-in, dated |
| Hacking & removal | Minimal | Often extensive |
| Rewiring / plumbing | Usually new | May need upgrading |
| Typical spend | Lower | Higher |
| Timeline | ~6–10 weeks | ~8–14 weeks |
Where the budget goes
- Carpentry (kitchen, wardrobes, storage) — usually the biggest line item.
- Tiling & flooring — hacking and relaying, or overlay.
- Wet works — waterproofing, masonry, plastering.
- Electrical & plumbing — new points, relocations, rewiring.
- Painting, ceiling & finishing — false ceilings, cove lighting, touch-ups.
With a design-and-build contractor, design and project management are part of the package — you're not paying a separate designer and then chasing trades yourself.
Yes — we can prioritise essential wet works and carpentry first and stage the rest, though doing it all at once is usually more cost-effective.
Loose furniture, appliances and curtains are typically separate. We make clear what's in and out of your quote.
See our services, the carpentry cost guide, or HDB kitchen costs.