Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh a home, but quotes in Singapore vary enormously — from a few hundred dollars for a single room to several thousand for a full unit. The difference is rarely just the paint brand. It comes down to surface preparation, the number of coats, ceiling height, furniture protection and whether the contractor is a registered company or a freelance painter working without insurance.

This guide breaks down realistic 2026 price ranges by property type, explains what drives the cost up or down, and tells you what to check before accepting a quotation.

HDB Painting Costs in Singapore (2026)

For a standard HDB flat, a full repaint typically includes walls and ceilings, with doors and grilles priced separately. Based on current market ranges:

• 3-room HDB: approximately S$800 – S$1,500²
• 4-room HDB: approximately S$1,000 – S$2,000²
• 5-room HDB: from around S$1,800, with premium paint and full scope pushing higher²

Budget quotes at the lower end often use basic emulsion, two coats over existing paint, and minimal preparation. Mid-range quotes include sealer, crack filling and better paint. Premium quotes include full surface preparation, premium low-VOC paint and detailed finishing.

Condominium and Private Apartment Painting

Condominium units are usually priced higher than HDB flats of similar size because of ceiling height, feature walls, access restrictions and the need to protect finishes and furniture during works. A 2–3 bedroom unit of about 1,000 sqft typically falls in the S$1,700 – S$2,700 range, while a larger unit around 1,300 sqft ranges from S$2,200 to S$3,600.²

Per-room pricing for condominiums starts from around S$250, depending on size and scope.² A 3-bedroom condominium of about 110 sqm commonly runs S$2,200 – S$3,800.²

Office and Shop Painting Costs

Commercial painting is priced by area and complexity rather than room count. Factors include ceiling height, the number of enclosed rooms, fixtures and shelving that must be protected, network cabling, and whether work must be carried out after operating hours. A single retail unit may cost less than a multi-room office of the same floor area because of access and protection requirements.

If your business cannot close, expect a premium for night or weekend work. A registered contractor will confirm the working window and protection scope in writing before starting.

What Actually Drives the Price Up or Down

Surface Condition

Walls in good condition need only light spot filling and sanding. Walls with cracks, dents, mould, peeling paint or water stains require treatment, patching and possibly full putty skimming. This preparation often accounts for a significant portion of a professional quote — and it is the part cheap quotes skip.

Number of Coats

Standard practice is one primer coat where required plus two finish coats. Painting a light colour over a dark existing colour, or covering patch repairs, may need a third coat. A quote that promises two coats over a dark wall without primer is likely to look patchy.

Paint Brand and Type

Basic emulsion, mid-range washable paint and premium low-VOC or mould-resistant paint sit at very different price points. For bathrooms, kitchens and ceilings, the correct moisture-resistant product matters more than the brand name.

Ceiling Height and Access

High ceilings, stairwells and double-volume spaces require scaffolding or extended ladders, which adds labour time. Condominium management may also restrict access hours, extending the schedule.

Doors, Grilles and Trims

Doors, gates, grilles and window frames are usually priced per unit rather than included in the wall area rate. Painting a metal grille properly takes considerably longer than rolling a wall.

Furniture Protection and Occupancy

Painting an occupied home requires covering furniture, moving items and working around daily life. An empty unit is faster and therefore cheaper. If you are painting before moving in, say so — it can reduce the quote.

How to Compare Painting Quotes Fairly

Do not compare only the bottom-line number. Ask each contractor:

• Is sealer or primer included, and on which surfaces?
• How many finish coats are quoted?
• Is crack filling, sanding and mould treatment included?
• Are doors, grilles and ceilings included or excluded?
• What paint brand and product line will be used?
• Is furniture and flooring protection included?
• Is there a workmanship warranty, and for how long?
• Is the company BCA and ACRA registered, and will I receive a proper invoice?

A low quote that excludes preparation, sealer and protection is not cheaper — it is a shorter-lasting job that will need repainting sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does painting a flat take?

A 3-room or 4-room HDB flat typically takes 2 to 3 days including preparation, two coats and drying time. A single room or feature wall can often be completed in one day.

Do I need to move out during painting?

Usually not. With proper covering and low-odour paint, most homeowners stay. For a full-unit repaint, some prefer to be away for a day or two, and the schedule can be planned around that.

Is it cheaper to paint before or after renovation?

Painting after wet works and carpentry installation avoids damage to fresh paint, but painting ceilings and hard-to-reach areas before built-ins go in is often more efficient. Discuss the sequence with both contractors.

Why is my new paint peeling after a few months?

Almost always a preparation issue — painting over a chalky, glossy, damp or dusty surface. Proper deglossing, cleaning and priming prevent this.

For an itemised painting quotation in Singapore, contact AIM Global Engineering PTE LTD at +65 9081 8494 or WhatsApp photos of your unit. We are BCA and ACRA registered (UEN 202211612M) and paint HDB flats, condominiums, offices and shops across Singapore.