2026 Renovation Cost in Singapore: The Complete Guide

Are Renovation Costs Rising in Singapore?

Yes, but the increases have stabilized into what the industry now calls the "new normal."

While the extreme price spikes from supply chain disruptions have eased, costs remain higher than pre-2020 levels due to several factors:

Labour Costs Are the Biggest Driver

Singapore continues to face skilled labor shortages. Carpenters, tilers, electricians, and waterproofing specialists are in high demand, and wages have increased 10-15% over the past year.

According to Turner & Townsend's 2025 market report, construction cost inflation in Singapore is expected to rise approximately 5% in 2026 driven largely by tight contractor capacity and persistent skilled labour shortages.

Materials Have Stabilized, But at Higher Prices

Materials such as carpentry boards, laminates, fittings, tiles, and hardware are now priced 20–30% higher than pre-2020 levels (Skycreation). Prices aren't spiking anymore, but they're unlikely to drop back to what they were five years ago.

MCST Restrictions in Condos

Many condominiums only allow renovation works from 9am–5pm on weekdays. This reduces efficiency and increases manpower costs, as projects take longer to complete.

Average Renovation Cost in 2026

Here's what you can realistically expect to spend for a full renovation in Singapore this year:

HDB Flats

Note: For a 4-room flat, a comfortable mid-range renovation realistically sits around $70,000–$90,000 in 2026.

💡 Want a quick estimate for your own home?

Use our free Renovation Cost Calculator to see how much your reno will realistically cost in 2026.

Condominiums

Landed Properties

Renovation costs for landed homes vary widely, from $80,000 for light upgrades to well over $2 million for full-scale reconstruction and luxury finishes

Prices are often quoted on a per-square-foot basis, with landed renovation rates between $150 and $500 per square foot depending on complexity and materials

🎨 Not sure what's possible in your space?

Try our free AI 3D Render Tool. to visualize layout options before committing to a budget.

Why Condos and Landed Homes Cost More

It's not just "because they're private property." Costs rise mainly due to:

1. Larger floor areas → More space means more materials and labor

2. Higher ceilings → Increased wall works (painting, hacking, partitions)

3. Flexibility in works → Landed homes often include A&A (alterations and additions)

4. MCST restrictions → Most condos only permit renovation works from 9am–5pm on weekdays, slowing progress and raising manpower costs due to lower efficiency

But here's something important: Cost differences shouldn't be based on property type alone, they should be based on actual scope.

Dishonest renovators may attempt to inflate prices under the assumption that private property owners are more willing to spend. This is why comparing 3–5 quotes matters. [Learn more]

Why Resale Renovations Cost More

Renovating a resale flat or condo usually costs significantly more than new properties because of:

• Hacking old fittings (flooring, tiles, built-ins)

• Rewiring and replumbing (replacing outdated electrical and plumbing systems)

• Waterproofing (preventing leaks in bathrooms and kitchens)

• Rectification works (fixing structural issues from wear and tear)

This can add $10,000–$30,000 compared to a BTO renovation of similar size.

New BTOs and condos often come with flooring, kitchens, and bathrooms already fitted, saving you tens of thousands.

How Network's Cost Ranges Are Different

At Network, our cost ranges are grounded in real itemized materials and labour costs in Singapore, with inflation and a standard 15% margin factored in.

Here's how we do it differently:

Most platforms estimate costs based on averages or medians from their user base. This creates inaccuracies because:

• Small sample sizes may not represent the wider market

• Income bias skews data (higher-income homeowners spend more, inflating "average" costs)

• Renovator variability means different firms charge vastly different rates

We derive realistic renovation cost ranges by analyzing current material and labor costs, accounting for inflation, and applying a 15% industry standard profit margin. This overcomes the limitations of medians and averages

This way, homeowners get realistic cost ranges to budget properly avoiding shock later when renovators add "extras."

How to Protect Yourself from Cost Inflation

1. Compare 3–5 Renovators

Anything less gives you too narrow a perspective. Anything more gets overwhelming. Three to five lets you see realistic pricing without burning weeks in meetings.

2. Demand Itemized Quotes

Make sure quotes clearly break down:

• What's included

• What's excluded

• Material specifications

• Timeline assumptions

This prevents hidden costs from appearing later.

3. Use Tools to Get Clarity Before Quoting

• Renovation Cost Guide → Understand realistic pricing for your property type first

• AI 3D Render Tool → Visualize your design before committing

• Renovator Matching Service → Let us connect you with 3-5 verified renovators who fit your project

  
  

What About Protection?

Here's something most homeowners don't know: when you proceed with a renovator through Network, you're automatically covered by complimentary renovation insurance (up to $30K) through Singlife.

This covers:

• Fire, flood, theft during renovation

• Damage to your renovation work

• Your household belongings

• Temporary accommodation if needed

  
  

Why does this matter?

Because renovation isn't just about finding the lowest price, it's about protecting yourself from risks.

Renovators who are confident in their work are comfortable being accountable. That's what coverage represents not just protection, but a signal of reliability.

Coverage via Singlife. 14-day waiting period applies. Terms and conditions apply.

Final Takeaway

Renovation costs in Singapore are higher than they were a few years ago and they're likely to stay this way.

But overpaying isn't inevitable.

The smartest homeowners start with clarity: understanding their realistic cost range, seeing what's possible in their space, and comparing renovators based on actual scope not just price.

👉 Ready to plan your renovation with clarity?

Get matched with 3-5 trusted renovators who fit your project.