Most studio condo rentals in Singapore are within private residential properties such as Singapore serviced apartments, condominiums, private apartments, landed properties, and walk-up apartments. You can’t really find a HDB studio apartment for rent. However, there are some who convert their government housing flats into studio apartments, though that’s rare.

For now, prices are gaining momentum because of factors affecting both supply and demand of accommodation options in Singapore. There are constraints to supply because of the construction delays in both public and private sectors. In addition, plenty of the previous supply are all taken up by citizens and non-citizens alike. Some locals are moving out as they wait for new government housing. Not to mention, expatriates and foreign students are returning as borders open up again. That’s why it’s difficult to find a $1,000 rental for a studio apartment now.

The adage still holds true; it’s all about location, location, location. The closer you are to the Central Business District and popular neighborhoods, the higher the rental rate. But don’t be surprised to find higher prices for studio condo rentals near key industry and business hubs outside the city centre.

Of course, newer properties and larger units would command a premium, as well as studio units on higher floors. On top of that, if the development has hassle-free access to nearby MRT stations, like some of our Singapore serviced apartments, landlords would charge higher rents too.

Here’s a breakdown of the rates for the wide variety of studio apartments in Singapore:
*All prices are gleaned from PropertyGuru on 1 Nov 2023.

A typical studio for rent in Singapore ranges between 204.5sqft and 366sqft in size. But with the real estate market on a tear, and rental prices for rental rates at an all-time-high, it bears a re-thinking before you sign the lease and sink the deposit in for a studio for rent in Singapore, especially if you need more space. Some say that 250sqft of space is the minimum to ‘live in comfort’ for one person.

But 250sqft isn’t really much to work with, despite the plethora of space-saving tips for studio condo rentals. We think 300sqft is already snug. Don’t forget, you have all your belongings to store: books, knick-knacks from your travels, work documents. And it’s not the best impression to make when you have the clutter coming through your virtual background during your online business meeting.

Unless you’re a true minimalist, you can’t really run away when it comes to apartment sizes, even if the layout is ideal. After all, one square foot is one square foot.

Like most things in life, it’s all about what you need. If you don’t really need the space, but still need the privacy, you should consider getting a one-bedroom rental unit in Singapore instead of a whole unit for rent in Singapore. After all, the lowest price you can get for a studio for rent in Singapore is around $2,200, while a one-bedroom rental goes from $900 to $1500. At the very least, you get to shave 20% to 30% off your monthly rental.

If you’re a business traveler or digital nomad staying long term, you’re better off with a one bedroom for rent too.  Hotel rooms are much more expensive.  Those would set you back by $200 to $600 per night, amounting to $6,000 to $18,000 a month.

A whole 1-bedder unit is going to cost you extra. So if you can make do without a living room or a study area, a studio apartment would be perfect. And you still get your privacy since you’re not sharing any of the living spaces or working spaces with anyone else. Just imagine a place free of noisy shared spaces.

Also, if you’re lucky enough, you might just be able to get a studio apartment with kitchen for rent in Singapore. So you can still indulge in your favourite home-cooked meals with a proper, fully-equipped kitchen.

But further down the road, you can expect to see roomier accommodation options for Singapore condo rentals and serviced apartments. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) imposed new size restrictions on Singapore condos outside the Core Central Region in January 2019.

Previously, the maximum number of units allowed in a development was calculated by dividing the total Gross Floor Area (GFA) by 70 square metres. Now, developers have to divide by 85 square metres. In some areas, it goes up to 100 square metres. That, in essence, forces developers to build fewer units in a development, which theoretically means that developers should be building bigger apartments to maximise land use.

But it’ll be a while before those come into the market, because the new rules only apply for new development applications from 17 January 2019. Plus, new developments are only recently picking up construction, so new condos with larger studios will take a while more before they come into the market.

MetroResidences’ Singapore serviced apartments and residences are perfect for your next business trip. We have a wide range of serviced apartment options across coveted locales such as Raffles Place, Orchard Road, and Arab Street.

All our serviced apartments are conveniently located, with hassle-free access to public transport. It all comes fully furnished too, with amenities like wi-fi, air-conditioners, and even fully-equipped kitchens.