Renovation guide
HDB Resale Renovation Cost in Singapore: What to Budget (2026)
PRDT Interior / Productions Pte Ltd · Last updated 2026-07-18
Resale flats are where renovation budgets most often go wrong. The flat comes with someone else's renovation in it — and removing that, fixing what is underneath, and bringing older infrastructure up to date all cost money before your new design even begins.
Here are indicative whole-home ranges for resale flats at mid-range finish, from PRDT's current pricing model — the same model behind our online budget estimator.
Indicative whole-home cost by flat size (mid-range finish)
These ranges cover flooring, painting, kitchen carpentry, wardrobes, toilet works, false ceiling with lighting, electrical works, plus hacking and demolition:
- •3-room resale (around 65 sqm): about S$33,000–S$53,000
- •4-room resale (around 93 sqm): about S$38,500–S$61,500
- •5-room resale (around 110 sqm): about S$41,000–S$65,500
- •Premium finishes push a 4-room resale to roughly S$64,000–S$101,500
What a typical 4-room resale breakdown looks like
For a mid-range 4-room resale whole-home renovation, the indicative per-item ranges from our model are:
- •Kitchen carpentry (quartz top): S$8,500–S$13,000
- •Toilet works (two bathrooms, standard): S$8,000–S$12,000
- •Wardrobes (three bedrooms, sliding): S$4,800–S$7,200
- •Flooring (tiles, mid grade): S$4,200–S$6,800
- •False ceiling and lighting (living/dining): S$2,600–S$4,200
- •Electrical partial rewire: S$1,800–S$3,000
- •Painting (standard): S$1,700–S$2,700
- •Hacking and demolition: S$1,600–S$3,700
- •Plus project management and a contingency allowance on top
The resale premium: hacking, disposal, and surprises
Hacking is more than the hacking line itself. Once old tiles and built-ins come out, the site can reveal uneven screed, embedded pipes, or moisture issues that need making good — this is why experienced contractors include a contingency, and why quotes that look suspiciously lean often grow later.
Older flats also carry older wiring. A partial rewire is common; a full rewire for flats with dated distribution boards costs more but may be advised. Waterproofing in bathrooms being re-tiled is another item you should expect, not treat as an extra.
Resale-specific decisions that change the budget
A few early decisions set the trajectory of a resale renovation budget:
- •Overlay vs hack flooring: overlaying vinyl on existing tiles avoids hacking cost, but raises floor level and is not always suitable
- •Keep or redo bathrooms: redoing both bathrooms in a 4-room adds roughly S$8,000–S$12,000 at standard finish
- •Keep serviceable built-ins: a structurally sound wardrobe can be re-laminated instead of rebuilt
- •Aircon and window condition: often due for replacement in older units and commonly forgotten in first budgets
Frequently asked questions
Why is my resale quote so much higher than my friend's BTO quote?
Hacking, disposal, making-good, waterproofing, and rewiring are resale-specific costs that a BTO simply does not have. Like-for-like, the same finish level in a resale flat typically costs a few thousand to over ten thousand dollars more.
Do I need to hack everything?
No — selective hacking is common. Keeping sound flooring, one bathroom, or serviceable carpentry can save meaningful money. What is worth keeping is a judgement call best made with photos of the actual unit.
Is hacking allowed in all HDB flats?
Hacking of walls requires an HDB permit and some walls cannot be removed at all. See our guide on HDB renovation permits, and always confirm against HDB's latest requirements.
Are these figures guaranteed?
No — they are indicative ranges from PRDT's current pricing model, subject to site condition, measurements, and material choices. Resale units especially can hold surprises that only a site visit reveals.
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Figures are indicative planning ranges from PRDT's current pricing model, not quotations. Final pricing depends on site condition, measurements and material selection. Regulatory requirements change — always confirm current rules with the relevant authority.