5-Room HDB Interior Design: Renovation Ideas and Costs
HDB 5-room flats are among the most spacious HDB units available — typically 110–113 sqm — and offer more design freedom than smaller flat types. Whether you're renovating a new BTO 5-room or a resale unit, here's everything you need to know.
HDB 5-Room Flat Layout Overview
The standard HDB 5-room flat (Model A or Improved layout) includes:
- Living + dining room: ~30–35 sqm (combined open plan)
- Master bedroom: ~16–20 sqm
- Common bedroom 1: ~12–14 sqm
- Common bedroom 2: ~12–14 sqm
- Kitchen: ~8–10 sqm
- 2 bathrooms (master ensuite + common)
- Household shelter (~4 sqm) — cannot be structurally modified
The 5-room's main advantage is the large living/dining area, which allows for genuinely open-concept designs.
5-Room Design Opportunity: True Open Concept
Unlike 4-room flats where open concept is tight, a 5-room's combined living and dining (~30+ sqm) gives real opportunity for impressive open-concept living:
- Formal dining with 6-seater table — actually fits comfortably
- Full sofa configuration — L-shaped or modular sofa works without cramping
- Dedicated home office nook — enough space for a built-in study corner
- Indoor plants as room dividers — visual zoning without walls
Popular Renovation Styles for 5-Room HDB
1. Modern Contemporary (Most Popular)
Works beautifully in a 5-room because the generous space allows full realisation of the style. Key: quality finishes — marble-effect porcelain tiles, full-height cabinetry, built-in feature wall.
Estimated cost: S$60,000–S$90,000
2. Japandi
A 5-room is large enough to go full Japandi without the space feeling austere. Low-profile furniture, tatami-inspired zones, layered textures.
Estimated cost: S$55,000–S$80,000
3. Resort Living
With the generous living area, a 5-room can achieve a genuinely resort-like feel — organic shapes, stone surfaces, generous soft furnishings.
Estimated cost: S$75,000–S$110,000
4. Art Deco Singapore
Geometric floor patterns, fluted panels, brass fixtures — a 5-room has room for this drama without feeling crowded.
Estimated cost: S$70,000–S$100,000
Room-by-Room Ideas
Living Room
The star of any 5-room renovation. Possibilities:
- Built-in entertainment wall spanning the full width, with storage below and above the TV
- Plaster or textured feature wall behind the sofa
- Marble-effect large-format tiles (900×900mm or 1200×600mm format) for visual expansion
- Sunken seating area — not common in HDB but possible where there's no slab below (check with structural engineer)
Kitchen
HDB 5-room kitchens are typically enclosed. Options:
- Open up partially with a half-wall or peninsular island (popular)
- Full open concept by removing the kitchen wall entirely (requires HDB approval; gas hob becomes wet bar; need to relocate cooking to induction)
- Keep it enclosed but stylish — full-height cabinetry, stone countertop, tile-to-ceiling splashback
Master Bedroom
16–20 sqm gives real luxury options:
- Walk-in wardrobe — a dedicated walk-in is possible in most 5-room masters; see our walk-in wardrobe design guide for layouts that fit HDB proportions
- Reading nook in the corner with built-in bench and shelving
- Dedicated study desk area — built into the wardrobe system, or carved out as a proper study room and home office
- En-suite bathroom expansion — many 5-room owners hack out a small section of master bedroom to enlarge the ensuite (requires approval)
Common Bedrooms
Typically 12–14 sqm each — generously sized for HDB. For more inspiration, browse our HDB bedroom design ideas. Options:
- Full-height platform bed with built-in storage below
- Loft bed (for children's rooms) to maximise floor play space
- Dedicated study area built into wardrobe system
5-Room Renovation Costs (2026)
Budget Ranges
| Scope | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic / Light touch | S$45,000–S$65,000 |
| Mid-range full renovation | S$65,000–S$90,000 |
| Premium full renovation | S$90,000–S$130,000 |
| Luxury / bespoke | S$130,000+ |
Typical Cost Breakdown (Mid-Range S$75,000)
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Demolition & hacking | S$3,000–5,000 |
| Tiling (all areas) | S$10,000–15,000 |
| Carpentry (built-ins) | S$20,000–30,000 |
| Electrical works | S$4,000–6,000 |
| Plumbing / sanitary | S$5,000–8,000 |
| Painting | S$3,000–5,000 |
| False ceiling & lighting | S$5,000–8,000 |
| Contingency (10%) | S$5,000–8,000 |
5-Room BTO vs Resale: What to Expect
BTO 5-Room
- Brand new; minimal structural surprises
- Basic fittings (plain tiles, basic sanitary)
- Full creative freedom
- Typical renovation: S$60,000–S$85,000
Resale 5-Room
- May have existing renovations to hack out (adds cost and time)
- Potential wiring and plumbing issues in older flats
- Sometimes already has good bones (quality tiles, good carpentry) you can retain
- Typical renovation: S$70,000–S$110,000
Visualise Your 5-Room HDB
Use ElumiHome to upload photos of your actual 5-room flat and see them redesigned in different styles before committing to a direction.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to renovate an HDB 5-room flat?
- Renovating an HDB 5-room flat typically costs S$40,000–S$80,000, reflecting its larger floor area of around 110–113 sqm. Resale 5-room units often cost more due to hacking and replacing older fittings. Carpentry, kitchen, and bathroom works usually account for the bulk of the budget.
- What is the size of an HDB 5-room flat?
- A standard HDB 5-room flat is typically around 110–113 sqm, making it one of the most spacious standard HDB types. It usually includes a combined living and dining area, a master bedroom with ensuite, two common bedrooms, a kitchen, and a household shelter. The generous living area allows for genuinely open-concept layouts.
- Can I do an open concept layout in a 5-room HDB flat?
- Yes, the large living and dining area in a 5-room flat lends itself well to open-concept designs, subject to HDB guidelines on which walls can be hacked. Only non-structural walls may be removed, and the household shelter cannot be modified. An HDB-registered contractor should confirm what is permitted in your specific unit.
- Is it worth renovating a resale 5-room flat?
- Renovating a resale 5-room flat can be very worthwhile given the spacious layout, though you should budget more than for a new BTO because of hacking and updating ageing fittings. A thorough check of the existing wiring, plumbing, and waterproofing helps you scope the work accurately. The extra space often justifies the higher renovation spend.
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