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.

5-Room HDB Layout and Renovation Potential

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.

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 HDB renovation ideas guide for Singapore.

HDB 5-Room Renovation Cost Breakdown 2026

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 complete renovation cost guide.

Renovation Scope Basic Mid-Range Premium

Hacking and masonry $3,000–$5,000 $5,000–$8,000 $8,000–$12,000

Electrical rewiring $2,500–$4,000 $4,000–$6,000 $6,000–$9,000

Plumbing $2,000–$3,500 $3,500–$5,500 $5,500–$8,000

Flooring (vinyl/tiles) $3,000–$5,000 $5,000–$8,500 $8,500–$14,000

Kitchen carpentry $5,000–$8,000 $8,000–$15,000 $15,000–$25,000

Bathroom renovation (x2) $6,000–$10,000 $10,000–$18,000 $18,000–$30,000

Bedroom carpentry (x3) $6,000–$10,000 $10,000–$18,000 $18,000–$30,000

Living/dining carpentry $3,000–$6,000 $6,000–$12,000 $12,000–$20,000

Painting $2,000–$3,000 $3,000–$4,500 $4,500–$6,000

False ceiling and lighting $2,500–$4,000 $4,000–$7,000 $7,000–$12,000

Design fees $0 (no designer) $3,000–$6,000 $6,000–$12,000

TOTAL $35,000–$58,500 $61,500–$108,500 $108,500–$178,000

Source: Renonation.sg contractor quotation data, Q1–Q2 2026

Room-by-Room Renovation Ideas

Design: The Real Design

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.

BTO vs Resale: What Changes

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 BTO vs resale renovation timeline guide walks through when to start planning.

Factor BTO 5-Room Resale 5-Room

Hacking required Minimal — walls are bare Significant — remove old tiles, fixtures, carpentry

Typical cost $35,000–$70,000 $55,000–$130,000

Electrical May need additional points only Full rewiring often recommended

Plumbing New pipes in place Old pipes may need replacement

Layout changes Limited — new walls are structural More flexibility to reconfigure

Timeline 6–10 weeks 8–14 weeks

Source: Renonation.sg project data, 2025–2026

BTO 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 Renonation.sg to find the best deal for your flat type.

HDB Renovation Permits and Rules

Design: The Real Design

Before starting your 5-room HDB renovation, you need to understand what requires a permit. Our guide to HDB renovation guidelines 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About HDB 5-Room Renovation

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? Get matched with experienced HDB renovation contractors and interior designers who understand your flat type and can work within your budget.