Updated 2026-10-10 · by Seepwise
Short answer: A ceiling leak is usually fixed by re-waterproofing the wet area above. Published 2026 guides put that at about S$800 to S$2,500 for the waterproofing package plus about S$800 to S$1,500 for hacking. In HDB flats the bill is normally shared between the two owners, and HDB's Goodwill Repair Assistance has co-paid 50%, so each owner's share can be about a quarter.
Seepwise writes these guides from HDB, MND and BCA sources and published Singapore price data; each claim links to where it comes from.
The repair you are paying for
The stain is on your ceiling, but the fix is in the wet area above. HDB describes re-screeding, renewing the membrane and screed, as the most effective solution for ceiling leaks (HDB). So the cost is mostly the upstairs bathroom’s waterproofing.
Published 2026 ranges
| Line | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing package: membrane, screed, ponding test | S$800 to S$2,500 | Triton, PRDT, Hock Star |
| Hacking and disposal | S$800 to S$1,500 | Same guides |
| Ceiling made good below | Smaller line, quoted after | Inspection |
Who pays which share (HDB)
| Situation | Split |
|---|---|
| Wear-and-tear leak, Goodwill Repair Assistance | HDB has co-paid 50%; the other 50% split between the two owners |
| Wear-and-tear leak, owners engage their own contractor | Shared between the owners |
| Leak caused by renovation upstairs | Upper owner pays all |
| Top-floor roof leak | Town Council |
| New flat within the 5-year ceiling-leak warranty | HDB |
Sources: MND, Singapore Legal Advice, HDB.
A cheaper first step, sometimes
If the leak is localised along one crack or joint, non-hacking PU injection can stop it for less, without hacking. It does not renew a failed membrane. See hacking vs non-hacking.
Bottom line
Expect the cost of re-waterproofing the bathroom above, usually shared, sometimes halved by GRA. A written finding of the source is what lets both owners agree to the split. Request an inspection.
Want this checked at your home?
A specialist calls you back to book an inspection.
Request received.
A specialist will contact you on the number you gave. If water is near electrics, switch off that circuit at the distribution board and keep clear until then.
More questions
Why am I paying for work in my neighbour's flat?
Because the leak is in the slab you share. HDB treats it as a joint responsibility of the upper and lower owners.
What if the leak was caused by my neighbour's renovation?
Then the upper owner bears the full cost.
Is the ceiling repair below included?
Ask. Making good the ceiling is often a separate, smaller line after the source is fixed.