If you own a unit at The Hill at One North and plan to sell in 2026, you are likely thinking about resale value. The market in One North remains competitive, and buyers have become more selective. A unit that feels modern, efficient, and move-in ready will command a premium. The good news? You do not need a complete gut renovation to make a difference. Strategic customisation can add tens of thousands to your selling price while keeping your renovation budget under control.

Why Customisation Matters for Resale Value

Your unit at The Hill at One North already sits in a prime location near One North MRT, Fusionopolis, and Buona Vista. That location gives you a head start. But similar units in the same development can sell for different prices based on interior condition and layout appeal. A 2026 buyer is looking at your unit and comparing it to others in the block. They ask: “How much work do I need to do?” If the answer is “Almost none,” they will pay more.

Customisation is not about making the unit “your own.” It is about making it “the next owner’s ideal home.” That means focusing on upgrades that have mass appeal.

Understanding Buyer Preferences at One North

Your target buyer in 2026 will likely be one of two groups:
– Young professionals (singles or couples) working in tech, research, or finance at nearby offices.
– Small families who want a spacious condo close to good schools and parks.

Both groups value:
– Clean, modern aesthetics
– Functional layouts that feel larger
– Low maintenance requirements
– Energy efficiency and sustainability
– A move-in ready unit

Knowing this helps you decide where to spend and where to save.

The 3 High-ROI Customisations for Your Unit

These three changes consistently deliver the best return when you sell.

1. Convert to an open-concept living area – Remove unnecessary walls between the living room and dining room, or between the kitchen and living room if structurally allowed. Open layouts make your unit feel bigger and brighter. This appeals strongly to young professionals who entertain. Check with the management corporation before knocking down any walls, and use a certified contractor. Aim for a seamless flow from the kitchen island to the living area.

2. Add smart home features – Install a smart lock, smart lighting with dimmers, and a central home hub (like a touch panel or voice assistant). Add motion sensors for lights in the corridor and bathroom. In 2026, buyers in One North expect a certain level of tech integration. These features cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars but signal that the unit is modern and energy efficient.

3. Upgrade kitchen and bathroom finishes – Replace old laminate countertops with quartz or solid surface. Install modern backsplash tiles (subway or large format). In bathrooms, replace the vanity, mirror, and toilet if they look dated. Use neutral colours like warm grey, white, or beige. Avoid bold patterns or dark colours that might put off buyers. A mid-range kitchen renovation can cost $8,000 to $15,000 and recoup 70 cents on the dollar or more.

Design Choices That Could Hurt Resale Value

Sometimes less is more. Here are upgrades you should avoid or approach with caution.

• Overly personalised colour schemes (e.g., bright feature walls, themed children’s rooms)
• Removing a bedroom to create a bigger master suite (lowers total bedroom count)
• Installing built-in furniture that limits flexibility
• Using cheap materials that look worn quickly
• Adding complex lighting systems that are hard to operate

High-impact customisations	Low-impact or risky customisations
Open layout (structural if possible)	Removing a bedroom or study
Neutral colour palette throughout	Bold accent walls or themed rooms
Smart home basics: lock, lights, sensors	Fully automated blinds or curtains
Quartz countertops and modern backsplash	Dark marble or overly patterned surfaces
Modern vanity and frameless shower screen	Freestanding bathtub in a small bathroom
LED downlights with dimmers	Chandeliers or tracked spotlights

Expert advice: “When I advise clients selling at The Hill at One North, I always recommend leaving the third bedroom as a bedroom rather than converting it into a walk-in wardrobe. Buyers with kids or live-in parents need those three rooms. If you must use it as a wardrobe for staging, keep the bed and door visible so the room is easily identifiable as a bedroom.” – Janice Tan, Senior Property Agent, ERA Singapore

Budgeting for Customisation: Where to Spend and Where to Save

Not every renovation dollar is equal. Use this rough guide for a 1,000 to 1,200 sq ft unit at The Hill at One North.

Item	Recommended budget (SGD)	Expected resale value boost
Open-concept layout (if walls are non-load-bearing)	5,000 – 8,000	15,000 – 25,000
Kitchen renovation (countertop, cabinets, backsplash, sink)	8,000 – 15,000	10,000 – 20,000
Bathroom renovation (vanity, shower, toilet, tiles)	6,000 – 10,000 per bathroom	8,000 – 15,000 per bathroom
Smart home starter pack	1,500 – 3,000	5,000 – 8,000
Painting whole unit (neutral colours)	2,500 – 4,000	3,000 – 6,000
New flooring (vinyl or engineered wood)	5,000 – 8,000	8,000 – 12,000
Staging with furniture rental	1,500 – 3,000 per month	10,000 – 20,000 (faster sale)

Common Mistakes Owners Make

When you rush to sell, these errors creep in.

• Over-renovating with premium brands that local buyers do not recognise.
• Not addressing visible wear and tear like chipped tiles or faded grout.
• Forgetting to declutter and depersonalise during viewings.
• Installing systems that are complicated to use.
• Choosing materials that require special maintenance.

Stick to timeless, durable finishes. Your unit should say “well-maintained” not “designer showcase.”

How to Partner with the Right Contractors

Get at least three quotes. Ask for references from other condo renovations in the One North area. Check that your contractor is licensed by the HDB or BCA for condo work. For structural changes, you will need approval from the management corporation. This can take two to four weeks, so plan ahead.

If you are unsure about layout changes, talk to your property agent first. They can tell you what buyers in your block typically look for.

Don’t Forget the “Invisible” Upgrades

Some improvements are not visible but matter just as much.
– Service the air conditioning unit and replace filters.
– Fix any water leaks in pipes or ceiling.
– Upgrade the electrical panel if it is old (add more sockets).
– Re-caulk bathroom joints and replace worn seals.
– Ensure all taps and toilets function smoothly.

These small fixes show that the unit has been loved. They also reduce the chance of a buyer requesting a price reduction after inspection.

Using the Local Neighbourhood to Your Advantage

The Hill at One North sits in a neighbourhood that continues to grow. In 2026, the Circle Line extension and new developments at one-north are complete. More F&B and retail options have opened. During viewings, point out how close your unit is to the park connectors, Rochester Park, and the upcoming One North hub. Remind buyers about the nearby schools like Anglo-Chinese School (International) and Fairfield Methodist. You can read more about family-friendly attractions near The Hill to use as talking points.

Also, share that the development has its own amenities that add value: the pool, gym, and function room. Make sure these common areas are clean and well-maintained before any open house.

Putting It All Together: A 6-Month Timeline

If you plan to sell in mid-2026, start now.

• Month 1: Assess your unit with an agent. Decide on top 3 customisations.
• Month 2: Get quotes and apply for MCST approval if needed.
• Month 3-4: Complete renovations. repaint. install smart features.
• Month 5: Deep clean, declutter, and stage the unit professionally.
• Month 6: Launch the listing with professional photos and floor plans.

For a deeper look at floor plan options, see which unit layout suits your lifestyle. You might also find our investment guide for 2026 helpful as you plan your exit strategy.

Your Resale Value, Your Decision

Customising your unit at The Hill at One North does not have to be stressful or expensive. Focus on changes that appeal to the widest pool of buyers. Open up the living area, bring in smart technology, and refresh kitchen and bathrooms with neutral materials. Avoid removing bedrooms or making bold design statements. Work with a trusted contractor and your agent throughout the process.

By taking these steps now, you set yourself up for a faster sale and a stronger selling price in 2026. Your unit will stand out because it looks fresh, works smart, and feels like home to the next owner. That is the kind of customisation that pays off.