Question 1

How much does renovation cost in Malaysia 2026?

Accepted Answer

Cost per sq ft by tier: Basic refresh RM80-150/sqft (paint, lighting, existing layout). Mid-range RM150-280/sqft (new cabinets, built-ins, hacking). Premium RM280-450/sqft (custom carpentry, smart home). Luxury RM450+/sqft. For a typical 900 sqft condo: Basic RM45,000-75,000, Mid RM75,000-130,000, Premium RM130,000-220,000. Double-storey terrace Mid-range RM180,000-320,000.

Question 2

Do I need renovation permit in Malaysia?

Accepted Answer

Yes for most work: (1) DBKL/local council permit required for structural work, hacking walls, adding floor area, changing external appearance — typical RM50-200 admin fee. (2) JMB/Management Corporation approval MANDATORY for all condo/strata renovation under Strata Management Act 2013 — usually RM1,000-5,000 deposit (refundable on good completion). (3) Plumbing/electrical changes require licensed contractors. Unauthorised work can lead to compound fines RM500-5,000.

Question 3

How to save money on Malaysian renovation?

Accepted Answer

Tips: (1) Keep existing layout (no hacking) = save 30-40%; (2) Ready-made cabinets (IKEA, Mr.DIY) vs custom carpentry = save 40-60% on kitchen; (3) Laminate vs solid wood flooring = save 50%; (4) Compare quotes from 3+ contractors via Qanvast, RecomN, GoodNite; (5) DIY painting = save RM3,000-8,000; (6) Buy sanitary ware direct from Bandar Sungai Long/Sg Besi instead of contractor markup; (7) Renovate in stages rather than all at once.

Question 4

Can I claim tax relief on home renovation?

Accepted Answer

No — regular home renovation is NOT tax deductible in Malaysia. However: (1) Solar panel installation qualifies under MyHIJAU RM2,500 relief (renewable energy); (2) Disability-related modifications (ramps, wider doors) may qualify under disability relief RM6,000; (3) Home office expenses for WFH may be partially deductible if property registered as sole proprietor business address. Rental property renovations can be claimed against rental income (separate category).

Tier	RM per sqft	Includes
Basic Refresh	RM80 – RM150/sqft	Paint, lighting, basic tiles, existing layout
Mid-Range	RM150 – RM280/sqft	New kitchen cabinets, hacking, built-in wardrobes, quality finishes
Premium / Designer	RM280 – RM450/sqft	Custom carpentry, smart home, premium tiles/stone, ID fees
Luxury / Bespoke	RM450+/sqft	Top-tier ID firm, imported materials, full hacking + rebuild

Unit Size	Basic	Mid-Range	Premium
600-700 sqft (1-bed)	RM35,000-60,000	RM60,000-110,000	RM110,000-180,000
700-900 sqft (2-bed)	RM45,000-75,000	RM75,000-130,000	RM130,000-220,000
900-1,200 sqft (3-bed)	RM65,000-100,000	RM100,000-180,000	RM180,000-320,000
1,200+ sqft (penthouse)	RM90,000-160,000	RM160,000-280,000	RM280,000-500,000+

House Type	Basic	Mid-Range	Premium
Single-storey terrace (900-1,200 sqft)	RM60,000-100,000	RM100,000-180,000	RM180,000-320,000
Double-storey terrace (1,800-2,400 sqft)	RM110,000-180,000	RM180,000-320,000	RM320,000-550,000
Semi-D / Bungalow	RM180,000+	RM320,000+	RM550,000+

Monthly	10 yrs	20 yrs	30 yrs
RM300/mo	RM61k	RM228k	RM678k
RM500/mo	RM102k	RM380k	RM1.13M
RM531/mo	RM109k	RM404k	RM1.2M

Renovation Cost Malaysia 2026

Cost Per Square Foot

Condo / Apartment Renovation

Landed House Renovation

📋 Permits Required

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Reka Bentuk Rumah Anda dalam 3D — Sebelum Renovate

Jimat Besar untuk Perabot & Aksesori Rumah

RM500/Month for 30 Years = RM1.13M — via S&P 500 at 10% p.a.