Serviced Apartments vs. Condos: A Guide for Singapore Stays

At a Glance

Minimum Stay: Serviced apartments start from 7 days (some 3 months), while private condos require at least 3 months.

Cost Difference: Serviced apartments offer a "move-in ready" experience at a premium, while condos involve deposits and utility management.

Legal Warning: Short-term condo rentals (like Airbnb) for less than 3 months are illegal in Singapore.

One of the first big decisions you'll face when moving to Singapore is "Where should we live?" Staying in a hotel long-term can be incredibly expensive, yet jumping straight into a two-year condo lease can feel risky when you aren't yet familiar with the different neighborhoods.

For parents arriving with children or those in the middle of a relocation, the choice usually boils down to a 'Serviced Apartment' or a 'Private Condo.' Based on the latest 2026 property regulations and current market costs, here is a detailed breakdown of both options.

Serviced Apartments: The Ultimate in Flexibility and Convenience

If you plan to stay in Singapore for less than three months, a serviced apartment is your most realistic legal option. This is because private residential properties have a legally mandated minimum rental period of three months.

Flexible Contracts: Most allow stays starting from 7 days. Recently, new 'Long-stay' serviced apartments have been introduced, offering more affordable rates for those committing to at least 3 months.

Full Service: These units come with housekeeping (daily or 2–3 times a week), laundry services, and sometimes even breakfast. It’s a great way to free yourself from household chores during your transition.

Zero Extra Hassle: High-speed internet, electricity, and water are all included in the rent. You won't need to set up an SP Group (utility) account. While prices vary by location, a 1-bedroom unit typically ranges from SGD 6,000 to 9,000 per month.

Private Condos: The Standard Choice for Settling In

If you plan to stay in Singapore for more than three months—usually one to two years—a private condo is the more economical choice. However, the initial setup requires more effort and upfront cost.

Minimum Lease: Legally, the stay must be at least 3 months, though most landlords prefer 1 or 2-year commitments. If you sign a 2-year lease, always ensure a 'Diplomatic Clause' is included to protect you in case of an unexpected relocation.

Setting Up: Units are often unfurnished or partially furnished, meaning you'll need to buy furniture and set up your own internet and utilities. Foreigners are typically required to pay a security deposit of SGD 250–500 just to open a utility account.

Maintenance Costs: Most Singapore condo leases include a 'Minor Repair' clause. This means the tenant is responsible for the first SGD 150–200 of any repair per item.

Serviced Apartments vs. Private Condos at a Glance

Category	Serviced Apartment	Private Condo
Min. Stay	7 days or 3 months	3 months
Monthly Rent (1BR)	From SGD 6,500	From SGD 3,800
Utilities/Fees	Included	Excluded
Furnishing	Fully Furnished (inc. kitchenware)	Unfurnished or Partial
Occupancy Limit	Based on unit capacity	Max 8 pax (if >90sqm)

Key Rental Regulation Changes for 2026

The Singapore government has recently adjusted several regulations to address housing demand. Here is what you need to know:

Relaxed Occupancy Limits: Until December 31, 2028, larger units (over 90sqm) are temporarily allowed to house up to 8 unrelated persons (up from the previous limit of 6). This is helpful if you are considering a co-living or shared housing arrangement.

Stamp Duty: When signing a condo lease, you must pay Stamp Duty, which is roughly 0.4% of the total rent for the lease period. For a 2-year lease at SGD 5,000/month, this is about SGD 480. This must be paid to IRAS to ensure your tenancy agreement is legally recognized.

Market Trends: While rents saw a slight increase of 1.9% in 2025, approximately 21,000 new units are expected to hit the market in 2026. This increase in supply may give tenants more room to negotiate prices.

Essential Checklist for Newcomers

Beware of Airbnb: Renting a private condo for just a few days via Airbnb is illegal in Singapore. If caught, both the landlord and the tenant can be evicted. Always use registered serviced apartments for short stays.

Verify Ownership: Before signing anything, verify the landlord’s proof of ownership. For HDB (public housing) rentals, ensure the landlord has official approval from the government to rent out the unit to avoid scams.

Aircon Servicing: It is standard practice in Singapore to have your air conditioning units professionally serviced every 3 months. Keep all receipts, as you will likely need to provide them to the landlord at the end of your lease to get your full deposit back.