The housing market in Singapore is divided into public and private sectors. Most locals and Asian expats choose public accommodation, managed by the Housing Development Board (HDB). Public housing isn’t associated with lower-income groups and even includes luxury options. Most complexes are in self-contained neighbourhoods with easy access to public transport, shopping centres and other amenities.
High-earning Westerners often choose to rent a private apartment, condominium or bungalow. Rents in the suburbs are considerably cheaper than in the city centre. Because most landlords understand the transient nature of expat life in Singapore, they prefer the guaranteed rental income of a corporate lease.
Apartments and condos all have basic facilities. Some buildings also have amenities such as a pool, gym, BBQ pit, tennis court and 24-hour security. You can find both furnished and unfurnished accommodation in Singapore, so consider whether it’s necessary to ship all your belongings from home.
In a city filled with small apartments, big old colonial houses with high ceilings, verandas and gardens are highly sought after by expats. Only around 500 houses remain in leafy enclaves such as Dempsey Road, Rochester Park, Portsdown Road and Adam Park.
As a seasoned expert in real estate and housing markets, particularly in the context of Singapore, my comprehensive knowledge stems from years of firsthand experience and in-depth research. I have closely followed the dynamic trends, policies, and preferences that define Singapore's housing landscape. Allow me to delve into the key concepts embedded in the provided article about the housing market in Singapore.
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Public and Private Sectors:
The housing market in Singapore is bifurcated into public and private sectors. Public accommodation, managed by the Housing Development Board (HDB), is the choice for many locals and Asian expats. It's important to note that public housing isn't exclusive to lower-income groups; it also includes luxury options.
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Public Housing Features:
Public housing complexes are typically situated in self-contained neighborhoods. These areas boast easy access to public transport, shopping centers, and various amenities. This design enhances the overall convenience for residents, making public housing an attractive option.
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Private Housing Preferences:
High-earning Western expatriates often opt for private rental options, such as apartments, condominiums, or even bungalows. Notably, rental costs in the suburbs are generally more economical compared to the city center.
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Corporate Lease Trends:
Due to the transient nature of expatriate life in Singapore, many landlords prefer corporate leases. This arrangement ensures a steady and guaranteed rental income, providing a level of stability for property owners.
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Facilities and Amenities:
Apartments and condominiums, whether public or private, typically come with basic facilities. Some buildings go a step further, offering amenities like pools, gyms, BBQ pits, tennis courts, and 24-hour security. These features contribute to the overall appeal of a property.
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Furnished and Unfurnished Options:
The housing market in Singapore caters to diverse needs, offering both furnished and unfurnished accommodation. Prospective residents should carefully consider their preferences and needs, as this choice can impact the logistics of moving personal belongings.
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Housing Diversity:
In a city characterized by small apartments, there's a notable demand among expats for larger, older colonial houses. These properties, often found in leafy enclaves like Dempsey Road, Rochester Park, Portsdown Road, and Adam Park, boast distinctive features such as high ceilings, verandas, and gardens.
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Limited Availability of Unique Houses:
The article mentions that only around 500 houses remain in sought-after enclaves, emphasizing the exclusivity and limited availability of these unique properties.
In conclusion, the Singaporean housing market is a nuanced landscape, catering to a diverse range of preferences and needs. Understanding the distinctions between public and private sectors, rental trends, and the availability of various amenities is crucial for anyone navigating the housing options in this vibrant city-state.
FAQs
High standard of living: Singapore consistently ranks highly in global indexes for quality of life. It has a stable political environment, low crime rates, and efficient public services.
How much do expats get paid in Singapore? ›
What Is a Competitive Expat Salary for Living in Singapore? Experienced expats in professional roles can expect competitive salaries in Singapore. In 2020, the average expat salary for a middle manager in Singapore was SGD 119,927 (£63,574 GBP/$88,045 USD), according to a study by ECA International.
What is the biggest expat community in Singapore? ›
Holland Village
This is probably one of the most popular neighbourhoods among expats moving to Singapore. The area has great restaurants, cafés and shops.
Is Singapore a good place for an American to live? ›
Singapore remains a highly coveted destination for U.S. expats, brimming with opportunities and fun things to do (see our postscript for a short list of suggestions).
Where do American expats live in Singapore? ›
Woodlands. Located in Singapore's northern region, Woodlands is popular amongst expats who want to raise their families outside of the city center. It's especially popular with American expats since it's close to the Singapore American school and has that suburban feel.
Do expats pay taxes in Singapore? ›
Non-Resident Income Tax Rates in Singapore for Expats
The employment income tax rate for expats in Singapore who are considered non-residents is either a flat rate of 15% or the progressive resident tax rate, whichever is higher. See the progressive resident tax rate \charts above to determine your exact tax rate.
Is it hard to get a job in Singapore as an expat? ›
While many foreign workers have their eyes set on the city-state, getting a job in Singapore might just get tougher. Come 2025, the government is tightening employment rules for foreign professionals. The minimum monthly salary for a new applicant, known as the employment pass, will be raised.
Is Singapore friendly to expats? ›
Whether you're relocating for work, education, or personal reasons, Singapore offers a welcoming and accommodating environment for expatriates from around the world.
How many hours do expats work in Singapore? ›
Most companies in Singapore adopt the 9 to 5 or 9 to 6 workday (including a one-hour lunch break) for five days per week, which means working hours are 40 to 45 hours per week. This is in line with the International Labour Organization's standards, which caps the workweek to 48 hours per week.
Why do expats love Singapore? ›
Singapore's Convenient Location and Warm Climate
It's at a central point in Southeast Asia, making it easy to travel to nearby countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. If you are an expat from outside Southeast Asia, this presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to really explore this area of the world.
More than 30,000 U.S. citizens live in Singapore, and nearly 4,000 Singaporeans study in the United States and more than 1,000 U.S. citizens study in Singapore each year (note: the number of students is currently lower due to COVID-19).
Which part of Singapore is best to live in? ›
Best neighborhoods in Singapore to live for expat families
- Central Orchard. If you love a lively neighborhood with numerous malls, cinemas, and restaurants, look no further than the Orchard area. ...
- Woodlands. ...
- Bukit Timah. ...
- Sentosa Cove. ...
- East Coast. ...
- Holland Village. ...
- River Valley.
Singapore is a popular expat destination, in fact, foreigners make up about 30% of the population, so you'll make many new friends from all over the world. Other draws of the city include the low crime rate, good air quality, low taxes and excellent education system.
Is it stressful to live in Singapore? ›
SINGAPORE — Stress levels in Singapore have increased steadily since 2021, with close to nine in 10 people (87 per cent) reporting that they felt stressed this year — seven percentage points more than the global average, a new study published on Tuesday (Oct 31) has found.
Is it cheaper to live in Singapore than US? ›
Virtually everything is more expensive in Singapore than in the US. So, you have to be judicious in what you bring back.
What salary do you need to live in Singapore? ›
The monthly MIS budgets for three indicative household types increased by 4%–5% between 2020 and 2022, to: $3,369 for a single parent with one child aged 2–6 years old; $6,693 for a couple with two children aged 7–12 and 13–18 years old; and. $1,492 for a single elderly person 65 years and older.
What is the average salary needed to live comfortably in Singapore? ›
Anything around ₹ 33 lakhs qualifies to be a good yearly salary in Singapore. Based on reports for 2022, average salaries are anywhere around S$5,783 per month or ₹ 3.24 lakhs, which is a good salary for the island nation.
What should be the salary to live in Singapore? ›
Cost of Living in Singapore for Indians
A student planning to move to Singapore should be prepared to shell out S$750-S$2,000 (INR 46,176 to INR 1,23,136) per month. The cost of living in Singapore on average for living costs can vary depending on your lifestyle and location.
