Planning a home renovation in Johor Bahru? Whether you've just collected the keys to a new place or you're refreshing an older home, the first question is always the same — how much is this going to cost me?
The short answer: a full renovation in Johor Bahru typically ranges from RM20,000 for a basic touch-up to RM250,000+ for a premium full makeover. But the real cost depends on your property type, scope of work, and how you want it finished.
This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to pay in 2025/2026 — room by room, trade by trade — so you can budget with confidence.
Renovation Cost Per Square Foot in Johor Bahru
As a general rule of thumb, renovation costs in Johor Bahru (which are typically 10–20% lower than KL) follow these tiers:
| Tier | Cost per sq ft | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Refresh | RM80 – RM150/sqft | Painting, lighting, minor repairs, basic fixtures |
| Mid-Range | RM150 – RM280/sqft | New cabinets, built-in carpentry, layout changes, quality finishes |
| Premium | RM280 – RM450/sqft | Custom carpentry, designer finishes, smart home features |
| Luxury / Bespoke | RM450+/sqft | Full design, premium materials, everything custom |
Why JB is cheaper: Labour costs in Johor are generally more competitive than KL/Selangor, and material sourcing is often easier with proximity to Singapore suppliers.
Full Renovation Cost by Property Type
Condo / Apartment
| Unit Size | Basic | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600–700 sqft (1-bed) | RM35K – RM60K | RM60K – RM110K | RM110K – RM180K |
| 700–900 sqft (2-bed) | RM45K – RM75K | RM75K – RM130K | RM130K – RM220K |
| 900–1,200 sqft (3-bed) | RM65K – RM100K | RM100K – RM180K | RM180K – RM320K |
Landed House (Terrace, Semi-D, Bungalow)
| House Type | Basic | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-storey terrace (900–1,200 sqft) | RM60K – RM100K | RM100K – RM180K | RM180K – RM320K |
| Double-storey terrace (1,800–2,400 sqft) | RM110K – RM180K | RM180K – RM320K | RM320K – RM550K |
| Semi-D / Bungalow | RM180K+ | RM320K+ | RM550K+ |
Room-by-Room Renovation Costs
Kitchen (RM15,000 – RM50,000+)
The kitchen is typically the most expensive room to renovate — and the one that adds the most value.
| Item | Estimated Cost (RM) |
|---|---|
| Kitchen cabinet (full set, per lineal ft) | 350 – 800 |
| Quartz countertop (per sqft) | 80 – 200 |
| Wall tiles (per sqft) | 5 – 15 |
| Floor tiles, heavy duty (per sqft) | 8 – 20 |
| Plumbing — sink, pipes (lump sum) | 1,500 – 4,000 |
| Kitchen hood & hob | 1,500 – 5,000 |
| Backsplash (per sqft) | 15 – 40 |
Pro tip: If you're on a budget, consider ready-made cabinets (IKEA, Mr. DIY) instead of custom carpentry — you can save 40–60% on kitchen cabinetry.
Bathroom (RM8,000 – RM20,000 per bathroom)
| Item | Estimated Cost (RM) |
|---|---|
| Full bathroom hacking & rebuild | 8,000 – 20,000 |
| Wall tiles, full height (per sqft) | 6 – 18 |
| Floor tiles, anti-slip (per sqft) | 7 – 15 |
| Waterproofing (per sqft) — do not skip | 8 – 20 |
| Shower screen | 800 – 3,500 |
| Vanity cabinet | 800 – 3,000 |
| Toilet bowl | 400 – 2,500 |
| Water heater installation | 300 – 800 |
⚠️ Warning: Waterproofing is the #1 item contractors cut corners on. If your quotation doesn't list it separately, demand it be added. A failed waterproofing job can cost RM30,000+ in water damage repairs later.
Living & Dining Room
| Item | Estimated Cost (RM) |
|---|---|
| Feature wall (plaster/timber) | 1,500 – 5,000 |
| False ceiling (per sqft) | 15 – 35 |
| Flooring — tiles 60x60 (per sqft) | 8 – 18 |
| Flooring — vinyl plank (per sqft) | 6 – 14 |
| Painting, 2 coats (per sqft) | 1.50 – 3.00 |
| TV console (custom carpentry) | 3,000 – 8,000 |
| Curtain track + installation | 300 – 800 |
Bedrooms
| Item | Estimated Cost (RM) |
|---|---|
| Built-in wardrobe (custom, per sqft) | 150 – 400 |
| Flooring (vinyl or tiles, per sqft) | 6 – 18 |
| Painting (per sqft) | 1.50 – 3.00 |
| False ceiling (per sqft) | 15 – 30 |
| Air-conditioning, 1HP (supply & install) | 1,200 – 2,500 |
Electrical & Plumbing
| Item | Market Rate (RM) |
|---|---|
| Electrical — first point | 120 – 200 |
| Electrical — additional point | 80 – 150 |
| Plumbing — new point | 200 – 400 |
| Electrical rewiring (whole house) | 3,000 – 8,000 |
Renovation Cost Comparison: Johor Bahru vs Other Cities
One of the biggest advantages of renovating in JB is the cost efficiency:
| Location | Cost Index (KL = 100%) |
|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur | 100% (baseline) |
| Selangor (PJ, SS, Ara Damansara) | 95–100% |
| Penang (Georgetown area) | 90–95% |
| Johor Bahru | 80–90% |
| Other Malaysian states | 70–85% |
| Singapore | 250–350% |
Why this matters for Singapore homeowners: If you own a property in JB (or are considering buying one), renovating here costs roughly one-third of what you'd pay for similar work across the causeway. This is one reason many Singapore investors choose to renovate their JB properties with local contractors.
Sample Renovation Budgets for Johor Bahru Homes
Scenario A: Basic Touch-Up (RM20K – RM50K)
Best for: Newly built homes or well-maintained properties that just need freshening up.
- Painting throughout
- New lighting fixtures
- Minor bathroom upgrades (vanity, toilet bowl)
- Basic curtain tracks and blinds
- Light furniture
Scenario B: Moderate Renovation (RM50K – RM120K)
Best for: Older subsale homes or condos needing real upgrades.
- Kitchen cabinets (mid-range)
- Bathroom upgrade (tiles, sanitary ware, waterproofing)
- Electrical rewiring and extra power points
- Air-conditioning units
- Flooring replacement (vinyl or tiles)
- Built-in wardrobes for 2 bedrooms
Scenario C: Major Renovation (RM120K – RM250K+)
Best for: Older landed houses, corner lots, or full makeovers.
- Kitchen extension or wet/dry kitchen layout
- Full bathroom hacking and rebuild
- Roof repair and ceiling replacement
- Complete rewiring and plumbing overhaul
- Premium flooring throughout
- Custom carpentry for all rooms
- Smart home features
Scenario D: Premium Own-Stay (RM250K+)
Best for: Your dream home, no compromises.
- Full design consultation
- Premium materials (marble, solid wood, imported tiles)
- Smart home integration
- Custom furniture and cabinetry
- Landscaping and outdoor spaces
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Don't let these catch you off guard:
- Permit fees — DBKL/local council permit for structural changes: RM50–RM200. Condo JMB/MC deposit: RM1,000–RM5,000 (refundable).
- Rubbish disposal — Some contractors exclude this. Confirm upfront — it can add RM500–RM2,000.
- Light fixtures and bulbs — Often excluded even if wiring is included.
- Touch-up works after moving in — Budget an extra 5–10% for the inevitable "while we're at it" jobs.
- Furniture and appliances — Your renovation quotation rarely covers these. Budget separately.
7 Tips to Keep Your Renovation Costs Under Control
- Get at least 3 quotations — Prices for the same job can vary 40–60% between contractors.
- Ask for itemised breakdowns — Never accept lump sum quotes without line items.
- Keep the existing layout — Avoiding structural hacking can save 30–40% of your budget.
- Set your budget before meeting contractors — Tell them your max upfront so they can tailor their proposal.
- Compare material options — Laminate flooring vs solid wood saves up to 50%. Ready-made cabinets vs custom saves 40–60%.
- Negotiate payment terms — Never pay more than 30% upfront. Tie payments to completed milestones.
- Get everything in writing — Verbal promises don't hold up in disputes.
FAQ
Is Johor Bahru renovation cheaper than KL?
Yes. Labour and material costs in JB are typically 10–20% lower than in KL/Selangor, making it one of the most cost-effective places to renovate in Malaysia.
How long does a full renovation take?
A full condo renovation (800–1,000 sqft) typically takes 6–10 weeks. Landed properties take 10–16 weeks. Custom carpentry often has a 3–4 week lead time.
Do I need a permit for renovation in Johor Bahru?
Yes, for structural work. You'll need approval from the local council (MBJB/MBPJ) for structural changes, wall hacking, and external work. Condo owners must also get JMB/MC approval and pay a refundable deposit.
Should I buy new or subsale when considering renovation costs?
New homes need less immediate repair but often cost more per square foot. Subsale homes may have a lower purchase price but need higher renovation investment. Compare total cost (purchase + renovation), not just the sale price.
Can I renovate in stages?
Absolutely. Many homeowners start with the kitchen and bathrooms (highest impact), then do bedrooms and living areas over time. This lets you spread costs and avoid financing everything at once.
Ready to Start Your Renovation Journey?
Every home is different, and the best renovation budget is the one that fits your needs without stretching you too thin. At Jame Bond Renovation Sdn Bhd, we help Johor Bahru and Singapore homeowners plan, budget, and execute renovations that deliver real value — no hidden fees, no pressure.
Chat with us on WhatsApp to discuss your project. We'll help you understand what's realistic for your space and your budget — and give you a transparent, itemised quotation.
