Room for Rent in Singapore

Finding a room to rent in Singapore is a popular and cost-effective option for students, working professionals, and expatriates who want to live in the city-state without committing to a full property lease. Whether you're new to Singapore or have been residing there for some time, the process can seem overwhelming. 

Types of rental options

1. Rooms for rent in condominiums and apartments

Privately-owned condominiums and apartments cater to a variety of budgets and preferences. Condominiums often come with premium amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, security services, and event spaces. Apartments, on the other hand, are smaller developments with fewer or no amenities. These properties are found across Singapore, from the bustling Central Business District (CBD) to quieter suburban neighborhoods. Rental costs for a single room range from SGD 600 to SGD 3,500, while one-bedroom units may cost SGD 1,500 to SGD 5,500. Prices depend on the location, level of furnishing, and lease duration, with landlords generally preferring leases of one to two years.

2. HDB flat Rooms for rent

HDB flats are Singapore’s public housing units, offering more affordable rental options. They are typically situated in areas outside the city center. You can rent either a room or an entire flat. Monthly rents for rooms range from SGD 500 to SGD 1,800. However, HDB rentals are subject to specific rules, including the Non-Citizen Rent Out Quota, which applies to non-Singaporeans, excluding Malaysians. Ensure the landlord has obtained the necessary approval from the Housing & Development Board before proceeding.

3. Rooms for rent in landed properties

Landed properties, such as bungalows, semi-detached homes, and terrace houses, are spacious and located in suburban areas, often farther from public transport. Renting a room in a landed property costs between SGD 900 and SGD 3,200. Costs vary based on the level of furnishing and lease terms, which typically last for one or two years.

4. Rooms for rent in Service apartments

For tenants seeking convenience, service apartments are an excellent choice. Fully furnished and equipped with hotel-like amenities such as housekeeping, pools, and gyms, these apartments are primarily located in the city center. Rent for a one-bedroom unit starts at S$3,000 and can go up to S$7,600 per month. Lease terms can range from a few days to a year, making this option flexible but expensive.

5. Rooms for rent in Shophouses

Shophouses, known for their historical charm, feature residential spaces and are usually located in mature estates close to the city. Rent for a room in a shophouse ranges from S$1,100 to S$3,200. Lease durations typically span one to two years.

6. Rooms in co-living spaces

Co-living spaces are a modern and community-focused rental option. These units are fully furnished and include services such as Wi-Fi, utilities, and maintenance. Rent for a room starts at SGD 1,000 and goes up to SGD 3,500, with one-bedroom units ranging from SGD 3,000 to SGD 5,480. Lease terms are flexible, from a few days to three months or longer.

Duration of stay

Your length of stay significantly influences your rental options. Local regulations require a minimum rental period of three months for private properties and six months for HDB flats. For short-term stays of one to two months, service apartments are ideal due to their flexible leases. For mid-term leases of three months to a year, co-living spaces offer convenience and a sense of community. Longer stays exceeding a year are best suited for HDB flats, condominiums, or landed properties.

Choosing the right location

Despite Singapore’s compact size, location plays a vital role in choosing your room rental. Areas like Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, and Bugis are great for those who prioritize proximity to the CBD and lively lifestyle hubs, though they come at a higher cost. Suburban neighborhoods like Tampines, Woodlands, and Jurong offer more affordable roooms with good connectivity. Students may prefer areas such as Clementi or Dover, which are close to educational institutions.

Schedule a viewing before you rent a room

Once you’ve identified potential options, schedule viewings. In Singapore, property viewings are free and non-binding, allowing you to assess the space and ask questions. Consider virtual tours or videos if in-person visits are not possible. Verify the condition of shared spaces, furnishings, and amenities during the viewing.

Tips for room renters

After selecting a room, make an offer to the landlord. Typically, landlords provide a Letter of Intent (LOI) to confirm your interest and reserve the property. For co-living spaces, you may receive a confirmation email instead. You’ll then sign a Tenancy Agreement (TA), detailing the terms, rent, and additional costs such as utilities and maintenance. Security deposits are generally one month’s rent for one-year leases and two months’ rent for two-year leases.

If you engaged a property agent, you’ll need to pay their fees, which typically range from half a month’s rent to one month’s rent, depending on the lease duration. Upon moving in, cross-check the inventory list to ensure all items are present and note any defects.