Short answer: you do not need an HDB permit to replace your main entrance gate, but HDB’s rules say the new gate must keep the same width, number of panels and swing as the gate HDB originally provided, and its swing must not block the public escape route. HDB does not publish a list of approved gate designs, so you can choose wrought iron or mild steel in the pattern you like, as long as the size and swing stay the same.
This guide sums up the HDB gate rules in plain English, the standard HDB gate sizes, what a replacement costs and the steps from enquiry to installation. For designs and prices, see our wrought iron gate and mild steel gate pages.
HDB Gate Rules at a Glance
HDB lists gate replacement under its renovation guidelines for building works. Here is what applies to the main entrance gate:
| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| No permit needed to replace the main entrance metal gate | You or your contractor do not need to apply to HDB before changing the gate, provided the conditions below are met. |
| Same width, number of panels and swing as the original HDB gate | A single-leaf gate stays single-leaf, a two-leaf gate stays two-leaf, and the gate opens the same way as before. You cannot widen the opening for a bigger gate. |
| The gate swing must not obstruct the public escape route | When open, the gate must not block the corridor or staircase neighbours use to get out. |
| Corridor units: at least 0.6 m clearance | Where the gate opens perpendicular to the corridor parapet wall, there must be at least 0.6 m between the open gate and the parapet wall. |
| Units next to a staircase | The clearance from the edge of the gate (open at any angle) to the staircase railing must be at least the width of the staircase. |
| Corner units | The gate should not hit the neighbouring flat’s window when it opens. |
| Painting the outside of the gate or main door | No permit needed. |
Because the rules tie the new gate to the original width, panels and swing, the simplest way to stay within them is a like-for-like replacement made to the measurements of your existing opening. That is how we make every gate.
Standard HDB Gate Sizes
We make HDB gates in two standard sizes, matched to the main door behind them:
- 3ft × 7ft single leaf (about 915 mm × 2140 mm).
- 4ft × 7ft double unequal leaf (about 1220 mm × 2140 mm): one narrow leaf and one wide leaf, as in the Choa Chu Kang gate above.
The gate size must match the main door opening, and it cannot be changed after installation. That is why we measure on site before production instead of quoting from a photo alone. Fixed-panel gates and recessed or condo gates are not standard, so we quote those after seeing the site.
HDB Gate Replacement Prices (2026)
Renovaid Team’s nett prices (we are not GST-registered). Every gate includes a 3-step lacquer finish in a standard colour, a standard mortise lever lock with 4 computerised keys, site measurement, delivery, installation and disposal of your old gate.
| Gate | 3ft × 7ft single leaf | 4ft × 7ft double leaf |
|---|---|---|
| Wrought iron, most designs (sale; usual $650 / $850) | $550 | $750 |
| Wrought iron, other designs | $650 | $850 |
| Mild steel FBG-01 | $600 | $800 |
| Mild steel FBG-07 | $650 | $850 |
| Mild steel FBG-04 (horizontal slat) | $720 | $980 |
| Mild steel FBG-03 | $790 | $950 |
| Mild steel FBG-02 (retro scissor) | $850 | $900 |
| Mild steel FBG-05 | $980 | $1,180 |
| Mild steel FBG-06 | $1,050 | $1,150 |
Optional extras: a unit number plate on the small panel ($30), a clear acrylic panel ($60 up to 30 cm high, $80 up to 50 cm, $120 for up to half the gate) or a metal panel ($80, $100 or $180 for the same heights). Painting the existing HDB door frame is not included. Final prices are confirmed at site measurement.
Wrought Iron or Mild Steel: How to Choose
- Budget: wrought iron starts lowest at $550 for 3ft × 7ft; mild steel starts at $600 (FBG-01).
- Look: wrought iron comes in 35 designs. Mild steel comes in 7 designs (FBG-01 to FBG-07), such as the FBG-04 horizontal slat or the FBG-02 retro scissor.
- Pets and privacy: a cat-friendly wrought iron gate is $650 (3ft × 7ft) or $800 (4ft × 7ft) and clear acrylic or metal panels can be added to any gate (prices above).
- Digital lock: if you want a digital lock on the gate, we weld a 1-inch metal box sized to your lock model, and a separate mounting plate can be added for $60. Your lock installer should come on the same day as our installation, otherwise the gate cannot be locked that night.
- Space between door and gate: if you want about 12 cm between the main door and the gate, a 2-inch frame can do it for an extra $60, as long as the swing and clearance rules above are still met.
Changing the main door at the same time? Doors along a fire escape route follow different rules: HDB requires a permit, a ½-hour fire-rated door with an accreditor’s label and a self-closing device. See our HDB main door price guide and main doors page, where main door + gate bundles are listed.
How to Replace Your HDB Gate: Step by Step
- Check your current gate. Note whether it is single or double leaf and which way it opens. Your new gate must match both.
- Pick a material and design. Browse the wrought iron designs, mild steel designs and our completed gate projects, and note the design code.
- WhatsApp us a photo of the gate and your unit type for an indicative price.
- Site measurement. Our team measures the opening and confirms the swing, clearance and final price.
- Production. Gates take 10–14 working days from site measurement and deposit, and can take longer in peak and festive periods. See our door replacement lead time guide.
- Installation. We fit the new gate and take away the old one. If you have a digital lock, book your lock installer for the same day.
FAQ
Do I need an HDB permit to change my main gate?
No. HDB does not require a permit to replace the main entrance metal gate, as long as the width, number of panels and swing stay the same as the original and the gate does not obstruct the public escape route.
Can I change my single-leaf gate to a double-leaf gate?
No. HDB’s guideline says the number of panels must be the same as the gate HDB originally provided, and the gate size must match your main door opening.
Does HDB have approved gate designs?
HDB’s guideline sets the width, number of panels, swing and clearance, not the pattern. You can pick a wrought iron or mild steel design you like within those rules.
How much does an HDB gate replacement cost?
With Renovaid Team, a 3ft × 7ft wrought iron gate starts at $550 nett and a mild steel gate at $600 nett, including lockset, measurement, delivery, installation and disposal of the old gate. 4ft × 7ft gates start at $750 nett.
How long does it take to replace an HDB gate?
About 10–14 working days from site measurement and deposit, longer in peak periods.
Can you repair or repaint my existing gate?
No. We do not repaint gates or repair gates supplied by other companies, but we can replace the gate for you.
Get a Quote for Your Gate
Send us a photo of your current gate and your preferred design, and we’ll reply with a nett price. WhatsApp Renovaid Team at +65 9898 9268 (WhatsApp only, no calls), or see our contact page. Renovaid Team is BCA-registered (CR18) and bizSAFE Level 3, with installation islandwide.
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