Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Singapore Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Singapore Property Pack
Wondering how much it costs to rent in Singapore right now?
Singapore's rental market has shifted a lot recently, and 2026 is no exception.
Here we break down current rental prices, neighborhood trends, and what landlords and tenants should expect, and we keep updating this post with fresh data.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Singapore.
Insights
- Singapore's private residential vacancy rate sits at around 7% in early 2026, meaning landlords face real competition and cannot overprice without losing weeks on the market.
- A typical 1-bedroom condo in Singapore now rents for around S$3,900 per month, but city-fringe areas like Queenstown or Paya Lebar can save renters 15 to 20%.
- Rent growth in Singapore has slowed to about 3% year-over-year, a sharp contrast to the double-digit increases of 2022 and 2023.
- Properties within walking distance of an MRT station in Singapore typically rent 10 to 15% faster than those needing a bus connection.
- Foreign professionals and their families remain the largest renter group in Singapore, making up a significant share of private condo demand.
- Furnished apartments in Singapore command a S$300 to S$500 monthly premium, but rent faster because expats prefer move-in-ready units.
- Landlords in Singapore pay property tax based on Annual Value, not purchase price, so a unit renting at S$4,000 monthly could owe roughly S$300 to S$500 in property tax.
- The best-performing rental neighborhoods in Singapore for 2026 include Queenstown, Novena, and East Coast, where demand from professionals and families stays strong.
What are typical rents in Singapore as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Singapore as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Singapore is around S$2,900 (roughly US$2,150 or €1,970).
Most studios fall within S$2,400 to S$3,500 per month (US$1,780 to US$2,590/€1,630 to €2,380), depending on location and building quality.
The main factors affecting studio rents in Singapore include district (Orchard costs more than Punggol), MRT proximity, building age, and whether the unit is furnished.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Singapore as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Singapore is around S$3,900 (roughly US$2,890 or €2,650).
Most 1-bedrooms rent between S$3,100 and S$5,500 per month (US$2,300 to US$4,070/€2,110 to €3,740), reflecting the gap between heartland and prime district units.
The cheapest 1-bedroom rents in Singapore are in OCR areas like Jurong East, Tampines, or Punggol, while the highest are in CCR neighborhoods like Orchard, Marina Bay, and Tanglin.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Singapore as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Singapore is around S$5,200 (roughly US$3,850 or €3,540).
Most 2-bedrooms fall within S$4,200 to S$7,500 per month (US$3,110 to US$5,550/€2,860 to €5,100), with variation based on size, finishes, and location.
The most affordable 2-bedroom rents in Singapore are in OCR neighborhoods like Woodlands, Sengkang, and Jurong West, while the priciest are in CCR areas like Orchard, Robertson Quay, and Bukit Timah.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Singapore.
What's the average rent per square meter in Singapore as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the average rent per square meter for private apartments in Singapore is around S$65 per month (roughly US$48 or €44).
Across neighborhoods, rent per square meter ranges from S$45 to S$95 monthly (US$33 to US$70/€31 to €65), with prime districts at the top.
Singapore's rent per square meter is higher than Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok but generally lower than Hong Kong's priciest districts.
Characteristics that push Singapore rents above average include newer builds, high floors with views, and units within a 5-minute walk of an MRT station.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Singapore in 2026?
As of January 2026, private rents in Singapore have increased by approximately 3% compared to January 2025, a continued but slower pace of growth.
The main drivers include steady demand from foreign professionals, new condo completions adding supply, and a vacancy rate stabilizing around 7%.
This year's rent change is notably softer than 2023 and 2024, when double-digit increases were common, signaling a more balanced market phase.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Singapore in 2026?
As of January 2026, private rents in Singapore are projected to grow 0% to 4% over the year, with most analysts expecting modest single-digit gains.
Key factors include the foreign workforce size (a major renter pool), new condo completions, and economic conditions affecting corporate relocation budgets.
Neighborhoods expected to see strongest rent growth include MRT-connected city-fringe areas like Queenstown, Novena, and Paya Lebar.
Risks that could shift projections include a sharper economic slowdown, tighter foreign workforce policies, or a surge of completions creating temporary oversupply.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Singapore. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Singapore as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Singapore as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the three neighborhoods with highest rents in Singapore are Orchard/Tanglin (S$7,000 to S$9,000 monthly for a 2-bedroom/US$5,180 to US$6,660/€4,760 to €6,120), Marina Bay/Downtown Core (similar range), and Bukit Timah (S$6,500 to S$8,500/US$4,810 to US$6,290/€4,420 to €5,780).
These Singapore neighborhoods command premiums due to CBD proximity, prestigious school catchments, high-end retail, and prestige addresses appealing to executives.
Typical tenants include senior expat executives on corporate packages, wealthy local families, and business owners prioritizing convenience and status.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Singapore.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Singapore right now?
The top neighborhoods for young professionals in Singapore are Tanjong Pagar/Chinatown (CBD-adjacent nightlife), Queenstown/Alexandra (near one-north tech hub), and Paya Lebar (trendy regional center).
Young professionals typically pay S$2,800 to S$4,500 monthly for a 1-bedroom (US$2,070 to US$3,330/€1,900 to €3,060), depending on unit and building quality.
What attracts them: short commutes, vibrant food and bar scenes, co-working spaces, and easy MRT access.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Singapore.
Where do families prefer to rent in Singapore right now?
Top neighborhoods for families in Singapore are Bukit Timah (premium school belt), East Coast/Katong (lifestyle and beach access), and Bishan/Toa Payoh (central mature estates).
Families typically pay S$5,500 to S$9,000 monthly for 2 to 3-bedroom apartments (US$4,070 to US$6,660/€3,740 to €6,120), with Bukit Timah at the higher end.
These neighborhoods attract families with reputable schools, larger units, parks, and quieter atmospheres.
Top schools nearby include Nanyang Primary, Raffles Girls' Primary, CHIJ St. Nicholas (near Bishan), plus Tanglin Trust and UWC (near Bukit Timah and East Coast).
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Singapore in 2026?
As of January 2026, the fastest-renting areas near transit or universities in Singapore are Kent Ridge/Clementi (NUS and one-north), Boon Lay/Pioneer (NTU catchment), and Buona Vista (major interchange).
Properties in these areas typically stay listed for only 14 to 21 days, compared to 30+ days for less connected locations.
The rent premium for properties within walking distance of MRT or universities is around S$200 to S$400 monthly (US$150 to US$300/€135 to €270).
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Singapore right now?
Top neighborhoods for expats in Singapore are Holland Village/Bukit Timah (schools and greenery), River Valley/Robertson Quay (riverside lifestyle), and East Coast/Katong (seaside living).
Expats typically pay S$5,000 to S$8,500 monthly for a 2-bedroom (US$3,700 to US$6,290/€3,400 to €5,780), reflecting the premium for family-friendly, well-located units.
These areas attract expats with English-speaking communities, international schools, Western amenities, and reliable transport.
The main expat communities include British, American, Australian, and European professionals, plus families from Japan, Korea, and India.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Singapore.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Singapore
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
Who rents, and what do tenants want in Singapore right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Singapore?
The top tenant profiles in Singapore are foreign professionals and families (largest group for private condos), local movers waiting for their new home (renting 1 to 2 years), and students or early-career singles (seeking rooms or small apartments near MRT).
Foreign professionals account for roughly 40 to 50% of private condo demand, local movers around 25 to 30%, and students or singles about 15 to 20%.
Foreign professionals seek 2 to 3-bedroom condos in city-fringe or prime areas, local movers want flexible-lease 2-bedrooms, and students prioritize affordable options near universities or MRT.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Singapore.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Singapore?
In Singapore, roughly 70 to 75% of tenants prefer furnished or partially furnished apartments, while 25 to 30% opt for unfurnished, reflecting the high proportion of expats and temporary renters.
Furnished apartments command a premium of around S$300 to S$500 monthly (US$220 to US$370/€200 to €340) compared to unfurnished units.
Tenants preferring furnished rentals include expats on corporate assignments, locals doing bridge rentals, and young professionals avoiding furniture purchases.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Singapore?
The top five rent-boosting amenities in Singapore are MRT walkability (within 5 minutes), full condo facilities (pool, gym, security), quality air-conditioning, dedicated work-from-home spaces, and covered parking.
MRT walkability adds S$200 to S$400 monthly (US$150 to US$300/€135 to €270), condo facilities add S$300 to S$600, modern AC adds S$100 to S$200, home office setups add S$150 to S$300, and covered parking adds S$100 to S$250.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Singapore, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Singapore?
The top five ROI renovations for Singapore rentals are kitchen upgrades (modern cabinets/appliances), bathroom refreshes (new fixtures, anti-mould finishes), lighting and built-in storage, air-conditioning upgrades, and fresh neutral paint.
Kitchen upgrades cost S$8,000 to S$15,000 (US$5,900 to US$11,100/€5,440 to €10,200) for S$150 to S$300 extra monthly; bathrooms cost S$5,000 to S$10,000 for S$100 to S$200 extra; lighting/storage cost S$3,000 to S$6,000 for S$50 to S$150; AC upgrades cost S$2,000 to S$5,000 for S$50 to S$100; paint costs S$1,500 to S$3,000 for S$50 to S$100 extra.
Poor ROI renovations to avoid: overly personalized luxury finishes, pool/jacuzzi installations (high maintenance), and expensive structural changes rarely recovered through rent.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Singapore versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Singapore as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Singapore as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the vacancy rate for private rentals in Singapore is around 7%, based on the 6.9% reported for Q3 2025.
Vacancy rates range from 4 to 5% in high-demand city-fringe areas like Queenstown to 8 to 10% in newer outer-region developments like Jurong or Punggol.
The current rate is slightly above the historical average of 5 to 6%, reflecting recent waves of new condo completions.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Singapore.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Singapore as of 2026?
As of January 2026, rentals in Singapore stay listed around 21 to 28 days for well-priced units in good locations.
Days-on-market ranges from about 14 days for MRT-adjacent city-fringe condos to 45 to 60 days for overpriced luxury units in less connected areas.
Current listing times are slightly longer than a year ago, reflecting higher vacancy and increased landlord competition.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Singapore?
Peak tenant demand in Singapore occurs in July to September (mid-year relocations and school transfers) and January to February (new postings and renewals).
Seasonal drivers include corporate relocation cycles, international school enrollment deadlines, and employment pass approval timing.
Lowest demand falls in November to December (holiday travel, paused relocations) and April to May (between peak periods).
Buying real estate in Singapore can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What will my monthly costs be in Singapore as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Singapore as of 2026?
As of January 2026, Singapore landlords should expect roughly S$2,400 to S$7,200 yearly (US$1,780 to US$5,330/€1,630 to €4,900) in property tax, depending on Annual Value.
Annual property taxes range from around S$1,500 for a modest HDB flat to over S$15,000 for a high-value prime condo, based on progressive AV bands.
Property taxes are calculated using tiered rates on Annual Value (estimated yearly rent), with non-owner-occupied properties facing higher rates.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Singapore, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Singapore right now?
Singapore landlords should budget S$4,000 to S$9,000 yearly (US$2,960 to US$6,660/€2,720 to €6,120) for condo maintenance, while HDB landlords typically spend S$600 to S$2,000.
Monthly condo maintenance fees range from S$250 to S$600 (US$185 to US$440/€170 to €410), depending on facilities and size, plus ad-hoc repairs.
Landlords should set aside S$1,000 to S$2,000 yearly for unexpected repairs like AC breakdowns, water heater replacements, or appliance failures.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Singapore right now?
In Singapore, landlords typically pay monthly condo maintenance fees (MCST charges), while tenants cover electricity, water, gas, and internet.
Monthly MCST fees range from S$250 to S$600 (US$185 to US$440/€170 to €410), depending on condo facilities and unit size.
Standard practice: tenants pay consumption-based utilities (SP Services bills), landlords cover property tax, maintenance fees, and repairs to provided appliances.
How is rental income taxed in Singapore as of 2026?
As of January 2026, rental income in Singapore is taxed as personal income at progressive rates from 0% to 24%, depending on total taxable income.
Main deductions include property tax, mortgage interest, fire insurance, maintenance, repairs, and a 15% deemed expense option for wear and tear.
A common mistake to avoid: failing to claim the 15% deemed expense deduction, or incorrectly claiming mortgage payments for refinanced non-rental purposes.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Singapore.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Singapore compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Singapore, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and don't throw out numbers at random.
We aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used and explained our methods.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) - Property Market Information | URA is Singapore's official land-use and real estate statistics authority. | We use it as the reference for the private rental index and vacancy series. We cross-check rent-growth statements against URA-linked commentary. |
| URA - Rental Statistics for Non-Landed Private Residential | URA's official interface for gross monthly rents based on signed contracts. | We use it to anchor what "rent" means (gross, contract-based). We validate neighborhood patterns reported by brokerages. |
| Housing & Development Board (HDB) - Rental Statistics | HDB is the official public-housing agency with credible rent benchmarks. | We use it for "typical rent" in the mass-market segment by town and flat type. We sanity-check affordability narratives. |
| data.gov.sg - Median Rent by Town and Flat Type | Singapore's official open-data portal with clear provenance. | We use it as backup to HDB tables. We triangulate typical HDB rents and avoid anecdotes. |
| Ministry of Manpower (MOM) - Foreign Workforce Numbers | MOM is the official source for foreign workforce counts affecting rental demand. | We use it to quantify demand pressure from foreign workers. We support our "who rents" and outlook sections. |
| Singapore Department of Statistics (DOS) - CPI Portal | DOS is Singapore's official statistics agency; CPI is the standard inflation benchmark. | We use it to frame rent changes in household-cost context. We cross-check market narrative against inflation trends. |
| Savills Research - Singapore Residential Leasing Briefing (Q3 2025) | Savills is a major global consultancy with transparent research. | We use it to pin down vacancy rate and rental momentum into 2026. We triangulate URA moves with leasing commentary. |
| Savills Research - Singapore Residential Leasing Briefing (Q2 2025) | Same established series with consistent methodology. | We use it to cross-check rent changes earlier in 2025. We support size/segment nuances. |
| CBRE - Commentary on URA Q3 2025 Statistics | CBRE is a top global brokerage directly referencing URA releases. | We use it to confirm quarter-on-quarter movements by segment. We triangulate with practitioner interpretation. |
| ERA - Rental Report (Q3 2025) | ERA is a large Singapore agency citing URA, HDB, and MOM. | We use it to connect demand drivers to rent changes. We cross-check with MOM counts and URA direction. |
| Land Transport Authority (LTA) - Official MRT/LRT Map | LTA is the official transport authority with the definitive transit reference. | We use it to justify "near MRT" micro-markets. We keep neighborhood examples realistic for commuting. |
| IRAS - Property Tax Rates | IRAS is Singapore's official tax authority. | We use it to estimate property tax ranges using AV bands. We keep examples simple and practical. |
| IRAS - Income from Property Rented Out | IRAS's definitive guidance on taxable rental income and deductions. | We use it to explain net rental income calculations. We provide a practical "what you'll pay tax on" checklist. |
| IRAS - Individual Income Tax Rates | Official rate schedule for individual income tax. | We use it to translate net rental income into marginal tax ranges. We keep explanations simple. |
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Singapore
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.