Renovation costs in Singapore have seen steady changes over the years, and BTO renovation expenses are no exception. If you’ve recently collected the keys to your long-awaited BTO flat, congratulations! Now, it’s time to design a home that reflects your personality and meets your lifestyle needs.
With the May 2025 BTO launch, the average wait time for newly launched projects is under 3.5 years, a significant improvement from the 4-5 year delays during the COVID-19 period. If you’re planning your renovation budget, here’s a detailed cost breakdown and practical money-saving tips to help you achieve your dream home without overspending.
How Much Does BTO Renovation Cost in 2025?
Renovation costs will vary depending on your preferences, required modifications, and material choices. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Flat Type | Estimated Renovation Cost (2025) |
|---|---|
| 3-room flat | $35,500 to $53,000 |
| 4-room flat | $53,800 to $67,500 |
| 5-room flat | $63,500 to $72,000 |
Comparison with Previous Years
| Flat Type | 2023 Costs | 2024 Costs | 2025 Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-room flat | $45,800 – $55,700 | $34,200 – $52,100 | $35,500 – $53,000 |
| 4-room flat | $49,500 – $62,800 | $52,500 – $66,000 | $53,800 – $67,500 |
| 5-room flat | $55,000 – $69,000 | $62,000 – $70,000 | $63,500 – $72,000 |
While costs have remained stable, material and labor prices continue to rise. The good news is that BTO renovations generally cost less than resale flat renovations, especially if you opt for HDB’s pre-fitted flooring and fittings.
BTO Renovation Costs by Flat Type in 2025
3-Room BTO Renovation Costs in Singapore
A 3-room BTO flat is the most budget-friendly option, with renovation costs ranging from $35,500 to $53,000. Since less space needs to be furnished, you can allocate extra funds toward built-in carpentry, high-end tiles, or modern lighting fixtures.
4-Room BTO Renovation Costs in Singapore
The 4-room BTO renovation budget falls between $53,800 and $67,500. This is a great option for young couples, as it offers flexible space for future expansion. To maximize cost savings, avoid excessive built-in furniture in spare rooms, so they can be easily converted into a nursery or workspace later.
5-Room BTO Renovation Costs in Singapore
With a 5-room BTO flat, renovation costs can start at $63,500 and go up to $72,000, depending on how much customization you need. Additional rooms, walk-in wardrobes, or open-plan kitchen designs can increase expenses, so plan accordingly.
What Factors Influence BTO Renovation Costs?
1. Size of Your BTO Flat
Larger flats require more materials, labor, and furniture, which naturally increases costs. Wall painting, flooring, and cabinetry all scale up with space.
2. Choice of Renovation Provider
- Interior Designers (IDs): Most expensive but provide design and project management.
- Contractors: Cheaper but require hands-on involvement.
- Design-and-Build Services: A middle-ground option offering both design and execution.
3. Materials Used
Your choice of materials significantly affects costs:
- Ceramic tiles: $10 – $15 per square foot
- Parquet wood flooring: $30 – $50 per square foot
- Laminate flooring: More affordable at $8 per square foot
4. Scope of Work
Renovation costs increase when projects involve:
- Carpentry (custom wardrobes, TV consoles, kitchen cabinets)
- Hacking (removing existing tiles, walls, built-in furniture)
- Masonry (tiling floors, building feature walls, stone countertops)
- Disposal (clearing debris, old furniture, and materials)
6 Smart Ways to Lower Your BTO Renovation Costs in 2025
1. Define Your Home Design Beforehand
Before hiring a contractor, create a mood board using Pinterest or interior design websites. This helps you stay focused on what’s essential and avoid unnecessary spending on trendy but impractical designs.
2. Consider DIY Home Design
If your renovation needs are minimal, skip an interior designer and plan your own layout using free online tools like SketchUp. Then, work directly with HDB-registered contractors to execute your plan.
3. Overlay Tiles Instead of Hacking
Hacking existing tiles is expensive and time-consuming. Instead, opt for overlay flooring, such as:
- Vinyl or laminate flooring ($5 – $8 per square foot)
- Waterproof SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) tiles for bathrooms
4. Source Your Own Fixtures and Materials
Most IDs charge sourcing fees for materials, lighting, and accessories. Save money by:
- Buying countertops directly from industrial suppliers
- Purchasing light fixtures, cabinet handles, and bathroom accessories from online platforms like Taobao or Ezbuy
5. Limit Built-in Carpentry
Custom furniture and built-ins (e.g., floor-to-ceiling wardrobes, TV feature walls) significantly increase renovation costs. Instead, go for:
- Freestanding wardrobes
- Ready-made TV consoles
- Modular kitchen shelves
6. Paint Your Own Home
Hiring painters for a 3-room BTO flat costs $900 – $1,800, depending on the paint type. DIY painting can cut this expense in half! Consider using peel-and-stick wallpapers for an affordable and stylish alternative.
FAQs
1. How much does a 3-room BTO renovation cost in Singapore in 2025?
The cost ranges between $35,500 to $53,000, depending on materials and design complexity.
2. What is the cheapest way to renovate a BTO flat?
Using vinyl flooring, minimal built-in carpentry, and DIY painting can significantly reduce costs.
3. Should I hire an interior designer for my BTO renovation?
If you need custom designs and project management, an ID is helpful. Otherwise, working with contractors directly is more cost-effective.
4. How long does a BTO renovation take?
Typically 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the scope of work.
5. Can I renovate my BTO flat before collecting keys?
No, renovations can only begin after key collection and HDB approval.
6. Is it better to overlay tiles instead of hacking?
Yes! Overlaying tiles saves money and reduces construction time.
7. What’s the biggest renovation expense in a BTO flat?
Carpentry (built-in wardrobes, kitchen cabinets) is usually the most expensive.
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