Find a place in Singapore within 4 weeks

Drapeau du Royaume-Uni avec croix rouges et blanches sur fond bleu.
An English-speaking Home Finder, based on-site

Emoji de détective avec chapeau, loupe et cheveux gris.
Shortlists properties and visits them for you

Icône de deux mains se serrant avec des flèches bleues au-dessus symbolisant un accord ou partenariat.
Backs your application and negotiates the lease

Icône de bouclier vert avec une coche blanche, symbole de sécurité ou d'assurance.
Every step protected, no hidden surprises

Icône d'une petite bourse rose avec une fermeture dorée.

Personalised support from SGD 1 000

You only pay after approving your quote

I describe my search
An arrow to navigate to the content.
Free, no commitment · 3 min
I am looking to buy
I am looking to sell
4,8
Read the 1 000+ Google reviews Read reviews
Trustpilot 4,6
Read the 50+ Trustpilot reviews Read reviews

Why choose a home finder ?

Noémie, ou un autre de nos chasseurs à Singapour, prendra en charge votre recherche

Photo chasseur immobilier - Magali - Singapore

Magali, ou un autre de nos chasseurs à Singapour, prendra en charge votre recherche

Reliability of listings
Your hunter is there to select the goods, he visits them, alone, with you in person, or with you by video. And above all, he knows how to rely on reliable business partners who only present him with quality goods.
A pen icon
Market access
Your hunter can offer you his own goods, he also has access to all the offers published on the market, and even to quite a few off market offers
A pen icon
Scam risk
At Remoters, we no longer count the number of French people who have signed a rental contract abroad, without understanding it. Some unscrupulous sellers take advantage of this to insert conditions that are disadvantageous for the tenant. This cannot happen when the contract is reviewed by our hunter.
A pen icon
Access to local prices
Symbole d'information en cercle bleu foncé sur fond transparent.
When you search alone, about 85% of the time is spent on research, and 15% on visits. With a hunter, you only do the visits
A pen icon
Application accepted
In areas where homeowners have plenty of candidates to choose from, they rarely choose foreigners first. Your hunter will use his influence (and his mastery of the language) to put your case before others.
A pen icon
Satisfaction
Only 20% of satisfied buyers according to the 2018 Crédit Foncier study. For its part, Remoters gets a score of 4/5 or 5/5 in 95% of cases
A pen icon

Browsing online listings

Weak
Weak
Elevated
Icône rouge de croix X sur fond blanc.
Uncertain
20%

Finding with Remoters

Total
Total
Weak
Very likely
95%
Singapore
Singapore is a highly competitive long-term rental market where expats typically choose between HDB public housing flats and private condominiums. Popular residential areas for international residents include Holland Village, Tanjong Pagar, River Valley, and the East Coast, each offering a distinct lifestyle and price range. Monthly rents for a one-bedroom condominium start at around SGD 2,500/month outside the central area and can exceed SGD 5,500/month in prime districts such as Orchard Road. The standard rental process involves a Letter of Intent (LOI), a Tenancy Agreement stamped with IRAS, and a security deposit of one month's rent per year of lease. A diplomatic clause is strongly recommended for expats on fixed-term work contracts.

Renting in Singapore in brief: The market is competitive and among the most expensive in Asia. Expats typically rent private condominiums, with one-bedroom units starting at around SGD 2,500/month outside the centre and reaching SGD 5,500/month or more in prime districts. The rental process follows a clear sequence: LOI → Tenancy Agreement → IRAS stamp duty. Always include a diplomatic clause in your lease, document the property at move-in, and verify HDB subletting rules if applicable. Popular expat neighbourhoods include Holland Village, Orchard Road, Tanjong Pagar, and the East Coast.

Singapore is one of Asia's most sought-after destinations for long-term expatriate living, and for good reason. The city-state offers a world-class public transport network centred on the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), making it easy to live in residential neighbourhoods while commuting to the CBD or business parks. English is an official language, which significantly eases the transition for international residents.

The city is home to a large and well-established expat community, with vibrant international hubs in areas such as Holland Village, Orchard Road, Tanjong Pagar, and the East Coast. Families are drawn by the presence of numerous international schools, while professionals in tech and research gravitate towards the Buona Vista and one-north clusters. Singapore also offers excellent healthcare, a low crime rate, and a highly organised administrative environment that makes settling in relatively straightforward.

For those who enjoy outdoor living, the city provides green corridors, parks, and easy access to beaches along the East Coast and on Sentosa Island. The food scene — from hawker centres to international restaurants — is widely regarded as one of the best in the world.

Day-to-day life in Singapore as a long-term tenant is generally well-organised and comfortable. The MRT network covers most residential and commercial areas, making car ownership optional for many expats. Grocery shopping is easy, with major supermarket chains such as FairPrice, Cold Storage, and Jason's Market Place found across the island, alongside wet markets in HDB estates for fresh produce.

Most condominiums come with shared facilities including a swimming pool, gym, and 24-hour security, which are factored into the monthly rent. Utilities (electricity, water, gas) are billed separately by SP Group and are not typically included in the rent unless you are in a co-living arrangement. Internet connectivity is fast and widely available, with fibre broadband plans starting from around SGD 30–50/month.

Healthcare is accessible through a network of polyclinics, private GPs, and major hospitals such as Singapore General Hospital and Mount Elizabeth. Expats on Employment Passes are not automatically covered by the public healthcare subsidy system, so private health insurance is strongly recommended. International schools — including the Singapore American School, United World College, and the Lycée Français de Singapour — are concentrated in the central and western parts of the island, which influences many families' choice of neighbourhood.

Singapore's residential rental market is one of the most dynamic in Southeast Asia, shaped by strong expatriate demand, a limited land supply, and a dual housing system combining public HDB flats and private condominiums. After a period of sharp rent increases in 2022–2023, the market entered a phase of stabilisation in 2024, with overall rental prices recording their first full-year decline since 2020, according to Accio.com (2025). However, the mass-market HDB segment remained resilient, with ERA projecting growth of 2–5% for 2025.

The market is divided into three main geographic zones: the Core Central Region (CCR), which covers prime districts such as Orchard Road and Sentosa Cove; the Rest of Central Region (RCR), including areas like Tanjong Pagar and River Valley; and the Outside Central Region (OCR), which encompasses suburban neighbourhoods further from the CBD. Rental prices, property quality, and proximity to international schools and MRT lines vary considerably across these zones.

Most expats rent through licensed real estate agents registered with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). Listings are widely available on platforms such as PropertyGuru, 99.co, and SRX. The typical lease term is one to two years, with shorter six-month leases available in some cases, particularly for HDB flats.

Singapore's neighbourhoods each offer a distinct living environment, and choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle, workplace, and budget.

  • Orchard Road / Ardmore: The city's most prestigious residential corridor, popular with senior executives and families. Close to luxury amenities, international schools, and the Orchard MRT. Rents are among the highest in Singapore.
  • Holland Village: A long-standing favourite among expats, known for its relaxed café culture, international restaurants, and proximity to the Botanic Gardens. Well-served by the Circle Line MRT. Popular with families and professionals alike.
  • Tanjong Pagar / Duxton: A vibrant mixed-use district in the southern CBD fringe, popular with young professionals. Excellent F&B scene, walkable streets, and direct MRT access. Rents are competitive for the central location.
  • River Valley / Robertson Quay: A quiet residential enclave along the Singapore River, close to the CBD and several international schools. Offers a mix of modern apartments and heritage shophouses.
  • East Coast (Katong / Marine Parade): A relaxed, family-friendly area with a strong local character, beach access, and good international school options. Generally more affordable than central districts.
  • Buona Vista / one-north: Ideal for professionals working in tech, biomedical research, or media. Home to major business parks and well-connected by the Circle and East-West MRT lines.
  • Sentosa Cove: A waterfront enclave on Sentosa Island, popular with families seeking a resort-style lifestyle. Rents are high, but the environment is unique in Singapore.

Renting in Singapore requires careful budget planning. The city consistently ranks among the world's most expensive for housing, but costs vary widely depending on the type of property and its location. Expats most commonly rent private condominiums, while HDB flats — Singapore's public housing — offer a more affordable option where eligible. As a general guideline, financial advisors and expat communities suggest allocating 20–30% of monthly income to rent. Beyond the monthly rent itself, tenants should budget for a security deposit (typically one month's rent per year of lease), a good faith deposit paid at the Letter of Intent stage, and stamp duty on the tenancy agreement (0.4% of annual rent for leases over one year, payable to IRAS). Proximity to MRT stations, the age of the building, and the district all significantly influence the final rental price.

Singapore's rental market is structured around two main housing types: HDB flats (public housing) and private condominiums. According to PropertyGuru and Expat Focus data for 2024–2025, a studio or one-bedroom condominium outside the central area typically rents for around SGD 2,500–3,800/month, while the same unit in a prime central district (CCR) can reach SGD 3,500–5,500/month. A three-bedroom condominium in the city generally starts at around SGD 5,000/month and can climb to SGD 15,000/month or more in premium locations.

For budget-conscious tenants, HDB flats offer a more affordable alternative. A 4-room HDB flat ranged from SGD 3,000 to SGD 4,350/month in Q1 2024 depending on location, while a 5-room flat fell between SGD 3,300 and SGD 4,350/month during the same period (source: Expat Focus, 2024). Renting a private room in an HDB flat starts from around SGD 600–1,000/month, making it the most accessible entry point for singles or those on tighter budgets.

Co-living spaces have also grown in popularity among expats and digital nomads, with private rooms averaging around SGD 1,800/month and studios around SGD 3,000/month, often including utilities and housekeeping (source: Rentify.sg, 2025).

  1. Define your budget and requirements: Determine your monthly rental budget, preferred housing type (HDB flat, condominium, co-living), number of bedrooms, and preferred districts or proximity to MRT lines or international schools.
  2. Engage a licensed real estate agent: In Singapore, it is standard practice to work with an agent registered with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). For most expat rentals, the agent's fee is paid by the landlord. Search listings on PropertyGuru, 99.co, or SRX.
  3. Prepare your documents: Gather your passport, Employment Pass, S Pass, Dependent Pass, or other valid work authorisation. All documents should have at least six months of validity remaining (source: Crown World Mobility, 2023).
  4. Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI): Once you have identified a property, your agent prepares an LOI stating your proposed rent, lease duration, and any special requests. A good faith deposit (typically one month's rent) is paid at this stage. The LOI is generally valid for seven days.
  5. Sign the Tenancy Agreement (TA): The TA is the legally binding contract. Ensure it includes all agreed terms: rent amount in SGD/month, lease duration, security deposit, diplomatic clause (if applicable), and an inventory list. The security deposit is typically one month's rent per year of lease.
  6. Stamp the Tenancy Agreement: The TA must be stamped by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) within 14 days of signing. Stamp duty is 0.4% of the annual rent for leases exceeding one year (source: Homejourney.sg, 2025).
  7. Conduct a move-in inspection: Document the property's condition thoroughly with photos and a written inventory list before moving in to avoid deposit disputes at the end of the tenancy.

Renting in Singapore as a foreigner comes with specific pitfalls to avoid:

  • Not including a diplomatic clause: Expats on work contracts should always negotiate a diplomatic clause in the tenancy agreement, allowing early termination with 2–3 months' written notice in case of job loss or relocation. Without it, breaking a lease can be very costly (source: Homejourney.sg, 2025).
  • Ignoring HDB subletting quotas: HDB flats have strict subletting rules and nationality quotas. Foreigners must verify that the flat is approved for subletting and that the quota for their nationality has not been reached before signing any agreement (source: Homejourney.sg, 2025).
  • Skipping the inventory check: Failing to document the property's condition with photos and a written inventory list at move-in is a leading cause of deposit disputes at the end of the tenancy (source: PropertyGuru, 2024).
  • Accepting inflated rents without research: Newcomers unfamiliar with local market rates are frequently quoted above-market rents. Always cross-check asking prices on platforms such as PropertyGuru or 99.co before committing (source: Our Family Without Borders, 2024).
  • Treating the LOI as just paperwork: The Letter of Intent locks in key terms including rent, deposit amount, and special requests. Discrepancies between the LOI and the final tenancy agreement should be flagged and corrected before signing (source: Dash Living, 2024).
  • Not stamping the tenancy agreement: A tenancy agreement must be stamped by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) to be legally valid and enforceable in court (source: SingaporeExpats.com).
  • Start your search 6–8 weeks before your move-in date: The Singapore rental market moves quickly, especially for well-priced units near MRT stations or international schools. Starting early gives you time to compare options without pressure.
  • Always negotiate the diplomatic clause: If you are on a work visa or fixed-term contract, insist on a diplomatic clause that allows early termination with 2–3 months' written notice. This is standard practice in Singapore's expat rental market (source: Homejourney.sg, 2025).
  • Cross-check asking rents on PropertyGuru and 99.co: Use these platforms to benchmark prices in your target district before making an offer. Newcomers are sometimes quoted above-market rates (source: Our Family Without Borders, 2024).
  • Verify HDB subletting eligibility: If you are considering renting an HDB flat, confirm that the flat has subletting approval from HDB and that the nationality quota for your country has not been reached.
  • Document everything at move-in: Take dated photos of every room and note any existing damage in writing before signing the inventory list. This protects your security deposit at the end of the tenancy.
  • Budget for upfront costs: In addition to the first month's rent, plan for a security deposit (one month's rent per year of lease), a good faith deposit at the LOI stage, and stamp duty on the tenancy agreement (0.4% of annual rent for leases over one year, payable to IRAS).
  • Choose your district based on your commute: Singapore's MRT network is excellent, but living close to your workplace or your children's school significantly improves daily quality of life. Districts 2, 9, and 10 suit CBD workers; District 5 suits those working in one-north or Buona Vista.

Finding the right long-term rental in Singapore can be complex, especially for newcomers navigating a fast-moving market with specific legal requirements. Remoters connects you with experienced local rental search specialists who know Singapore's districts, housing types, and tenancy procedures inside out. Whether you are looking for a condominium near the CBD, a family home close to an international school, or a co-living space in a well-connected neighbourhood, Remoters helps you identify the right options, prepare your rental file, and negotiate the best possible terms — saving you time and avoiding costly mistakes.

Searching for property in Singapore from abroad presents unique challenges that a professional property hunter is perfectly equipped to handle. A property hunter acts as your eyes and ears on the ground, visiting properties on your behalf, verifying their condition, and ensuring that what is advertised matches reality.

Singapore's real estate market moves extremely fast, and desirable properties can be snapped up within hours. A local property hunter has access to off-market listings and exclusive networks that are simply not available to foreign buyers browsing online portals. They understand the nuances of each district, from the expat-friendly areas of Orchard Road to the vibrant neighbourhoods of Tiong Bahru or Holland Village.

Beyond logistics, a property hunter navigates the complex legal and administrative framework of Singapore's property market, including restrictions on foreign ownership, stamp duties (ABSD), and lease structures. Their expertise saves you time, money, and the stress of making a costly mistake from thousands of kilometres away.

Attempting to find a property in Singapore remotely without professional support exposes you to a range of serious risks that can have significant financial and personal consequences.

Scams and misrepresentation: Online listings do not always reflect the true state of a property. Without someone physically inspecting the unit, you may end up renting or purchasing a property that has hidden defects, noise issues, or does not match the photos.

Overpaying: Without in-depth knowledge of local market prices, foreign buyers frequently overpay. A property hunter benchmarks every offer against comparable transactions and negotiates firmly on your behalf.

Missing legal requirements: Singapore has strict rules regarding foreign property ownership. Foreigners cannot purchase landed residential property without government approval, and Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) rates for foreigners currently stand at 60%. A property hunter ensures you are fully compliant and helps you structure your purchase correctly.

Time zone and communication barriers: Coordinating viewings, negotiations, and paperwork across multiple time zones is exhausting and error-prone. A property hunter manages all of this seamlessly, keeping you informed at every step.

International students arriving in Singapore face a highly competitive rental market, particularly around the start of academic semesters. University campuses such as NUS, NTU, SMU, and INSEAD attract thousands of international students each year, creating intense demand for well-located, affordable housing.

A property hunter specialising in student accommodation understands the specific needs of this demographic: proximity to campus, reliable public transport links (MRT and bus), budget constraints, and flexible lease terms. They can identify rooms, HDB flats, or private condominiums that meet these criteria and are available within your timeline.

For students arriving from abroad, the ability to secure accommodation before landing in Singapore is invaluable. A property hunter can conduct virtual tours, negotiate lease terms, and even handle the signing of tenancy agreements on your behalf, ensuring you have a confirmed address before you board your flight.

Additionally, they can advise on areas popular with students, such as Clementi (near NUS), Jurong East (near NTU), or the City Hall area (near SMU), helping you balance cost, comfort, and convenience.

Choosing the right property hunter in Singapore is a critical decision that will directly impact the success of your property search. Here are the key criteria to evaluate:

Local market expertise: Your property hunter should have deep, up-to-date knowledge of Singapore's property market, including district-by-district price trends, upcoming developments, and neighbourhood characteristics. Ask them about recent transactions they have handled.

Experience with international clients: A property hunter who regularly works with expatriates and foreign buyers will understand your specific concerns, from navigating ABSD regulations to finding properties with international school proximity or expat-friendly amenities.

Transparent fee structure: Reputable property hunters are clear about their fees from the outset. In Singapore, fees are typically negotiated as a percentage of the annual rent or purchase price. Avoid hunters who are vague about their compensation.

Strong network: The best property hunters have established relationships with landlords, developers, and other agents, giving them access to off-market opportunities that never appear on public portals.

Communication and responsiveness: When you are searching from abroad, timely communication is essential. Your property hunter should be reachable across time zones and provide regular, detailed updates on your search progress.

Remoters connects you with vetted, experienced property hunters in Singapore who meet all of these criteria, giving you complete peace of mind throughout your search.

What are you looking for in Singapore?

One of our home finders will look for the ideal property for you
Schéma d'un logement avec différentes pièces et meubles, incluant lit, table, bureau et rangements.

Long-term rental

standard lease, for 12 months or more
Sac à dos et chaise pliable bleus sur fond blanc signifiant une collocation courte durée.

Short-term rental

for periods of 1 to 12 months
Carte des États-Unis avec des icônes de centres de données montrant la colocation dans tout le pays.

Colocation

a room in an existing shared flat
Schéma d'un logement avec différentes pièces et meubles, incluant lit, table, bureau et rangements.

Long term rental

classic lease, for periods of 12 months and more
Sac à dos et chaise pliable bleus sur fond blanc signifiant une collocation courte durée.

Short rental

seasonal contract, for periods of 1 to 12 months
Carte des États-Unis avec des icônes de centres de données montrant la colocation dans tout le pays.

Colocation

a room in an existing shared apartment

How does it work?

1

First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.

2
Quote: If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll receive a personalized quote via Remoters.
3
Mission start: Once approved and paid, the housing search begins.
4
Support: Your home finder assists you through to the lease signing and your arrival.
5
Feedback: Share your review — your satisfaction is our priority !
Couple allongé sur le lit, pieds contre la tête de lit, s'enlaçant et regardant l'un l'autre.

We are present around the world!

Remoters continues to grow!
We are recruiting new home finders everywhere, do not hesitate to apply
Carte du monde en trois panneaux avec des marqueurs rouges indiquant des emplacements en Amériques, Europe, Afrique et Asie.I am applying
Logo blanc de Remoters sur fond bleu marine.

Find housing abroad thanks to our network of Home Finders, all over the world.

Remoters
Become a Remoters Property Hunter
Cgu
Privacy policy
Our articles
Know everything
Real estate market
Who are we?
Press
Contact
Cookies
Cookies
About
Contact us
+33 1 84 60 74 42[email protected]Make an appointment with Remoters Buying real estateReal estate sale