At a Glance: How Much Does a 5-Room HDB Renovation Cost? For a full renovation, you can use these figures as a starting point for your budget:
5 Room HDB Renovation Cost
Flat Type
New/BTO Renovation Cost
Resale Renovation Cost
HDB 5-Room
S$60,000 – S$85,000
S$70,000 – S$120,000
Renovating a 5-room HDB flat in Singapore typically costs S$60,000–S$85,000 for a new BTO and S$70,000–S$120,000 for a resale flat . Your actual renovation costs will depend on the flat's condition, renovation scope, amount of custom carpentry, material choices, and how much of the existing layout you want to change.
These figures are based on HomeMatch's renovation cost methodology
Resale renovation generally costs more because older flats may require additional work such as hacking, electrical upgrades, plumbing, flooring replacement or other remedial work. A new 5-room BTO, on the other hand, typically starts from a newer baseline and may require less rectification work before you add your preferred finishes, storage and other built-ins.
If you're planning a 5-room HDB renovation, this guide breaks down the costs by room , the factors that can push your budget higher, and practical ways to save money while creating a functional home.
BTO vs Resale: Which Is More Expensive? In general, a 5-room resale HDB renovation costs more than renovating a new 5-room BTO because resale flats may require more demolition, replacement and rectification work.
5-Room BTO vs Resale HDB Renovation Costs
Factors
5-Room BTO
5-Room Resale HDB
Typical renovation cost S$60,000–S$85,000 S$70,000–S$120,000
Hacking
Usually limited
May be more extensive
Existing finishes
More likely to be retained
May need replacement
Electrical/plumbing
Generally newer
May require upgrades
Renovation scope
Usually more predictable
Can vary depending on flat condition
5-Room BTO renovation cost: S$60,000–S$85,000 5 Room HDB Interior Design that cost $70,000 by Juz Interior A new 5-room BTO generally starts from a cleaner baseline. For many BTO homeowners , this means they can expect newer systems and fewer rectification issues, which reduces renovation complexity. Homeowners may be able to retain HDB-provided finishes, reducing the amount of flooring, sanitary fittings and other work required.
The HDB Optional Component Scheme (OCS) can also affect how much renovation work you need to undertake. Depending on the project, HDB's OCS may include pre-provided finishes and fittings, which can lower the amount of work needed.
This makes it easier to keep your renovation within a defined budget, especially if you focus your spending on essential carpentry, kitchen works, storage and electrical upgrades.
5-Room resale HDB renovation cost: S$70,000–S$120,000 5 Room HDB Resale Renovation that cost $70,000 by Kraftsmen Carpentry Resale flats typically have a wider cost range because their condition varies significantly from one property to another.
You may need to budget for:
Hacking and disposal Replacement of old flooring and tiles Plumbing or electrical upgrades Bathroom renovation Repainting Repairs discovered after demolition Changes to the existing layout A resale flat that is in good condition and requires minimal hacking can cost considerably less than one requiring a complete overhaul.
Don't Just Estimate. Calculate Your Renovation Cost. Get a detailed renovation cost estimate based on your property and the exact renovation works you need — using HomeMatch's real-world itemised pricing .
Renovation Cost by Room The amount you spend in each room depends on your design and how much built-in work you want. In a 5-room flat, carpentry can become a significant part of the overall budget because there are more rooms and storage areas to furnish.
Living and dining room 5 Room BTO Living and Dining Area Interior Design by Space Atelier Common renovation works include:
TV feature walls TV consoles Built-in storage Shoe cabinets False ceilings Lighting Flooring Feature walls The living and dining area can become a major source of cost increases when multiple feature walls and built-in cabinets are added. Open layouts often combine living areas and dining areas, so each added built-in should serve a clear function before you commit.
One way to control costs is to choose one main feature, such as a feature wall or foyer storage, while using loose furniture for other areas.
Kitchen 5 Room BTO Kitchen Renovation by Forefront Interior The kitchen is another major renovation cost centre.
Typical works include:
Top and bottom kitchen cabinets Countertops Backsplash Sink and tap Plumbing Lighting and electrical points Kitchen island or peninsula Many BTO renovation packages also include kitchen installation and painting, so it helps to check exactly what is already covered before adding upgrades.
A straightforward kitchen with standard cabinetry will generally cost less than a customised dry-wet kitchen with an island, premium materials and extensive carpentry. A semi-open kitchen can also cost more than a straightforward layout if it needs additional carpentry or more detailed electrical planning.
For a more detailed breakdown, see our kitchen renovation cost guide .
Bedrooms 5 Room BTO Bedroom Interior Design by Yang's Inspiration Design A 5-room flat generally gives you more space for bedrooms, but this also means more potential carpentry.
Common costs include:
Built-in wardrobes Study desks Bookshelves Storage cabinets Feature walls Window seats You do not necessarily need built-in wardrobes in every room. Using standalone wardrobes or modular furniture in secondary bedrooms can help keep your renovation budget under control.
Bathrooms 5 Room HDB Resale Bathroom Renovation by T'Only Dsignz Bathroom renovation may include:
Floor and wall tiles or tile overlay Sanitary fittings Shower screens Vanity cabinets Mirrors Plumbing work For new BTO flats, check the renovation restrictions that apply to your development before planning major bathroom works. HDB states these rules in its renovation guidelines , and permits may be needed for hacking or other structural changes. Where existing finishes are suitable, retaining them or using permitted overlay solutions can help reduce your initial renovation costs. In the early years, bathroom tiles should usually be retained or overlaid if restrictions apply. If full reworking is allowed, items such as shower kerbs, waterproofing, replacement tiling, and updated floor finishes can add to the overall cost.
Study or multi-purpose room The additional room in a 5-room flat can be used as a study, hobby room, guest room or multi-purpose space.
Custom desks, full-height bookshelves and built-in storage can increase costs quickly. If you are working with a tighter budget, consider using a combination of a standalone desk, modular storage and loose furniture instead.
Factors That Can Increase Your Renovation Cost Several decisions can push your renovation towards the higher end of the S$60,000–S$85,000 BTO range or S$70,000–S$120,000 resale range.
Carpentry Carpentry is often one of the biggest renovation expenses, particularly in a 5-room flat.
The more wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, TV consoles, feature walls and storage units you add, the higher your costs will be. Larger 5-room flats also often need more carpentry simply because there are more rooms, longer runs of storage, and more built-ins to plan.
Custom shapes such as curved carpentry, unusual dimensions and intricate details can also require more labour and materials.
Hacking and wet works Hacking, tiling, waterproofing, masonry and plumbing can add substantially to your renovation bill.
These are usually cosmetic wet works, while structural changes tend to involve more approvals, labour, and cost.
This is particularly relevant for resale HDB flats, where homeowners may choose to replace existing finishes or modify the layout.
Electrical and lighting Additional power points, lighting points, data points, electrical wiring and electrical upgrades can increase costs, particularly if you want concealed wiring or a more extensive lighting system.
Smart-home features such as smart switches and integrated lighting can add further costs. If you are installing air-conditioning in a 5-room flat, it often involves a multi-split system, so this should be budgeted under electrical planning where relevant. It is also worth avoiding cutting corners on related works, as safety and long-term reliability matter.
Materials and finishes Material upgrades can have a significant cumulative effect on your budget.
For example, you may choose between:
Standard and premium laminates Laminate, quartz or sintered stone countertops Standard and designer tiles Basic and premium sanitary fittings Upgrading several items across different rooms can add thousands of dollars even when each individual upgrade appears relatively small.
Layout changes and customisation Major layout changes generally require more hacking, masonry, electrical and carpentry work. Bigger 5-room layouts also give homeowners more flexibility, but that can widen the cost range when more customised changes are involved.
Curved walls, built-in partitions, open-concept layouts and highly customised designs can also increase labour costs. If you want to create zones such as a study nook or a more defined dining layout, custom partitions and built-ins can add cost quickly.
Before committing to extensive changes, consider whether the improvement is worth the additional cost and whether it addresses a genuine need.
How to Budget for the Renovation Before meeting Renovators, establish a realistic budget based on your property type and renovation requirements.
As a starting point:
5-room BTO: S$60,000–S$85,0005-room resale HDB: S$70,000–S$120,000These figures are renovation benchmarks rather than fixed package prices. For a broader view across different property types, you can refer to data-driven estimates of 2026 renovation costs in Singapore . Your actual quotation will depend on the scope and specifications of your project.
Separate renovation costs from furniture and appliances Your renovation budget is not necessarily the same as your total move-in budget.
If you have S$100,000 available for your new home or are considering financing part of it with a renovation loan in Singapore , for example, you may also need to account for:
Furniture Appliances Curtains and blinds Lighting fixtures Moving costs Other household purchases Determine how much you can realistically allocate to renovation before discussing designs with your Renovator.
Prioritise your must-haves Make a list of your renovation priorities before requesting quotations.
For example:
Essential works Kitchen and bathroom upgrades Storage Electrical and lighting Decorative features This makes it easier to decide what to remove if quotations exceed your budget.
Need inspiration for your renovation? Explore these 5 room BTO interior design styles to find a look that suits your space and preferences.
Keep a contingency buffer It is sensible to reserve around 10%–20% of your renovation budget
This is especially important for resale flats, where issues may only become apparent after existing finishes are removed.
Not Sure Where to Start? Finding the right Renovator isn't just about getting a good quotation. You also want confidence that your contract, payments and renovation process are properly protected .
At HomeMatch, we help by matching you with carefully screened Renovators, including CaseTrust-accredited and HDB-approved renovator
Plus our Safest-Smartest Assurance 100% deposit protection, contract checks and dispute resolution support .
Get matched with the exact person who fits your budget and get added peace of mind from the start.
5 Ways to Save Money on Your Renovation You do not have to cut corners to reduce your renovation costs. Instead, focus your budget on the areas that matter most to you.
1. Keep existing finishes where practical If your BTO comes with finishes that are suitable for your needs, consider keeping them instead of replacing them immediately.
This can reduce the amount of flooring, tiling and installation work required.
2. Reduce unnecessary carpentry Built-in carpentry can make a home look polished, but not every storage solution needs to be custom-made.
Use loose or modular furniture for areas such as:
Secondary bedrooms Study rooms TV consoles Display shelves Additional storage 3. Prioritise high-use areas Put more of your budget into areas you use every day, such as the kitchen, bathrooms and essential storage.
Decorative features can be added or upgraded later if your budget allows.
4. Limit premium materials and complex designs Premium finishes and customised shapes can quickly increase your renovation costs.
Instead of using expensive materials throughout the home, consider choosing one or two areas as focal points and using more cost-effective finishes elsewhere.
5. Compare itemised renovation quotations Do not compare Renovators based only on the headline price; compare quotes on the same basis by following best practices for comparing renovation quotations and key things to look out for .
Look at:
Scope of work Materials and specifications Quantities Carpentry dimensions Exclusions Payment schedule Warranty Potential additional costs An itemised quotation makes it easier to understand what you are actually paying for and identify significant differences between quotations. You should also demand itemisation so you can assess each quote accurately on a like-for-like basis, and understand whether renovation quotations are really free and what to watch out for . If the scope is unclear, it can lead to variation orders later, which may make an initially cheaper quote more expensive overall.
Get Matched with Renovators Within Your Budget Finding the right Renovator is about more than finding the lowest quotation.
Your Renovator should be able to work within your budget while understanding your property, design preferences, timeline and renovation requirements, so shortlisting from a pool of carefully vetted interior designers and renovation contractors in Singapore can give you added assurance.
At HomeMatch, we help you get there by matching you with carefully screened Renovators and curated affordable and honest renovation packages in Singapore who fit your budget, design, property, timeline, and other requirements .
Our HomeMatcher uses 500+ data points to identify suitable matches based on factors such as your budget, aesthetics, lifestyle, working style, property type, renovation timeline and other requirements, backed by Singapore’s largest database of interior design and renovation reviews .
HomeMatch also provides additional support through its Safest-Smartest Assurance , including 100% deposit protection, contract checks and dispute resolution.
Get Matched with Renovators →
