Singapore

Condo leasing surges 16.8% while HDB demand remains subdued in June

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • Condo leasing volumes in Singapore increased by 16.8% in June, while HDB rental demand remained stagnant.
  • The surge in condo rentals may be attributed to an influx of expatriates and changing urban living preferences.
  • Despite increased leasing activity, condo rental prices remained stable, while HDB rental prices continued to rise moderately.

Singapore's property market has witnessed a significant shift in rental patterns, with condo leasing volumes surging by 16.8% in June while demand for HDB rentals remained subdued. This divergence in the rental landscape has caught the attention of real estate experts and investors alike, prompting a closer look at the factors driving these trends in the city-state's housing sector.

According to data from SRX and 99.co, the number of condominium units leased in June reached 4,175, marking a substantial increase from the 3,575 units rented in May. This uptick in private residential rentals suggests a growing preference for condominium living among tenants, potentially driven by an influx of expatriates or changing urban lifestyle choices.

Nicholas Mak, chief research officer at ERA Realty Network, offered insight into this trend, stating, "The increase in leasing volume could be due to more expatriates arriving in Singapore for work. Some of these expatriates may prefer to rent private residential properties." This observation underscores the impact of international workforce movements on Singapore's rental market dynamics.

While the condo leasing market flourished, the HDB rental sector painted a different picture. The number of HDB flats rented out in June saw a marginal decrease of 0.4%, dropping from 1,880 units in May to 1,873 units. This muted demand for HDB rentals raises questions about the factors influencing tenant preferences and the overall affordability of different housing options in Singapore.

The contrasting trends between condo and HDB rentals highlight the complexities of Singapore's real estate market. Factors such as location, amenities, and perceived value for money play crucial roles in shaping tenant choices. As Christine Sun, senior vice-president of research and analytics at OrangeTee & Tie, noted, "Some tenants may have switched from HDB flats to condominiums or from smaller units to bigger ones as rental prices of HDB flats have been rising."

Interestingly, despite the increase in leasing volumes, condo rental prices showed signs of stabilization. The condo rental price index remained unchanged in June compared to May, suggesting a potential equilibrium between supply and demand in the private residential rental market. This stability in prices, coupled with increased leasing activity, could indicate a healthy and competitive rental landscape for condominiums.

On the other hand, HDB rental prices continued their upward trajectory, albeit at a slower pace. The HDB rental price index inched up by 0.3% in June compared to May, reflecting a persistent, though moderate, increase in public housing rental costs. This ongoing rise in HDB rental prices, despite muted demand, presents an interesting paradox in the market.

The divergent trends in condo and HDB rentals also shed light on the broader property investment landscape in Singapore. With condo leasing volumes on the rise, property investors may find renewed interest in the private residential sector. However, the stagnant HDB rental market suggests that investors should approach public housing investments with caution.

Looking ahead, industry experts anticipate that the rental market will continue to evolve. Factors such as economic recovery, immigration policies, and urban development projects are likely to shape future rental patterns. As Singapore positions itself as a global hub for business and innovation, the demand for quality rental housing is expected to remain robust.

For potential tenants, these market dynamics offer both opportunities and challenges. While the increased availability of condo units for rent may provide more options, the rising costs of HDB rentals could push some tenants towards exploring private residential alternatives. This shift could potentially lead to a more competitive rental market across both segments.

The June rental market data reveals a fascinating dichotomy in Singapore's housing sector. The surge in condo leasing volumes, contrasted with the muted demand for HDB rentals, underscores the complex interplay of factors influencing the city-state's real estate landscape. As the market continues to adapt to changing preferences and economic conditions, both tenants and property investors will need to stay informed and agile in their decision-making processes.


Read More

Mortgages Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
MortgagesJuly 7, 2025 at 2:30:00 AM

Why a bank mortgage may serve you better over time

For many Singaporeans, buying a home begins not with browsing property listings, but with an entirely different kind of decision: choosing the loan...

Loans Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
LoansJuly 7, 2025 at 2:00:00 AM

When should you use a personal loan in Singapore?

Singaporeans are, by most global comparisons, financially prudent. The national savings rate remains high, household debt levels are generally stable, and mandatory CPF...

Home Living Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
Home LivingJuly 7, 2025 at 2:00:00 AM

Why your nonstick pan suddenly isn’t working like it used to

When I got married three years ago, I didn’t want a mountain of kitchen gadgets cluttering our tiny flat. Instead of a traditional...

Leadership Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
LeadershipJuly 7, 2025 at 2:00:00 AM

What happens when leaders rely on business storytelling

Startup lore has turned storytelling into a superpower. “Great founders are great storytellers,” they say. VCs nod. Accelerators drill it. Decks lead with...

Health & Wellness Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
Health & WellnessJuly 7, 2025 at 2:00:00 AM

Why blood sugar spikes at night—and how to prevent it

You’re not eating terribly. You’re not completely sedentary. Maybe you’re even tracking your macros and pushing through daily workouts. But something still feels...

Economy Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyJuly 6, 2025 at 7:30:00 PM

Trump economic volatility is breaking the global trust flywheel

Six months into Donald Trump’s second term, the US economic engine isn’t just misfiring—it’s rattling the frame of global market trust. The data...

Relationships Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
RelationshipsJuly 6, 2025 at 7:30:00 PM

Come back before the door closes for good

Not long ago, I wrote about what a “good death” looks like: affairs settled, loved ones nearby, no harsh words left unsaid. But...

Economy Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyJuly 6, 2025 at 7:00:00 PM

Lady Gaga’s concert gave Singapore’s economy a boost

In the cool hum of a Singapore evening, the National Stadium came alive—not just with sound, but with sequins, silver boots, and face...

Mortgages Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
MortgagesJuly 6, 2025 at 7:00:00 PM

Why mortgage structure matters for economic resilience

Mortgage structure isn’t just a personal finance decision—it’s a systemwide signal. When housing credit is tightly regulated, households remain resilient, banks stay solvent,...

Loans Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
LoansJuly 6, 2025 at 6:30:00 PM

New student loan repayment plan 2025

If you’ve been using an income-driven plan to manage your student debt, you may want to sit down. The new student loan repayment...

Relationships Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
RelationshipsJuly 6, 2025 at 6:30:00 PM

Helping toddlers sleep through the night

The hallway is quiet—until it’s not. You hear the rustle of sheets, the soft click of a door, then the unmistakable pat-pat of...

In Trend Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
In TrendJuly 6, 2025 at 1:30:00 PM

What a yellow cap on Coca-Cola really means

There are two types of Coke drinkers. The kind who grab a bottle, twist off the cap, and never think twice about it....

Load More