Renting an apartment is stressful for anyone moving to a new place. You must know what you are getting yourself into. If you are finding an apartment in Singapore, you will never be disappointed. There are recommended apartments, whether a house in a residential area or a city center flat.
You can find something suitable to your budget and lifestyle with many options to choose from.
Types of apartments in Singapore
There are things to consider to find your perfect apartment.
Condominiums
Condominiums are the giant residential buildings you see everywhere in Singapore. Condos are modern and aesthetically pleasing from the exterior. Condominiums offer amenities, such as:
- pool
- communal BBQ area
- gym
- doorman
Some condominiums offer insane pools that rival the best hotels. Condos have no restrictions on who can live there, which makes them appealing options for entrepreneurs.
Walk-ups
Walk-ups are older apartments that you can find in more residential areas. There are bunches of units for those looking to stay in the CBD. The units are:
- cheaper
- older
- no amenities
A walk-up is a good option if you do not care about having your own building gym or pool.
Shoes houses
Shop houses are traditional colonial-era homes, which were built in a different era. The units have beautiful designs blended with SE Asian and European elements. They are painted in bright colors. Shophouses were developed to house businesses on the ground floor and residences above.
The 2-3 story houses have businesses on the ground floor, but not many people live in them. These houses are cultural sights and owned by families for generations. Owners have redesigned the interiors.
Co-living space
Co-living space is a wonderful option if you want to skip the hassle of:
- setting up utilities
- buying furniture
- signing a strict two-year lease
You can rent a private room in a fully furnished apartment on flexible terms. These are beautifully curated homes in a community-focused living.
HBD apartments
Housing and Development Board is a massive public housing program in Singapore. A massive number of public housing buildings were developed in the past. It allows citizens to purchase units cheaply.
Many HBD buildings range from 5 to 50 floors. They have a plainer structure than newer condo buildings. HBD apartments have no amenities, such as:
- large pool
- gym
- BBQ pits and others
Renting in HDB flats is cheaper than condos.
Tips to rent an apartment
You will not be disappointed if you are looking to rent in Singapore. Here are tips to follow when renting an apartment.
Decide whether you use a housing agent
Housing agents help you source places to rent and view the options. They usually have cars to drive you around. You can view more places in a day. However, there is no strict requirement to get an agent. But having an agent makes finding an apartment faster.
Research the local housing market
You must research to ensure you are not ripped off, whether you get a housing agent or not. Check online portals to get an idea of asking prices. You must be prepared to bargain down. Most quotations on these sites are inflated.
View properties and make an offer
Negotiate with the landlord once you view a house that feels right. Make an offer after you agree on the rental amount. You can send an email and wait for the landlord to respond with a written record.
FAQs
Can foreigners rent in HBD apartments?
Foreigners can live in HBD apartments. Many renters are foreigners who are on vacation in Singapore and want to stay for several months.
What to do before signing a Letter of Intent in renting an apartment?
You must negotiate any terms and conditions in the tenancy agreement before signing a Letter of Intent.
What to look for in the rental apartment terms and conditions?
You must read the terms and conditions of the apartment to answer some questions, such as:
Do they allow visitors?
- Are you allowed to use common areas?
- Is it pet-friendly?
- Is Wi-Fi included in the rental fee?
- Are the tenants responsible for any repairs in the unit?
