Housing in Singapore
Finding housing in Singapore requires understanding the local market and moving quickly when you find the right place.
Types of Housing
Private Condominiums (Most popular for expats)
- Gated communities with amenities (pool, gym, security, BBQ pits)
- Range from older walk-ups to luxury towers
- Central: S$2,500-4,500+ (1BR), S$4,000-7,000+ (2BR)
- Suburbs: S$1,800-3,000 (1BR), S$2,500-4,500 (2BR)
HDB Flats (Government housing)
- 80% of Singaporeans live in HDB
- Foreigners can RENT (not buy) HDB flats
- More affordable: S$1,800-2,800 for 3-room (1BR equivalent)
- Less amenities but often larger space for money
- Minimum rental period: 6 months
Landed Property (Houses)
- Rare and expensive in land-scarce Singapore
- Terrace, semi-detached, bungalows
- S$8,000-20,000+/month
- Mostly in areas like Bukit Timah, Holland Village
Serviced Apartments
- Fully furnished, flexible terms
- Good for initial 1-3 months while searching
- S$4,000-8,000/month
- Providers: Ascott, Somerset, Frasers
Popular Expat Areas
| Area | Character | Rent (1BR Condo) |
|---|---|---|
| Orchard/River Valley | Central, shopping, nightlife | S$3,500-5,000 |
| Tanjong Pagar/CBD | Business district, dining | S$3,000-4,500 |
| Holland Village | Expat favorite, cafes, relaxed | S$2,800-4,000 |
| Tiong Bahru | Hipster, heritage, trendy | S$2,500-3,800 |
| East Coast | Beach access, family-friendly | S$2,500-4,000 |
| Novena/Newton | Medical hub, central | S$2,800-4,000 |
| Tampines/Pasir Ris | Suburban, affordable, families | S$1,800-2,800 |
| Jurong | Western, business parks | S$1,600-2,500 |
Renting Process
- Search platforms: PropertyGuru, 99.co, SRX, Facebook groups
- Engage agent: Tenant doesn't pay commission (landlord does)
- View properties: Move fast—good places go quickly
- Letter of Intent (LOI): Secure the unit with 1 month deposit
- Tenancy Agreement: Sign contract, pay remaining deposits
- Inventory check: Document condition before moving in
Typical Costs Upfront
- Security deposit: 1-2 months (refundable)
- Advance rent: 1 month
- Stamp duty: ~0.4% of annual rent (tenant pays)
- Agent commission: Usually paid by landlord (not tenant)
Total upfront: Expect 2-3 months' rent
Lease Terms
- Standard lease: 12-24 months
- Minimum for HDB: 6 months
- Diplomatic clause: Allows early termination (usually after 12 months with 2 months' notice) if leaving Singapore
- Rent increases: Negotiate fixed rate for lease term
Utilities
Not usually included in rent:
- Electricity: S$80-200/month (AC is the main cost)
- Water: S$20-40/month
- Internet: S$30-50/month (1Gbps fiber widely available)
- Total: S$130-290/month
Tips for House Hunting
- Start searching 4-6 weeks before move-in
- Visit areas at different times (check noise, traffic)
- Check proximity to MRT—crucial for commuting
- Negotiate—especially if market is soft
- Read contract carefully—understand early termination terms
Pro Tips
- •Use PropertyGuru and 99.co for searching—they have the most listings
- •Tenant doesn't pay agent commission in Singapore—landlord does
- •Negotiate a diplomatic clause if your job situation might change
- •Check MRT proximity—it will affect your daily life significantly
- •Document everything during inventory check to get deposit back
Have questions about housing in Singapore?