When you renovate a landed property in Singapore, you’ll go through a process that is very different from renovating a condominium or HDB flat.
While HDBs and condos have fixed layouts and strict limits on structural changes, landed property renovations give you much more freedom. However, there is also a great deal more complexity involved.
As a homeowner, you’ll need to manage various regulations and rules on structural works, government permissions, and other compliance requirements.
Whether it’s a terrace house, semi-detached home, or bungalow, this guide will help you understand what to expect so you can plan your renovation process effectively, avoid costly mistakes, and craft a home that balances functionality, comfort, and long-term value.
What Makes Landed Renovations in Singapore Different?
1. Larger and More Complex Project Scope
Landed properties typically have multiple storeys and outdoor areas, like gardens, patios, and porches, that may require redesign.
Renovation work for such a home can involve major structural changes, roofing, staircases, and even permanent rearrangement of the interior or exterior layout. All these alterations will be far more extensive than what’s possible in HDBs or condos, and will typically take much longer to complete.
2. More Freedom in Design, but More Rules to Follow
Homeowners enjoy greater flexibility in customising layouts, room functions, and façades when renovating a landed property. However, depending on the scope of work, you will need to obtain specific permissions from bodies such as the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA.
Some key information to keep in mind includes:
- Any addition or alteration to a landed home must not exceed 50% of its overall gross floor area (GFA).
- If you are planning reconstruction work, which includes adding an extra storey, do check with the URA to find out the maximum number of storeys allowed in your neighbourhood.
- Most renovation works inside your home may not require specific planning permission from the URA or BCA.
- However, earthworks or the construction of external gates or walls higher than 1.8m will require permission. Read more about specific permit requirements in the URA’s planning permission guidelines.
- For major renovation or rebuilding work, a qualified person, namely an architect or engineer, must inspect the building plans and submit them to the BCA.
- The URA also specifies envelope control guidelines, which will determine the maximum allowable height for your landed property.
Learn more about the specific permissions and restrictions related to your specific landed property type here.
3. Higher Potential for Tailored Interior Design
With more space and fewer layout restrictions, landed interior design allows for:
- Larger kitchens and open-concept living spaces
- Multi-functional rooms (home office, gym, entertainment room)
- Built-in storage on a larger scale
- Luxury-grade materials and carpentry
Interior designers have more flexibility to incorporate lifestyle-focused features and long-term space planning for the family’s needs.
Important Considerations for Your Landed Property Renovation
Setting a Realistic Budget
Because landed homes come with larger spaces, older foundations, and more structural possibilities, costs can vary widely.
The table below shows the estimated average costs for landed property renovations in Singapore:
| Scale of Renovation | Works Involved | Estimated Cost |
| Minor | Painting, new flooring, and new lighting | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Mid-range | Remodelling kitchen or bathroom, carpentry | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Major | Structural works, re-arrangement of layout, premium materials | $200,000 and above |
Source: Moneysmart.sg
Your renovation costs can also differ based on:
- The quality of materials used. Premium finishes will naturally cost more than affordable alternatives.
- Structural works, like removing walls or staircases, will require more planning and time.
- The complexity of design. Incorporating bespoke carpentry work or additional wiring can drive up expenses.
- The age of the property. An older home may have issues, including outdated wiring or water damage, which must be addressed for safety.
This is why it’s essential to set aside a 10 to 20% buffer in your renovation budget to account for any unexpected extra work. A contingency budget ensures you can address these issues without halting the renovation or compromising on key design elements.
Structural Considerations
Landed properties often come with deeper structural needs compared to HDBs or condos, and some reinforcement or strengthening may be needed before actual renovation works can begin:
Roofing
Leaks, sagging beams, or weakened tiles are some potential issues that could need attention. Your contractor may consider carrying out re-roofing or strengthening to ensure safety and insulation.
Foundations and flooring
Older homes may have uneven floors or cracks in walls due to years of settling. Your renovation team may recommend underpinning or reinforcement work to mitigate these effects.
Electrical systems
Outdated wiring is another issue common in older landed houses in Singapore. A full rewiring process may be needed to support modern appliances and safety standards.
Plumbing
Old pipes may corrode or leak, especially if the house has been unoccupied for a long period. Replacement prevents future water damage.
Airflow and ventilation
Landed homes typically have more space, multiple storeys, and more enclosed areas. Without proper planning, they can develop heat pockets, stuffiness, or moisture issues. Planning layouts and systems for proper ventilation is essential for a comfortable living space.
Reinforcement ensures your renovation rests on a safe and stable foundation, preventing expensive fixes later.
Adding Energy-Efficient Features for Long-Term Value
With more roof space, floor area, and electrical demand, landed homes can benefit greatly from energy-efficient upgrades.
Some upgrades you can consider for your landed property renovation include:
- Solar panels on the roof allow homeowners to reduce electricity bills significantly.
- Smart home systems like automated lighting, air-conditioning control, and motion sensors that improve both convenience and energy management.
- Insulation and roofing materials to reduce heat transfer and lower cooling costs.
- Energy-efficient appliances and lighting, including LED lighting, inverter AC units, and water-saving fixtures that will help cut long-term utility costs.
These features may increase your upfront budget, but they offer excellent savings, sustainability benefits, and add value to your landed home for years to come.
Maximising Space & Functionality
While landed homes offer more square footage and layout flexibility than most property types in Singapore, good planning is still essential for renovation works.
Thoughtful space optimisation ensures the home supports your lifestyle while feeling spacious, comfortable, and cohesive.
You can create additional rooms based on your needs, such as guest bedrooms, entertainment rooms, or kids’ playrooms. You can even combine existing spaces to open up the layout, like merging the kitchen and dining area.
Multi-purpose rooms are also a practical option. Consider a home gym with integrated storage, or a home office that doubles as a library or study.
Another key advantage of landed living is the access to outdoor areas, which can be seamlessly integrated with indoor spaces. One idea is to extend the living room into a patio or open up the dining area to a garden for natural lighting and ventilation.
Interior Design Ideas for Landed Homes in Singapore
Landed homes give homeowners the space to explore creative interior styles and more ambitious design concepts. Here are some popular interior design themes that work particularly well for landed properties:
| Interior Style | Characteristics | Why it Works |
| Modern Luxury | Marble and stone finishes, statement lighting, sleek carpentry, neutral palettes | Complements large spaces and provides a high-end, sophisticated feel |
| Heritage/Peranakan-Inspired | Decorative tiles, ornate woodwork, warm colours, rattan accents | Preserves traditional character and adds local charm |
| Minimalist / Scandinavian | Light wood, clean lines, neutral tones, functional built-ins | Adds a calm, light and airy feel to homes |
| Biophilic | Large windows, natural materials, greenery, earthy tones | Enhances natural light and airflow, promotes a sense of relaxation |
Choose the Right Renovation Partner With Rezt+Relax
Selecting the right interior design and renovation company is vital for your landed renovation project in Singapore.
With larger spaces, complex structural needs, and extensive planning involved, homeowners need a design firm that excels in project management, engineering coordination, and long-term aftercare. This is where Rezt+Relax stands out.
With our interior design and renovation firm, you can look forward to:
- Years of experience handling landed renovation projects in Singapore, from terrace houses and semi-Ds to bungalows.
- End-to-end support in regulatory compliance, design planning, and on-site project coordination.
- Working with an ISO, CaseTrust-RCMA, and SQC-certified company, a testament to our skills in creative design as well as professional project management capabilities.
- Receiving regular real-time updates and support through the exclusive Rezt+Relax Super App.
- Direct access to our leadership. Our directors practice full transparency in answering any questions or concerns that clients may have.
- A fully transferable lifetime warranty for your landed home renovation, helping ensure your peace of mind and establishing our commitment to lasting quality.
Join 20,000 homeowners in Singapore who have chosen our services, and turn your landed home interior design dreams into a beautiful reality.
Start Your Landed Renovation Journey with Confidence
Renovating a landed property in Singapore is a major investment, and success depends on thoughtful planning, clear priorities, and choosing the right renovation partner to work by your side.
With deep experience in landed home projects across Singapore, Rezt+Relax brings together strong design capabilities, meticulous project management, and reliable workmanship.
Get a free quotation for your personalised landed home renovation plan.
Send us an enquiry to learn more about how we can help you.
