An HDB 5-room flat gives you roughly 110 square metres of space to work with — the largest standard HDB layout before executive flats. A full renovation for a 5-room HDB costs between $45,000 and $130,000 in 2026, depending on whether you are doing a basic refresh or a complete overhaul. This guide breaks down costs room by room, covers permit requirements, and shares practical ideas to maximise every square metre.This guide is for informational purposes. Prices and regulations may change — always verify with HDB, BCA, or your interior designer.<h3>5-Room HDB Layout and Renovation Potential</h3>The standard HDB 5-room flat measures approximately 110 sqm (1,184 sqft) and includes three bedrooms, a living and dining area, a kitchen, two bathrooms, a service yard, and a store room. This generous layout offers more renovation flexibility than 3- or 4-room flats.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1053/588;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/38fbeade-3695-4b2d-b77c-e52b7d5a6891-blob" width="1053" height="588"></figure>Common renovation strategies for 5-room flats include converting the store room into a walk-in wardrobe or home office, opening up the kitchen to create an open-concept living and dining space, and combining the living and dining area into a large entertainment zone. The extra bedroom also gives you the option to merge two rooms into a master suite with an ensuite bathroom.Because 5-room flats have more rooms, renovation costs are proportionally higher than smaller flat types. However, the cost per square foot is typically lower since fixed costs like plumbing and electrical infrastructure are spread over a larger area. For a broader view of how 5-room costs compare to other HDB flat types, see our <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/articles/hdb-renovation-ideas-singapore-2026">HDB renovation ideas guide</a> for Singapore.<h3>HDB 5-Room Renovation Cost Breakdown 2026</h3>Here is a detailed cost breakdown by renovation scope for a 5-room HDB flat in 2026. For a side-by-side comparison across all property types, see our <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/articles/renovation-cost-singapore-2026-complete-price-guide-for-hdb-condo--landed">complete renovation cost guide</a>.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Renovation Scope</td><td>Basic</td><td>Mid-Range</td><td>Premium</td></tr><tr><td>Hacking and masonry</td><td>$3,000–$5,000</td><td>$5,000–$8,000</td><td>$8,000–$12,000</td></tr><tr><td>Electrical rewiring</td><td>$2,500–$4,000</td><td>$4,000–$6,000</td><td>$6,000–$9,000</td></tr><tr><td>Plumbing</td><td>$2,000–$3,500</td><td>$3,500–$5,500</td><td>$5,500–$8,000</td></tr><tr><td>Flooring (vinyl/tiles)</td><td>$3,000–$5,000</td><td>$5,000–$8,500</td><td>$8,500–$14,000</td></tr><tr><td>Kitchen carpentry</td><td>$5,000–$8,000</td><td>$8,000–$15,000</td><td>$15,000–$25,000</td></tr><tr><td>Bathroom renovation (x2)</td><td>$6,000–$10,000</td><td>$10,000–$18,000</td><td>$18,000–$30,000</td></tr><tr><td>Bedroom carpentry (x3)</td><td>$6,000–$10,000</td><td>$10,000–$18,000</td><td>$18,000–$30,000</td></tr><tr><td>Living/dining carpentry</td><td>$3,000–$6,000</td><td>$6,000–$12,000</td><td>$12,000–$20,000</td></tr><tr><td>Painting</td><td>$2,000–$3,000</td><td>$3,000–$4,500</td><td>$4,500–$6,000</td></tr><tr><td>False ceiling and lighting</td><td>$2,500–$4,000</td><td>$4,000–$7,000</td><td>$7,000–$12,000</td></tr><tr><td>Design fees</td><td>$0 (no designer)</td><td>$3,000–$6,000</td><td>$6,000–$12,000</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL</td><td>$35,000–$58,500</td><td>$61,500–$108,500</td><td>$108,500–$178,000</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Source: Renonation.sg contractor quotation data, Q1–Q2 2026<h3>Room-by-Room Renovation Ideas</h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1216/1824;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/8e5725a8-986b-48d4-bc16-1401a51800b5-blob" width="1216" height="1824"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professionals/the-real-design">The Real Design</a>Kitchen The 5-room HDB kitchen is large enough for an L-shaped or U-shaped layout with ample counter space. Consider quartz countertops ($80–$150 per running foot) for durability, soft-close cabinets, and an integrated dishwasher. For more inspiration, check out our kitchen renovation ideas for Singapore homes. If you want an open-concept kitchen, budget $3,000–$6,000 for hacking the wall (subject to HDB approval) and installing a kitchen island or breakfast bar.Living and Dining Area With roughly 30 sqm of combined living and dining space, you have room for a feature wall, built-in TV console, and custom storage. Popular choices in 2026 include fluted panel feature walls ($2,500–$5,000) and recessed cove ceilings ($3,000–$6,000). See our collection of HDB living room design ideas for more inspiration.Master Bedroom The master bedroom in a 5-room flat can accommodate a full walk-in wardrobe if you sacrifice some floor space. Alternatively, a wall-to-wall built-in wardrobe with sliding doors ($3,500–$7,000) maximises storage without eating into the room. Consider a platform bed with under-bed storage drawers for additional hidden storage.Bathrooms Most 5-room flats have two bathrooms. Budget $3,000–$8,000 per bathroom for a standard renovation including retiling, new sanitary ware, vanity cabinet, and shower screen. For detailed planning, read 10 practical HDB bathroom renovation tips. Rain showers, wall-hung toilets, and niche shelving are popular upgrades that add $800–$2,000 per bathroom.Store Room / Utility The 5-room store room is the most underused space in the flat. Convert it into a home office ($2,000–$5,000) with a built-in desk and shelving, a walk-in wardrobe extension, or a compact laundry room with washer-dryer stacking and drying racks.<h3>BTO vs Resale: What Changes</h3>Whether your 5-room flat is a BTO (Build-To-Order) or resale unit significantly affects your renovation scope and cost. For a deeper comparison, our <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/articles/bto-vs-resale-renovation-timelines-when-to-start-so-you-wont-panic">BTO vs resale renovation timeline</a> guide walks through when to start planning.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Factor</td><td>BTO 5-Room</td><td>Resale 5-Room</td></tr><tr><td>Hacking required</td><td>Minimal — walls are bare</td><td>Significant — remove old tiles, fixtures, carpentry</td></tr><tr><td>Typical cost</td><td>$35,000–$70,000</td><td>$55,000–$130,000</td></tr><tr><td>Electrical</td><td>May need additional points only</td><td>Full rewiring often recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Plumbing</td><td>New pipes in place</td><td>Old pipes may need replacement</td></tr><tr><td>Layout changes</td><td>Limited — new walls are structural</td><td>More flexibility to reconfigure</td></tr><tr><td>Timeline</td><td>6–10 weeks</td><td>8–14 weeks</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Source: Renonation.sg project data, 2025–2026BTO renovations are cheaper because you start with a blank canvas — no demolition needed. Resale flats require hacking old finishes, which adds $5,000–$12,000 to the total cost. Compare packages on <a href="Renonation.sg">Renonation.sg</a> to find the best deal for your flat type.<h3>HDB Renovation Permits and Rules</h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1824/1216;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/6b37c831-bc2f-4741-b9bb-cd8d8923e446-blob" width="1824" height="1216"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professionals/the-real-design">The Real Design</a>Before starting your 5-room HDB renovation, you need to understand what requires a permit. Our <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/articles/7-hdb-renovation-guidelines-which-every-homeowner-should-know">guide to HDB renovation guidelines</a> covers the rules every homeowner must follow.You must apply for an HDB renovation permit for any work involving hacking of walls (even non-structural ones), changing floor finishes in wet areas, relocating sanitary or plumbing fixtures, installing or removing doors, and any electrical rewiring. Your HDB-registered contractor submits the application on your behalf through the HDB e-services portal.Works that do not require a permit include painting, wallpapering, installing curtain tracks, replacing light fixtures with same-type fittings, and furniture placement. However, even exempt works must comply with HDB guidelines on noise hours (weekdays 9am–6pm, no work on Sundays and public holidays) and fire safety.Important restriction for 5-room flats: the bomb shelter walls cannot be hacked or modified in any way. The household shelter must remain intact with its original steel door. You can use it as storage but cannot alter its structure.<h3>Frequently Asked Questions About HDB 5-Room Renovation</h3>How much does a full HDB 5-room renovation cost in 2026? A basic renovation starts at $35,000–$45,000 for BTO flats and $55,000–$70,000 for resale. Mid-range renovations cost $60,000–$110,000, while premium overhauls can reach $130,000–$180,000 depending on design complexity and material choices.How long does a 5-room HDB renovation take? BTO renovations typically take 6 to 10 weeks. Resale flat renovations take 8 to 14 weeks due to additional hacking and demolition work. Always add a 2-week buffer for unexpected delays.Can I hack the kitchen wall in my 5-room HDB for an open concept? You can hack non-structural walls between the kitchen and living area subject to HDB approval. Your contractor must submit a renovation permit application. Structural walls and columns cannot be removed under any circumstances.Do I need an interior designer for a 5-room HDB renovation? Not necessarily. You can work directly with a renovation contractor to save on design fees ($3,000–$12,000). However, an interior designer adds value through space planning, 3D visualisations, and project coordination — especially useful for complex layouts.What is the best flooring for a 5-room HDB? SPC vinyl flooring is the most popular choice for HDB flats in 2026. It is waterproof, affordable ($2.50–$6.00 per sqft installed), and can be overlaid on existing tiles. Porcelain tiles remain a good option for bathrooms and kitchens.Can I convert the store room in my 5-room HDB? Yes. The store room can be converted into a home office, walk-in wardrobe, or utility room. You cannot change its designated use to a bedroom, but functional conversions are allowed.Get Started With Your Renovation Planning your 5-room HDB renovation? 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HDB 5-Room Renovation Guide: Cost, Ideas, and Tips (2026)

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