Trying to rent properties in Singapore is notoriously expensive. For expats in Singapore, this can be a shock if they’re not prepared for it when they first relocate to the Lion City.
But given the high cost of acquiring a property here for a Foreigner – with an Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 60% of the value of the property, on top of the up to 6% of normal Buyer’s Stamp Duty – renting is typically the only viable housing option for expats in Singapore.
There are many nuances to the Singapore rental market and many expats choose to rent a condominium. With private condos, there are communal facilities available for use, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, BBQ pits, function rooms, and children’s playgrounds. This is the preference for most expats as the community within the condo makes settling into Singapore an easier process.
Meanwhile, landed properties can be relatively expensive and don’t offer these facilities. Of course, HDB flats – part of the country’s public housing scheme – make up the majority of Singapore’s housing supply but there are restrictions in place on renting these out to non-Singaporeans and non-Malaysians.
So, with that, here’s the ultimate expat guide for those looking to rent a condo in Singapore.
Read Also: Expat Guide To Understanding International Health Insurance Plans In Singapore
Understanding Singapore’s Rental Market
Any expats looking to rent a condo in Singapore should be aware of tenant rights and the rental process.
Typically, before signing a lease, prospective tenants will have to make an offer on a property via their property agent.
Both the landlord and the tenant are represented by two different agents, and communications – as it relates to the property in question – are almost always carried out through the agents and never directly between the tenant and landlord. This includes the negotiation phase, through to occupying the property, and subsequent unit handover when tenants leave the property.
Any issues that tenants have with the property post-moving in will have to be dealt with through the two agents. Clearly, picking a property agent that can best represent your interests (as a tenant) is a key priority.
Traditionally, leases are signed on a two-year basis and this means tenants will be locked in to the property for the duration of the lease. One-year leases are uncommon, although not unheard of, but landlords in Singapore prefer to have a tenant that can commit for the two-year minimum.
Deposits And Rental Prices
It’s the norm in Singapore, when renting, that you will have to pay a deposit of two months’ worth of rent before you’re able to move in. This roughly translates into one month worth of rent for each year you are renting the unit.
This is held by the landlord and is released to you upon the expiry of your rental lease, or when you decide to move out. Typically, the deposit also acts as a collateral for any damages or upkeep for the property to be handed over to the owner.
Generally, as in all major countries, rental prices in Singapore can vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood and also depending on the square footage or number of bedrooms. But, on the whole, renting a private residential property has become nearly 50% more expensive since the 2020 pandemic.
In the most recent 1Q2025 statistics from Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the rental index of private residential properties increased 0.4%.
Source: URA
Many newer condo developments can command relatively higher rents that equivalent older ones, even if the size of the apartment is actually smaller. Proximity to public transport links, such as MRT stations, shopping centres, and bus stops, will also impact the asking price of rental units in condos.
Another smaller point to note is that while rents can be tagged to property prices, freehold condominium units in Singapore can be priced much higher than leasehold units, but this alone should not affect the rent.
Many locals and expats also turn to PropertyGuru, a popular online property portal in Singapore for sales and rental listings.
Protecting Your Right As A Tenant
As tenants have limited rights in Singapore, it’s important as a tenant that you protect yourself in the best possible manner.
After moving into a new condo, it’s critical that you take pictures of all fixtures, walls, and appliances to ensure that – if there are any disputes with the landlord at the end of the lease – you have photo evidence to support your case.
That’s because there have been many instances where deposit amounts are withheld arbitrarily by landlords at the end of the lease on account of the tenant being “negligent” in some manner with respects to looking after the property.
Of course, if tenants have photo evidence and meticulous records of everything, this can be disputed more thoroughly. Typically, if an amicable agreement with the landlord (on receiving back your full deposit) cannot be reached, then seeking redress in the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) is an option.
Landlords are required to return the security deposit to tenants within 14 days after the end of the lease.
Read Also: Small Claims Tribunal: Complete Guide To Filing A Claim
Popular Expat Areas In Singapore
For expats, there are several “expat enclaves” that are well known on the Little Red Dot. In more central areas in Singapore, places like River Valley and Robertson Quay to areas like Holland Village are popular with expats. These areas have many condo areas that fit expats’ needs.
In the West, places like Jurong offer more choices for condos that are also budget-friendlier for expats. In the East, there are plenty of neighbourhoods that are popping up on expats’ radars, including places such as Mountbatten, Siglap, Joo Chiat, as well as Bayshore and Simei – with the latter two being particularly popular for those working in Changi Business Park due to its close proximity.
The benefits of living in the East are that there is also (generally) easy access to East Coast park and a variety of other amenities in the neighbourhoods.
Read Also: Neighbourhood Estate Guide: Is Holland Village The Most Charming And Laid-Back Of All HDB Estates?
