Budgeting Your Resale Condo Renovation in Singapore – Detailed Breakdown (2025)
Learn how to budget for a resale condo renovation in Singapore. Full cost breakdown for carpentry, flooring, plumbing, electrical, and more.
One of the biggest concerns for condo homeowners in Singapore is how much to budget for renovation. With resale condos often being 10–30 years old, renovation costs can vary significantly depending on the unit’s condition, size, and design expectations.
This guide gives you a detailed cost breakdown of each renovation component so you know where your money goes, and how to plan a realistic budget in 2025.
Average Renovation Costs for Resale Condos (2025)
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Partial renovation (kitchen + 2 bathrooms): $30,000 – $50,000
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Full renovation (3-bedroom condo): $60,000 – $120,000
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Luxury renovation (premium finishes): $150,000 – $250,000
👉 Rule of thumb: Expect $70–$120 per square foot (psf) for a full renovation in Singapore.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
1. Hacking & Demolition
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Removal of old flooring, tiles, built-ins, and walls.
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Includes haulage, debris disposal, and protective coverings.
💰 Cost: $5,000 – $12,000
👉 Tip: Minimise hacking if possible. Overlaying vinyl on existing floors can save $5,000–$8,000.
2. Carpentry & Built-Ins
Carpentry is often the biggest renovation expense.
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Kitchen cabinets: $8,000 – $20,000
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Wardrobes (per bedroom): $3,000 – $8,000
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TV console & feature wall: $2,000 – $6,000
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Study desk & shelves: $2,000 – $5,000
💰 Total carpentry: $12,000 – $35,000
👉 Tip: Use modular systems where possible. Custom carpentry looks sleek but drives costs up quickly.
3. Flooring & Tiling
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Vinyl flooring: $4 – $8 psf
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Homogeneous tiles: $8 – $12 psf
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Porcelain tiles: $10 – $15 psf
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Parquet (timber): $25 – $35 psf
💰 Whole unit (1,000 sqft): $8,000 – $20,000
👉 Tip: Vinyl overlay is the most cost-efficient choice for resale condos.
4. Plumbing Works
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Replacing old pipes: $2,000 – $5,000
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Bathroom fixtures & fittings (per bathroom): $3,000 – $7,000
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Kitchen sink & piping: $2,000 – $3,000
💰 Total plumbing: $4,000 – $12,000
👉 Tip: Always invest in waterproofing and plumbing—leaks can cause disputes with neighbours and MCST.
5. Electrical Works
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Rewiring & DB board upgrade: $3,000 – $6,000
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New power points & switches: $2,000 – $5,000
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Lighting installation: $1,500 – $3,000
💰 Total electrical: $5,000 – $15,000
👉 Tip: Add more sockets than you think you need—retrofits are costly.
6. Painting & Wall Finishes
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Repainting whole unit: $2,000 – $5,000
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Feature walls (paint, wallpaper, microcement): $1,500 – $3,000
💰 Total: $2,000 – $8,000
👉 Tip: Stick to neutral tones for timeless appeal and better resale value.
7. Bathroom Renovation
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New waterproofing & tiling: $5,000 – $8,000
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Vanity, WC, shower screen: $4,000 – $8,000
💰 Per bathroom: $8,000 – $15,000
👉 Tip: Bathrooms are high ROI spaces—buyers value modern, hotel-style finishes.
8. Kitchen Renovation
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Cabinets & countertops: $12,000 – $20,000
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Appliances (hood, hob, oven, fridge): $6,000 – $12,000
💰 Total kitchen: $15,000 – $30,000
👉 Tip: Quartz countertops are durable and low-maintenance for daily cooking.
9. Air-Conditioning System
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New inverter system (3–4 bedrooms): $4,000 – $10,000
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Includes trunking, compressors, fan coil units.
👉 Tip: Inverter ACs save up to 30% in electricity bills.
10. Miscellaneous Costs
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Curtains & blinds: $2,000 – $5,000
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Light fixtures & ceiling fans: $2,000 – $4,000
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Smart home automation: $3,000 – $8,000
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MCST deposits & fees: $1,000 – $5,000
Budgeting Tips for Homeowners
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Prioritise essential works first: waterproofing, electrical, plumbing.
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Set aside 10–15% contingency fund for hidden repairs.
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Don’t overspend on trendy finishes that may go out of style quickly.
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Invest in storage—built-ins increase functionality and long-term value.
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Plan for resale: Neutral tones and timeless design boost market appeal.
Sample Budget for a 3-Bedroom Resale Condo (1,000 sqft)
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Hacking & Demolition | $8,000 |
| Carpentry & Built-ins | $20,000 |
| Flooring & Tiling | $12,000 |
| Plumbing | $8,000 |
| Electrical Works | $10,000 |
| Painting | $4,000 |
| Bathrooms (2 units) | $20,000 |
| Kitchen | $25,000 |
| Air-Conditioning | $6,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $5,000 |
| Total | $118,000 |
Budgeting for a resale condo renovation in Singapore requires careful planning. By breaking down costs into hacking, carpentry, flooring, plumbing, electrical, bathrooms, and kitchen, you can set realistic expectations and avoid overspending.
👉 Pro Tip: Always prioritise functional upgrades before aesthetics. A solid foundation ensures your condo not only looks good but also lasts for years.
