One of the first decisions you'll face when renting in Singapore is the property type. Each comes with a different price point, set of rules, lifestyle, and community feel. Here's what you need to know to make the right choice.
HDB Flats: The Heartland Experience
HDB flats are Singapore's public housing and are home to roughly 80% of the population. If you want to live like a true Singaporean — with hawker centres downstairs, wet markets nearby, and a strong community feel — HDB is the way to go.
Pros:
- Most affordable option in any given area
- Excellent connectivity (most are within walking distance of MRT)
- Access to nearby amenities: hawker centres, supermarkets, community centres
- Larger floor area per dollar compared to condos in the same neighbourhood
Cons:
- No private facilities (no pool, gym, or 24-hour security)
- HDB approval required for rentals beyond 6 months
- Non-Citizen quota restrictions in some estates
- Older estates may have ageing infrastructure
- Some landlords may be less responsive to maintenance requests
Best for: Budget-conscious expats, those who want authentic local living, families who prefer space over facilities.
Typical rent (whole unit):
- 3-room (~800 sqft): $2,000 – $2,800/month
- 4-room (~1,000 sqft): $2,500 – $3,500/month
- 5-room (~1,200 sqft): $3,000 – $4,200/month
Condominiums: The Expat Favourite
Condos are the go-to choice for most expats in Singapore. They offer private facilities, a secure environment, and proximity to business districts. Districts 9, 10, and 11 (Orchard, Holland Village, Novena) are the most popular among expat tenants.
Pros:
- Swimming pool, gym, BBQ pits, and function rooms
- 24-hour security and controlled access
- No nationality or quota restrictions
- Better maintained (MCST oversees common areas)
- Often newer buildings with modern fittings
Cons:
- More expensive per sqft than HDB
- Monthly maintenance fees (paid by landlord, but factored into rent)
- Smaller floor area for equivalent rent
- Moving in and out requires MCST coordination (advance notice, deposits, restricted hours)
Best for: Expats on company housing allowances, those prioritising lifestyle and facilities, professionals working in the CBD.
Typical rent (whole unit):
- 1BR (~500–700 sqft): $2,800 – $4,500/month
- 2BR (~800–1,000 sqft): $3,500 – $6,000/month
- 3BR (~1,200–1,500 sqft): $5,000 – $9,000/month
Landed Property: Space and Privacy
Terrace houses, semi-detached, and bungalows offer the most space — and the most privacy — of any rental option in Singapore. They are popular with families who need room for children to play or who want a garden. Most landed properties are in mature residential areas like Bukit Timah, Holland Road, and East Coast.
Pros:
- Largest living space
- Private garden or outdoor area
- No shared walls (for detached bungalows)
- Car parking within the property
- No MCST rules or restrictions
Cons:
- Most expensive option by far
- Older properties may need more maintenance
- Further from MRT stations in many cases
- Utility bills can be high (larger space, older aircon systems)
Best for: Senior executives with generous housing allowances, families with children, those who value privacy above all else.
Typical rent:
- Terrace house: $5,000 – $9,000/month
- Semi-detached: $7,000 – $14,000/month
- Bungalow: $10,000 – $25,000+/month
Side-by-Side Comparison
| HDB | Condo | Landed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $ | $$ | $$$$ |
| Size per $ | Best | Moderate | Varies |
| Facilities | None | Pool, gym, etc. | Private garden |
| Security | None | 24-hr guard | None / own gate |
| Expat quota | Yes (NC quota) | No | No |
| Community feel | Very strong | Moderate | Low |
| MRT access | Excellent | Good | Often car needed |
How to Decide
Choose HDB if: You're on a tight budget, you want the authentic Singapore experience, or you're renting a room rather than a whole unit.
Choose Condo if: You have a housing allowance from work, you want facilities and security, or you're new to Singapore and want a straightforward rental experience.
Choose Landed if: You have a family with young children, you need a home office and significant space, or your budget comfortably exceeds $6,000/month.
A Note on Room Rentals
If you're a single expat or digital nomad, renting a room within a shared HDB or condo is also a popular option. A common bedroom in an HDB starts from $800/month, a master bedroom from $1,200/month. A master bedroom in a condo can range from $1,500 to $2,500/month.
Room rentals are the fastest way to get settled — you typically move in within a week with only one month's deposit.
Browse rooms and whole units across all property types on SGLinkUp.