Spending tens of thousands of dollars to renovate a 2-room HDB flat is becoming a common trend among Singapore’s retirees and downsizers. Once viewed as starter homes for young families, these compact units are now seeing budgets that rival those for larger properties, with owners prioritizing style and comfort over size.
Renovations rivaling larger flats
Retiree Ivy Lim spent nearly as much on renovations as she paid for her leasehold unit. She bought a 30-year lease on a 505-square-foot flexi flat in Pasir Ris for $97,731 and spent another $70,126 transforming it into a Mediterranean-themed space. Lim, a 75-year-old former airfreight manager, installed a mock staircase and soft arches to give the small room a boutique feel.
Related: From Tiny HDB Flat to Career Defining Role
“Some people think old people should live in old-looking houses,” she said. “I don’t want to come back to a depressing home.” Her sister noted the cost was as high as for a five-room flat, but Lim said she does not care. The kitchen features patterned tiles and wood finishes, while the bedroom uses warm lighting to create a calm atmosphere.
Sebastian, a 63-year-old real estate manager, invested $53,000 to overhaul a 2-room BTO flat in Ang Mo Kio. He paid $147,000 for the home, prioritizing a jazz theme and a hotel-inspired aesthetic. Sebastian, who lives alone after his children moved out, preferred the smaller space for its ease of cleaning. The finished look includes vinyl flooring and lighting for a polished effect, though he notes it is now too small to host many visitors.
Designing for a permanent stay
This trend suggests a shift in how empty nesters view their living situation. Rather than viewing a smaller footprint as a restriction, homeowners are investing in quality materials and technology that extend the life of the home and reduce physical strain. It is a strategy where the long-term savings on maintenance and the psychological benefit of a personalized space outweigh the high initial financial outlay.
Related: Healthy Kitchens for a Longer Life
Renovation contractors told The Straits Times that some owners are spending large sums on 2-room flats, often inspired by stylish compact homes they see online. The owners are treating these small flats as final homes worth designing well, rejecting the idea that “simple living” means “simple design.” They see these units as permanent sanctuaries rather than temporary housing.
Two-room flexi flats were launched in 2015 to give smaller households another public housing option. BTO flats in this configuration are available to families, singles aged 35 and older, and seniors aged 55 and older. Seniors typically choose shorter leases ranging from 15 to 45 years to pay less upfront, though buyers like Lim secured 30-year leases.
