Expats' Guide to Renting in Singapore

Ready to rent an apartment in Singapore? Feeling a little overwhelmed by the steps and paperwork required? Hang in there! This handy primer will get you sorted.

- Mizah Salik andTara Barker

1 Prepare the Essentials

Before diving right into the househunting, it’s essential to prepare necessary documents for your trusted realtor. You’ll need a photocopied passport, photocopied employment pass, and at least one month’s rental for the “good-faith deposit”.

2 Find a Trusted Realtor

You just need one because most property companies share the same database of property listings in Singapore. If you approach many realtors at the same time, they may show you the same property. It also helps to have a list of “must-haves” and “don’t-cares”.

If you want an open balcony and space of at least 800 square feet, but are not concerned if there’s a swimming pool or an incondo gym, say so up front. You can often check apartment sizes and specs online via websites before visiting with the realtor, and before you even go see a place, ask about how many of the must-have’s it has.

3 Decide Your Type of Home

Housing & Development Board

HDB (Housing & Development Board) flats are government-built apartments. Some 80 percent of Singaporeans live in HDB housing – and now foreigners and expats can also rent some of the units.

One major benefit is having great facilities close by, such as shops playgrounds and medical clinics. You’ll also get to experience Singapore life in a very real way, from enjoying festivals and food, to shopping at bustling local wet markets Many modern HDB flats are also as gorgeous outside and inside as any private apartment, equipped with modern fitments, and yet be more economical to rent.

Cluster Houses and Condominiums