The Singapore property market for expats has moved from a sharp rental surge in 2022 to much slower movement in 2026. The Urban Redevelopment Authority reported that private rents rose 29.7% in 2022, while its figures for the second quarter of 2026 show rents up only 0.7% on the quarter and prices up 0.5%.
What happened to rents in the Singapore property market for expats in 2022?
Rents jumped. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) reported in January 2023 that its private residential rental index rose 29.7% over 2022, compared with 9.9% in 2021. Landed rents rose 28.1% and non-landed rents 29.8%, so the squeeze hit every part of the market.
At the time, the surge was widely linked to people relocating to Singapore, including professionals and families leaving Hong Kong. Pandemic-era construction delays also held back new homes, so demand outran supply. We have not measured how much each factor contributed, so treat these as context rather than proof.
| Measure (URA, private residential) | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Rental index, full year | +9.9% | +29.7% |
| Price index, full year | +10.6% | +8.6% |
| Rental index, Q4 2022 | n/a | +7.4% (Q3 2022: +8.6%) |
These are 2022 figures, published in 2023. They show how fast the market moved, not where it stands today. Older articles that quote them as current can mislead anyone planning a move this year.
How is the Singapore property market for expats changing in 2026?
Conditions in the Singapore property market for expats are steadier. According to URA data released on 24 July 2026, private residential rents rose 0.7% in the second quarter of 2026, after 0.3% in the first. Prices rose 0.5%. The rapid growth of 2022 is not visible in these figures.
A flash estimate released by URA on 1 October 2026 put third-quarter private home prices up 1.4%, with URA due to update the numbers on 23 October 2026. Flash estimates can differ from the final figures, so check the latest release before you budget.
| Indicator (2026) | Latest reading | Previous reading |
|---|---|---|
| Private residential rental index, Q2 | +0.7% | +0.3% (Q1) |
| Non-landed rents, Q2 | +0.4% | +0.4% (Q1) |
| Landed rents, Q2 | +2.7% | +0.1% (Q1) |
| Private residential price index, Q2 | +0.5% | +0.9% (Q1) |
| Vacancy, completed private homes, end Q2 | 6.4% | 6.2% (end Q1) |
| HDB resale price index, Q2 flash estimate | 202.7, down 0.3% | Q1 2026 |
Sources: URA real estate statistics release for the second quarter of 2026, URA’s flash estimate for the third quarter (1 October 2026) and the HDB flash estimate for the second quarter (30 June 2026).
Do rents differ between areas of Singapore?
Yes. URA reports rents by region, and the second quarter of 2026 showed different directions. Non-landed rents in the Core Central Region rose 1.2%, those in the Rest of Central Region were unchanged, and those in the Outside Central Region fell 0.3%. Location still shapes what you pay in the Singapore property market for expats.
This supports an idea that was useful in 2023 and remains so: looking at less central or less popular neighbourhoods can lower your rent while still offering a good quality of life. Compare commute time, schools and amenities against the saving.
How does housing supply affect the Singapore property market for expats?
Supply is the main brake on rents. URA reported that about 60,600 private homes, including executive condominiums, are expected to complete in the coming years, roughly 25,900 of them by 2028. More completed homes can give tenants more choice, though timing and location matter.
In the second quarter of 2026, 1,212 private units were completed. URA also noted 4,745 homes on its second-half 2026 sales launch list. Those are sale launches rather than rentals, so they matter to buyers more than to tenants. Treat supply figures as a trend, not a promise of lower rent.
What housing options do expats have in Singapore?
The Singapore property market for expats offers four main routes: condominiums, landed homes, HDB flats rented from owners, or a room in a shared home. Most newcomers rent first, and each route has trade-offs in cost, space and flexibility. Our guide to Singapore housing types explains how they differ.
- Condominiums and apartments: the usual choice for many newcomers, with rents varying by region as shown above.
- Landed homes: more space, and URA recorded landed rents up 2.7% in the second quarter of 2026.
- HDB flats: the Housing and Development Board (HDB) says that if its non-citizen quota is reached, owners can only rent to Singaporeans and Malaysians, so availability can vary.
- Shared accommodation: renting a room in a larger home lowers costs and can help you meet people.
How can expats rent well in the current market?
Renting well in the Singapore property market for expats starts with a budget. Set it before you search, start early and respond quickly to listings. Check what the rent includes and read the lease carefully. With the market less frantic than in 2022, you have more room to compare options, but good homes in popular areas still go quickly.
- Set your monthly rent budget before you view anything.
- Start your search early and contact agents or landlords promptly.
- Compare central and less popular neighbourhoods.
- Consider shared accommodation if you want to reduce costs.
- Review the lease before you sign.
For renting basics, see our guide to renting in Singapore.
How can CM Relocation help with a move to Singapore?
CM Relocation is an international mover in Singapore that handles packing, transportation, customs documentation and delivery for moves abroad. Whatever the state of the Singapore property market for expats, the practical side of the move is the same: plan your shipment around your lease start date.
Read more on moving to Singapore, and give your mover your confirmed move-in date as early as you can.
Frequently asked questions
Are rents in Singapore still rising in 2026?
Slowly. URA reported that private residential rents rose 0.7% in the second quarter of 2026, after 0.3% in the first quarter. That is far gentler than the 29.7% rise recorded for 2022. For the Singapore property market for expats, check the latest URA release before you set a budget.
How much did Singapore rents rise in 2022?
URA reported that its private residential rental index rose 29.7% over 2022, up from 9.9% in 2021. Landed rents rose 28.1% and non-landed rents 29.8%. Those figures describe 2022 only, and they should not be read as today’s conditions in the Singapore property market for expats.
Where can I find current property statistics for Singapore?
The Urban Redevelopment Authority publishes quarterly real estate statistics and flash estimates for private residential prices, with rental indices and vacancy rates. The Housing and Development Board publishes flash estimates for the HDB resale price index. Use the newest release, as flash estimates are revised.
Are some areas of Singapore cheaper to rent than others?
Yes. URA publishes rental changes by region, and the central and outside-central regions moved differently in the second quarter of 2026. Less central or less popular neighbourhoods can lower rent, so compare commute, schools and amenities against the saving before choosing.
Can expats rent HDB flats?
Sometimes. HDB states that if the non-citizen quota is reached, an owner can only rent a flat to Singaporeans and Malaysians. Availability therefore varies by block, and some expats choose condominiums or shared accommodation instead. Confirm eligibility with HDB or your agent before you commit to a flat.
Is shared accommodation a good option for newcomers?
It can be. Renting a room in a larger property reduces costs and helps you meet people in your new community. Check the house rules, the lease terms and what the rent includes. It suits newcomers who want flexibility while they learn how the Singapore property market for expats works.
When should I start looking for a home before moving?
Start early. Setting a budget first and contacting landlords or agents promptly gives you the best choice, especially in popular areas. Ideally have your housing agreed before your shipment is due, so your mover can plan delivery for the day you get the keys.
Does CM Relocation help with customs paperwork for Singapore?
CM Relocation handles customs documentation as part of its international moves, alongside packing, transportation and delivery. Requirements depend on your goods and status, so ask early. Check the current Singapore Customs rules for your shipment before it leaves.
Get help with your move
If you are planning a move and weighing up the Singapore property market for expats, request a quote from CM Relocation and share your move-in date.