Introduction
Are you planning to renovate your HDB flat in Singapore? Before knocking down walls or replacing floors, you'll need to understand the crucial first step: getting an HDB renovation permit.
This official approval from the Housing & Development Board isn't just paperwork – it's your legal authorisation to make specific changes to your flat. Without it, you risk hefty fines and might even have to undo your renovations at your own expense.
Singapore's strict regulations are in place for good reasons. They protect the structural integrity of buildings, ensure resident safety, and maintain the quality of living in public housing estates. Moreover, since HDB flats are interconnected structures in high-density environments, improper renovations can affect your neighbours and the entire building.
Therefore, understanding that HDB renovation permits are not optional is essential for anyone planning to modify their flat. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about HDB renovation permits in 2025, from application processes to costs and regulations.
What Is an HDB Renovation Permit?
An HDB renovation permit is an official document issued by Singapore's Housing & Development Board that legally authorises homeowners to carry out specific renovation works in their HDB flats.
Think of it as your golden ticket to start renovation works. The permit confirms that your planned renovations comply with HDB's guidelines and regulations. Furthermore, it ensures that your proposed changes won't compromise the building's structure or safety systems.
Types of Works Requiring HDB Permits
Not all renovation works require a permit. However, many common renovations do need official approval, including:
- Structural alterations: Demolishing or altering walls, especially load-bearing ones
- Floor works: Replacing existing floor finishes (tiles, marble, parquet)
- Wall finishes: Replacing internal wall finishes up to ceiling height
- Doors and windows: Replacing main entrance doors on fire escape routes or repositioning internal doors
- Wet areas: Enlarging bathrooms or toilets (only allowed after the 3-year restriction period)
- Gas works: Relocating gas meters or installing certain gas appliances
Works That Don't Need Permits
On the other hand, some minor renovations can proceed without a permit, such as:
- Interior painting
- Laying floor finishes over existing ones using only adhesive
- Installing built-in furniture without structural alterations
- Minor electrical works, like installing light fixtures
- Simple plumbing works, like replacing sinks or taps
However, even these works must still follow HDB's technical guidelines. Work without a permit is still considered unauthorized if it doesn't comply with policies. HDB can require you to discontinue, correct, or remove such work and reinstate your flat to its original condition. Additionally, many require licensed professionals, such as electricians or plumbers.
Why You Need a Permit (Legal & Safety)
Getting an HDB renovation permit isn't just about following rules – it's about ensuring safety and preventing costly mistakes. Moreover, there are serious consequences for non-compliance.
Legal Requirements and Compliance
The HDB renovation permit system is fundamental to Singapore's public housing governance. Consequently, it is not optional – it is required by law for applicable renovations.
Permits are essential to ensure your renovations meet Singapore's strict building codes. Furthermore, they verify that you use approved methods and registered personnel for potentially hazardous modifications.
Serious Consequences of Non-Compliance
Skipping the permit process can result in severe penalties:
- Fines of up to S$5,000 upon conviction under the Housing & Development (Renovation Control) Rules
- Mandatory removal of unauthorised renovations at your expense
- Suspension of any permits that may have been granted
- Potential difficulties in future dealings with HDB
- HDB can also compound offences under the Housing & Development (Composition of Offences) Rules - if offenders fail to pay the composition sum, they will be prosecuted in court
Additionally, contractors involved may face demerit points, fines, or suspension from the Directory of Renovation Contractors.
Safety Concerns
Beyond legal compliance, permits protect everyone's safety. Unauthorized renovations might:
- Compromise the building's structural integrity
- Create fire hazards through improper electrical work
- Cause water leakage is affecting neighbors
- Introduce safety hazards for residents
Therefore, the permit system isn't bureaucratic red tape – it's a critical safeguard for all residents.
HDB Renovation Permit Cost
An important fact to understand is that HDB does not charge homeowners application fees for renovation permits. Renovation permit applications are processed free of charge through the official HDB system.
No Direct Application Fees
Please be assured that the Housing & Development Board (HDB) does not levy fees for renovation permits. Any charges you may encounter are service surcharges set at your contractor's discretion and can vary between firms. All permit applications are lodged free of charge via the APEX (Application for Renovation Permit via Electronic Transaction) system.
Additional Associated Costs
Beyond the basic permit application, you'll need to budget for:
- Professional services: Engaging a Professional Engineer (PE) for structural changes can cost S$800-$2,000
- Licensed specialists: Hiring Licensed Electrical Workers (LEWs), PUB-licensed plumbers, or Licensed Gas Service Workers
- BCA-approved window contractors: Required for any window replacement or installation - this is MANDATORY, not optional
- Floor plans: You can purchase copies of your flat's floor plan from HDB through the residential floor plan e-service or at the 'Sale of architectural plan' counter at HDB Hub.
- Town Council charges: Potential fees for debris removal or other services
- Insurance: The basic HDB fire insurance only covers internal structures provided by HDB, not your renovations or furniture - additional home insurance is highly recommended
These costs vary widely based on the specific professionals required and the complexity of your renovation. Furthermore, they're essential to ensure your renovation complies with all regulations.
How to Apply for HDB Renovation Permit Online
Applying for an HDB renovation permit is primarily done online through HDB's electronic services. Here's how the process works:
The HDB renovation permit application process follows several key steps. First, engage an HDB Registered Renovation Contractor from the Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC). Then, prepare all necessary documentation, including scaled floor plans showing proposed changes. Your contractor will then apply through the HDB portal using their business account. After engagement, the contractor will prepare all necessary documentation and then submit.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Engage a contractor: Select and hire a contractor from HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC)
- Prepare documentation: Work with your contractor to prepare floor plans and other required documents
- Contractor login: Your contractor logs into their business account on the HDB portal
- Application initiation: The contractor starts the "Application for Renovation Permit via Electronic Transaction" (APEX)
- Form completion: The contractor fills in details about your flat, your information, and the proposed works
- Document upload: Required documents are uploaded, including signed Acknowledgement Forms and floor plans
- Submission: The completed application is submitted to HDB for review
A Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) may need to submit a separate application for specific electrical work.
Required Documentation
Your application must include:
- Scaled floor plans: At least two copies showing existing layout and proposed changes
- Acknowledgement Form: Signed by all registered flat owners
- Renovation proposal: Detailed list of specific renovations
- Contractor details: Information confirming your engagement of an HDB Registered Renovation Contractor
- Specialized worker details: Information about certified workers for specific tasks, like demolition or window installation
- Technical drawings/PE endorsement: Required for structural changes
Additionally, plans should use specific color coding: RED for demolishing elements and BLUE for new elements.
Approval Timeframes
How long will you wait for approval? Typically, HDB takes up to three weeks to process renovation permit applications. However, this timeframe varies based on:
- Complexity of works: Simple renovations may be approved in 3-7 days
- Completeness of application: Missing information will delay approval
- HDB workload: Processing times may increase during peak periods
For planning purposes, factor in at least 3-4 weeks from application to starting work.
How to Check Your HDB Renovation Permit Status
After submitting your application, you'll naturally want to know its progress. Fortunately, HDB provides an easy way to track your application status.
You can check your HDB renovation permit status through the My HDBPage portal on the HDB InfoWEB. Log in using your SingPass, navigate to the 'My Flat' section, select 'Purchased Flat', and click the 'Renovation' tab to view your application status.
Tracking Your Application
- Log in to My HDBPage on the HDB InfoWEB using your SingPass
- Navigate to the 'My Flat' section
- Select 'Purchased Flat'
- Click on the 'Renovation' tab or link
- View your current application status
Possible status updates include "Under Review," "Approved," "Requires Amendment," or "Rejected" (with reasons provided).
Understanding Permit Validity
Once approved, your permit has a specific validity period:
- Newly completed blocks (BTO flats): Permit valid for three (3) months
- Existing blocks (resale flats): Permit valid for one (1) month
- Window works: Shorter validity period of two (2) weeks
All approved renovation works must be completed within these timeframes. Once renovations are completed, you must inform the HDB Branch managing your flat immediately. Proper planning and contractor coordination are essential to meeting these deadlines, as extensions are not automatically granted.
HDB Noise Rules & Working Hours
Noise management is a critical aspect of HDB renovations. To maintain harmony in high-density living environments, HDB enforces strict rules about when renovation work can take place.
HDB noise rules restrict general renovation work to 9:00 AM-6:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays. However, boisterous activities like demolition, hacking, and heavy drilling are further limited to 9:00 AM-5:00 PM on weekdays only. Additionally, no renovation work is permitted on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Permitted Working Hours
- General renovation (painting, carpentry, electrical): 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays
- Noisy renovation (demolition, hacking, heavy drilling): 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays ONLY
- DIY work: Advisable between 7:00 AM and 10:30 PM, with noisy DIY work avoided during quiet hours (10:30 PM to 7:00 AM)
Weekend and Holiday Restrictions
- Sundays and Public Holidays: No renovation work permitted whatsoever
- Saturdays: General renovation allowed until 6:00 PM, but noisy work is prohibited
- Eves of major holidays: Noisy renovation prohibited on eves of New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, and Christmas Day
Additional Noise Control Measures
Beyond time restrictions, HDB imposes other controls:
- Power tool limit: Maximum of two approved handheld power tools simultaneously during demolition/hacking
- Duration limit: Demolition and removal of wall/floor finishes using power tools cannot exceed three consecutive days
- Neighbor notification: Written notice must be given to neighboring units within a radius of 2 units at least five days before work begins
- Notice display: A Notice of Renovation must be prominently displayed outside the flat throughout the renovation period
- Holiday restrictions: Noisy renovation is also prohibited on the eve of five major public holidays: New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, and Christmas Day
Violations of these noise regulations can result in complaints, warnings, fines, permit suspension, or contractor penalties. Therefore, strict adherence is not just courteous – it's required by law.
Financing Your Renovation: Bank Loan Options
Are you wondering how to fund your renovation? Several financing options exist from banks and financial institutions, as HDB does not offer renovation loans.
It's important to understand that the Housing & Development Board (HDB) does not provide renovation loans. HDB only offers housing loans for purchasing flats, not for renovating them. For renovation financing, you must explore options from commercial banks, financial institutions, or licensed moneylenders.
Bank Renovation Loans
Major banks in Singapore offer specialized renovation loans with these typical features:
- Loan amount: Up to S$30,000, or 6 times your average monthly income (whichever is lower)
- Interest rates (2025): Starting from around 3.45% p.a. flat rate, with effective interest rates (EIR) ranging from 5.5% to 6.5% p.a.
- Processing fees: Usually 0.75% to 1% of the approved loan amount
- Repayment term: Usually 1-5 years
- Eligibility: Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents who own the flat being renovated, with minimum income requirements varying by bank
- CPF usage: CPF funds CANNOT be used to pay for renovation loans, as clearly stated by the CPF Board
Banks generally disburse renovation loans directly to your contractor in cashier's orders, ensuring the funds are used specifically for renovation purposes.
Personal Loan Alternatives
Personal loans can be an alternative for renovation financing:
- Loan amounts: Often higher than the S$30,000 limit of renovation loans
- Interest rates: Some banks offer competitive rates (e.g., CIMB's 2.68% p.a., EIR from 5.06% p.a. as of early 2025)
- Flexibility: Can be used for both renovation and furnishing
- Disbursement: Usually directly to your account, giving you more control over payments
- Eligibility: Generally more flexible, sometimes including foreigners with valid work passes
When choosing between options, consider:
- The total amount needed for your renovation
- Your eligibility for different schemes
- Interest rate differences
- Repayment flexibility
- Processing time
Ultimately, thorough comparison shopping is essential to secure the most suitable financing.
2025 Renovation Package Pricing
To give you a clearer picture of renovation costs, here are the latest 2025 renovation package prices from RCS (Renovation Contractor Singapore):
3-Room BTO Renovation Packages
| Package | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Cabinet | $5,590.00 | $6,190.00 |
| 2 Toilets (Overlay) | $9,990.00 | $10,390.00 |
| Kitchen (Overlay) | $11,290.00 | $11,790.00 |
| Kitchen + 2 Toilets (Overlay) | $18,390.00 | $18,990.00 |
| Move-In | $7,590.00 | $8,290.00 |
| Bare Unit (Tiles) | $15,790.00 | $16,690.00 |
| Bare Unit (Vinyl) | $14,290.00 | $14,890.00 |
View all 3-Room BTO renovation packages
4-Room BTO Renovation Packages
| Package | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Cabinet | $5,590.00 | $6,190.00 |
| 2 Toilets (Overlay) | $9,990.00 | $10,390.00 |
| Kitchen (Overlay) | $11,290.00 | $11,790.00 |
| Kitchen + 2 Toilets (Overlay) | $18,390.00 | $18,990.00 |
| Move-In | $7,690.00 | $8,390.00 |
| Bare Unit (Tiles) | $18,490.00 | $19,390.00 |
| Bare Unit (Vinyl) | $16,390.00 | $16,890.00 |
View all 4-Room BTO renovation packages
View all 5-Room BTO renovation packages
Resale Flat Renovation Packages
Renovating a resale flat typically requires more work than BTO renovations. RCS offers comprehensive packages for resale flats as well:
View 3-Room Resale flat renovation packages
View 4-Room Resale flat renovation packages
View 5-Room Resale flat renovation packages
These packages from RCS (Renovation Contractor Singapore) are designed to help you renovate stress-free with transparent pricing. Package prices may vary based on your specific requirements and flat condition.
Tips & Best Practices
Successful HDB renovations depend on careful planning and thoughtful decision-making. Here are key tips to ensure a smooth process:
Selecting a Reliable Contractor
The right contractor makes all the difference in your renovation experience. Therefore:
- Use ONLY contractors from DRC: By law, you MUST engage contractors listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors. This is not optional - it's required under the Housing & Development (Renovation Control) Rules 2006
- Check experience: Review their portfolio, especially HDB projects similar to yours
- Get multiple quotes: Obtain detailed written quotations from at least three different contractors
- Review contracts thoroughly: Ensure the contract clearly states scope, materials, timelines, payment schedules, and warranties.
- Verify insurance: Ask for proof of the contractor's insurance coverage
- Assess communication style: Choose someone responsive who understands your requirements
Remember that even with registered contractors, disputes can arise. Always resolve issues amicably first, then seek assistance from CASE or Small Claims Tribunals if needed.
Planning and Budgeting Effectively
Proper planning prevents poor performance:
- Define clear objectives: Identify your renovation goals and prioritize must-haves versus nice-to-haves
- Develop detailed scope: Create a comprehensive list of required works
- Budget realistically: Research typical costs and include a 10-20% contingency fund
- Secure financing early: Determine and arrange your funding source before proceeding
- Consider professional help: Decide if you need an interior designer or if a contractor alone suffices
- Create a realistic timeline: Understand all phases of the renovation process
Sample Renovation Timeline
A typical HDB renovation follows these phases:
- Pre-renovation planning (4-5 weeks): Defining scope, selecting contractors, signing contracts
- Permit application (3 weeks): Submission and approval process
-
On-site renovation (12-14 weeks for comprehensive renovations):
- Demolition and hacking (1-2 weeks)
- Masonry and wet works (3-4 weeks)
- Electrical and partition installation (2-3 weeks)
- Carpentry (4-5 weeks)
- Fixture installation (3-4 weeks)
- Final touch-ups (1 week)
- Post-renovation: Moving in, addressing any defects
Remember that HDB mandates completion within 3 months for BTO flats and 1 month for resale flats from the permit grant date.
Cost Insights for Common Flat Types
Renovation costs vary widely based on flat type, age, condition, and scope of work. Based on the 2025 pricing from RCS (Renovation Contractor Singapore), here are realistic estimates:
-
3-Room HDB Flat:
- New/BTO: Standard packages range from S$7,590 (Move-In) to S$18,390 (Kitchen + 2 Toilets)
- Resale: Typically costs 20-30% more due to demolition requirements
-
4-Room HDB Flat:
- New/BTO: Standard packages range from S$7,690 (Move-In) to S$18,490 (Bare Unit with Tiles)
- Resale: Approximately S$20,000-S$30,000 for basic renovations, up to S$50,000+ for comprehensive makeovers
It's best to consult directly with registered renovation contractors for specific package details and customized quotations. Remember that costs may vary based on material choices, design complexity, and additional customizations you might want.
FAQ
How do I apply for an HDB renovation permit online?
Only an HDB licensed contractor can submit the permit application through their license holder.
How long does it take to get approval for the HDB renovation permit?
HDB renovation permit approval typically takes up to three weeks from submission. Simple applications might be approved faster (3-7 days), while complex renovations involving structural changes may take longer. Additionally, incomplete applications requiring clarification will experience delays. Plan for at least 3-4 weeks from application to starting work.
What is the HDB renovation permit cost?
HDB does not charge an application fee for renovation permits. The Housing & Development Board processes all renovation permit applications free of charge. If your contractor mentions permit fees like "S$10-$60" or "S$100-$200," these are contractor service surcharges, not official HDB fees. However, your renovation project will still incur other necessary costs such as hiring Professional Engineers for structural changes (S$500-$2,000), licensed electricians, plumbers, and BCA-approved window contractors when required for specific works.
What renovation works require an HDB permit?
Renovation works requiring an HDB permit include structural alterations (demolishing or altering walls), replacement of floor or wall finishes, enlarging bathrooms (after a 3-year restriction), major electrical works (new 15A/20A points), window replacement (must be done by BCA-approved window contractors), air-conditioning installation (must use a BCA-trained air-conditioner installer), and gas works (requires a licensed gas service worker). Always check the latest requirements for your flat type on the official HDB website or the My HDBPage portal.
Do I need a permit for minor renovations?
Minor renovations, such as interior painting, laying floor finishes over existing ones using adhesives, installing built-in furniture without structural alterations, minor electrical works (like installing light fixtures), and simple plumbing works (like replacing sinks or taps), typically don't require HDB permits. However, even these works must still follow HDB's technical guidelines and may require licensed professionals.
Can I get a renovation loan from HDB?
No, HDB does NOT provide renovation loans of any kind. The Housing & Development Board only offers housing loans for purchasing flats. Any information suggesting the existence of an "HDB renovation loan" is incorrect. For renovation financing, you must explore options from commercial banks and financial institutions, which typically offer renovation loans up to S$30,000 or 6 times your monthly income, with interest rates starting from around 3.45% p.a. (flat rate) and effective interest rates (EIR) ranging from 5.5% to 6.5% p.a. as of 2025.
What are the permitted renovation working hours in HDB flats?
General renovation work (painting, carpentry, electrical) is permitted from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays. However, on weekdays, noisy renovation (demolition, hacking, heavy drilling) is restricted to 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. No renovation work is permitted on Sundays and Public Holidays. Additionally, you must inform neighbors within a radius of 2 units at least 5 days before starting work.