How much does condo interior design and renovation cost in Malaysia in 2026?

Condo interior design and renovation in Malaysia typically costs RM80,000 to RM150,000 for an entry renovation, RM120,000 to RM380,000 for a full interior renovation, and RM300,000 to RM680,000 or more for a luxury high-rise or penthouse renovation. Final cost depends on unit size, design scope, materials, carpentry, appliances, hacking work, wet works, and JMB or MC requirements.

What is the renovation cost per square foot for a condo in Malaysia?

Condo renovation cost in Malaysia generally ranges from RM80 to RM150 per square foot for entry-level work, RM150 to RM250 per square foot for mid-range renovation, and RM250 to RM450 or more per square foot for premium or luxury condo interiors.

Do I need JMB or MC approval before renovating a condo in Malaysia?

Yes. Most condo renovation work in Malaysia requires JMB or MC approval before construction begins, especially if the work involves hacking, electrical rewiring, plumbing alteration, wet works, flooring changes, or delivery of large renovation materials.

Which parts of a condo renovation usually cost the most?

The most expensive parts of a condo renovation are usually kitchen carpentry, wardrobes, bathroom upgrades, flooring, electrical works, lighting, built-in storage, stone surfaces, appliances, and premium loose furniture.

How long does condo interior renovation take in Malaysia?

A simple condo renovation can take 4 to 8 weeks, while a full interior renovation usually takes 2 to 4 months. Luxury high-rise or penthouse renovation may take 4 to 6 months or longer depending on design complexity, authority approval, material lead time, and JMB or MC rules.

Condo Interior Design & Renovation Cost Malaysia 2026 Guide

At a Glance — 2026 Market Rates

Condo Renovation Cost Malaysia 2026 — Master Overview

All pricing on this page is aligned to the master cost guide at Interior Design & Renovation Cost Malaysia 2026. The table below gives you the complete reference for condo renovation costs across every unit size, scope, and finish level in Malaysia this year.

RM 120K Minimum full condo renovation KL / Selangor 2026

RM 80–450+ Per sq ft — entry to luxury PSF rate range

1–3 Weeks JMB or MC approval wait Before work can begin

15% Contingency — always include Written into your budget

Renovation Type	Cost (RM)	Size	Timeline	Tier
Entry Renovation	RM 80,000–150,000	600–900 sq ft	6–8 weeks	Entry
Full Interior Renovation	RM 120,000–380,000	800–1,500 sq ft	2–4 months	Mid
Luxury High-Rise / Penthouse	RM 300,000–680,000+	1,500–3,000 sq ft	4–6 months	Luxury

All figures are for interior renovation works only and exclude designer fees (5–8%), JMB renovation deposit (RM 1,000–3,000 refundable), furniture and soft furnishings, and the mandatory 15% contingency. Rates are Klang Valley 2026 market data. Penang and Johor Bahru may differ by 10–20%.

For bungalow, double storey, and new build costs — see the master cost guide that this page is part of.

Master Cost Guide

Renovation Tiers

Which Condo Renovation Tier is Right for You?

Your renovation tier depends on the age of the unit, your lifestyle expectations, how long you plan to stay, and whether you are renovating to live in, rent, or sell. All pricing below is aligned to the Houz 2026 master cost guide.

Tier One

Entry Renovation

RM 80,000–150,000

RM 80–150 PSF · Cosmetic to partial works · JMB approval may not be needed

600–900 sq ft · 6–8 weeks

Surface-level improvements — paint, flooring, basic kitchen and bathroom refresh. No full hacking. Suitable for investment units, rental preparation, or a quick lifestyle upgrade on a sound existing fit-out.

Full interior repaint — walls, ceiling, feature wall
Flooring: vinyl plank or tile overlay without full hacking
Kitchen cabinet doors refacing or basic replacement
Bathroom accessories, mirror, tap, and showerhead swap
New light fittings and switches throughout
Curtain tracks and blinds installation

Best for: Investment or rental units, buyers on a tighter budget, or units in sound condition that just need freshening up before moving in or listing.

Most Common Tier Two

Full Interior Renovation

RM 120,000–380,000

RM 120–250 PSF · Full hacking · JMB approval required

800–1,500 sq ft · 2–4 months

Complete interior transformation — every room renovated, full custom joinery, new kitchen, bathrooms with proper waterproofing, full electrical and air-conditioning. The standard brief for owner-occupiers doing a once-in-a-decade renovation. JMB or MC approval required before hacking begins.

Demolition: full hacking of existing tiles and ceilings (JMB approval required)
Kitchen: full custom dry kitchen, quartz or solid-surface worktop
Bathrooms: full waterproofing, large-format tile, mid-tier sanitary fittings
Flooring: engineered timber or large-format homogeneous tile throughout
Carpentry: floor-to-ceiling wardrobes all bedrooms, TV feature unit
Electrical: full rewire, new consumer unit, LED lighting design
Aircon: new inverter split-unit system all rooms
Feature walls: fluted panel, limewash, or stone cladding
Ceiling: plaster ceiling with cove lighting — living and master bedroom

Best for: Owner-occupiers buying a resale unit, upgrading a developer's basic fit-out, or families doing a complete lifestyle renovation before settling in long-term.

Tier Three

Luxury High-Rise & Penthouse

RM 300,000–680,000+

RM 250–450+ PSF · Full interior design service · Smart home

1,500–3,000 sq ft · 4–6 months

Prestige condominiums and penthouses in KLCC, Mont Kiara, Bangsar, and Damansara Heights — where the brief demands international-calibre execution. Full interior designer involvement, imported materials, and smart home integration are baseline expectations at this tier.

Flooring: imported marble, travertine, or large-format Italian porcelain
Kitchen: bespoke lacquered or stone-fronted cabinetry, island, European appliances
Bathrooms: European sanitary ware — Duravit, Hansgrohe, TOTO, or Kohler
Smart home: lighting automation, motorised blinds, multi-room audio, climate control
Millwork: custom carpentry throughout with concealed storage
Ceiling: architectural ceiling with cove, coffer, or backlit features
Lighting design: full layered ambient, task, and accent lighting plan
Interior designer: full-service, site-supervised — fee included in upper range

Best for: HNW and UHNW clients in prestige high-rises, penthouse owners, or investors targeting the premium rental market in Mont Kiara, KLCC, or Bangsar.

Not sure which tier fits your unit? The honest test: if you are living in the unit for 5+ years, move up one tier from your instinct — you will never regret quality you live with every day. If renovating for sale or rental, match the finish level to the buyer or tenant profile for your building. Over-capitalising on a mid-tier leasehold condo in a standard building rarely returns its investment. Speak to our team — we advise on the right scope for your specific unit, building, and objectives at no cost.

Know Before You Hack

JMB & MC Rules — What You Can and Cannot Do

This is the section most homeowners skip — and most regret. Every condo renovation in Malaysia is governed by your building's Joint Management Body (JMB) or Management Corporation (MC). Work done without approval can result in fines, forced reinstatement, and serious complications when you sell.

Typically Allowed — with JMB or MC approval

Hacking existing floor tiles (with written approval)
Full bathroom tile hacking and wet area renovation
Replacing kitchen cabinets and countertops
New plaster ceiling and cornices
Electrical rewiring within the unit
New air-conditioning split units within the unit
Internal non-structural partition walls
New internal doors and frames
Custom built-in wardrobes and carpentry
Waterproofing and full bathroom renovation

Typically Not Permitted

Structural changes to load-bearing walls
Modifications to external facade or windows
Changes to common property or shared systems
Extending the unit's physical footprint
Changes to main electrical riser or distribution board
Changes to main plumbing risers or stacks
Work outside permitted renovation hours
Overcladding balconies or external walls

Renovation Deposit — Budget for This

Most condominiums require a renovation deposit of RM 1,000–RM 3,000 (up to RM 5,000 for larger units) paid before work begins. This is refundable on satisfactory completion, but you will not have access to these funds during renovation. Factor it into your cash flow from day one.

The JMB Approval Process — Step by Step

Request Building Renovation Guidelines
Collect the full renovation rules from your JMB or MC office before any planning. Rules vary building to building — never assume.
Before planning begins
Prepare Plan and Contractor Details
Most JMBs require a scope of works, before-and-after floor plan, and your contractor's company registration and insurance.
1–2 weeks preparation
Submit Application and Pay Deposit
Submit the completed form with your deposit cheque. Keep receipts and copies of everything submitted.
Day 1
Await Written Approval Letter
JMB approval takes 1–3 weeks. Do not allow any work to begin before you have the written approval letter in hand.
1–3 weeks
Renovation Within Permitted Hours Only
Strictly 9am–5pm weekdays and Saturday mornings in most buildings. Hacking and drilling may have tighter restrictions. Your contractor must comply — their workers' behaviour is your responsibility.
During construction
Completion Inspection and Deposit Refund
Submit your completion notice. JMB inspects common areas for damage. Deposit is refunded within 2–4 weeks of satisfactory inspection.
Post-completion

Full JMB & MC Regulations Guide

Where Your Budget Goes

Room-by-Room Condo Renovation Cost Malaysia 2026

Understanding room-by-room costs lets you make smarter trade-off decisions. Concentrate your spend where it returns the most: kitchen and master bathroom return the highest satisfaction and resale value. Here is every room, every tier, every key cost driver.

Kitchen — Dry & Wet

RM 28,000–120,000

The kitchen is typically the single largest line item in a condo renovation and highest-impact for lifestyle improvement. Cabinet material is the primary cost driver — it accounts for 40–60% of the total kitchen budget.

Finish Level	Cost (RM)	Cabinet Material	Worktop
Entry	18,000–28,000	Laminates ply	Basic quartz
Mid-Range	28,000–65,000	Solid timber laminates or matte lacquer	Quartz or engineered stone
Premium	55,000–90,000	Solid timber venner or laminates	Sintered stone or porcelaine quartz
Luxury	90,000–120,000+	Stone-fronted or bespoke lacquer	Imported marble or sintered stone

Cabinets: RM 900–1,800 per linear ft Island: RM 25,000–85,000 Hood & hob: RM 2,000–12,000 Sink & tap: RM 1000–5,000 Backsplash tile: RM 100–150 PSF

Don't skimp on the worktop. A quality quartz or sintered stone worktop is the single decision that determines whether your kitchen looks mid-range or premium. It also prevents staining, cracking, and heat damage in heavy Malaysian cooking.

Master Bathroom

RM 18,000–90,000

The master bathroom is the second highest-impact renovation in any condo — and where waterproofing quality matters most. A failed membrane causes leaks to the unit below, triggering neighbour disputes that cost multiples of what proper waterproofing would have cost. Specify a 10-year membrane system — always.

Finish Level	Cost (RM)	Tile Grade	Sanitary Brand
Entry	20,000–32,000	Local homogeneous 600×600	Standard Malaysian / Roca basic
Mid-Range	28,000–60,000	Branded 600×1200 or 300×900	Grohe, Sorento, Roca mid, TOTO basic
Premium	40,000–100,000	Large-format porcelain	Duravit, Hansgrohe, TOTO mid
Luxury	60,000–150,000+	Book-matched marble or travertine	Duravit Axor, Gessi, Villeroy & Boch

Waterproofing membrane: RM 5,500–9,500 Rain shower system: RM 2,500–15,000 Freestanding bath: RM 4,000–20,000 Tile installation: RM 25–55 PSF

Common Bathroom(s)

RM 18,000–45,000 each

Same waterproofing requirement as the master, smaller footprint. Budget RM 18,000–34,000 for a functional entry renovation and RM 30,000–45,000 for a quality mid-range result that matches the master bathroom level.

Waterproofing: RM 4,500–8,000 Tile hacking + retile: RM 4,000–9,000 WC + bidet: RM 1800–5,500 Shower screen: RM 1,200–3,000 Mirror w storage & vanity unit: RM 1800–5,800

Living Room & Dining Area

RM 25,000–95,000

The living and dining area has the widest visual impact in any condo. Flooring, ceiling treatment, feature wall, and lighting are the four decisions that define the entire room's character. Spend here and save on a junior bedroom.

Element	Entry (RM)	Mid (RM)	Luxury (RM)
Flooring	4,500–8,000	8,000–18,000	18,000–50,000
Plaster Ceiling	5,500–7,000	7,000–12,000	12,000–35,000
Feature Wall	7,500–14,000	15,000–32,000	20,000–60,000+
TV Unit / Display	5,000–8,000	8,000–15,000	15,000–35,000
Lighting (fixtures)	1,500–3,000	3,000–8,000	8,000–20,000

Master Bedroom & Junior Rooms

RM 20,000–120,000 per room

Bedroom renovation budget is dominated by built-in wardrobe cost — typically 50–60% of a bedroom's spend. Master bedroom first, then junior rooms at 60–70% of master cost is a sensible rule of thumb.

Floor-to-ceiling wardrobe: RM 900–1,800 per linear ft Master bedroom full fit-out: RM 20,000–120,000 Junior bedroom full fit-out: RM 20,000–100,000 Flooring per room: RM 5,500–22,000 Feature headboard wall: RM 10,000–50,000

Electrical, Lighting & Air-Conditioning

RM 15,000–65,000

Often underbudgeted. In older resale condos (10+ years), a full electrical rewire is frequently necessary — existing wiring may be undersized for modern appliance loads and smart switch systems. Always have a licensed electrician test the existing consumer unit before committing to a partial rewire.

Full electrical rewire: RM 8,000–50,000 New consumer unit (DB): RM 1,500–4,000 Smart switch system: RM 3,500–12,000 Inverter aircon per room: RM 1,800–4,500 LED recessed downlights (per point): RM 150–200 Cove LED strip per metre: RM 50–90

Full Condo Renovation — Complete Cost Summary

Based on a 1,100 sq ft 3-bedroom condo in Klang Valley. Pricing aligned to the Houz 2026 master cost guide.

Item	Entry (RM)	Mid-Range (RM)	Premium (RM)
Kitchen (dry) — full custom	15,000–22,000	28,000–50,000	55,000–90,000
Master Bathroom — full	15,000–22,000	25,000–45,000	45,000–70,000
Common Bathroom × 1	8,000–12,000	13,000–20,000	18,000–28,000
Living + Dining	10,000–18,000	22,000–40,000	38,000–70,000
Master Bedroom full fit-out	8,000–14,000	18,000–30,000	28,000–50,000
Junior Bedrooms × 2	8,000–14,000	16,000–26,000	22,000–40,000
Electrical rewire + lighting	5,000–9,000	12,000–22,000	20,000–38,000
Air-conditioning (3 rooms)	6,000–10,000	10,000–18,000	18,000–35,000
Hacking, demolition, disposal	2,000–5,000	5,000–12,000	10,000–20,000
Painting throughout	2,500–5,000	4,500–9,000	7,000–15,000
Estimated Total (1,100 sq ft)	RM 79,500–131,000	RM 153,500–272,000	RM 261,000–456,000

Add JMB renovation deposit (RM 1,000–3,000), interior designer fee (5–8% if applicable), furniture and soft furnishings (RM 15,000–80,000), and a 15% contingency to arrive at your true all-in project budget.

Rates · Location · Timeline

PSF Rate Guide, Cost by Location & Renovation Timeline

Three reference tools in one section: the PSF rate you should be quoting, how location affects your budget in Klang Valley, and a realistic timeline so you know what to expect and when.

Condo Renovation Cost per Square Foot — Malaysia 2026

Entry RenovationRM 80–150 PSF

Paint, flooring, basic fixtures — no full hacking

Full Mid-Range RenovationRM 120–250 PSF

Full hacking, custom joinery, new kitchen and bathrooms

Premium RenovationRM 200–320 PSF

Imported materials, smart switches, European sanitary ware

Luxury / Penthouse Fit-OutRM 300–450+ PSF

Full interior design service, marble, smart home, bespoke joinery

Renovation Cost by Location — KL & Selangor

Location	Building Type	Full Reno Cost	Premium vs KL Avg
Mont Kiara	High-Rise Condo	RM 180,000–480,000	+10–20%
Bangsar / Bukit Damansara	Condo, Penthouse	RM 200,000–550,000+	+15–25%
KLCC / City Centre	Serviced Apt, Penthouse	RM 200,000–680,000+	+15–30%
Damansara Heights	Condo, High-Rise	RM 180,000–500,000	+10–20%
Petaling Jaya	Condo, Serviced Apt	RM 120,000–350,000	Baseline
Subang Jaya / Shah Alam	Condo	RM 100,000–280,000	-5 to -10%

Realistic Condo Renovation Timeline

Design & JMB Submission
Finalise scope, get quotations, prepare JMB submission documents with contractor details and floor plan.
2–4 weeks
JMB or MC Approval Wait
Submit and wait for written approval. No work can begin legally until this letter is in hand.
1–3 weeks
Material Procurement
Order tiles, kitchen cabinets, sanitary fittings. Imported items: 6–12 week lead time. Order before construction begins.
2–4 weeks (overlap with approval)
Hacking & Demolition
Existing tiles, ceilings, and fixtures removed. Most disruptive phase — noise restricted to JMB-permitted hours only.
1–2 weeks
M&E Rough-In
Electrical rewiring, plumbing alterations, aircon piping. Inspect and photograph all rough-in before it is concealed.
2–3 weeks
Waterproofing, Plastering & Tiling
Waterproofing must cure fully before tiling begins. Do not rush this — failed waterproofing is the most expensive mistake in any condo renovation.
3–5 weeks
Carpentry Installation
Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, TV units, and all built-in joinery installed. Confirm all dimensions against drawings before installation.
2–4 weeks
Painting, Snag & Handover
Full snag inspection before final payment. Submit completion notice to JMB for deposit refund. Timeline: 1–2 weeks after carpentry.
1–2 weeks

What Nobody Tells You

Hidden Costs That Blow Condo Renovation Budgets

The most common reason condo renovation projects run over budget is not poor planning — it is costs that never appeared in the original quote. Here are the six most common hidden costs in Malaysian condo renovations, and how to protect yourself.

Most Dangerous

Failed Waterproofing — Existing

RM 8,000–35,000 per wet area — unplanned

Older condo bathrooms frequently have failing waterproofing discovered only once tiles are hacked. Cutting corners here costs multiples in remediation. Always specify a 10-year membrane system and get it in the contract — never let a contractor skip or underprice this line.

Electrical Surprise

Undersized Consumer Unit or Old Wiring

RM 3,000–20,000 replacement — unplanned

Condos built before 2005 may have undersized DB units and wiring that cannot handle modern appliance loads. Discovered mid-renovation, this forces a full rewire that was not in the original quote. Have an electrician test the existing DB before signing any contract.

Scope Creep

Variation Orders from Design Changes

Typically adds 10–25% to the final bill

Every change made after the contract is signed becomes a Variation Order priced at the contractor's discretion — often at a 20–40% premium above the original rate. Lock your design decisions before any hacking begins. Changes mid-build are the most expensive decisions you will make.

JMB Costs

Renovation Deposit + Reinstatement Risk

RM 1,000–5,000 deposit + potential fine

The JMB deposit is refundable but ties up cash for months. If your contractor damages common areas — lift lobby floor, corridor wall, car park — reinstatement costs are deducted from the deposit and billed to you. Always walk the common areas with your contractor before and after construction.

Material Delays

Idle Time Charges from Late Deliveries

RM 1,500–8,000 idle time, per occurrence

When imported tiles or custom kitchen cabinets arrive late, trades stand idle and charge for it. Order all long-lead materials at contract signing — not after. Lead times for imported goods in Malaysia routinely run 8–14 weeks.

Often Forgotten

Furniture and Soft Furnishings

RM 15,000–80,000 — rarely budgeted upfront

Most homeowners budget carefully for renovation but discover the beautifully renovated shell still needs furniture, window treatments, art, and lighting accessories to feel complete. Budget for it from day one — not as an afterthought when the renovation budget is already spent.

How to Build a Condo Renovation Budget That Holds

Start with an itemised quotation — not a PSF number
A PSF estimate is a conversation starter. An itemised quote with materials specified is what you build a budget from. Never commit to a contractor without a line-by-line scope.
Write a 15% contingency into the budget — not a mental note
A written, locked contingency line is non-negotiable. If unused, it becomes your furniture budget. If used, it is the difference between finishing on time and stopping mid-project.
Lock the design before signing the contract
Every design decision made after contract signing costs more than it would have cost upfront. Complete all material selections, finish choices, and layout decisions before work begins.
Order long-lead materials at contract signing
Imported tiles, custom kitchen cabinets, and European sanitary ware: order them before construction begins. 8–14 week lead times are common in Malaysia. Waiting causes idle-time charges.
Budget separately for furniture and soft furnishings
Allocate 8–12% of your renovation budget as a separate furniture budget from day one. A renovated condo without furniture is not a finished home.
Tie progress payments to milestones — not calendar dates
Never pay ahead of physical progress. Payment tied to completion of waterproofing, then tiling, then carpentry — not to weeks elapsed.

Related Guides — Houz Design

Master Cost Guide — All Property Types JMB & MC Condo Renovation Regulations Guide Interior Design Malaysia — Complete Guide How to Choose a Reliable Contractor in KL Custom Interiors & Resale Value KL / Selangor Houz Condo Interior Design Service

Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions — Condo Renovation Malaysia

The most common questions Malaysian condo owners ask before planning a renovation — answered with the same transparency we bring to every client conversation. All pricing below is aligned to the Houz 2026 master cost guide.

Condo renovation in Malaysia in 2026 costs RM 80,000–150,000 for an entry renovation, RM 120,000–380,000 for a full interior renovation of an 800–1,500 sq ft unit, and RM 300,000–680,000+ for a luxury high-rise or penthouse in KL or Selangor. These figures are aligned to Klang Valley 2026 market rates and exclude designer fees, furniture, and contingency. See the complete 2026 master cost guide for bungalow and double storey costs.
Yes. Any condo renovation in Malaysia involving hacking, structural changes, plumbing alterations, or electrical rewiring requires formal written approval from your building's JMB or MC before any work begins. Cosmetic work such as painting and minor furniture changes typically does not. Renovation hours are restricted to 9am–5pm weekdays and Saturday mornings. A refundable deposit of RM 1,000–3,000 (sometimes up to RM 5,000) is required upfront. Read our full JMB & MC regulations guide for complete details.
Condo renovation cost per square foot in Malaysia in 2026: RM 80–150 PSF for entry-level work, RM 120–250 PSF for a full mid-range renovation, RM 200–320 PSF for premium finishes with smart home and European sanitary ware, and RM 300–450+ PSF for a full luxury penthouse fit-out. Condos cost more per square foot than landed properties because expensive items like kitchens and wardrobes are concentrated in a smaller built-up area.
A basic condo renovation takes 4–8 weeks. A full interior renovation of an 800–1,500 sq ft unit typically takes 2–4 months. A luxury penthouse renovation with bespoke joinery, imported materials, and smart home integration takes 4–6 months or more. JMB or MC approval adds 1–3 weeks before construction can legally begin, and restricted renovation hours (weekdays only) extend the timeline compared to a landed property project.
A condo kitchen renovation costs RM 18,000–2,000 for an entry finish with laminates plywood cabinets and basic worktop, RM 28,000–65,000 for a mid-range renovation with timber veneer or lacquer cabinets and quartz worktop, RM 55,000–90,000 for premium handleless lacquer with sintered stone, and RM 90,000–120,000+ for a full luxury kitchen with porcelain slab, bespoke cabinetry, and European appliances. Kitchen cabinets alone range from RM 1,200 to RM 1,800 per linear foot depending on material and hardware.
A full condo renovation in Malaysia includes: demolition and hacking of existing floors, tiles, and ceilings; full custom kitchen with cabinetry and worktop; master and common bathroom renovation with waterproofing, new tiles, and sanitary fittings; new flooring throughout; floor-to-ceiling built-in wardrobes all bedrooms; full electrical rewire, LED lighting design, and new power points; new inverter air-conditioning units; feature walls, plaster ceiling with cove lighting; and full painting throughout. Designer fees and furniture are separate.
Yes — a well-executed condo renovation in Malaysia can increase resale value by 10–25% in KL and Selangor's premium market. The highest-ROI renovations before sale are kitchen upgrades, bathroom renovations, fresh paint and new flooring, and new lighting. Avoid over-capitalising beyond the buyer profile for your building and location — a luxury marble kitchen in a mid-tier leasehold block will not fully return its investment. Read our full guide on how custom interiors boost resale value in KL and Selangor.
Renovations typically not permitted in Malaysian condominiums include: structural changes to load-bearing walls, modifications to the building's external facade or windows, changes to common property or shared systems, extending the unit's physical footprint, changes to the main electrical riser or distribution board, and changes to main plumbing risers or stacks. Even non-structural hacking usually requires JMB or MC approval. Always obtain your building's specific renovation guidelines before planning — rules differ between buildings. See our complete JMB and MC guide.