For most Singaporeans, an HDB BTO flat is more than a home — it’s a long-term investment, a lifestyle upgrade, and often the very first property you own. But collecting your keys is just the beginning. The real transformation happens during renovation.
The challenge? Balancing budget, design, and regulations. With costs rising in 2025 and homeowners demanding more customised solutions, it’s essential to understand what to expect before starting your renovation journey.
At HDBGROUPRENO.SG PTE. LTD, we specialise in affordable group renovation packages, combining custom carpentry, modern design trends, and cost-saving bulk production to help Singaporean homeowners achieve their dream homes.
This guide will cover everything you need to know:
- 💰 How much does BTO renovation cost in 2025?
- 🛠️ What renovation works are essential for a 3-room, 4-room, or 5-room HDB flat?
- 📑 What HDB rules & permits must you follow?
- 🎨 What are the top interior design trends in Singapore for 2025?
- 🏡 How can you save 20% with group-buy renovation packages?
Section 1: HDB Renovation Costs in Singapore (2025 Edition)
Renovation costs depend on your flat type, desired design, and the scope of work.
Average Cost Breakdown by Flat Type
| Flat Type | Basic Reno | Mid-Range Reno | Premium Reno |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Room | S$20k – S$30k | S$30k – S$40k | Up to S$55k |
| 3-Room | S$25k – S$40k | S$40k – S$55k | S$60k – S$75k |
| 4-Room | S$30k – S$50k | S$50k – S$70k | S$80k – S$100k |
| 5-Room | S$40k – S$60k | S$60k – S$85k | S$90k – S$130k |
Major Cost Components
- Carpentry – Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, study desks
- Masonry – Tiling, flooring, wall finishes
- Electrical & Lighting – Rewiring, power points, smart lighting
- Plumbing – Bathroom fittings, water heater installation
- Painting & Finishing – Wall painting, feature walls
- Furnishings & Décor – Loose furniture, curtains, décor items
💡 Fun Fact: Carpentry alone can take up 40–50% of your budget, which is why Group Reno Projects help reduce costs through bulk production.
Section 2: HDB Renovation Rules & Permits
HDB has strict regulations, and ignoring them can lead to costly mistakes.
Works That Require HDB Approval
- Hacking walls (only non-structural)
- Changing bathroom tiles within 3 years (prohibited unless HDB-approved)
- Replacing windows with non-approved designs
- Repositioning doors or gas pipes
Works That Don’t Require Approval
- Painting & wallpapering
- Carpentry installation (wardrobes, shelves, cabinets)
- Overlay vinyl flooring
- Light fittings & curtain installation
⚠️ Important:
- Bathroom restriction – No hacking within 3 years of BTO key collection
- Noise restriction – Renovation hours: 9am–6pm weekdays only
- Contractor requirement – Must be HDB-licensed
👉 With HDBGROUPRENO.SG PTE. LTD, you don’t have to worry. Our contractors are HDB-approved, and all projects comply fully with regulations.
Section 3: Timeline – How Long Does a BTO Renovation Take?
On average, an HDB BTO renovation takes 8–12 weeks:
- Planning Stage (1–2 months before key collection)
- Budgeting, design confirmation, quotation comparison
- Approval Stage (2–3 weeks)
- Submitting necessary permits
- Renovation Stage (Week 1–10)
- Week 1–2: Hacking & masonry
- Week 3–4: Electrical & plumbing
- Week 5–7: Carpentry production
- Week 8–10: Installation & painting
- Final Handover (Week 11–12)
- Defect checks & touch-ups
🚀 With Group Renovations, timelines are often shorter since carpentry is produced in bulk and project scheduling is optimised.
Section 4: Essential Renovation Works
- Kitchen Cabinets – Quartz countertops, soft-close drawers, dish racks
- Wardrobes – Master bedroom built-in + kids’ rooms
- Bathroom Cabinets – Vanity units, mirrors with storage
- Flooring – Vinyl (durable & affordable), tiles for wet areas
- Electrical Works – Extra sockets, smart switches, LED lights
- Living Room TV Console – Full-height or floating design
📌 Pro Tip: Prioritise fixed carpentry first, then add loose furniture later to avoid overspending.
Section 5: Interior Design Trends in Singapore (2025)
- Japandi Minimalism – Clean lines + natural wood
- Industrial Chic – Cement screed, black accents
- Scandinavian Cosy – White walls, warm wood tones
- Smart Home Integration – Automated lighting, app-controlled appliances
- Eco-Friendly Living – Low-VOC paints, E0 boards, energy-efficient fittings
Section 6: Financing Your Renovation
HDB Renovation Loan (via Banks)
- Borrow up to S$30,000 or 6x monthly income
- Up to 5 years repayment
- Interest ~3.5–4.5%
Personal Loan
- Higher borrowing limits
- Slightly higher interest
Group Reno Payment Plan (HDBGROUPRENO.SG)
- Lower deposit required
- Milestone-based payments
- Transparent, no hidden costs
Section 7: Case Studies
🏡 Tengah BTO – 4-Room, Japandi Style
- Cost: S$55,000
- Features: Vinyl flooring, quartz kitchen top, wardrobes for 3 bedrooms
- Duration: 10 weeks
✅ Saved 18% via Group Reno
🏡 Tampines GreenEmerald – 5-Room, Luxury Chic
- Cost: S$95,000
- Features: Marble kitchen island, walk-in wardrobe, smart lighting
- Duration: 12 weeks
✅ Reduced cost with bulk carpentry
Section 8: Cost-Saving Tips
- ✅ Join Group Renovation Projects – bulk discounts
- ✅ Plan early – secure promo pricing before cost hikes
- ✅ Use hybrid flooring – vinyl overlay instead of full hacking
- ✅ Focus on essentials – add décor later
- ✅ Avoid hidden variations – ask for transparent contracts
Section 9: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Underestimating budget (always buffer 10–15%)
- ❌ Choosing non-HDB-approved contractors
- ❌ Over-customising (hurts resale value)
- ❌ Not planning furniture layout before carpentry
- ❌ Ignoring storage needs
Section 10: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How much does a 4-room HDB renovation cost in 2025?
👉 Around S$45,000–70,000 depending on design.
Q2: How long does BTO renovation take?
👉 Typically 8–12 weeks.
Q3: Can I hack my BTO bathroom tiles?
👉 Not within the first 3 years.
Q4: Why are group renovations cheaper?
👉 Bulk production reduces carpentry and logistics costs.
Q5: Does HDBGROUPRENO.SG handle resale flats too?
👉 Yes, including resale HDB, condos, and landed homes.
Why Choose HDBGROUPRENO.SG PTE. LTD
- 🛠️ Group Buy Savings – Save 10–20%
- 🎨 Custom Carpentry – Kitchen, wardrobes, space-saving solutions
- 🖥️ Free 3D Virtual Tours – Visualise your home before works begin
- 🏆 30+ Years Experience – Trusted by Singaporean homeowners
- 💵 Transparent Pricing – Milestone-based, no hidden costs
Your dream BTO home deserves more than just renovation — it deserves smart, affordable transformation.
👉 View Active Group Renovation Projects
👉 Get a Free 3D Virtual Tour + Quotation
With HDBGROUPRENO.SG PTE. LTD, you’ll enjoy modern design, affordable packages, and stress-free renovation in Singapore.
