Resale flats cost more to renovate than BTOs because there is more to remove and replace: old tiles, worn bathrooms, ageing wiring and plumbing, and sometimes windows. In 2026 most 4-room resale renovations in Singapore cost between S$60,000 and S$72,000.
This guide breaks down typical budgets by flat size, what each scope of work costs, and which items you can phase or skip.
3-room resale (typical)
S$52k – S$62k
4-room resale (typical)
S$60k – S$72k
5-room / executive (typical)
S$72k – S$88k
Typical timeline
10 – 16 weeks
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Resale HDB renovation cost by flat size
Ranges cover the full renovation, excluding loose furniture and appliances.
| Flat type | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-room resale | S$42k – S$50k | S$52k – S$62k | S$65k – S$78k |
| 4-room resale | S$50k – S$58k | S$60k – S$72k | S$75k – S$90k |
| 5-room / executive | S$60k – S$70k | S$72k – S$88k | S$90k – S$110k |
Basic: Overlay flooring, bathroom refresh, essential rewiring, paint and key carpentry.
Standard: Full hacking of tiles, two new bathrooms, new kitchen, rewiring and carpentry in most rooms.
Premium: Layout changes, premium finishes throughout, new windows and full custom carpentry.
4-room resale HDB cost breakdown
A typical breakdown for a 4-room resale flat with a standard scope:
| Scope of work | Typical cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Hacking and debris disposal | S$5k – S$7k |
| Flooring and wall tiling | S$7k – S$9k |
| Carpentry (kitchen, wardrobes, TV console, shoe cabinet) | S$20k – S$26k |
| Bathrooms (×2, full redo) | S$12k – S$15k |
| Kitchen wet works (tiling, countertop, plumbing) | S$7k – S$9k |
| Electrical rewiring and lighting points | S$5k – S$6.5k |
| Plumbing | S$2.5k – S$3.5k |
| False ceiling and cove lighting | S$4k – S$5.5k |
| Window replacement (optional) | S$5k – S$7k |
| Painting (whole flat) | S$2.5k – S$3k |
* Ranges reflect typical 2026 Singapore market rates for renovation work, excluding loose furniture and appliances. Your quote depends on your home's condition, scope and finishes.
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Get a free quoteWhat affects the cost
Condition of the flat
Older flats often need full rewiring, new plumbing and new windows. A well-kept flat can use overlays and keep more of what is there.
Hacking
Removing old floor and wall tiles, bathrooms and walls is labour-intensive and adds disposal costs.
Layout changes
Opening up the kitchen or merging rooms adds hacking, permits, making good and new finishes.
Carpentry and finishes
As with any renovation, carpentry length and finish choices drive a large share of the cost.
Resale renovation rules to know
- All works must be done by an HDB-licensed contractor, who applies for permits for hacking and other controlled works.
- Window replacement must be carried out by an approved window contractor. See the window rules.
- Older blocks may have a lower electrical supply. Check your block's supply before adding aircon and appliances.
- Only non-structural walls can be removed.
Ways to save
- Overlay floor tiles or lay vinyl over existing tiles where the floor is level and sound.
- Refresh one bathroom fully and the second with an overlay if budget is tight.
- Keep windows and doors that are in good condition and repaint them.
- Phase non-essential carpentry until after you move in.
Timeline: Most resale HDB renovations take 10 to 16 weeks. Hacking, wet works and rewiring add time compared with a BTO. See our renovation timeline guide.
Our resale HDB projects
4-room HDBWoodlands Avenue
3-month renovation
3-room HDBAng Mo Kio Avenue 8
3-month renovation
3-room HDBNorthshore Drive
2-month renovation
3-room HDBAlexandra View
3-month renovation
4-room HDBAnamalai Avenue
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3-room HDBDundee Road
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Frequently asked questions
In 2026 most resale renovations cost S$52,000 to S$62,000 for a 3-room, S$60,000 to S$72,000 for a 4-room and S$72,000 to S$88,000 for a 5-room or executive flat, depending on how much needs replacing.
There is more demolition and replacement: old tiles, bathrooms, wiring, plumbing and sometimes windows. That typically adds S$10,000 to S$15,000 compared with a BTO of the same size.
In many older flats, yes. Rewiring is the right time to add power points and lighting circuits, and it is much easier before new carpentry and ceilings go in.
Usually 10 to 16 weeks. See our renovation timeline guide for a stage-by-stage breakdown.
Often, yes, if the existing tiles are level and firmly bonded. Overlaying saves on hacking and disposal and shortens the timeline.
Related cost guides
- 4 Room HDB Renovation Cost Singapore (2026)
- Bathroom Renovation Cost Singapore (2026)
- Kitchen Renovation Cost Singapore (2026)
Design ideas: HDB kitchen design ideas · HDB living room design ideas
