Renting in Singapore? Here are 5 budgeting steps that are often overlooked

Singapore is the world’s most expensive city for expatriates, so you may be expecting the worst when it comes to rental costs. We'd like to tell you not to worry, but, well, it is crazy expensive. That said, all is not lost. Here are some ways to keep things in check.

Firstly, what does it cost to rent in Singapore?

Since this is such a common question, here are the numbers you’re looking for. They’re accurate as of Q1 2019.

Average rental rate for a condo in Singapore: Approximately S$3,506 per month.
Average rental rate for a Core Central Region (CCR) condo: Approximately S$4,969 per month.
Average rental rate for an Rest of Central Region (RCR) condo: Approximately S$3,873 per month.
Average rental rate for an Outside Central Region (OCR) condo: Approximately S$2,474 per month.

Here’s how to set your budget when renting in Singapore.

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1. THE INITIAL DEPOSIT

When you decide on a unit to rent, you’ll first sign the Letter of Intent (LOI) with the landlord. As part of this process, you may be asked to hand over a good faith deposit of the first month’s rent (note that this can be negotiated; some tenants insist that they see the TA before they hand over a deposit, for example).

Note that you don’t need to budget for a security deposit after that – the good faith deposit handed over during the LOI will become the security deposit.

Because of this deposit, you should factor in another month’s worth of rent at the start (you’ll get it back when you leave, assuming the house is in good condition).

2. AT LEAST S$350 A MONTH IN UTILITIES

In Singapore, tenants usually pay the utility bills themselves (this includes the cost of servicing air-conditioners, and internet access). Most internet plans – excluding cable – will go up to around S$60 per month. Overall, a realistic amount to set aside is S$350 to S$400 per month.

Bear in mind that Singapore is in the tropics; it’s humid, and temperatures usually hover at around 32 degrees Celcius. The air-conditioner will almost always see use, unless you love the heat (or can bear with just using a fan). Also, the humidity and frequent rainfall often necessitate the use of a dryer.

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3. THE PROPERTY AGENT'S COMMISSION

Singapore is landlord-friendly. There are no standardised contracts for all tenants, so it’s possible for a landlord to slip in unique clauses that are unfair to you.

The best way around that is to have a property agent representing you. We advise that new renters do this at least during the first time they rent – then you can ask a property agent about what to look for, what each separate form does, etc. The commission paid to the agent is almost always worth the assurance provided.

Here’s how much you’d usually pay:

    •    Two year lease, with rental above S$3,500 per month: Usually nothing (the landlord’s agent will split their commission with your agent)
    •    One year lease, with rental above S$3,500 per month: You pay half a month’s rent in commission
    •    Two year lease, with rental at S$3,500 per month or below: You pay one month of rent to your agent
    •    One year lease, with rental at S$3,500 per month or below: Half a month’s rent to your agent

Agent commissions are technically negotiable, but most tenants’ agents won’t budge on the above.

4. TRANSPORT IF YOU'RE RENTING A LANDED PROPERTY OR A NON-CENTRAL CONDO

The assumption is that if you can afford a landed property or a high-end condo, you can afford a car. Of course, we know that isn’t true for all foreigners working in Singapore, but nobody told the developers that.

As such, landed properties and condos can be located much further away from bus stops and train stations than public housing. This is gradually changing and more condos now have MRT stations nearby, but for now, you may be in situations that require a cab or private hire car quite often.

Note that taxis are not cheap in Singapore. If you’re not up for it, you may want to scout for an alternate location.

5. INSURANCE

Unlike in some other countries, your landlord’s home content insurance may not cover tenants. If there’s a fire, or water damage, you could end up having to refurnish or replace your stuff at cost.

As such, you need to ask your landlord if their home content insurance includes you (note: home content insurance, not just fire insurance. The latter only covers rebuilding costs, which are irrelevant to you).

If you’re not covered, you’ll need to buy your own renter’s insurance. You should also purchase insurance for valuables that exceed the pay out limit. For example, if you have a collection of paintings or jewellery that is worth a fortune, the S$1,500 pay out on a renter’s insurance policy probably won’t cover it.

You’ll have to speak to insurers to work out a policy for those valuables (locally, a qualified Financial Advisor can help you).

This story first appeared on 99.co.