I describe my searchGet started
The #1 international network of home finders

Find your place in Singapore with a local home finder

For students, companies and professionals, all over the world.

Remoters puts you in touch with a home finder living there, who speaks your language, searches to your criteria, views on your behalf and stays with you through to the signed lease.

Your home finder, on site
An English-speaking home finder, based on site

They know the neighbourhoods, the rents and how the local market works, and they speak your language.

Shortlists properties and visits them for you

Listings, agencies, local network: they shortlist to your criteria and view properties on your behalf.

Backs your application and negotiates the lease

They present your application to the landlord and negotiate the lease terms for you.

Every step protected, no hidden surprises

Verified home, lease reviewed, secure payment: you sign knowing exactly what you are getting.

5,000+ clients supported
★★★★★ 4.8/5 on Google, 1,100+ reviews
220+ cities
60+ countries

What does a home finder actually do?

Six missions, from the first brief to key handover.

Illustration: scoping the search

They scope your search

Real budget, viable neighbourhoods, size, life constraints. The brief is written before the first listing — that's what saves three months of pointless viewings.

Illustration: local market specialist

They comb the whole market

Portals, local agencies, private landlords: your home finder checks every new listing daily and contacts agencies on your behalf, so nothing slips through.

Illustration: viewings and neighbourhoods

They visit for you

Filmed viewings, an honest report, walks through the neighbourhood at different hours. You no longer need to travel: your home finder does it all for you remotely.

Illustration: price negotiation

They assess and negotiate

Local rent levels, service charges, the state of the property, lease length. Concrete arguments to negotiate the terms — on your side, this time.

Illustration: securing the application

They secure the application

Locally required documents, guarantor, translation, review of the lease and the inventory. This is where foreign applications most often fall apart.

Illustration: saving time when settling in

They stay with you until you're settled in

Inventory, key handover, utilities set-up, first admin steps. Your home finder doesn't disappear once the contract is signed: they remain a valuable contact for any questions about life on the ground.

What you get

Safety

No scams, verified homes, secure payment.

Speed

A home found in a few weeks.

Human

Guided by a local home finder, in your language.

Peace of mind

Everything handled remotely, stress-free.

How it works

Four steps, from your request to the signed lease.

1

We get acquainted

You start by filling in a short questionnaire to tell us a bit more about your search.

2

Free first call

One of our home finders then takes over and contacts you for a free first conversation. The goal? Understanding exactly what you need.

3

The adventure begins

If it clicks and you want to move forward, you receive a tailored quote. Once approved, the search begins!

4

Heading to your new home

Your home finder searches for you, shares their finds, stays with you through to signing the lease — all that’s left is packing your bags.

+5000
clients supported since 2023
+220
cities covered worldwide
+60
countries covered
+250
home finders
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 remote workers, 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).

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.

What our clients say

Stéphanie C.
Magali
★★★★★
We had to manage from a distance the expatriation to Singapore of our son and in particular find him an apartment, which turned out to be a headache given the local laws. Magali was extraordinary: she explained everything to us

Google · December 1, 2025 · translated from French · See the original review

Olivia B.
Magali
★★★★★
Magali was very efficient in finding an apartment for our daughter, a student in Singapore, both in terms of time as she found one quickly and in terms of quality. She really tried to understand what we were looking for and to meet the search criteria.

Google · September 1, 2025 · translated from French · See the original review

Read all our client reviews

It is best not to sign until someone has viewed it: flats go within days, but signing remotely exposes you to bad surprises about the condition of the home and its surroundings. If you are still abroad, a Remoters home finder based in Singapore can visit for you with photos or video, check the distance to the MRT and send you detailed feedback before any Letter of Intent.

Check that the landlord is the legal owner through the URA register before paying any advance. Then compare the asking rent with the URA's public rent history by area and property type: a large gap should raise a red flag. View the flat, and do a written, photographed inventory at move-in to protect your deposit.

In two stages: a Letter of Intent, with a good faith deposit of one month's rent per year of lease, later converted into the deposit, then the Tenancy Agreement, with a standard term of 12 months. Negotiate the diplomatic clause, which lets you end the lease, usually after 12 months, if you have to leave unexpectedly. Stamp duty of 0.4% of the total rent is paid to IRAS within 14 days.

Allow a deposit of 1 to 2 months' rent, an agency fee of about one month and stamp duty of 0.4% of the total rent, plus bills not included. Rent for a private 1 to 2-bedroom condominium ranges from SGD 3,000 to 6,000/month. If you use a Remoters home finder, their price is set out in the free quote; neither the deposit nor the agency fee is included.

A rental search in Singapore usually costs between €550 and €1,100: the range we have seen across the searches carried out in Singapore since February 2025. The exact price depends on your search; your home finder sets it in a written quote, free and with no commitment.

You pay online through the platform, never directly to the home finder. The security deposit and local fees (agency, check-in inventory) are not included.