Singapore Condo Renovation Costs (New and Resale) in 2026

For those planning their condo renovation budget.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore recently raised its 2026 inflation forecast — and in renovation terms, that usually means prices are unlikely to fall.

Beyond inflation, costs are also shaped by lifestyle shifts, tighter layouts, and the level of customisation homeowners are opting for.

So what’s a realistic budget for a condo renovation this year?

We crunched the 2025 renovation data and spoke to two industry veterans — Jessie, Senior Design Consultant at U-Home Interior Design, and Pamela, Director of Third Avenue Studio — to better understand where prices are heading and what homeowners should prepare for in 2026.

How much will a new/resale condo renovation cost in 2026?

On the general market outlook, both Jessie and Pamela agree that even in years without sharp price jumps, costs rarely decline.

“Labour and material fees are always increasing,” Jessie explains, estimating that even if prices stabilise, homeowners should still expect a 3% to 5% rise year-on-year.

Based on that, homeowners renovating their condos in 2026 should expect to spend anywhere between $44,290 to $62,160 for new condos, and $78,280 to $105,000 for resale condos.

A deeper look at new condo renovation costs

Intuitively, new condos shouldn’t require much work. Flooring, bathrooms, kitchen cabinets and wardrobes are typically already installed by the developers — which means renovation is technically optional.

But in reality, more homeowners are choosing to overhaul rather than simply furnish and move in.

“New condo homeowners generally don’t need to spend a lot of money on renovation,” says Pamela. “They could just install lights and buy furniture. But those who choose to spend — they want their own style, their own personal look for the house.”

“On top of that, smaller new condo layouts mean that storage becomes a priority. Homeowners often need built-ins that serve multiple functions such as platform beds with storage underneath, custom wardrobes that maximise wall-to-wall space, and more integrated carpentry overall.”

Jessie largely agrees, adding that new homeowners — particularly younger ones — are increasingly opting for curved carpentry, curved ceilings, and more intricate detailing.

“These features are labour-intensive and significantly more expensive than straight-line builds, which adds up quickly,” says Jessie.

In other words, new condo renovation costs in 2026 are likely not driven by necessity but by choice — and how far homeowners are willing to go in tailoring the space to their lifestyle.

A deeper look at resale condo renovation costs

For resale condos, Pamela says that higher budgets are typically driven by foundational works — hacking and redoing bathrooms, upgrading plumbing and electrical systems, and addressing wear and tear.

“If you buy an older resale condo, chances are that you will not want to live with the dated designs and things that are no longer functioning well,” Pamela points out. “That is why renovation of resale condos usually involves overhauling the whole unit, which drives up the cost.”

Scale also plays a part. Jessie notes that resale condos are often larger than newer launches, which naturally increases material quantities and labour across flooring, painting, and carpentry.

“Resale units tend to be bigger, so even if we’re doing similar works, the overall cost goes up because there’s simply more area to cover,” she says.

“One way homeowners can manage costs is by retaining flooring that’s still in good condition. For marble or parquet, polishing or varnishing can give it a refreshed look without the need for hacking. If the surface isn’t ideal, overlaying with vinyl is more cost-effective compared to removing the original flooring entirely.”

How long does it take to renovate a new/resale condo in 2026?

New and resale condo renovation duration in 2026

Barring any black swan event that can cause labour or material shortages, renovation durations are expected to remain stable at about 8-10 weeks for new condos and 10-12 weeks for resale condos.

With that said, both Jessie and Pamela caveated that renovation duration largely depends on the scope of works.

For new condos, works can move relatively quickly since major elements such as flooring and bathrooms are already completed by the developer. Jessie shares that most new condo projects take about 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the extent of carpentry and whether any layout changes are involved.

Resale condos, however, tend to require more time. With hacking, wet works, and M&E upgrades involved, projects typically stretch to around 10 to 12 weeks. “For a full overhaul condo, about three months is a good timeline,” says Pamela.

“Certain layouts can also extend timelines further. Penthouses and loft units with higher ceilings may require additional electrical routing, and in some cases, roofing works,” Pamela adds. “All of these require more coordination and, sometimes, additional approvals from the condo’s MCST or the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).”

Tips for planning your condo renovation budget in 2026

For new condos

While homeowners these days are savvy enough to do their own research online and get inspiration from social media, one common mistake when planning a renovation is starting too late.

Jessie advises engaging a designer about three to six months before key collection. This allows time to shortlist and confirm an ID, develop the layout, finalise 3D drawings, select materials and make revisions — all before works begin. Starting too early, however, isn’t ideal either, as prices and design preferences can shift over time.

“It’s also important to split your wish list into must-haves and optional items. I’ve had homeowners with a $30,000 budget asking for $50,000 worth of works. So we always prioritise the layout and essential carpentry first, then see what can be added if the budget allows.”

For resale condos

“If you’re working with 20 to 30-year-old condos, definitely set a buffer for unexpected costs and factor in additional time in case the timeline stretches,” Pamela advises. “This is unavoidable, as some issues like water seepage beneath tiles or deteriorated plumbing only surface once works have begun.”

“Be sure to address them properly from the start to avoid rehacking bathrooms or rectifying water seepage down the line, which will be an expensive and disruptive process especially after you’ve already moved in.”

“And lastly, enjoy the process — that’s the most important.”

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