Think that it’s expensive to renovate a resale unit?
In general, renovating a resale flat will be more expensive compared to a BTO apartment with the same number of rooms. But, by how much more? Based on our research, a makeover for resale unit will cost you about 25% to 37% more than it would for a new flat.
And there a few factors that contribute to the heftier price tag. An old home requires more repair/restoration works – and that’s on top of the dismantling and demolishing costs. So, it’s not really that surprising to see an increase in the final bill.
There are ways you can make the renovation more cost-effective, but for starters, keeping the number of built-ins lean will help you cut down on the bulk of it. Here are nine real-life resale homes with renovation budgets of $50,000 and less that prove this golden rule works!
1. Resale HDB in Haig Road | $50,000
Resale units have a retro charm about them, and you can use it to your advantage. Case in point: The homeowners kept this apartment’s original terrazzo flooring, but modernised the look by using a dark and earthy palette that’s very on-trend.
View this project by The Interior Lab
Set up an e-appointment with them here
2. Resale HDB in Bedok North Street | $45,000
It’s hard to beat a wood and white theme – not only is it a look that will never go out of style, it’s really easy to find matching Scandi-style standalones in any furniture store!
Aside from the built-ins you’ll find in the kitchen, foyer and bedroom, much of this apartment’s furnishings are loose pieces, which gives the homeowners the freedom to reconfigure their space according to their needs.
View this project by Tan Studio
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3. Resale HDB in Boon Tiong Road | $50,000
Buying standalone pieces for your home are cheaper on the whole, which means that the cash you put aside for your carpentry work can be put to greater use elsewhere. We’d recommend splashing out on luxe marble-look accents and other glitzy accessories to make your once-drab apartment feel more expensive.
View this project by Third Paragraph
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4. Resale HDB in Anchorvale Link | $38,000
Never underestimate what a fresh coat of paint can do for a dingy apartment. This 112sqm resale flat was made to look even more expansive with just a simple white palette. The seamless and clean look is further emphasised with well-thought-out built-ins, each designed to serve multiple purposes.
View this project by Forefront Interior
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5. Resale HDB in Bendemeer Road | $50,000
Likewise, you can use a darker palette in your resale to get a sophisticated look without the hefty price tag. However, when working with such tones, it’s a must to keep your spaces well lit. You can easily achieve it with a couple of half-walls and glass partitions, which add on to the opulent feel!
View this project by Ethereall
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6. Resale HDB in King George’s Avenue | $33,000
Or, you could always change both the walls and floor of your resale apartment to really shake things up.
Opting for an open layout, this retro-looking 3-room HDB varies the use of vinyl, dark wood, stone-look laminates, and tiles to demarcate spaces and create visual interest. Paired with kitschy, old-school furnishings, the result is a cosy retreat after a long and hectic day at work.
View this project by Omni Design
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Explore: How to Refresh Your 3-Room Resale Flat? Change the Layout.
7. Resale HDB in Chai Chee Street | $45,000
This resale abode proves that a simple theme can help you save on renovation costs.
Except for the necessary built-ins in the kitchen, this minimalist flat skips out on the ostentatious. Instead it makes use of standalone pieces in complementary shades, graphic tiles, indoor greenery, and a handful of décor items, for visually cohesive look.
View this project by Charlotte's Carpentry
Set up an e-appointment with them here
8. Resale HDB in Clementi Ave 4 | $40,000
If you’re lucky, the resale unit you’re moving into might not be in need a major overhaul. What that means is that you’ll have more room in your budget to get the features you’ve always dreamt of having!
Not only do the full-length built-ins and partitions provide ample storage space for the homeowners, it draws attention to the home’s ceiling height, making it look all the more spacious.
View this project by Carpenters 匠
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9. HDB Resale in Yishun Ave 9 | $31,000
Transforming a dated resale into a contemporary abode doesn’t require fancy finishes. Here, the basic white and wood look is elevated with pops of blue, but that’s not all. To take it from drab to fab, it’s decked out with on-trend fittings including fancy all-black sinks and KompacPlus countertops.
View this project by Sense & Semblance
Set up an e-appointmenet with them here
Disclaimer: The renovation costs indicated in this article do not include the cost of furniture and appliances.
More wallet-friendly ideas for your resale renovation!
Many Singapore homeowners have had to put their renovations on hold due to COVID-19, BUT that doesn't mean you can't start planning for yours now.
If you’re looking to build a forever home, start off by saving your favourite ideas so you know what to invest in. Then, let us know your renovation requirements and we’ll link you up with local interior firms that offer virtual consultations!
