Kitchen Renovation Cost in Singapore (2026): A Real HDB Price Breakdown

What is a good budget for a kitchen renovation?

Ask three different contractors what is the cost of a kitchen renovation in Singapore, and you’ll probably get three different numbers. This isn’t because they’re hiding the ball. It’s simply because the kitchen is where most trades in home renovation overlap. Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tiling, waterproofing and appliances all meet in one compact space, and the moment any one of them changes, the price moves with it.

278A Compassvale

In 2026, the budget we give our clients for renovating a standard HDB kitchen is somewhere between S$12,000 and S$28,000, with the typical mid-range project landing around S$18,000 to S$25,000. 

A simple BTO kitchen refresh, including cabinets, a worktop and a sink, can start from S$8,000, while a full resale rebuild with hacking, re-tiling and premium stone can climb past S$35,000. 

The rest of this blog unpacks where those numbers come from, so you can plan with your eyes open instead of reacting when you get a quotation you don’t fully understand.

Kitchen Renovation Cost in Singapore (2026)

If you only want a ballpark before reading further, here is the quick view. These figures are for the kitchen on its own, not a whole flat renovation.

Renovation Type	Renovation Cost
New cabinets, laminate or entry quartz worktop, sink and tap, minimal site works	S$8,000 – S$15,000
Full carpentry, quartz worktop, some hacking and tiling, plumbing and electrical updates, built-in appliances	S$15,000 – S$28,000
Extensive hacking, new tiles, sintered stone, custom carpentry, fuller rewiring and plumbing	S$28,000 – S$45,000+

The renovation cost usually depends less on the size and type of your kitchen and more on what has to be removed, rebuilt, concealed and customised. 

A brand-new flat starts from a clean base; an older resale unit almost always carries surprises behind the old cabinets. 

Here is a comparison of two of our renovation projects. The First 874 Yishun is a resale project, designed around what’s truly important to our clients — fun, food, and life. We built a long island in this open kitchen, which is perfect for hosting their family and friends. This shows that even old resale flats have a lot of potential. 

874 Yishun 

In 188B Marsiling, a 4 Room, we made the most out of the space while using green as the primary colour, accompanied by organic accents of wood to enhance the cosiness of the space, as well as creating a look that is pure, fresh and comfortable. This kitchen design shows how much space for creativity a BTO flat gives you.

HDB Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown 

Most of a kitchen budget is permanent fittings and labour, not décor. Carpentry here is what takes up most of the cost, usually 40 to 45 per cent of the total, followed by the countertop. Here is a realistic component breakdown for a mid-range HDB kitchen.

Component	Typical cost
Custom carpentry (cabinets)	S$8,000 – S$18,000
Countertop (quartz / sintered stone)	S$2,500 – S$8,000
Floor and wall tiling	S$2,500 – S$5,000
Hacking and haulage (mainly resale)	S$2,000 – S$5,000
Plumbing works	S$800 – S$2,500
Electrical and lighting	S$1,500 – S$3,500
Waterproofing	S$500 – S$800
Backsplash	S$300 – S$800
HDB permit and admin	S$200 – S$400

Two lines dominate every quotation: the cabinets and the worktop. If you want to control the total without gutting the design, those are the two to think hardest about, which is exactly why they each get their own section below.

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HDB Kitchen Renovation Cost by Flat Type

HDB kitchens are small. A 3-room flat kitchen is roughly 6 square metres, a 4-room around 7 to 8, and a 5-room a little larger. 

Because the footprint is so compact, cost tracks scope and finish quality more than floor area, though a bigger flat usually means longer cabinet runs and therefore more carpentry.

Flat type	Typical kitchen renovation cost
3-room HDB	S$12,000 – S$18,000
4-room HDB	S$18,000 – S$28,000
5-room / Executive	S$25,000 – S$40,000+
Resale (any size)	Add 15 – 25% for hacking, rectification and waterproofing

If it’s a resale 3-room, budget another S$2,000 to S$5,000 for wet works, because older units often need fresh waterproofing and tiling before any new carpentry can go in. For very tight layouts, our small HDB kitchen design ideas show how to keep both the cost and the clutter down.

BTO vs Resale: Why Does the Same Kitchen Cost More?

A BTO kitchen is just like a blank canvas, with new pipes, new wiring and nothing to demolish. A resale kitchen is the opposite. 

You have to remove the old sink support and cabinets, which can expose uneven floor levels, deal with missing tiles or old pipe routes, and all of this needs patching before the new units are installed. All of this is the single biggest reason why resale kitchens run 15 to 25 per cent more than an equivalent BTO.

One of the things we always tell new flat owners is that HDB does not allow you to replace the kitchen or toilet floor finishes, or to tamper with the waterproofing membrane, for the first three years after handover. You can still lay new finishes over the existing ones, but full hacking of the wet-area floor has to wait.

Cabinets: Your Biggest Decision, and Biggest Line Item

Carpentry is quoted per foot run in Singapore, and the carcass material is what decides how long it survives in our 80 to 90 per cent humidity. Here are some materials we use in our renovation projects.

• Laminate on plywood: Roughly costs S$180 to S$350 per foot run, depending on grade and finish.
• Marine-grade plywood: Offers better moisture resistance for the wet zone, typically around 30 per cent more than standard plywood.
• Aluminium: The material is practically immune to humidity, with a 20-year-plus lifespan
• Particle board or MDF: Is the cheapest upfront, but it can swell within five to eight years near water, which usually makes it a false economy in a kitchen.

Hardware is the other place where cost quietly adds up. Soft-close hinges and full-extension drawers from brands like Blum or Hafele aren’t essential, but they’re rated for tens of thousands of cycles and change how the kitchen feels every day. 

415D Northshore Drive

Pull-out pantry columns and corner carousels squeeze storage out of awkward gaps, which matters far more in a compact HDB layout. For finished examples, see our HDB kitchen design and BTO kitchen design work.

The HDB Rules For Kitchen Renovation

Some costs aren’t negotiable because they’re compliance, not choice. Before any work starts, it’s worth reading HDB’s own renovation guidelines so nothing in your quotation comes as a surprise.

• Engage an HDB Registered Renovation Contractor — only firms on HDB’s register may carry out flat renovations. You can check this when you get started on your renovation.
• Permits are required for hacking floors or walls and for relocating a gas point. Approval typically takes two to three weeks, so build it into the timeline.
• Plumbing must be done by a PUB-licensed plumber, and new pipes have to run externally rather than be concealed in the wall.
• Renovation works are limited to 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, with no noisy works on Sundays or public holidays.
• Breaching the renovation rules can mean fines of up to S$5,000 under HDB’s renovation control framework, on top of rectification costs.

For larger or structural changes, your contractor should also be familiar with BCA requirements. If all of this feels like a lot to track, our HDB renovation 101 guide walks through guidelines and contractor selection in plain language.

Hidden Costs People Forget to Budget for

The quotation rarely tells the whole story. The homeowners who blow their budget usually do so on the items below, so set aside a buffer of roughly 10 per cent.

• Electrical upgrades in older flats, where the existing load can’t handle a modern induction hob, oven and hood.
• Waterproofing reinstatement after hacking a resale wet area, which is mandatory and non-optional.
• Debris haulage and disposal, plus protection works for shared corridors and lifts.
• Permit and administrative fees, and any appliance-integration costs for built-in ovens or fridges.
• A temporary cooking arrangement during the works, since the kitchen can be unusable for a few weeks.

How to bring the cost down without regretting it

There’s a difference between saving money and cutting corners. These moves trim the total while keeping the parts that matter. Here are some Kitchenate-recommended cost-saving hacks:

• Overlay instead of hacking. If your existing floor tiles are sound, overlaying can save around S$2,000 in hacking and disposal.
• Keep the existing layout. Moving the sink or hob drags plumbing and electrical along with it, which is where unplanned costs hide.
• Use standard internal PVC for cabinet interiors instead of woodgrain — it shaves real money off carpentry with no impact on durability.
• Bundle the kitchen with bathroom wet works in one go. Doing the wet areas together typically costs 10 to 15 per cent less than separate projects.

For more inspiration on getting value from the layout itself, our roundup of kitchen renovation ideas for Singapore homes is a good next read.

How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take?

Plan for around five to eight weeks for an HDB kitchen: roughly two to three weeks for permit approval and three to five weeks of actual work. Resale kitchens run longer because of hacking and rectification, and condo kitchens typically need seven to ten weeks once MCST approvals and stricter working hours are factored in.

Planning your Kitchen with Kitchenate

Kitchenate specialises in kitchens across every property type in Singapore, from compact HDB and BTO kitchens to condo and landed spaces. Rather than quoting a generic package, we plan the carpentry, worktop and layout around how you actually cook, so the budget goes where it earns its keep. When you’re ready to put real numbers to your own kitchen, talk to us for a no-obligation consultation.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Singapore in 2026?

Most kitchen renovations in Singapore cost between S$8,000 and S$35,000 in 2026. A basic BTO refresh sits around S$8,000 to S$15,000, a mid-range HDB kitchen around S$15,000 to S$28,000, and a premium or resale rebuild from S$28,000 upward of S$45,000. The final figure depends on your flat type, materials and how much hacking is involved.

How much does a 3-room HDB kitchen renovation cost?

The cost of renovation for a 3-room HDB ranges from S$12,000 to S$18,000 for a minimum to mid-range package. If it’s a resale unit, budget an extra S$2,000 to S$5,000 for wet works, since older kitchens often need fresh waterproofing and tiling before new carpentry can be installed.

How much do kitchen cabinets cost in Singapore?

Kitchen cabinets are the largest single cost, usually 40 to 45 percent of the budget, or around S$8,000 to S$18,000 for a full set of upper and lower units. Carpentry is priced per foot run, with laminate on plywood from roughly S$180 to S$350 per foot run, and marine-grade plywood or aluminium costing more for better moisture resistance.

Is a BTO kitchen cheaper to renovate than a resale flat?

Yes. A BTO kitchen typically costs 15 to 25 percent less than a resale because there’s no demolition, the plumbing and wiring are new, and there are fewer hidden problems. Resale kitchens carry extra costs for hacking, old-system removal and waterproofing reinstatement.

Do I need an HDB permit to renovate my kitchen?

You need an HDB permit if your renovation involves hacking floors or walls, or relocating a gas point. Approval usually takes two to three weeks. Replacing cabinets without structural work generally does not require a permit, but the works must still be carried out by an HDB Registered Renovation Contractor.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation?

Custom carpentry is the most expensive part, accounting for 40 to 45 percent of the total. The countertop is usually second. For resale flats, hacking and waterproofing add a further significant chunk that BTO owners rarely face.

How long does a kitchen renovation take in Singapore?

An HDB kitchen renovation takes about five to eight weeks: two to three weeks for permit approval and three to five weeks of works. Resale kitchens take longer because of hacking and rectification, and condos can need seven to ten weeks due to MCST approvals and restricted working hours.

How can I reduce my kitchen renovation cost?

Keep the existing layout, overlay sound floor tiles instead of hacking, choose standard internal PVC for cabinet interiors, and bundle the kitchen with bathroom wet works to save 10 to 15 percent. Spend on the worktop and hardware you use every day, and trim the decorative extras you can add later.