In July 2025, Singapore’s rental market saw growth in both prices and volumes, with increases observed in both the private residential and HDB markets.A. Condo Rental Market1. In July 2025, rental prices increased by 1.5%. CCR, RCR, and OCR saw an increase of 0.6%, 1.1%, and 2.1%, respectively, compared to June 2025.• Year-on-year, overall rental prices increased by 3.1% compared to July 2024.• Year-on-year, rental prices in CCR, RCR, and OCR increased by 3%, 2.5%, and 2.7%, respectively. 2. Rental volumes increased by 30.2% month-on-month. An estimated 8,691 units were rented in July 2025, compared to 6,674 in June 2025.• Year-on-year, rental volumes were 6.6% higher.• Rental volumes were 10.6% higher than the 5-year average for July.• Breaking it down by region, in July 2025, 39.1% of the total rental volume was from OCR, 33.1% from RCR, and 27.8% from CCR.B. HDB Rental Market1. In July 2025, HDB rental prices increased by 1.6% compared to June 2025. Rental prices in Mature and Non-Mature estates increased by 1.8% and 1.3%, respectively. Prices for 3-room, 4-room, 5-room, and Executive flats increased by 1.4%, 1.9%, 1.1%, and 1.5%, respectively.• Overall rental prices increased by 3.2% compared to July 2024.• Year-on-year, both Mature and Non-Mature Estate rental prices increased by 3.5% and 2.8%, respectively.• Year-on-year, all room types recorded rental price increases: 3-room by 3.2%, 4-room by 3.7%, 5-room by 2.2%, and Executive by 3.1%. 2. An estimated 3,168 HDB flats were rented in July 2025, compared to 2,710 in June 2025.• Year-on-year, rental volumes increased by 4.6% compared to July 2024.• Rental volumes were 2.9% higher than the 5-year average for July.• Breaking it down by room type, in July 2025, 30.7% of the total rental volume was from 3-room, 38.3% from 4-room, 24.8% from 5-room, and 6.2% from Executive.Source：SRX

HDB will launch its first Build-To-Order (BTO) project in the new Sembawang North neighbourhood during the July 2025 BTO sales exercise. The 775-unit development, Sembawang Beacon, will offer a wide selection of flat types, ranging from 2-room Flexi to 5-room and 3Gen flats. This project will have a waiting time of approximately 3 years. The flats at Sembawang Beacon form part of about 5,500 BTO flats to be offered in the July 2025 BTO sales exercise. Other projects to be offered include those in Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Clementi, Tampines, Toa Payoh, and Woodlands. Bounded by Admiralty Link, Admiralty Lane and Canberra Road, Sembawang Beacon is located within the new Sembawang North neighbourhood – a 53-hectare site within Sembawang town. When fully developed, the new neighbourhood will provide close to 10,000 housing units, comprising about 8,000 BTO flats and 2,000 private housing units. Comprehensive Range of Amenities to Serve Residents’ Daily NeedsResidents of Sembawang Beacon will enjoy easy access to existing amenities and public transport nodes. These include a neighbourhood park, the Sembawang MRT station, as well as the nearby Sembawang Mart which houses a supermarket, food court, and retail shops. There are also various shops and dining options in the surrounding precincts to meet residents’ daily needs. In the near future, residents can also look forward to new amenities, such as a Neighbourhood Centre, a 1-hectare park with playgrounds and fitness stations, as well as an extensive network of cycling paths and walkways.Sembawang Beacon marks the first step in HDB’s plans to transform Sembawang North. When fully developed, homes in Sembawang North will be well-served by a comprehensive range of amenities, green spaces, and public transport. Through a comprehensive planning approach, HDB ensures that residents will have easy and convenient access to various amenities for their daily needs, without having to travel too far from their homes.Design Inspired by Sembawang’s Maritime HeritageThe design of Sembawang Beacon draws inspiration from the area's rich maritime heritage. Sembawang was once home to the British Naval Base in the 1920s, where distinctive black-and-white houses served as quarters for naval officers. The residential blocks and drop-off porches of Sembawang Beacon are designed to incorporate elements reminiscent of these colonial houses, featuring white facades outlined by bold black frames. Blue accents on the block facades echo the colour of the sea, paying homage to the area’s heritage.At the ground floor, black-and-white downhang screens mirror the drop blinds commonly found in colonial corridors and verandahs, while providing shade for residents. The maritime theme extends to the development's recreational spaces, including a playground featuring nautical motifs and elements such as a lighthouse play structure.Within the development, landscaping is designed to bring nature closer to residents’ doorsteps, with abundant green spaces such as a roof garden, an open lawn, and landscaped seating areas, as well as native plants carefully selected to beautify the environment and attract fauna such as birds and butterflies. Plants of historical and traditional significance, including the Sembawang tree (Kayea ferruginea), will also be introduced in the common areas to create tranquil gathering places that capture the spirit of old Singapore. Environmentally sustainable Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters design features such as rain gardens, will be incorporated to cleanse rainwater from surface runoff.New Sembawang Town Design GuideThe design of Sembawang Beacon is guided by HDB's new Town Design Guide (TDG) for Sembawang, which sets out the vision, planning, and design principles for the town. Members of the public can view the TDG on the HDB InfoWEB to learn more about Sembawang’s history, context, and existing developments, and how these have guided the design of the town. As HDB develops new housing areas to meet the housing needs of Singaporeans, it will continue to incorporate each town’s rich heritage and distinct features into the planning and design of the new housing areas, so that the unique character and identity of each town can be preserved for future generations of Singaporeans.Source：HDB

On June 25, 2025, Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) released the draft of Master Plan 2025, charting the nation’s development direction for the next 10 to 15 years. This plan, reviewed every five years, covers key areas such as housing, employment, transportation, climate response, and nature conservation.In terms of housing, the draft proposes the construction of at least 80,000 public and private residential units across 12 housing areas island wide to meet the growing population and housing needs. Some of the new housing districts include Defu, adjacent to the redeveloped Paya Lebar Air Base, and the site of the former Sembawang Shipyard. The specific number of residential units for these areas is still under study.Here’s a breakdown of the new housing areas in Singapore： Newton: A Green Urban LifestyleThe planned Newton neighbourhood, comprising three clusters in Newton Circus, Scotts Road and Monk’s Hill, will be a mixed-use urban village, with the new private homes to be introduced progressively.A new Village Square anchored by a high-density, mixed-use development will be built next to Newton MRT station and Newton Food Centre, while Monk’s Hill Road will be converted into a park. A green corridor will also link Newton MRT station to Emerald Hill.Paterson: Urban Lifestyle Hub at Orchard MRTThe Paterson neighbourhood will be transformed into a mixed-use hub with a new integrated development comprising retail and food and beverage offerings, offices and residences built above Orchard MRT station. Meanwhile, the former Institute of Education site will be redeveloped into a mixed-use integrated precinct, offering approximately 1,000 private residential units. This development will feature a diverse mix of functions, including office and retail spaces, to meet the varied needs of living, working, and leisure, further enhancing the vibrancy and convenience of the city center.The new plan also includes the introduction of cycling paths that will connect Paterson to surrounding neighborhoods such as Tiong Bahru and Balestier, promoting green mobility and improving connectivity between districts. This will provide city center residents with a more convenient and healthy urban living experience. Dover-Medway: A Vibrant Community Integrating Research and EducationIn the Dover-Medway area, approximately 6,000 new residential units will be added in the first phase. This area, close to one-north and Kent Ridge MRT, aims to create a vibrant community closely integrating research and education. With the future relocation of SIT and UWCSEA, the freed space will be transformed into new residences and green spaces, while ACS (Independent) will remain. This provides an option for professionals in technology, media, and biomedical fields working nearby to "settle close to work," further enhancing the innovative living ecosystem of one-north.Mediapolis: Live Close to InnovationMediapolis will add up to 5,000 private homes, perfect for professionals in media, tech, and research. Easy access to one-north Park, Wessex estate, and the Rail Corridor — Enjoy the tranquility of nature in your spare time from work.Former Racecourse: Nature-Inspired LivingThe former Singapore Racecourse in the north will become a major housing area, offering around 14,000 public and private homes. Designed around a riverine concept, and close to Mandai Mangrove, Sungei Pang Sua, and the Rail Corridor, this new estate will appeal to nature lovers.Sembawang Shipyard: Seaside Living with HeritageAfter its closure in 2028, the Sembawang Shipyard will be redeveloped into a waterfront mixed-use district. The area will feature sea-view housing and public waterfront spaces. Some of the shipyard’s old buildings will be repurposed into community, cultural, or sports facilities continuing the charm of history.PLAB & Defu: Building a New TownThe relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base（PLAB） will free up 800 hectares of land. A brand-new town will take shape, starting with Defu. The master plan includes wetlands, parks and rivers, with old airport features like parts of the old runway preserved as unique character. Height restrictions in surrounding areas may be lifted to allow for taller housing. SummaryThe URA Master Plan 2025 will introduce over 80,000 new homes across familiar and emerging districts. It’s not just about land development,  but also a comprehensive lifestyle revolution -enable residents to enjoy a more natural, accessible, and community-oriented lifestyle.For hunting a house in Singapore, we recommend using Housebell, which offers a vast array of genuine property listings. All the listings are sourced by CEA-registered agents to help you find your ideal home!  If you have any questions, feel free to contact online customer service for professional assistance.

If you're planning to buy an HDB flat in Singapore, you've probably come across the new classification system for BTO flats: Standard, Plus, and Prime. Introduced in 2024, this system aims to help the government regulate housing prices more effectively while catering to diverse buyer needs.1. What Are Standard, Plus, and Prime Flats?1. Standard FlatsThis is the most common type of flat, usually located in non-mature estates or developing areas such as Sembawang, Tengah, and Woodlands. Standard flats are the most affordable and ideal for budget-conscious or first-time buyers.• Pros: Affordable prices, less competition when applying • Restrictions: Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) of 5 years• Resale Restrictions: No additional restrictions2. Plus FlatsPlus flats are typically located in more convenient areas such as town centers or near MRT stations, but not in the central region. These flats offer better amenities and connectivity ,with slightly higher prices.• Pros: Convenient location, suitable for long-term stay• Restrictions:o Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is 10 yearso Upon resale, a certain percentage of the resale price must be returned to the governmento Renting out the entire flat is not allowed (only partial subletting is permitted)  Resale buyers must meet the eligibility criteria for BTO flats, including an income ceiling of S$14,000 for both families and singles  3. Prime Flats• Prime flats are located in the most central and desirable areas, such as the city center, Marina Bay, Redhill, and Bukit Timah. These projects typically offer excellent transport links, and are close to the CBD, shopping malls, and top schools.  • Pros: Top-tier location, high potential for value appreciation  Restrictions:o Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is 10 yearso Renting out the entire flat is not allowed (only rooms may be rented out)  o Upon resale, a certain percentage of the resale price must be returned to the government  o Resale buyers must meet all BTO flat eligibility criteria, with an income ceiling of S$14,000 for families and S$7,000 for singles 2. Comparison Table3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Q1: Can I freely sell a Prime flat after the 10-year MOP?A: After 10 years, you can apply to sell your flat, but the buyer must still meet specific eligibility requirements. Additionally, the resale price may be subject to HDB’s valuation, so it is not exactly the same as a fully open market transaction.Q2: Can I rent out an entire Prime flat?A: No. Even after fulfilling the MOP, you cannot rent out the entire Prime flat. Only partial rental (such as room rental) is allowed.Q3: Is the price difference between Plus and Standard flats significant?A: The price is only slightly higher, but Plus flats offer better locations, transport links, and amenities. For families who value convenience and plan to stay long-term, Plus flats are a reasonable compromise.Q4: Are there differences in resale conditions?A: Yes. Standard flats are closest to open market transactions, while Plus and Prime flats must be sold to eligible buyers and are subject to more restrictions. As a result, it may take longer to find a buyer for Plus or Prime flats.Q5: Are Prime flats worth buying?A: If you plan to live there long-term and do not intend to rely on rental income, the prime location can help the flat retain or increase its value over time. However, if you prioritize flexibility (such as renting out or reselling), you should carefully consider the restrictions.4. Buying Recommendations1. First-time buyer with a tight budget: Prioritize Standard flats. They have lower prices and less competition, making them a good entry point.2. Looking for convenience and good location: Consider Plus flats, which balance living quality and investment     potential.3. Seeking prime location for own stay: Prime flats are a great choice for long-term residence, especially if you plan to settle in a central area.5. ConclusionStandard, Plus, and Prime HDB flats each have their own pros and cons-there’s no absolute best choice. The key is to match your selection to your personal needs, financial situation, and future plans.Don’t forget to complete your HFE (HDB Flat Eligibility) application before the BTO sales launch, or you won’t be able to submit your BTO application during the sales period!For hunting a house in Singapore, we recommend using Housebell, which offers a vast array of genuine property listings. All listings are sourced from CEA-registered agents to help you find your ideal home!  If you have any questions, feel free to contact the online customer service for professional assistance.

The National University of Singapore (NUS), as one of the top-notch institutions of higher learning in Asia, draws a large number of international students to pursue their studies. However, finding a suitable place to live can be a daunting task for those newly arrived international students. This article will present a comprehensive guide to renting accommodation near NUS to assist you in finding your desired residence.Locations for Renting near NUSThe NUS campus is vast, and its various faculties are scattered across different directions. Therefore, students from different faculties can consider renting in nearby areas. The distribution map of NUS faculties is as follows:Zooming out, you can observe the distribution of the areas around NUS. ▲Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, College of Design and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, NUS Computing, Business School, YIH, RMI, and ISS are all situated on the west and south sides of the campus, close to Clementi and the West Coast.▲The Faculty of Science and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine are on the east side of the campus and are relatively near One North, Dover, and Queenstown.▲The School of Continuing and Lifelong Education is located in Utown, on the north side of the campus. Clementi and Dover are convenient accommodation options.▲NUS Law faculty and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy are not on the main campus but are located at the Bukit Timah Campus. Houses around this area can be taken into account. There are also shuttle bus services between the main campus and the Bukit Timah Campus, with a journey time of about half an hour.Zooming out even further, you’ll find more diverse options.▲Closest to the School (Orange)Clementi, West Coast, One North, and Dover are the nearest to the school. The closest ones are within a ten-minute walking distance to the school, but such accommodation is scarce and rather old. Those a bit further away require a commuting time of about twenty minutes. Since these places are the most convenient, the accommodation tends to be in high demand. There are more options in Clementi and West Coast, so you can look in this area. The accommodation in One North and Dover is relatively limited.▲Better Environment (Green)Jurong East, Pandan River, ULU Pandan, Holland, and Queenstown are a bit further away, but they offer a better environment and more condos. The commuting time is over half an hour, which is still acceptable. Many students choose to live near Pandan River, Buona Vista, and Queenstown. Additionally, Jurong East is the largest shopping district closest to the school, home to shopping centers like IMM, JEM, and Westgate are located.▲Further Away (Purple)Even more distant options include Chinese Garden and Bukit Timah. The former has relatively inexpensive houses but is rather far, with a commuting time to NUS of 40-50 minutes. The latter is a wealthy area with relatively expensive houses but an excellent living environment. They can also be considered as alternatives.In general, Singapore is not overly large, and there are shuttle buses on the NUS campus. Thus, it is quite convenient to live in the areas near the school. It is not necessary to live adjacent to one's faculty. Places within a 30-minute commuting distance to the school are relatively convenient and acceptable.Types of Rental Accommodation in SingaporeThere are mainly two types of residential properties: HDB flats and condos.HDB FlatsThese are subsidized housing constructed by the Singapore government and are relatively affordable. There are food courts and public transportation nearby, making life convenient. However, the environment and facilities may not be as good as those of condos. HDB flats do not have enclosed communities, and each building has a separate number (which can be used to identify a specific flat when looking for an address). But the government has a series of strict regulations on the rental of HDB flats.Rent: Common rooms range from $800 to $1200, and master rooms range from $1300 to $2000.Lease Term: Minimum of 6 months.Note: During the school opening season, the rent near NUS will increase significantly.CondosSimilar to commercial housing complexes in China, they have an enclosed community environment with complete internal supporting facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, clubs, and 24-hour security. The overall quality is higher, and one can enjoy a more comfortable and safe living environment.Rent: Common rooms range from $1000 to $1800, and master rooms range from $1500 to $2500.Lease Term: Minimum of 3 months.There is also a commercial student apartment (co-living), which is a popular choice among many students.Student ApartmentsThere are single rooms, double rooms, and multi-person rooms. The rooms are furnished with beds, desks, wardrobes, etc., allowing for a move-in with just personal belongings. There are also shared kitchens, laundry rooms, study rooms, gyms, and other supporting facilities in the apartment, which are shared by the whole community. Generally, such apartments have central management services, and the rent includes utilities, WiFi, regular cleaning services, etc.Rent: Ranges from $500 to $1500.Lease Term: Minimum of 1 month.Rental Process and PrecautionsRental ProcessSearch for accommodation and view properties - Sign the lease - Pay the deposit and rent - Pay the rental stamp duty - Move in - Check out.When renting, you must be extremely vigilant. Try to choose formal platforms and certified agents to avoid rental scam.Related Articles:Rental Scams in Singapore and How to Avoid themIf you choose to rent an HDB flat, you need to meet the eligibility requirements and comply with relevant regulations.Related Articles:Renting HDB flats：Eligibility Conditions and GuidelinesRenting HDB flats：Tenancy MattersRenting HDB flats：RegulationsRegarding the tenancy agreement, matters to note during the tenancy period, check-out requirements, etc., you need to understand them in advance to avoid disputes.Related Articles:Singapore Rental Guide: Easily Find Your Ideal HomeTenants must see：Singapore Tenancy Agreement and Key TermsIt is recommended to use Housebell to find houses，which is reliable, convenient, and hassle-free. If you have any questions, you can contact the online customer service, and they will provide you with professional assistance.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is located in the western part of Singapore. Reowned for its high-quality educational resources and beautiful campus environment, it attracts a large number of international students. For those of you who are about to study or work at NTU, choosing a suitable place to live is of utmost importance. This article will provide you with a guide to renting accommodation near NTU to help you quickly find your desired residence.Locations for Renting near NTUNanyang Technological University (NTU) is situated in the western part of Singapore, bordered by hills to the west; herefore, when renting a house,  it is advisable to look eastward. Most students will choose the areas along the Green Line of the subway, between Pioneer Station and Jurong East Station. Since NTU is in a relatively remote location, commuting is the first factor to consider. The public transportation methods to NTU are as follows:• From Pioneer MRT Station, you can take Bus 179 or the Green Line shuttle bus directly to the interior of the campus.• From Boon Lay MRT Station, you can take Bus 179 or Bus 199 directly to the interior of the campus. Here is the terminal station of these two buses, offering greater convenience. However, the route of Bus 199 is more circuitous and takes longer. Alternatively, you can also take the MRT from Boon Lay MRT Station to Pioneer MRT Station and then take the Green Line shuttle bus. Even if you walk, it only takes 12 minutes between the two subway stations, which is very close.• For locations farther away, it is recommended to take the MRT to either of the two aforementioned stations and then transfer to the bus or shuttle bus.The following is an introduction to the rental and living situations near the Green Line subway stations.PioneerTransportation: Direct access by Green Line shuttle bus/Bus 179Dining and Shopping: Pioneer Mall, food courtsHousing: Mainly HDBBoon LayTransportation: Direct access by Bus 179/Bus 199, take the MRT to Pioneer and transfer to the shuttle bus or another busDining and Shopping: Jurong Point shopping mall is located right outside the MRT station, offering a one-stop solution for clothing, food, housing, and transportation.Housing: Mainly HDB. There is a popular condo, The Centris, adjacent to Jurong Point. Coliwoo here is also a popular choice among students. Lakeside - Chinese GardenTransportation: Take the MRT to Pioneer and transfer to the shuttle bus or another busDining and Shopping: This area primarily features shophouses and hawker centers in HDB zones, offering affordable and down-to-earth dining and shopping options.Housing: There are numerous condos, typically newer in age, offering good environment and scenic views.Jurong EastTransportation: Take the subway to Pioneer and transfer to the shuttle bus or another bus. Jurong East is also an interchange station for the Green Line and Red Line MRT.Dining and Shopping: Jurong East serves as the largest commercial district in the western part of Singapore. Shopping centers such as IMM, JEM, and Westgate offer comprehensive amenities for dining, shopping, and entertainment.Housing: There are very few condos, and the rental prices is relatively high.Summary:• The area from Pioneer to Boon Lay is the closest to the school and has direct access by bus/shuttle bus without the need for transfer. The houses are mainly HDB, and condos are even more popular. The surrounding amenities are relatively convenient.• In the area from Lakeside to Chinese Garden, there are more condo options with good scenery, but the supporting facilities are slightly lacking.• Jurong East is the farthest, with high prices and the fewest options, but it is the most prosperous, with complete supporting facilities and more convenient access to the city center.When choosing a rental property, the closer it is to the subway line, the more convenient the commute. However, be careful that the room is not directly facing the railway line to avoid vibrations and noise when the MRT passes.Types of Rental Housing in SingaporeResidential properties in Singapore are mainly divided into two types: HDB flats and private condos.HDB FlatsHDB flats are public housing built by the Singapore government as affordable options. They are usually located near hawker centers and public transport, making life convenient. However, the environment and facilities may not be as good as those in condominiums. HDB flats do not have gated communities, and each block is assigned a unique number to help locate specific flats. The government imposes strict regulations on renting out HDB flats.Rent：Common room: $800-$1200, Master bedroom: $1300-$2000Lease Term:Minimum 6 monthsPrivate CondosPrivate condominiums are similar to commercial housing estates in China. They have gated environments with comprehensive facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, clubhouses, and 24-hour security. They offer a higher standard of living and a more comfortable and secure residential environment.Rent：Common room: $1000-$1800, Master bedroom: $1500-$2500Lease Term:Minimum 3 monthsThere is also a commercial student apartment (co-living), which is a popular choice among many students.Student ApartmentsThere are single rooms, double rooms, and multi-person rooms. The rooms are furnished with beds, desks, wardrobes, etc., allowing for a move-in with just personal belongings. There are also shared kitchens, laundry rooms, study rooms, gyms, and other supporting facilities in the apartment, which are shared by the whole community. Generally, such apartments have central management services, and the rent includes utilities, WiFi, regular cleaning services, etc.Rent: Ranges from $500 to $1500.Lease Term: Minimum of 1 month.Rental Process and TipsRental ProcessSearch for properties → View properties → Sign tenancy agreement → Pay deposit and rent → Pay stamp duty → Move in → Move outWhen renting, always be vigilant and choose reputable platforms or certified agents to avoid rental scams.Related Articles:Rental Scams in Singapore and How to Avoid themIf you choose HDB flats, you must meet the eligibility criteria and comply with relevant regulations.Related Articles:Renting HDB flats：Eligibility Conditions and GuidelinesRenting HDB flats：Tenancy MattersRenting HDB flats：RegulationsIt is important to familiarize yourself with the tenancy agreement, obligations during the lease period, and move-out requirements to avoid disputes.Related Articles:Singapore Rental Guide: Easily Find Your Ideal HomeTenants must see：Singapore Tenancy Agreement and Key TermsIt is recommended to use Housebell to find houses，which is reliable, convenient, and hassle-free. If you have any questions, you can contact the online customer service, and they will provide you with professional assistance.