How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a 3, 4, or 5-Room BTO Flat in Singapore (2025 Guide)

Getting the keys to your new Build-To-Order (BTO) flat marks one of our life’s biggest milestones. It’s more than just a property purchase, it’s the foundation of our future home. But as every homeowner quickly realizes, the bare unit we receive from HDB is just a starting point. Turning it into a warm, functional, and stylish space requires renovation, and that’s where the big question arises:

How much does it cost to renovate a 3-room, 4-room, or 5-room BTO flat in 2025?

With renovation prices rising year after year due to inflation, material shortages, and manpower costs, understanding the average expenses is crucial before diving the process. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner on a tight budget or a family looking to splurge on a dream design, knowing the renovation costs in advance helps you plan wisely and avoid overspending.

This 2025 guide will break down the average renovation costs by flat type, highlight the factors that influence your budget, explore current renovation trends, and share expert tips to save money while creating a home you’ll love.

Renovation Trends in 2025

To better understand where your money goes, here are some popular renovation trends in 2025:

Sustainable and eco-friendly designs – Use of recycled wood, energy-efficient lighting, and smart appliances.

Smart home integration – Homeowners are spending more on smart switches, digital locks, and automated lighting.

Space-saving solutions – Hidden storage, foldable furniture, and sliding partitions are popular for smaller BTOs.

Minimalist luxury – Clean lines with premium finishes like quartz countertops and matte laminates.

Average BTO Renovation Costs in 2025

Renovation costs in Singapore can vary depending on design preferences, materials, and contractor rates. On average, here’s what homeowners can expect in 2025:

·         3-Room BTO Renovation Cost: S$32,000 - S$45,000

·         4-Room BTO Renovation Cost: S$38,000 – S$55,000

·         5-Room BTO Renovation Cost: S$45,000 - S$70,000

These numbers include essentials such as carpentry, flooring, electrical work, and painting, but premium designs or luxury finishes can push the budget even higher.

However, there are companies like Chop Heng Long Interior Design and Renovation that offer BRO Premium Packages for as low as $13,888 for a 3-Room BTO.

What Affects BTO Renovation Costs?

No two BTO renovations are the same. The final cost depends on a wide range of factors —from flat size to material choices —and knowing what drives these costs can help you make smarter decisions. Below are the key elements that impact renovation expenses in 2025:

1.       Flat Size and Layout

The size of your BTO flat is the most obvious cost driver. Larger units like 5-room flats require more flooring, carpentry, and paint compared to compact 3-room flats.

The layout also plays a role. A long corridor or irregular-shaped rooms may require additional carpentry or custom fittings, which can increase costs.

For example, a 4-room BTO with an open layout might need fewer partition works than a smaller 3-room unit that requires customized space optimization.

2.       Extent of Renovation Work

Basic renovation includes essentials like painting, flooring, and electrical work —good enough if you’re moving in with minimal furniture.

Moderate renovation typically involves kitchen and bathroom overhauls, built-in wardrobes, and storage. This is the most common choice among new homeowners.

Extensive renovation transforms your flat with feature walls, luxury flooring, premium fittings, and custom carpentry in almost every room. Costs can easily exceed S$70,000 for a 5-room flat in 2025.

3.       Carpentry and Built-In Furniture

Carpentry is often the single largest expense in BTO renovations. Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, shoe racks, study tables, and TV consoles are usually custom-built to maximise space.

Prices vary based on size, design complexity, and materials. A simple wardrobe might cost S$2,500-S$3,500, while a full wall-to-wall design with sliding glass doors can exceed S$6,000.

Built-in furniture looks sleek but locks you into one design, so many homeowners in 2025 balance built-ins with loose furniture for flexibility and cost savings.

4.       Material Choices

Material quality and finish dramatically influence renovation costs.

·         Flooring: Vinyl (S$5-S$7 psf) is affordable and durable, while marble (S$20+ psf) is a luxury option.

·         Countertops: Quartz offers durability at a mid-range price, granite costs more, while laminate surfaces are the cheapest.

·         Wall finishes: Feature walls with tiles, panels, or stone cladding add thousands to the budget.

Choosing cost-effective yet durable options can reduce upfront spending while maintaining quality.

5.       Design Style and Theme

Different interior design themes come with different price tags:

·         Minimalist/Scandinavian: Generally affordable, as it uses clean lines, light colours, and minimal carpentry.

·         Industrial: Exposed brick, cement screed, and track lighting add costs but remain mid-range.

·         Modern Luxury: Premium laminates, customized storage, and intricate designs can double your renovation costs.

Homeowners in 2025 are leaning towards “minimalist luxury”, which blends functional design with selected premium finishes.

6.       Labour and Contractor Rates

Labour costs have been rising in 2025 due to manpower shortages in Singapore’s renovation industry. Expect to pay more for skilled carpenters, electricians, and tilers compared to previous years.

Choosing between an Interior Designer (ID) and a direct contractor also impacts costs:

·         IDs charge more (about 10-20% higher depending on the ID) but provide design consultation, 3D visuals, and full project management.

·         Contractors cost less but require you to coordinate and make design decisions yourself.

7.       Customisation Level

Custom designs —from concealed doors and hidden storage to unique feature walls —can push up the bill quickly.

While highly customized homes look stunning, they can be difficult to alter in the future and reduce flexibility.

8.       Additional Works and Upgrades

Don’t forget smaller details that add up:

·         Electrical wiring: S$3,000-S$6,000 depending on the number of power points.

·         Plumbing: Upgrading HDB’s default bathroom fittings or installing a rain shower system adds S$2,000-S$4,000.

·         Smart home features: Digital locks, smart lighting, and automated curtains can add another S$3,000-S$8,000.

9.       HDB Guidelines and Permits

Some works, like hacking walls or changing floor tiles, require HDB permits. Delays and approval costs may add to your timeline and expenses.

Working with an HDB-licensed contractor ensures compliance and avoids fines, but it may cost more than engaging a non-licensed option.

Tips to Save on BTO Renovation Costs

Renovation can be costly, but with the right strategies, you can save without compromising quality.

1.       Set Realistic Budget

Always start with a clear budget. Work out how much you’re willing to spend on essentials (kitchen, bathrooms, flooring) and how much you can allocate for “nice-to-have” features (feature walls, designer lighting).

A good rule of thumb is to set aside an extra 10-15% buffer for unexpected costs like additional wiring, hidden defects, or last-minute upgrades.

2.       Prioritise Needs Over Wants

Focus on spaces you’ll use daily, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and wardrobes. These areas should be durable and functional.

Trendy items like built-in feature walls or elaborate ceiling works look attractive but are not essential. You can always add decorative items later once you’ve settled in.

3.       Mix Built-In with Loose Furniture

Built-in carpentry looks sleek but is one of the biggest cost drivers in BTO renovations. Instead of having every storage space customised, mix in modular or ready-made furniture.

For example, use a built-in wardrobe for the master bedroom but opt for loose cabinets or shelves for the study or guest room. This not only saves money but also keeps your home flexible for future changes.

4.       Choose Cost-Effective Materials

You don’t have to splurge on expensive finishes to achieve a modern look.

·         Flooring: Vinyl can mimic wood or stone at a fraction of the cost of parquet or marble.

·         Countertops: Quartz is durable yet affordable compared to granite or solid surface.

·         Wall finishes: Instead of stone cladding, try textured paint or laminate panels.

Always strike a balance between durability and affordability to avoid costly replacements later.

5.       Compare Multiple Quotations

Never settle for the first quotation you receive. Always collect at least three quotations from HDB-licensed contractors or interior designers.

Look beyond the price-check for transparency in breakdowns, warranty coverage, and quality of materials. The cheapest option isn’t always the best value.

6.       Plan Ahead and Avoid Rush Jobs

Renovations done in a hurry often cost more due to overtime charges or last-minute material sourcing.

Plan your renovation timeline early —ideally 2-3 months before key collection —so you can research, compare prices, and make informed decisions without pressure.

7.       Keep Layout Changes Minimal

Hacking walls, relocating bathrooms, or shifting plumbing lines significantly increase renovation costs.

If possible, stick to the original HDB layout and work around it with smart furniture placement and partitions instead.

8.       Shop Smart for Appliances and Furniture

Major appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and air-conditioning systems can add thousands to your overall cost.

Look out for year-end sales, warehouse clearances, or bundle deals from retailers to save big. Many homeowners in 2025 are also buying high-quality second-hand furniture through online platforms.

9.       Avoid Over-Customisation

While it’s tempting to design every nook to fit perfectly, over-customisation limits your home’s flexibility in the future.

Keep some areas simple and open for future upgrades – this reduces initial costs and allows you to adapt as your family grows.

10.   Consider Phased Renovation

You don’t need to renovate the entire flat in one go. Focus first on essential areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and flooring.

Secondary works like feature walls, built-in study tables, or balcony decking can be added later when your budget allows.

Ready to Renovate Your BTO Flat?

At Chop Heng Long Interior Design & Renovation, we specialize in helping homeowners transform their BTO flats into functional, stylish, and comfortable homes —all while keeping within budget. Whether you’re renovating a 3-room, 4-room, or 5-room BTO, our team provides expert design advice, high-quality workmanship, and transparent pricing.

Contact us today at 9632 3845 for a free consultation. Let us bring your dream home to life in 2025.