$60K Resale Condo Renovation Singapore Case Study

Discover how a couple renovated their 22-year-old resale condo in Singapore for just $60K with smart planning, design, and cost-saving strategies.

Renovating a resale condo in Singapore can feel overwhelming, especially with rising construction and material costs in 2025. Many homeowners worry about hidden defects, high quotations, and renovation delays. But with smart planning, the right contractor, and a focus on essential upgrades, you can achieve a stylish transformation without overspending.

This is the story of a couple who renovated their 22-year-old resale condo in Singapore for just $60,000—turning a dated apartment into a modern, open, and comfortable home.

The Starting Point – An Ageing Condo

When the couple first viewed the unit, the condo showed common signs of age:

• Enclosed kitchen with old laminate cabinets and poor ventilation.

• Small, boxy living room cut off from natural light.

• Worn parquet flooring scratched from years of use.

• Bedrooms with outdated built-ins that wasted space.

• Yellowing paint and dim lighting throughout.

The layout felt cramped, and the interiors were dark and tired. Yet, they saw potential: a good location, large floor area, and solid structure.

The $60K Transformation

1. Hacking Walls for an Open Layout

• The couple removed the kitchen wall, combining it with the dining and living areas.

• This created a bright, open-concept space that encouraged family interaction.

• A glass sliding partition was installed for flexibility, allowing the kitchen to be closed off when cooking.

💰 Cost: $8,000 – $10,000 (hacking, haulage, reinstatement).

2. A Brand-New Kitchen

• Old cabinets were replaced with modern quartz countertops and soft-close laminate cabinets.

• Storage was maximised with pull-out drawers and tall pantry units.

• Energy-efficient appliances were installed, including an induction hob and built-in oven.

• A stylish backsplash added both function and design.

💰 Cost: $15,000 – $18,000.

3. Wood-Look Vinyl Flooring

• Instead of expensive parquet replacement, the couple chose vinyl planks for a warm, wood-like finish.

• Vinyl is scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and budget-friendly, making it ideal for a resale condo.

• This change alone made the space feel modern and cohesive.

💰 Cost: $6,000 – $8,000 for the whole unit.

4. Built-In Wardrobes in Bedrooms

• The couple invested in custom full-height wardrobes in all bedrooms.

• Sliding doors saved space, while interior compartments were tailored for hanging clothes, accessories, and linens.

• Neutral tones were chosen to match future resale appeal.

💰 Cost: $10,000 – $12,000.

5. Fresh Paint & Modern Lighting

• All walls were repainted in soft neutrals (off-white, beige, and light grey).

• A layered lighting scheme was installed: cove lights for ambience, track lights for accents, and pendants for dining areas.

• Bedrooms received blackout curtains and warm bedside sconces.

💰 Cost: $7,000 – $9,000.

The Cost-Saving Secrets

Despite the condo’s age and the extensive upgrades, the couple kept the budget to $60K. Here’s how:

1. Direct sourcing from factories – They purchased tiles, carpentry laminates, and fittings from suppliers instead of showrooms.

2. Design-and-build contractor – Instead of hiring a separate interior designer and contractor, they chose a one-stop solution. This reduced coordination costs and ensured accountability.

3. Selective renovation – Instead of redoing every corner, they focused on high-impact areas: kitchen, flooring, and wardrobes. Bathrooms were refreshed but not fully rebuilt.

4. Neutral finishes – They avoided trendy colours and instead chose timeless designs that will last longer and appeal to future buyers.

5. No imported luxury finishes – By skipping marble and high-end brands, they balanced cost with practicality.

Before & After Highlights

• Living Room: From a cramped, boxed-up layout → to an open, airy family space.

• Kitchen: From old cabinets and greasy walls → to a sleek, modern hub with quartz tops.

• Bedrooms: From bulky, dated wardrobes → to streamlined built-ins with smart storage.

• Flooring: From scratched parquet → to warm, durable vinyl flooring.

• Lighting: From dim, single-bulb fixtures → to layered lighting with mood control.

Final Outcome

In just 12 weeks, the couple moved into a home that felt brand-new yet cost-efficient. Their resale condo is now:

• Spacious and modern.

• Functional with ample storage.

• Bright, comfortable, and resale-ready.

💡 Value Added: By spending $60K wisely, the property’s market value increased by an estimated $100K–$120K—a strong return on investment.

Key Takeaways for Homeowners

1. Focus on major impact areas: Kitchen, flooring, and carpentry.

2. Choose a design-and-build firm: Saves cost and prevents miscommunication.

3. Source directly from suppliers: Tiles, laminates, and fixtures can be 20–30% cheaper.

4. Plan for resale value: Neutral designs last longer and appeal to buyers.

5. Always set aside a contingency budget: 10–15% for unexpected repairs.

This $60K resale condo renovation case study proves that you don’t need a massive budget to achieve a modern, stylish home in Singapore. With smart planning, the right contractor, and focus on essentials, you can stretch every dollar and increase both comfort and property value.

👉 If you’re planning your own resale condo renovation, start by prioritising kitchen, flooring, and storage. These upgrades deliver the highest impact for the lowest cost.