Renovation Guides · Design Authority Singapore
Real cost ranges, MCST rules explained, hidden costs itemised, and everything new launch vs resale buyers need to know before they sign a single quote.
| Unit Type | Cost Range (2026) | Primary Spend |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bedroom | $15,400 – $37,300 | Carpentry, feature elements |
| 2-Bedroom | $24,800 – $48,200 | Carpentry, lighting, flooring |
| 3-Bedroom | $32,200 – $68,500 | Full carpentry, wet-area upgrades |
| 4-Bedroom | $41,700 – $72,900 | Custom joinery, lighting design |
| Penthouse | $122,700 – $181,100+ | Full bespoke scope |
| Unit Type | Cost Range (2026) | Key Added Works |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bedroom | $30,000 – $50,000 | Hacking, waterproofing, retiling |
| 2-Bedroom | $47,900 – $71,100 | Full wet-area demo, rewiring |
| 3-Bedroom | $60,400 – $84,100 | Infrastructure replacement |
| 4-Bedroom | $66,300 – $92,400 | Extensive hacking, plumbing |
| Penthouse | $150,000+ | Full overhaul, premium finishes |
New launch condos typically include developer-installed flooring, kitchen cabinets, bathroom fittings, and wardrobes. Your renovation budget is largely a customisation budget. Resale condos — especially those 15–20 years old — often require significant infrastructure work before any design decisions are made.
| Work Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hacking & debris disposal | $8,000 – $15,000 | Flooring, tiles, false ceilings |
| Full electrical rewiring | $5,000 – $15,000 | Older panels often undersized |
| Plumbing replacement | $3,000 – $12,000 | Galvanised pipes degrade |
| Waterproofing (2 bathrooms) | $3,000 – $8,000 | Compromised membranes = leaks |
| Work Category | Typical Cost Range | % of Total Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Carpentry (built-ins, kitchen, wardrobes) | $10,000 – $40,000+ | 30–45% |
| Masonry / Tiling | $6,000 – $22,000 | 15–25% |
| Hacking & Demolition (resale) | $8,000 – $15,000 | 10–18% |
| Electrical Works | $4,000 – $15,000 | 8–15% |
| Plumbing | $2,000 – $12,000 | 5–12% |
| False Ceiling & Lighting | $3,000 – $12,000 | 6–12% |
| Flooring | $4,000 – $15,000 | 8–12% |
| Waterproofing | $3,000 – $12,000 | 4–8% |
| Hidden Cost | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MCST security deposit | $500 – $5,000 | Refundable after works |
| Haulage & debris disposal | $500 – $2,000 | Often charged separately |
| Air-conditioning installation | $2,500 – $12,000 | Almost always excluded |
| Major electrical / plumbing rerouting | $5,000 – $25,000+ | Discovered on-site |
| Smart home systems | $5,000 – $30,000 | Lighting automation, security |
| Temporary accommodation | $2,000 – $4,000/month | 12–16 weeks for full resale |
MCST (Management Corporation Strata Title) governs all common property in a condominium. Every condo has its own MCST rules and they differ meaningfully between developments.
| Work Type | Permitted Hours (Typical) | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| General works | Weekdays 9am – 5pm | No weekends or public holidays |
| Noisy works (hacking) | Weekdays 9am – 12pm, 2pm – 4pm | Lunch break often mandated |
| Saturday works | 9am – 1pm (some condos) | Varies by MCST; many prohibit |
The MCST approval process: obtain guidelines → submit renovation application → pay security deposit ($500–$5,000) → await approval (1–2 weeks) → post-renovation inspection.
Functional upgrades. Standard laminates, basic carpentry, fixture replacements. Suitable for new launch owners or investment properties.
Balanced quality. Upgraded materials, custom carpentry, feature walls, considered lighting design. Most common range for owner-occupied 2–3 bedroom condos.
Premium craftsmanship. Sintered stone, solid timber joinery, architectural lighting, smart home integration. Full infrastructure replacement for resale units.
Condo renovation costs range from $15,400 for a studio to over $181,000 for a penthouse. A new 2-bedroom condo typically costs $24,800–$48,200. A resale 3-bedroom condo runs $60,400–$84,100.
Resale condos often require full wet-area demolition, electrical panel upgrades, waterproofing replacement, and plumbing work before any aesthetic renovation begins. Hacking and disposal alone can cost $8,000–$15,000.
Yes. Written approval from your condo’s MCST is mandatory before any renovation work begins. For structural changes, BCA approval is additionally required.
$80–$120 per sqft for standard to mid-range scope on a new launch condo; $100–$150 per sqft for a full resale renovation including infrastructure work.
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