Short-Term Rental in Singapore: The Ultimate Guide (2025)
Finding the right rooms for rent in Singapore can be challenging, especially if your stay falls between a standard holiday and a permanent relocation. Hotels can be prohibitively expensive for month-long stays, while traditional leases often require a minimum one or two-year commitment.
This is where short-term rentals come in. Offering the comfort of a home with the flexibility of a hotel, they are the ideal solution for business travelers, digital nomads, and new residents settling into the city.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about short-term rentals in Singapore, answering critical questions about legality, monthly costs, and how to book stays ranging from one month to three months.
What Are Short-Term Rentals?
In a nutshell, a short-term rental is a furnished residential space that you can rent for a period shorter than the traditional 1 or 2-year lease. Think of it as a bridge between a hotel and a permanent home. These rentals come in all shapes and sizes, from cozy studio apartments to sprawling penthouses.
Why choose a short-term rental?
- Flexibility: Stay for as long (or as short) as you need.
- Cost-effectiveness: often cheaper than hotels, especially for stays over 30 days.
- Home-like amenities: Cook your own meals, do laundry, and feel like a local.
Is Short-Term Rental Legal in Singapore?
Yes, short-term rental is legal in Singapore, but it is strictly regulated.
The legality depends entirely on the type of property you are renting. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) enforces specific rules to protect the privacy of residential neighborhoods.
1. Private Residential Properties (Condos & Landed Houses)
- Minimum Stay: 3 consecutive months.
- It is illegal for a private landlord to rent out their condominium for just a few days or weeks.
2. HDB Flats (Public Housing)
- Minimum Stay: 6 months.
- Tourists are strictly prohibited from renting HDB flats.
3. Serviced Apartments & Licensed Hostels
- Minimum Stay: 7 days (typically).
- These properties have specific commercial licenses (like hotels) that allow them to host guests for shorter periods legally.
Why did Singapore ban Airbnb?
Singapore technically did not "ban" the platform Airbnb. However, the URA enforces the rules mentioned above. Because most Airbnb listings are private residential homes (which require a 3-month minimum stay), renting them for a weekend holiday is illegal. Airbnb listings that are actually licensed Serviced Apartments are perfectly legal to book for shorter trips.
How Much is 1 Month Rent in Singapore?
The cost of a short-term rental in Singapore varies based on location, luxury level, and whether utilities are included. Here is a breakdown of the average monthly rent for apartments and furnished, move-in-ready units:
Category | Price Range (SGD) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
Budget / Co-living Room | $1,500 – $2,500 | Students, Interns, Solo Travelers |
Mid-Range (Studio / Master) | $2,500 – $4,000 | Digital Nomads, Young Professionals |
Luxury (Whole Unit) | $4,000+ | Families, Expat Executives |
Pro Tip: Booking for a full 3-month block often secures a cheaper monthly rate than booking month-to-month.
FAQ: Durations and Leases
We know the rules can be confusing. Here are direct answers to the most common rental questions.
Can I rent for 3 months in Singapore?
Yes. This is actually the "magic number" for Singapore rentals. Since the minimum legal stay for private condos is 3 months, you will find the widest range of options available if you can commit to this duration.
Can I stay in Singapore for 2 months?
Yes, but your options are limited. You cannot legally rent a standard private condo or HDB for only 2 months. For a 2-month stay, you must book a Serviced Apartment or a co-living space (like Cove) that holds a serviced apartment license.
Can I rent a place for just a month?
Similar to the 2-month rule, you can only rent for one month if the property is a licensed Serviced Apartment. Standard residential landlords cannot offer 1-month leases.
What is the shortest lease in Singapore?
- For HDB: 6 months.
- For Private Condos: 3 months.
- For Serviced Apartments: 7 days (usually).
What is a 3-month rental called?
In the industry, a 3-month rental is often referred to as a Short-Term Lease, Corporate Housing, or a Flexible Lease. It is distinct from a "Tenancy Agreement," which usually implies a 1 or 2-year commitment.
What is the Best Option for Short-Term Rentals?
The "best" option depends on your specific needs:
- For Flexibility (< 3 Months): Cove or Serviced Apartments If you need a place for 1 or 2 months, companies like Cove are your safest bet. We manage properties with the correct licenses to allow for flexible, shorter stays without legal headaches.
- For Long Stays (1 Year+): PropertyGuru or 99.co These are massive marketplaces for traditional landlords. Great if you want an empty house to furnish yourself for the long haul.
- For Tourists (< 7 Days): Hotels For very short trips, hotels remain the gold standard for convenience.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Short Term Rental?
Don't get bogged down in the legal paperwork. At Cove, we bridge the gap between flexible travel and comfortable living.
- Flexible Leases: We offer stays starting from as short as 6 nights (in specific properties).
- Fully Furnished: Just bring your suitcase.
- All-Inclusive: Utilities, Wi-Fi, and housekeeping are often rolled into one bill.