Renting in Singapore: Options for Single People

What rental options are available for single people in Singapore? What are the unique characteristics of each option? How can one decide  on the most suitable housing type? This article will provide some references tailored to single occupants navigating the rental market.

There are several options for single people: 1-bedroom units, studio apartments, single bedrooms in private condominiums, 2-room Flexi flats or single bedrooms in HDB flats, or the emerging co-living spaces. You can choose the most suitable option that best aligns with your budget and lifestyle preferences.

Condo

Condos are similar to commercial housing in China. They feature gated community environments with comprehensive internal facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, clubhouses, BBQ facilities, and 24-hour security. These properties generally offer higher overall quality, allowing residents to enjoy a more comfortable and secure lifestyle.

In terms of rental cost, renting a whole 1-bedroom unit costs $3,500 -$6,000 per month, while a studio apartment costs $2,000 -$3,000, and a single bedroom costs $1,300 - $2,000. The minimum tenancy term is 3 months.

Studio

There is a special type of unit in Condos that is specifically designed for single people. The difference from 1-bedroom units is that the living room, bedroom, and kitchen in this studio apartment are an integrated open space without the separation of solid walls. The area is usually around 15 - 50 square meters. While the layout is compact, it is efficiently designed and includes all necessary amenities. As an independent unit, it can provides an private living space with strong privacy. Usually, the rent is lower than that of 1-bedroom units, around $2,000 - $3,000.

This type of studio apartment is usually located in prime areas, close to the CBD area, with convenient transportation and various living amenities, making it very suitable for single people.

HDB Flat

HDB flats are government-subsidized housing. Although the quality is not as luxurious as that of condos, they are more affordable. HDB flats in Singapore are widely distributed with a large number of units, offering a wide range of choices. The government imposes strict regulations on the rental management of HDB flats. For example, the owner needs to obtain the government's approval before renting out their units, and tenants must meet specific eligibility criteria (such as being Singaporean citizens, permanent residents, or legally residing non-citizen). There are also strict limits on the maximum number of occupants per unit, the quota for non-Malaysian non-citizens , etc.

Single people can choose to rent a whole 2-room flat (here, 2-room means there are a total of 2 rooms including the bedroom and the living room, with only 1 bedroom, which is defined differently from condos). The rent is approximately $2000-$3000 per month. If the budget is limited, you can also rent a single bedroom in an HDB flat. Usually, the rent is S$800 -$1,500, and the price varies depending on factors such as the location, age of property and the condition of the house.

Whether it is renting the whole flat or just a single bedroom, the minimum lease term for HDB flats is 6 months.

Co-living space/Serviced apartment

Co-living Space

This is an emerging shared living model, usually directly managed by brand operators, combining hotel-style management with residential rental. It is usually rented out in units of single bedrooms or studio apartments. Shared spaces often include a communal kitchens, gyms, reading rooms, entertainment rooms, and meeting rooms, which are shared by the whole community. Co-living houses are fully furnished, with furniture such as beds, tables, and wardrobes in the rooms, allowing for move-in-ready convenience.. The lease term is flexible, and the specific lease term depends on the nature of the land usage of the community. If the property is on residential land, the minimum lease term is 3 months; if it’s on commercial land, usually the minimum lease term is 1 month. The rent is usually $1,500 - $3,000 per month, including utilities, WiFi, and regular cleaning services. Common co-living brands include Coli Woo, Cove, Hmlet, which are similar to co-living models like Ziroom, Goyoo, and Vanke Port Apartment in China.

Serviced Apartments

There are also some serviced apartments in prime areas such as Orchard Road in the city center that can be rented out for short periods. These apartments typically feature higher-end brands and facilities, are more spacious, and are priced at a premium. They combine the characteristics of hotels and private condominiums, allowing you to enjoy independent kitchen facilities and living spaces within the unit, alongside with hotel-like services such as daily cleaning and breakfast provision. Generally, they can be rented on a weekly basis (except for individual cases where the land is of residential nature and a minimum lease term of 3 months is required). If you are interested, you can consult an agent or visit the official website of these brands for further details.

Horizontal Comparison

In terms of price, renting a whole 1-bedroom unit in a condo is the most expensive, followed by studio apartments, then single bedrooms in condos and renting a whole 2-room flat in HDB flats (with fewer available units), and the cheapest is a single bedroom in an HDB flat. Single bedrooms in Co-living space are usually more expensive than single bedrooms in condos and HDB flats.In comparison, a single bedroom in an HDB flat is the most affordable.

In terms of privacy, renting the whole unit (including studio apartments) offers more privacy, while residing in a single bedroom provides less privacy as you need to share the public areas with roommates.

In terms of lease term, co-living spaces on commercial land can be rented for short periods, for condos at least 3 months, and for HDB flats at least 6 months.

Recommendation for Choice

If you have a sufficient budget and a high requirement for privacy, you can consider renting a whole 1-bedroom unit or a studio apartment.

If you have a moderate budget and a certain requirement for living quality, you can consider a single bedroom in a condo.

If you have a limited budget, then a single bedroom in an HDB flat is the most affordable choice, provided that you meet the eligibility conditions.

For those who want to rent for a short period for transition, need concierge services, or have a desire for neighborhood social interaction, co-living space is a good choice.

Read More

《Tenants must see：Singapore Tenancy Agreement and Key Terms》

《First-Time Purchase Guide: Eligibility requirements to buy a house and Property Types in Singapore》

《Singapore Rental Guide: Easily Find Your Ideal Home》