How Much Does a Condo Renovation Cost? Complete Cost Guide for 2026

You've finally found a condo that feels like home but the kitchen isn't quite right, the bedrooms need better storage, and the living room feels dated. Before you call a Renovation company in Singapore, the first question on your mind is usually: how much will it actually cost? The answer depends heavily on your unit's size, existing condition, design choices, and how much custom work is involved. A simple cosmetic refresh needs a modest budget, while a full renovation with carpentry, flooring, and rewiring can be a much bigger investment. This guide breaks down the real cost factors for 2026 so you can plan with confidence instead of guessing.

How Much Does a Condo Renovation Cost in Singapore?

There's no fixed price for a condo renovation because every property is different. As a rough guide, a basic renovation with limited hacking and simple upgrades can start from around S$30,000, a mid-range project typically falls between S$50,000–S$80,000, and an extensive or high-end renovation can exceed S$100,000. The final number depends on size, existing condition, amount of hacking, carpentry, finishes, and design fees. Treat these figures as planning ranges only a contractor needs to see the actual unit before giving a firm quote.

What Is Included in a Condo Renovation?

A typical renovation project covers several categories of work, from design and planning to hands-on construction. Understanding what falls into each category helps you read quotations more accurately and avoid confusion later.

1: Interior Design and Planning

If you hire an interior designer, your budget may cover space planning, mood boards, material selection, drawings, and 3D visualisation. A good designer turns your ideas into a workable layout, but always check whether design fees are billed separately from construction costs.

2: Carpentry

Carpentry is often the single biggest expense in a condo renovation, covering kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, TV consoles, shoe cabinets, study desks, and built-in shelving. The more custom storage you request, the higher the quotation will climb. A unit with extensive built-ins will always cost more than one furnished mainly with loose furniture.

3: Flooring

Flooring costs depend on whether you're replacing existing surfaces entirely or laying new material over a suitable base. Common options include vinyl, porcelain and ceramic tiles, engineered timber, natural stone, and laminate. Remember that installation, removal of old flooring, and levelling work all add to the material price.

4: Painting and Wall Finishes

Painting is usually one of the smaller line items in a renovation budget. Costs rise when extensive wall preparation, feature walls, or specialised finishes are needed. Even so, a simple repaint can transform a condo without any structural changes.

Condo Kitchen Renovation Costs

The kitchen is often one of the biggest parts of a condo renovation budget. A simple upgrade may involve replacing cabinets, countertops, or fittings while keeping the existing layout. A more extensive renovation can include hacking, new flooring, plumbing, electrical work, and built-in appliances. Costs also depend on the size of the kitchen and your choice of cabinet materials, countertops, sinks, hobs, hoods, ovens, and backsplash finishes. Keeping the existing plumbing and electrical points in place can help keep the overall renovation cost under control.

Bathroom Renovation Costs

Bathroom renovation usually covers hacking, tile replacement, waterproofing, plumbing, sanitary fittings, vanity units, shower fittings, and lighting. Waterproofing is particularly important because poor workmanship can lead to leaks and costly repairs later. When comparing renovation quotes, check that important items such as hacking, debris disposal, waterproofing, plumbing, and installation are clearly listed. This makes it easier to understand the actual cost and avoid unexpected charges during the project.

How Condo Size Affects Renovation Cost

Size matters, but it doesn't decide the price on its own. A small condo with heavy custom carpentry and premium materials can easily cost more than a larger unit finished simply. Larger homes generally need more flooring, paint, lighting, and fittings, but the actual scope of work  how many rooms and systems are touched often matters just as much as square footage.

New Condo vs Resale Condo Renovation

Renovating a New Condo

Newer condos usually already have functional flooring, kitchens, and bathrooms, so owners mostly focus on furniture, lighting, paint, and carpentry. This significantly reduces the amount of demolition and replacement needed.

Renovating a Resale Condo

Resale units often require far more extensive work, including new flooring, kitchen cabinets, bathroom fittings, wiring, and wardrobes. Older properties can also reveal hidden issues once work begins, which is exactly why a contingency budget matters more here than in a new unit.

Condo Renovation Cost Breakdown

Breaking your budget into categories makes it far easier to manage.

Use this table as a planning framework, not a fixed quotation.

Why Custom Carpentry Can Increase the Budget

Customisation is what drives carpentry costs up. A basic wardrobe is far simpler than one with multiple compartments, soft-close hardware, integrated lighting, and glass doors — and the same logic applies to kitchen cabinets and TV consoles. If your budget is tight, prioritise storage that solves a real daily problem over built-ins added just to fill empty wall space.

What About Renovation Permits and Condo Rules?

Condo renovations come with extra rules that houses don't have, covering renovation hours, hacking limits, lift protection, and debris removal set by your management. Some work may also require formal approvals or licensed professionals. Always confirm your Renovation company in Singapore understands these building-specific requirements before work begins..

How Much Contingency Should You Keep?

Even careful planning can't predict every issue, especially in resale units where existing conditions aren't fully visible until demolition starts. Set aside a contingency amount separate from your main budget rather than spending every dollar on finishes upfront  it gives you room to handle surprises without derailing the project.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a condo renovation cost in Singapore in 2026? A basic project starts from around S$30,000, mid-range work typically runs S$50,000–S$80,000, and premium renovations can exceed S$100,000 — though the exact figure always depends on your unit's condition, scope, and material choices. The smartest approach is deciding your priorities first, then getting itemised quotes from a trusted Renovation company in Singapore and keeping a contingency fund for the unexpected. With the right planning, you can renovate confidently without cost turning into a surprise.

FAQs

How much does it cost to renovate a condo in Singapore in 2026?

A basic condo renovation can start from around S$30,000, while a mid-range renovation may cost around S$50,000–S$80,000. Larger or high-end projects with extensive carpentry, premium materials, and major changes can exceed S$100,000.

Is it cheaper to renovate a new condo or a resale condo?

A new condo is generally less costly to renovate because flooring, bathrooms, kitchens, and other fittings may already be in good condition. A resale condo may require more hacking, replacement work, rewiring, plumbing, and carpentry, which can increase the overall budget.

What is the most expensive part of a condo renovation?

Custom carpentry is often one of the largest expenses, especially when you need built-in wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, TV consoles, and other storage. Kitchen and bathroom renovations can also take up a significant part of the budget depending on the materials and amount of work involved.

How much should I set aside for unexpected condo renovation costs?

It is sensible to keep a contingency budget of around 10% to 20% of your renovation budget for unexpected work. This is particularly useful for resale condos, where hidden issues may only become visible after hacking or removal of existing finishes.

Do I need approval to renovate a condo in Singapore?

Yes, condo renovations are usually subject to the development's management rules. Requirements can cover renovation hours, hacking, lift protection, debris disposal, and the use of licensed professionals for certain works. Check with your condo management before starting renovation work.