LayeredCondo renovation in Singapore: cost, MCST rules and approvals
Condo renovations in Singapore differ from HDB projects in two big ways: there is no HDB permit, but there is a management corporation (MCST) with its own by-laws, and budgets tend to be shaped by square footage and finish level. This guide covers the typical costs and the approvals you will need.
Typical condo renovation cost in Singapore
For a full renovation, many Singapore guides quote roughly $50 to $120 per square foot, with cosmetic refreshes sitting lower and high-specification homes (stone, feature joinery, smart-home systems) well above that. By unit size, reported ranges for resale condos are roughly:
| Unit | Reported range |
|---|---|
| 2-bedroom | $47,900 – $71,100 |
| 3-bedroom | $60,400 – $84,100 |
| 4-bedroom | $66,300 – $92,400 |
These are indicative figures for standard scopes. Your quote will depend on the layout, the condition of the unit and how much custom carpentry you want.
MCST approval, deposits and by-laws
Every condo has its own management corporation or developer-managed office, and its own renovation rules. Before work starts you will typically need to:
- Submit a renovation application and get written approval.
- Pay a refundable renovation deposit, which is used if common property is damaged. Amounts vary by development, commonly from around a thousand dollars to several thousand.
- Use contractors that meet the condo's requirements, and register workers if the condo requires it.
- Follow the condo's permitted working days and hours, which can be stricter than general rules.
- Protect lifts, corridors and other common areas, and leave common property and structural elements untouched.
Ask the management office for the current renovation guidelines before you finalise the schedule, and ask your designer whether they have worked in your development before.
Structural and wet-area works
Changes that touch structure, or that affect waterproofing and plumbing in wet areas, need more care and may need professional sign-off. A good designer will tell you early which changes are straightforward and which need approvals, instead of finding out mid-project.
Choosing a designer for a condo
Look for a firm with condo portfolios similar to your unit, ask what they include in their quote (design, project management, MCST paperwork) and compare at least three itemised quotes. Our guide to choosing an interior designer has a full checklist, and you can browse condo interior designers on Layered.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renovate a condo in Singapore?
Many guides quote roughly $50 to $120 per square foot for a full renovation, with cosmetic refreshes lower and high-specification homes higher. Resale 2- to 4-bedroom condos are commonly reported between about $48,000 and $92,000 for standard scopes.
Do I need approval to renovate a condo?
Yes. Most condos require written approval from the management corporation or management office before work starts, plus a refundable renovation deposit and compliance with the condo's working hours and rules.
How much is a condo renovation deposit?
It depends on the development and the scope of work. Deposits are commonly from around one thousand dollars to several thousand dollars and are refunded if common property is not damaged.
Is condo renovation cheaper than HDB renovation?
Not usually. Condo renovations are generally priced per square foot on larger or higher-specification units, so total costs are often higher than a comparable HDB flat, though a small, lightly renovated unit can cost less.
Find a designer for your home
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