HDB painting
HDB Painting Services in Singapore
Repaint your HDB flat in 2 to 3 days. Compare up to 3 itemised quotes from vetted painters, with partner rates already applied.
- Typical price
- $450 – $2,100 per flat
- Typical duration
- 1 to 3 days
- Quotes
- Up to 3, free
A full repaint of a 4-room HDB flat (walls and ceilings, standard paint, labour included) usually costs $850 to $1,450 and takes 2 to 3 working days. Painting inside your flat doesn’t need an HDB permit, but works must follow HDB’s renovation hours. Send us your flat type and we’ll get you up to 3 quotes from shortlisted painters.
HDB painting prices in 2026
These are typical ranges we see for a full interior repaint using a quality emulsion such as Nippon Paint Odour-less or Dulux Pentalite. Prices include basic preparation (filling small cracks, light sanding, masking and covering furniture) and two coats.
| Flat type | Walls & ceilings | Walls only | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-room | $450 – $800 | $380 – $650 | 1 day |
| 3-room | $650 – $1,100 | $550 – $900 | 1 to 2 days |
| 4-room | $850 – $1,450 | $700 – $1,200 | 2 to 3 days |
| 5-room | $1,000 – $1,700 | $850 – $1,400 | 2 to 3 days |
| Executive / maisonette | $1,200 – $2,100 | $1,000 – $1,750 | 3 to 4 days |
Want a detailed breakdown, including what pushes prices up? Read our HDB painting cost guide or the full Singapore painting price list.
What’s included in a standard HDB painting job
- Moving and covering furniture, floors and fittings with plastic sheets
- Masking switches, sockets, window frames and skirting
- Filling hairline cracks and nail holes, then light sanding
- Sealer or primer on patched or stained areas
- Two coats of emulsion on walls, and ceiling paint on ceilings
- Basic cleanup and removal of masking when done
Common add-ons are main door and gate painting, window grilles, feature walls, anti-mould treatment for bathrooms and kitchens, and wall or ceiling crack repair. Ask for these to be listed separately so you can compare quotes fairly.
What makes an HDB painting quote go up
Wall condition
Peeling paint, water stains, mould and large cracks need scraping, treatment and priming before any colour goes on. This can add 15 to 40% to the job.
Colour changes
Going from a dark colour to white, or from white to a deep feature colour, often needs a third coat. Expect to pay more for strong colours like navy, forest green or terracotta.
Paint grade
Premium washable or anti-bacterial lines cost more than standard emulsion. For kitchens and kids’ rooms they’re usually worth it. Our paint brand comparison explains when it matters.
Occupied vs empty flat
Painting an empty flat, such as before moving in or after tenants leave, is faster and often cheaper than working around furniture.
HDB rules you should know
Repainting the inside of your flat is minor work that doesn’t need an HDB renovation permit. A few rules still apply:
- Working hours: renovation works are generally allowed from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays, with no works on Sundays and public holidays. Noisy works have tighter limits.
- Common areas: corridor walls, the outside of your block and shared spaces belong to the Town Council. You can paint your own main door and gate, but not the corridor.
- Notice to neighbours: many painters put up a notice for neighbours before starting. Ask yours to do it.
We explain the details in HDB painting rules: what you can and can’t paint. Always check the latest guidelines on the HDB website, as rules can change.
Why get HDB painting quotes through us
Most HDB repaints are simple jobs, which is why the market is full of one-man teams and very different prices. We do the filtering for you. Every painter on our shortlist has a registered business, insurance for their workers, recent jobs we’ve checked, and agrees to give itemised written quotes. Because we send them steady work, they give us partner rates that we pass on to you. Read more about how we vet painters.
How it works
- Send your request. Tell us your flat type, which rooms, and when you want it done.
- Get up to 3 quotes. Shortlisted painters near you reply, usually within a day. Some will visit, others can quote from photos.
- Compare and choose. Check the paint brand, number of coats and what’s included, then book the one you like.
HDB painting FAQ
How much does it cost to paint a 4-room HDB flat?
Most full repaints of a 4-room HDB flat cost $850 to $1,450 for walls and ceilings with standard emulsion paint and labour. Poor wall condition, dark colours or premium paint can push it higher.
How long does painting a HDB flat take?
A 3-room flat usually takes 1 to 2 days and a 4- or 5-room flat 2 to 3 days with a team of two or three painters. Add time if there are repairs or a lot of furniture to move.
Do I need a permit to paint my HDB flat?
No. Painting the inside of your flat doesn’t need an HDB permit. You still need to keep to HDB’s renovation hours and not paint common areas like corridor walls.
Can I stay in my flat while it’s being painted?
Yes. Many homeowners do. Ask for low-odour paint, keep windows open, and plan to stay out of rooms while they’re being painted. Painters usually work room by room.
Which paint is best for HDB flats?
For most rooms, a low-odour, washable emulsion from Nippon Paint, Dulux or Jotun works well. For kitchens and bathrooms, choose a product with anti-mould protection.