The typical rent prices in Singapore vary depending on several factors, such as location, amenities, and more. For instance, for those eyeing luxury and convenience, a 3-bedroom apartment in the Orchard Road area might cost between S$5,000 and S$36,000. Conversely, those looking for more budget-friendly options can find a bedroom in a shared apartment in Woodlands for around $700 – $2,500.
Juliet Stannard, a prominent figure in Singapore’s real estate arena and the co-owner of a multi-million dollar agency, painted a picture of the recent volatility in the market. “Last year, rents have doubled in a lot of places. It was still going up in the beginning part of this year, but literally, in the last four weeks, rents have tumbled. They’ve literally fallen off a cliff,” she remarked.
However, there might be a glimmer of relief on the horizon for renters. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) projected in its biannual macroeconomic review in April that residential rent increases should ease in the upcoming quarters. This is due to the completion of more homes and an expected moderation in rental demand.
Singapore’s Property Rental Situation
In 2022, there was a significant surge in rents across Singapore; private property rental prices increased by 29.7%, marking the fastest pace in 15 years. This increase can be attributed to the growing demand for housing and project delays in the completion of residential units. You, as a potential renter, should be aware of these trends to better understand the rental market in Singapore.
However, a recent update on the rental situation suggests that the rent increases may ease in the coming quarters. The reasons for this potential drop in rents include a significant number of residential units being completed soon and people moving into their new homes. This is good news for you if you’re looking to rent a property in Singapore, as the market may become less competitive and more affordable.
While the rental market in Singapore experienced a sharp increase in 2022, there are predictions that it will stabilize in the near future. By staying informed on the current market trends and developments, you will be better equipped to make confident decisions when entering the Singapore rental market.
That said, when comparing Singapore’s rental market to other locations in Asia, it’s important to note that each city and country has its unique factors and dynamics. It’s crucial to research the specific market conditions in each location to make an educated decision on where to pursue renting opportunities.
Key Areas to Rent in the Current Market
Median Rents by Town and Flat Type (2nd Quarter 2023)
Towns | 2-room | 3-room | 4-room | 5-room |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ang Mo Kio | * | $2,800 | $3,300 | $3,600 |
Bedok | * | $2,500 | $3,000 | $3,200 |
Bishan | – | $2,800 | $3,530 | $3,700 |
Bukit Batok | $2,700 | $2,400 | $3,200 | $3,600 |
Bukit Merah | $2,550 | $2,800 | $3,700 | $4,200 |
Bukit Panjang | * | $2,800 | $3,000 | $3,400 |
Bukit Timah | – | * | * | * |
Central | * | $3,200 | $4,280 | * |
Choa Chu Kang | – | $2,350 | $3,000 | $3,100 |
Clementi | * | $2,850 | $3,650 | $3,900 |
Geylang | * | $2,500 | $3,300 | $3,600 |
Hougang | * | $2,500 | $3,000 | $3,200 |
Jurong East | – | $2,500 | $3,200 | $3,580 |
Jurong West | * | $2,500 | $3,200 | $3,300 |
Kallang/Whampoa | * | $2,800 | $3,300 | $3,830 |
Marine Parade | – | $3,000 | $3,400 | * |
Pasir Ris | * | * | $3,200 | $3,250 |
Punggol | * | $3,100 | $3,380 | $3,400 |
Queenstown | * | $3,000 | $3,900 | $4,050 |
Sembawang | $2,350 | * | $3,100 | $3,150 |
Sengkang | * | $3,200 | $3,200 | $3,300 |
Serangoon | * | $2,600 | $3,350 | $3,300 |
Tampines | * | $2,600 | $3,200 | $3,600 |
Toa Payoh | * | $2,600 | $3,500 | $3,900 |
Woodlands | * | $2,400 | $3,000 | $3,200 |
Yishun | * | $2,550 | $3,000 | $3,300 |
(source: HDB)
Note: The (-) means no rental transactions in the quarter. On the other hand, the asterisks (” * “) indicate instances when the rental transactions for a specific town and flat type were fewer than 20 in the quarter. Their median rents aren’t displayed because they might not provide an accurate representation.
Insights
Singapore’s rental market has experienced some changes in recent years, with certain areas witnessing stable high prices while others have become more negotiable. This brief section provides insights into the current rental landscape and recommendations for rental areas in Singapore.
One of the areas where rental prices have remained consistently high is Sentosa. However, in other neighborhoods, prices have become more negotiable as the market shows signs of cooling off. Juliet Stannard, an expat realtor with extensive experience in Singapore’s property market, shares insights on this phenomenon.
According to Stannard, “But it takes a few months for the landlords to start accepting the fact that they’re not getting these peak prices anymore.”
If you’re on a budget and looking for the cheapest area to rent in Singapore, you may want to consider the East Coast. For instance, the Bedok region has rental prices ranging between S$2,500 to S$3,200 for a 2-room and 5-room HDB flat. Additionally, these areas not only offer lower rental prices compared to other parts of the city but also provide a mix of modern and traditional Singaporean living, with international schools, local hawker centers, and modern shopping malls nearby.
To get a better sense of rental costs in these areas and throughout Singapore, you can consult the latest HDB rental cost guide. It offers a comprehensive overview of the room and whole unit rental prices to help you make an informed decision on where to rent in the current market. Additionally, if you’re still short on funds, you can seek help and consider the HDB Public Rental Scheme.
Procedures When Renting a Room or Home in Singapore
When you decide to rent a room or an entire unit in Singapore, it’s essential to understand the necessary steps and processes involved. First, be mindful of your budget and how much to rent a room or whole unit in Singapore. Your rent should ideally not exceed 30% of your monthly income.
- List Down Your Requirements: Prepare a list of essentials you desire in your rental property. Include factors like location, budget, size, and any specific amenities you’re looking for.
- Start Your Search: Use online platforms such as PropertyGuru to browse through potential rental properties. Filter the search based on your listed requirements to find the best matches.
- Arrange Property Viewings: After shortlisting potential homes, schedule visits to inspect them in person. This step helps you get a tangible feel of the place and its surrounding neighborhood.
- Negotiate with the Landlord: Once you’ve decided on a property, discuss the monthly rent and other conditions with the landlord. Aim for a mutually beneficial agreement.
- Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI): After agreeing on the rent, send an LOI to the landlord to indicate your serious intention to rent the property.
- Sign the Tenancy Agreement: This is a legally binding document between you and the landlord. Ensure it details all necessary conditions, including lease duration, rent, deposit, and privacy terms.
- Pay the Rental Stamp Duty: This government tax on rental agreements must be paid within 14 days if the Tenancy Agreement is signed in Singapore. If signed overseas, you have 30 days.
- Move In: With all the paperwork and payments sorted, you’re now ready to relocate to your new rented space.
- Maintain Good Relations: Always adhere to the Tenancy Agreement’s conditions and maintain open communication with the landlord to ensure a harmonious rental experience.
Note: New Stamp Duty Tax for Foreigners
Singapore has recently made a significant change in its property market by increasing property stamp duties to cool down the market. A noteworthy part of this change is the increase in stamp duty tax for foreigners on private property purchases, doubling from 30% to 60%.
It is essential for you to understand the potential impact of this increase on foreign and local buyers. The drastic change in stamp duty tax reveals the government’s intent to support Singaporeans and permanent residents (PRs) by regulating the property market and curbing excessive foreign investments.
Despite the higher taxes, foreign investments in Singapore’s property market may still continue due to the country’s robust economy and stable political climate. However, the new stamp duty tax may alter the landscape, as foreign buyers might reconsider their investment decisions or explore alternative markets.
Overall, you must stay informed and adapt to these changes in the property market. While the higher stamp duty tax could affect foreign investments, it further underscores the government’s commitment to prioritize Singaporean and PR property owners and promote a balanced property market.
Final Word
In recent years, Singapore’s rental growth has been significant. In 2022, the prices of all private residential properties surged by 29.7% year-on-year. However, there have been indications in the second quarter of 2023 that the rental price growth may be slowing down, cooling a years-long boom in the city-state’s housing market.
Key Takeaways:
- In 2022, Singapore’s rental prices surged by 29.7%, but indicators in 2023 hint at a potential market cooling.
- Juliet Stannard highlighted the market’s volatility, noting a sudden drop in rents after a period of rapid increase.
- The Singapore government has doubled property stamp duties for foreigners to 60%, emphasizing a preference for Singaporeans and permanent residents in the property market.
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