How much does painter & decorator cost in Singapore?
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Key takeaways
- Most painter & decorator jobs in Singapore land between SGD 150–SGD 2,500 — known locally as painting services (hdb / condo painting).
- Painting requires no licence in Singapore and internal repainting needs no HDB permit — the market is dominated by fixed whole-flat packages (priced by HDB flat type or condo size) that typically include paint, with odourless and anti-mould lines as the common upgrades in the humid climate. Condo managements may require contractor registration for access.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Painter & Decorator prices by job size in Singapore
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-room HDB whole flat All walls and ceilings, two coats, paint included | SGD 500 | SGD 800 | SGD 1,100 |
| 4-room HDB whole flat All walls and ceilings, two coats, paint included | SGD 700 | SGD 1,000 | SGD 1,400 |
| 5-room HDB whole flat All walls and ceilings, two coats, paint included | SGD 900 | SGD 1,200 | SGD 1,600 |
| Condo (3-bedroom) Whole-unit repaint, two coats, paint included | SGD 1,000 | SGD 1,500 | SGD 2,500 |
| Single room or feature wall One room or accent wall, colour change with sealer | SGD 150 | SGD 280 | SGD 450 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per room | SGD 150 | SGD 250 | SGD 400 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Singapore typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a painter & decorator pro in Singapore
- Quote by flat type — SG painting is priced per whole HDB flat type (3-room, 4-room, 5-room) or condo size, usually including paint
- Confirm the paint brand and line in the quote (Nippon and Dulux dominate; odourless and anti-mould lines cost more)
- Check whether the price includes sealer/undercoat for colour changes and anti-mould treatment for bathrooms and kitchens
- Ask about furniture protection and moving — most SG quotes include sheeting but not full furniture moving
- No HDB permit is needed for internal painting, but condo managements may require a work notification for painter access
- Check reviews on Google or renovation platforms (Qanvast-style) and get 2-3 whole-flat quotes to compare like-for-like
Red flags
- Whole-flat price that excludes paint, revealed on arrival
- No sealer coat quoted for a dark-to-light colour change
- Unusually low quote assuming one coat
- No company identity or reviews
- Extra charges for ceilings appearing after the quote
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to SGD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Singapore painting service price lists 2026 (3-room $650-$1,100, 4-room $1,000-$1,300, 5-room $1,200-$1,550); PropertyGuru SG painting services guide; SparkFlow HDB painting cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I judge a painter's quality before hiring?
Three checks: recent photos or addresses of comparable jobs (ask specifically for work 1-2 years old — fresh paint always looks good), reviews that mention prep and cleanliness rather than just price, and the quote itself — a detailed written scope with prep level, paint spec, and coat count signals a professional; a one-line price signals corner-cutting. Cutting-in lines around ceilings and trim are where skill shows.
Does a painting quote include paint and materials?
Not always — this is the biggest source of quote confusion. Some painters quote labour-only with you supplying paint; others include mid-range trade paint and itemise upgrades. Materials typically add 15-25% to a labour-only price. Always ask: is paint included, what brand and line, and how many coats? Two quotes can differ mostly because one includes premium paint and the other assumes you buy it.
When is the best time of year to paint the exterior?
Exterior paint needs dry surfaces and temperatures roughly between 10-30C (50-85F) without rain for 24 hours after application, so the local dry season or settled summer months are ideal. Painters' calendars fill in peak season — booking exterior work a month or two ahead gets better pricing and scheduling. Interiors are painted year-round and some painters discount interior work in their off-season.
Why do painting quotes for the same job vary so much?
Because scope assumptions differ: prep level, coat count, paint quality, whether materials are included, insurance and tax status, and how busy the painter is. A quote 40% below the pack usually means one coat, minimal prep, or an uninsured operator. Normalise the quotes to the same scope in writing and the spread typically shrinks dramatically — what remains is the real price difference.
What is the difference between matt, eggshell, satin, and gloss finishes?
Sheen level. Matt hides wall imperfections best but marks more easily — the default for ceilings and low-traffic walls. Eggshell and satin have a slight sheen and wipe clean, suited to halls, kitchens, and kids' rooms. Gloss and semi-gloss are the hardest-wearing, used on woodwork, doors, and trim. Higher sheen shows surface flaws more, so prep matters more as you go glossier.
How much does it cost to paint an HDB flat in Singapore?
Whole-flat packages typically run about S$650-S$1,100 for a 3-room, S$1,000-S$1,300 for a 4-room, and S$1,200-S$1,600 for a 5-room flat, usually including paint and two coats. Budget operators advertise from ~S$500 for smaller flats; confirm coats, sealer, and brand before comparing.
Is anti-mould paint worth it in Singapore?
For bathrooms, kitchens, and poorly ventilated walls, yes — Singapore's humidity makes surface mould a recurring problem, and anti-mould lines from Nippon or Dulux meaningfully delay it for a modest per-room upcharge. Pair it with fixing the moisture source; paint alone won't beat a leaking or condensating wall.
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