Condo vs HDB: Finding Your Perfect Home in Singapore

At a Glance

Minimum Lease: 3 months for Condos, 6 months for HDBs.

Occupancy Limits: Up to 8 residents allowed in larger units until late 2028.

Cost Difference: HDBs are budget-friendly, while Condos offer perks like pools and 24/7 security.

Moving to Singapore often comes with one major headache: "Where should I live?" Once you hear about the notoriously high rental prices, you’re bound to wonder whether you should go for a Condominium (Condo) or a more affordable HDB (public housing). I remember constantly refreshing property apps dozens of times a day when I first arrived.

As we move from 2025 into 2026, the Singapore rental market is finally showing signs of stabilizing after a period of rapid growth. However, prices remain quite high compared to many other countries. Today, I’ll break down the characteristics of each housing type and the essential regulations every expat needs to know.

Condo vs. HDB: A Quick Comparison

First, you need to decide which housing type fits your budget and lifestyle. Think of a Condo as a private luxury apartment complex, while HDBs are public housing provided by the Singapore government. Here is a summary of the key differences:

Category	Condominium (Condo)	HDB (Public Housing)
Facilities	Pool, Gym, Tennis Court, Security	Playground, Hawker Center, Fitness Corner
Privacy	High (Gated with security)	Moderate (Common corridors)
Rent (3-Bedroom)	SGD 4,500 - 10,000+ (approx. ₩5.18M - ₩11.5M)	SGD 2,800 - 3,800 (approx. ₩3.22M - ₩4.37M)
Min. Lease	3 Months	6 Months

A major perk of living in a Condo is the free access to on-site pools and gyms. For families with children, being able to spend every weekend at the pool is a huge plus. On the other hand, while HDBs lack these private facilities, they are often located near affordable eateries (hawker centers) and supermarkets, making them great for saving on daily living costs. Note that until December 31, 2028, occupancy limits for larger units (90sqm+) have been temporarily relaxed to allow up to 8 residents.

Essential Quotas and Regulations for Foreigners

Renting an HDB involves stricter conditions than renting a Condo. The Singapore government implements a 'Non-Citizen Quota' to prevent high concentrations of foreigners in specific areas. If you place a deposit without checking this quota, your rental application could be rejected.

HDB Foreigner Quota: For non-Malaysian foreigners, the quota is capped at 8% at the neighborhood level and 11% at the block level. If these limits are reached, the landlord cannot rent to foreigners even if they want to.
Visa Validity: All foreign tenants must have at least 6 months remaining on their visa (EP, SP, WP, etc.) at the start of the lease.
Stamp Duty: You must pay stamp duty (0.4% of the total rent for the lease period) within 14 days of signing the contract. For example, a 2-year lease at SGD 4,000/month would incur roughly SGD 384 in stamp duty.

Specifically, Work Permit (WP) holders in the Construction and Marine sectors often face restrictions on renting entire HDB units, so be sure to verify the rules for your specific visa type.

Popular Residential Areas for Expats

Just like any major city, Singapore has highly sought-after neighborhoods. While proximity to work is important, factors like schools and access to familiar food are also key. Here are the areas most recommended by the community:

Bukit Timah & Holland Village: Very popular with families due to the abundance of greenery and proximity to the Singapore Korean International School (SKIS).
Tanjong Pagar: Often called Singapore’s 'K-town,' this area is packed with Korean restaurants and supermarkets. It’s a favorite for young professionals working in the CBD.
River Valley & Orchard: Home to many luxury condos, this area offers the best access to the city center, shopping, and culture.
Novena & Newton: A consistently popular choice due to its excellent medical facilities and convenient transport links.

Practical Rental Tips You Can't Miss

Before you sign that contract, keep these practical tips in mind to avoid potential disputes over your security deposit later on.

Diplomatic Clause: This is a standard inclusion for 2-year leases. It allows you to terminate the contract after 12 months with a 2-month notice (without penalty) if you are transferred out of Singapore or lose your job.
Aircon Servicing Receipts: In Singapore, it is customary to have air conditioners professionally serviced every 3 months. Landlords will ask for these receipts when you move out, so keep them organized.
Inventory List: On your first day, take photos and videos of every scratch or defect in the house. If it’s not documented in the inventory list, the repair costs might be deducted from your deposit later.
Setting Up Utilities: For HDBs, tenants usually set up their own SP Group account for electricity and water. For Condos, some landlords may include a utility cap in the contract, so check your agreement carefully.