Why Trust MoneySmart?Renovating a 2-room HDB flat in Singapore typically costs between $15,000 and $40,000 for a complete overhaul. The actual price depends on factors like whether your unit is a new Build-To-Order (BTO) flat or a resale unit. Resale flats are usually on the higher end of the spectrum, as they often require additional work such as hacking old fittings and upgrading outdated wiring or plumbing.
Typical renovation cost ranges
New 2-room BTO flat: $15,000 – $30,000
Renovation is less extensive as the flat comes bare, so only essentials (flooring, painting, carpentry) are needed.
Older 2-room resale flat: $28,000 – $41,300+
Costs are roughly 20–40% higher because of hacking, demolition, rewiring, new plumbing, and fixing older layouts.
Resale renovation is more expensive mainly due to removing old structures and updating utilities.
Estimated room-by-room breakdown
Area | Basic renovation | Extensive/custom work |
Kitchen | $5,000 – $10,000 | $12,000 – $18,000 |
Living/Dining | $5,000 – $10,000 | $12,000 – $16,000 |
Bedroom | $4,000 – $6,000 | $8,000 – $10,000 |
Bathroom | $3,000 – $5,000 | $6,000 – $9,000 |
"Basic" covers essential upgrades like flooring and painting.
"Extensive" covers custom carpentry, premium fixtures, and layout changes.
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Key cost drivers
Carpentry: Built-in wardrobes, cabinets, and feature walls can take up about 35–45% of your budget.
Flooring: Vinyl is budget-friendly while marble or tiles push costs higher. Hacking old floors costs extra.
Hacking and demolition: Needed for resale flats to remove old tiles or partitions; budget $1,000–$3,000+.
Materials: Premium materials (e.g., quartz, designer tiles) can double your spend versus standard laminates.
Electrical and plumbing: Rewiring or replumbing in older flats adds on both labour and material costs.
Custom features: Special layouts, false ceilings, or smart home systems increase both labour and complexity.
Permits and compliance: Some works need HDB approval and licensed contractors, possibly increasing costs.
Saving tips
Consider package deals: Some contractors offer "essential" packages from $8,000–$15,000 covering flooring, painting, and basic carpentry.
Make use of HDB Optional Component Scheme (OCS): Opt for pre-installed flooring and doors with your BTO to lower renovation costs.
Hire direct contractors: Choosing individual contractors instead of a main interior designer can save 20–30% in fees, but requires more hands-on coordination.
Keep to original layout: Avoid hacking walls or shifting plumbing/electrical points to reduce labour and permit fees.
Choose cost-effective materials: Use laminates or vinyl for surfaces instead of pricier quartz or stone. Buy fittings during promotion periods.
Reuse existing fittings: For resale flats, keep what you can (doors, windows) to cut down on replacement costs.
Minimise built-ins: Opt for movable furniture over extensive built-in carpentry to keep flexibility and costs low.
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