Renovating your new HDB BTO flat is one of the most exciting milestones for every Singaporean homeowner. But with rising construction costs and design expectations in 2025, many first-time buyers are asking:
- How much will it cost to renovate my 3-room, 4-room, or 5-room BTO?
- What renovation items are essential, and which are optional?
- Should I take up an HDB renovation loan or explore alternatives?
At HDBGROUPRENO.SG PTE. LTD, we specialise in Group Renovation Packages that combine cost savings, quality carpentry, and modern design. This guide breaks down the essentials for you.
Average HDB BTO Renovation Costs in 2025
While renovation costs vary depending on design style and material choices, here are the average ranges in Singapore for 2025:
| BTO Flat Type | Basic Renovation (Essential works) | Mid-range (Most common) | Premium (Luxury finish) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Room (≈65 sqm) | $25,000 – $35,000 | $35,000 – $50,000 | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| 4-Room (≈90 sqm) | $30,000 – $45,000 | $45,000 – $65,000 | $65,000 – $90,000 |
| 5-Room (≈110 sqm) | $40,000 – $55,000 | $55,000 – $80,000 | $80,000 – $120,000 |
Key cost drivers include:
- Carpentry works (kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, study desks)
- Hacking & masonry (flooring, tiling, wall removal)
- Electrical & plumbing upgrades
- Painting & finishing
- Furnishings and fittings
👉 Pro tip: By joining a Group Reno Project with HDBGROUPRENO.SG, homeowners can save 10–20% compared to doing it individually.
Breakdown of Renovation Works
When budgeting for your BTO, consider the following essential renovation categories:
1. Carpentry & Built-ins
- Kitchen cabinets (top & bottom)
- Wardrobes (master bedroom & common rooms)
- Study desks & shelving
- TV console & feature walls
💡 Group-buying reduces carpentry costs since materials are cut in bulk.
2. Masonry & Tiling
- Floor finishes (vinyl, tiles, laminate, parquet)
- Bathroom tiling & waterproofing
- Hacking of walls to create open layouts
3. Electrical & Lighting
- Extra power points & switches
- Ceiling lights, downlights & cove lighting
- Smart home automation (increasingly popular in 2025)
4. Plumbing & Bathroom Works
- New water piping
- Shower screens, vanities, WC replacement
- Instant or storage water heaters
5. Painting & Finishing
- Nippon / Dulux odourless paint for a clean finish
- Feature wall textures (cement screed, wallpaper, fluted panels)
Popular Renovation Styles in 2025
Singapore homeowners are leaning towards functional yet stylish interiors. Here are the top trends this year:
- MUJI Minimalist: Light wood tones, clean lines, natural lighting.
- Modern Scandinavian: Neutral palettes, cosy textures, airy layouts.
- Japandi Style: A hybrid of Japanese Zen + Scandinavian warmth.
- Industrial Chic: Cement screed walls, black frames, exposed finishes.
- Smart Homes: Integration of lighting, aircon, and appliances into one system.
👉 At HDBGROUPRENO.SG, our 3D Virtual Tours allow you to preview each style before committing.
HDB Renovation Loan Options
If you don’t want to pay everything upfront, here are the most common financing routes:
- HDB Renovation Loan
- Borrow up to S$30,000 or 6x monthly income.
- Interest ~3.5–4.5% p.a.
- Repayment: Up to 5 years.
- Personal Loan (Bank)
- Higher borrowing limit.
- Shorter approval, but slightly higher rates (4.5–6.5% p.a.).
- Group Reno Package (with HDBGROUPRENO.SG)
- Lower upfront deposit.
- Bulk discounts on carpentry & materials.
- Transparent milestone payments.
Renovation Timeline for a BTO Flat
A typical BTO renovation in 2025 takes 8–12 weeks, depending on complexity:
- Week 1–2: Site measurement, design confirmation, permits submission.
- Week 3–4: Hacking, masonry, and plumbing works.
- Week 5–7: Carpentry production and installation.
- Week 8–10: Electrical, painting, lighting, and fittings.
- Week 11–12: Final touch-up, defect checks, and handover.
🚀 With Group Renovation Projects, this timeline is optimised since carpentry and materials are fabricated in batches.
Renovation Tips for First-Time BTO Owners
- Plan Early: Engage a contractor 3–6 months before key collection.
- Prioritise Essentials: Kitchen, bathrooms, and wardrobes first; décor later.
- Future-proof Design: Allocate extra power points and storage space.
- Avoid Over-renovation: Stick to your budget, especially if resale is in mind.
- Check HDB Guidelines: Some works (hacking, windows, gas pipes) need approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I move in before renovation is 100% complete?
A: Not recommended. Dust, incomplete carpentry, and safety issues may affect comfort.
Q2: Is an HDB renovation loan enough for a 4-room BTO?
A: Usually, no. The cap is S$30,000, but most 4-room renovations average S$45,000–65,000. Top up with savings or personal loan.
Q3: Why are group renovations cheaper?
A: Bulk orders reduce material wastage, factory efficiency improves, and logistics costs are shared.
Q4: Do I need to hire an ID (interior designer)?
A: Not always. Direct contractors like HDBGROUPRENO.SG provide both design & build, saving you 20–30%.
Q5: How long do carpentry works usually last?
A: With E0 low-formaldehyde boards and Blum hardware, durability can last 15–20 years with proper care.
Why Choose HDBGROUPRENO.SG PTE. LTD
✅ Cost Savings: Leverage the power of group-buy to save more.
✅ Customised Carpentry: Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, study desks, and more.
✅ Free 3D Virtual Tour: Visualise your BTO home before committing.
✅ Experienced Team: 30+ years of carpentry and renovation expertise in Singapore.
✅ Transparent Process: Milestone-based payment with no hidden costs.
Your dream BTO home deserves a smart and affordable renovation.
👉 View Our Ongoing Group Reno Projects
👉 Get a Free 3D Virtual Tour + Quotation
Let HDBGROUPRENO.SG PTE. LTD turn your flat into a modern, functional, and stylish home – at the best value in Singapore.
