Short answer: in an HDB flat you can only remove non-structural walls, such as internal hollow block or brick walls, drywalls and Ferrolite partitions, and some non-load-bearing reinforced concrete (RC) elements, and every one of them needs HDB's approval first. Structural elements (load-bearing walls, columns, beams and slabs) and the household shelter can never be hacked. Your contractor, who must be listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors, submits the application with your floor plan, and HDB decides.

The rule in one line

According to HDB's building works guidelines, "all demolition or alteration of walls can only be carried out after obtaining HDB's approval", and existing RC structures must not be tampered with. Even a wall that is clearly lightweight still needs a permit before anyone picks up a hacking tool.

Walls you may be able to remove (with an HDB permit)

Internal lightweight partition walls

This covers internal hollow block or brick walls, drywalls and Ferrolite walls, removed in part or completely. HDB's conditions include:

  • Demolition is allowed only up to the underside of the RC beam or slab.
  • Block and brick walls must be demolished from the top down.
  • Drywall and Ferrolite partitions must be removed in full, from joint to joint.
  • If steel bars are discovered during demolition, work must stop and HDB must be told immediately.

Non-load-bearing RC elements

Some RC elements are not load-bearing, such as certain partition walls, party walls, stiffeners, lintols and hangers. HDB may allow these to be demolished, but:

  • A Professional Engineer (PE) for civil or structural works must supervise the demolition.
  • The PE must ensure proper repair of any RC structural elements affected.
  • HDB will tell you and your contractor if a Qualified Person is needed once it receives the application.

Openings between two flats

Creating an opening in a non-structural wall between two flats is also possible with approval, under similar conditions.

Walls and structures you cannot touch

  • Structural elements. HDB lists columns, beams, slabs and walls as load-bearing RC structural elements that must not be damaged.
  • The household shelter. Its reinforced walls, floor slab, ceiling and steel door must not be tampered with. Hacking the shelter walls, even to form a key for tiling, is not allowed. Limited drilling (up to 50mm deep with non-metallic inserts and removable screws) is permitted for fixtures.
  • RC wall surfaces for tiling. You cannot hack the surface of an RC wall to help tiles grip. A spatterdash coat or equivalent is used instead.
  • New doorways through RC walls. Internal door entrances can be repositioned with a permit, but the new entrance must not be created through an RC wall.
  • Bathroom finishes in new flats. Newly built flats have a three-year restriction on removing wall and floor finishes in bathrooms and toilets.

How do you know which wall is which?

Not by knocking on it. A wall that sounds hollow can sit next to a structural column, and plaster hides what is underneath. The reliable route is HDB's own evaluation:

  1. Get your floor plan. You can use the plan from your sales brochure, or buy one for $5 through HDB's Purchase of Residential Floor Plan e-Service or at a self-service kiosk at any HDB branch.
  2. Mark the proposed works. Your DRC-listed contractor shows the walls you want removed on the plan.
  3. Let HDB evaluate. For works such as demolition of walls, the contractor submits the floor plan with the electronic renovation application. You will receive an SMS once HDB has the submission.
  4. Start only after approval. You can view your permit once it is granted.

Building walls instead

Sometimes the better answer is to add, not remove. HDB does not require a permit to put up a single layer of 63mm hollow block wall, an 80mm glass block wall or a gypsum partition, subject to conditions:

  • Rooms you create must have adequate natural light and ventilation.
  • The fire escape route should be direct (for example, bedroom door to main door) and must not pass through another room.
  • Openings in a hollow block wall need an RC lintol above them.
  • Fasteners for gypsum partitions must not exceed 6mm in diameter and 40mm in penetration depth.

Timing and noise

HDB's renovation conditions say no work may be carried out before 8am or after 6pm. Noisy work, including demolition of walls and removing wall or floor finishes, is limited to weekdays from 9am to 5pm, and is not allowed on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays.

What if a wall is hacked without approval?

HDB treats it as unauthorised work. It will require you to stop, correct or remove the work and reinstate the flat to its original condition. If HDB allows the work to stay, you pay an administrative fee. The bigger risk is structural: unapproved hacking can damage elements that hold up the block.

Planning an open layout

Before you plan around removing a wall, check two things: whether HDB is likely to approve it, and what it will cost to make good the floor, ceiling and electrical points afterwards. Resale flats in particular can have surprises behind old plaster, so keep a contingency. Our guides to the HDB renovation permit and resale HDB renovation costs cover both.

How JIAHOME helps

We plan the layout first, with 2D drawings and up to 10 3D views, so you can see whether opening a wall is worth it before anyone applies for a permit. See our services or book a free consultation.

Last updated 14 October 2026