Singapore is a vibrant city/state with a stable economy and a lot to offer tourists and visitors alike and in this short article, we take a look at some of the options if you are looking for accommodation in Singapore.

Private Property Rental Market

Those who are looking for housing in Singapore can look at the private rental market, which is very competitive and top properties are quickly snapped up. The best way forward is to approach an established real estate agent and browse their listings and should you find a property you would like to view, the agent can arrange this at your convenience. Those who cannot afford to purchase their homes can either rent privately or register with Singapore’s Housing Development Board to buy state housing.

Terraced Houses and Townhouses

If you would prefer to live in a 3-4 storey building, there are terraced houses and townhouses available with more living area than most houses. Known locally as ‘row houses’, they are constructed in blocks with walls to separate each unit.

Commercial Properties

Shophouses are quite rare in Singapore, thus they are very much sought-after; the ground floor is used as retail shop space and these properties are notoriously difficult to find.

Housing Development Board (HBD)

The Housing Development Board was set up to provide public housing in Singapore and the BTO Oct 2024 exercise offers affordable apartments across Singapore in many different areas. This scheme is for Singaporeans who are looking to buy state housing and there is an application process; when enough people are interested in such property, construction plans are drawn up. The Build to Order (BTO) scheme was first introduced in 2001 and when 70% of allocation is reached on the government registration system in a particular area, plans to build are activated.

Expats Can Enter HBD Schemes

While state housing is primarily for Singaporean citizens, foreigners can use the HBD scheme; contact a leading real estate agent and they can assist you with the application process. Foreigners are permitted to join the program because the government wishes to promote inclusivity and community living.

Private Property Purchase Market

Of course, there are established real estate agents where sellers can list their property and prices are according to market forces. Those who cannot afford to buy such a property can register with the BTO scheme that is managed by the Housing Development Board. As you would expect, property prices in Singapore can be very expensive, as the cost of living is quite high. Click here for the many benefits of using a top real estate agent.

Sharing Living Space

Many single people prefer to share living space with other single professionals, which can be rental or purchase. Several people can jointly apply for a home loan and as long as they qualify, the lender is prepared to fund joint purchases.

To summarise, the Housing Development Board of the Singapore government is the go-to place for those wishing to acquire public housing and you can connect via a leading real estate agent.