02 Sep 2024
1H2024 Singapore Rental Market Insights: School Proximity and Pricing Trends
Property Insight

The rental property market in Singapore during the second quarter of 2024 demonstrated notable trends and adjustments. The overall rental index showed a further moderation, with rental prices decreasing by 0.8% in 2Q2024, a smaller decline compared to the 1.9% drop in 1Q2024. This period also marked a stabilization in the market as rental prices in the first half of 2024 adjusted by -2.7%, a significant change from the 10.2% increase observed in the first half of 2023. The moderation can be attributed to the influx of newly completed developments entering the market, adding to the rental supply.

The number of non-landed rental contracts rose by 1.9% quarter-on-quarter, from 18,878 units in 1Q2024 to 19,558 units in 2Q2024. This increase is likely driven by the high volume of private developments completed in 2023, which have now entered the rental segment. The year-on-year growth of non-landed rental contracts in 1H2024 was 2.4%, reflecting continued demand for such properties. It is projected that the total non-landed rental volume for 2024 will fall between 78,000 and 80,000 contracts.

Newly completed developments, particularly those that obtained their Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) recently, such as Normanton Park, Treasure at Tampines, Parc Clematis, and The M, have shown strong rental demand. Renters seem to favor newer units due to their fresh condition and minimal wear and tear.

Core Central Region (CCR) districts continued to lead in rental popularity, with District 9 securing the highest number of non-landed rental contracts in 1H2024, followed by Districts 10 and 15. These districts remain desirable among renters, underlining their prominence in the rental market.

The HDB rental market also experienced growth, with rental approvals increasing by 1.7% quarter-on-quarter from 9,398 in 1Q2024 to 9,554 in 2Q2024. A significant portion of these approvals (36.9%) were for 4-room flats, which saw the highest number of rental approvals since 3Q2023. Jurong West recorded the highest number of HDB rental transactions in 1H2024, followed by Tampines and Sengkang.

Despite the overall moderation in HDB rentals, the resale market strengthened in 1H2024, with a 6.9% increase in resale transactions compared to 1H2023. This trend indicates a shift towards resale flats among homeowners, partly due to the limited number of flats reaching their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) in 2024.

School proximity significantly influenced rental growth in areas like Bukit Batok and Hougang, where highly sought-after schools like Princess Elizabeth Primary School and Holy Innocents' Primary School are located. The scarcity of larger flats and the high demand for school enrollment contributed to notable increases in rental prices in these areas.

Overall, the rental market in Singapore is stabilizing, supported by strategic housing initiatives from the government. These initiatives aim to alleviate rental pressures by boosting housing supply and providing targeted support for those in need, ensuring a balanced and accessible rental market for residents.

Click here for the full report  

  

Prepared By: 

Mohan Sandrasegeran 

Head of Research & Data Analytics  

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Property Insight
20 Feb 2025
Budget 2025: Building a More Inclusive and Sustainable Housing Market

Budget 2025 prioritizes affordability, accessibility, and sustainability in both public and private housing. With an emphasis on homeownership support, climate-friendly initiatives, and senior-friendly modifications, the government aims to provide inclusive policies that cater to all Singaporeans.

Public Housing – Expanding Supply & Affordability

The government is expanding housing options to improve affordability, especially for first-time homebuyers. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong noted that application rates for Build-To-Order (BTO) flats have stabilized and are now lower than pre-pandemic levels, indicating a more balanced supply-demand situation.

To ensure sufficient housing stock, more than 50,000 new HDB flats will be launched islandwide over the next three years. These developments, located in key estates such as Woodlands, Bayshore, and Mount Pleasant, aim to meet the diverse housing needs of Singaporeans.

For those seeking faster access to a home, HDB is prioritizing shorter waiting times. In 2025, about 3,800 flats with waiting periods of less than three years will be launched, accounting for approximately 20% of the total BTO supply.

Recognizing the strong interest in completed flats, the government will introduce another SBF exercise in 2025, providing homebuyers with additional options.

To further assist lower-income families, the Fresh Start Housing Scheme grant has increased from S$50,000 to S$75,000. This initiative, previously limited to second-timer families, now extends to first-time families living in rental housing.

Private Housing – Sustainability & Senior-Friendly Measures

Enhancements to Climate Vouchers

To support sustainability, the government is enhancing the Climate Friendly Households Programme. HDB households will receive an additional S$100 in Climate Vouchers, raising the total to S$400.

For the first time, private property households will also receive S$400 in Climate Vouchers, expanding support for sustainable living across Singapore.

Enhancements to Senior-Friendly Home Modifications

The Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme will be extended until 2028. Previously available only to HDB flats, it will now include private property households, allowing more seniors to age safely and independently at home.

Why It Matters

• Improved Affordability: Stabilized application rates provide more homebuyers with the opportunity to secure a flat.

• Faster Access to Housing: The introduction of a second SBF exercise in 2025 increases the chances of obtaining a ready-to-move-in unit.

• Balanced Housing Supply: The ramp-up in BTO launches prevents excessive price increases and meets long-term housing needs.

• Sustainability & Inclusivity: Expanding Climate Vouchers and senior-friendly modifications ensures equitable access for all Singaporeans.

Budget 2025 reinforces the government’s commitment to affordable, sustainable, and inclusive housing policies, ensuring Singaporeans have more opportunities for homeownership while fostering a livable and resilient community.

Click

here

for the full report 

Prepared By:

Mohan Sandrasegeran

Head of Research & Data Analytics

Email:

mohan@sri.com.sg

  

Property Insight
17 Feb 2025
The Orie Leads as January’s Best-Selling Private Condo

Developers sold 1,083 private residential units (excluding ECs) in January, marking a significant rebound from the 203 units transacted in December. This sharp increase was primarily driven by new project launches, particularly The Orie and Bagnall Haus, which contributed 69.7% of total new home sales. These projects, launched ahead of the Chinese New Year period, capitalized on renewed market activity, drawing strong buyer interest.

Historically, January 2025 recorded the highest sales since January 2021, surpassing 304 units in January 2024. However, sales remained below the peak of 1,633 units in January 2021, indicating the market is still adjusting to policy changes and macroeconomic conditions.

The Orie Emerges as Best-Selling Project

Among the best-selling projects, The Orie led the market with 680 units sold at a median price of $2,731 psf. The project’s location in the Rest of Central Region (RCR) and well-timed launch contributed to its strong performance.

Following this, One Bernam in the Core Central Region (CCR) sold 99 units at a median price of $2,521 psf, while Bagnall Haus, a 113-unit freehold project in the Outside Central Region (OCR), saw 75 units transacted at $2,494 psf. The steady take-up of Bagnall Haus reflects sustained demand for freehold properties in suburban locations, where supply remains limited.

Park Nova Penthouse Sets Luxury Benchmark

The highest transacted non-landed residential property in January 2025 was a penthouse unit at Park Nova, sold for $38.9 million. The freehold unit in District 10’s Orchard area spans 5,899 square feet and achieved a record-breaking $6,593 psf, the highest unit price recorded in nearly 14 years. The transaction highlights the continued strength of Singapore’s ultra-luxury segment, where high-net-worth individuals seek trophy assets in prime locations.

Click

here

for the full report 

 Prepared By: 

Mohan Sandrasegeran 

Head of Research & Data Analytics 

   

 Email:

mohan@sri.com.sg


  

Property Insight
12 Feb 2025
Singapore Office Market 2025: Key Trends and Outlook

Singapore’s GDP grew by 4.3% in Q4 2024, up from 2.2% in Q4 2023, with full-year growth at 4.0%. Key contributors included wholesale & retail trade, transportation & storage, and the information & communications, finance & insurance, and professional services sectors. The accommodation and food services sector also benefited from rising international visitor arrivals.

According to the URA Office Price Index, office prices moderated by 0.7% in Q4 2024 after a 0.6% increase in Q3. However, for the full year, prices increased by 1.8%, rebounding from a 4.2% decline in 2023. This signals a gradual recovery in the office market.

Strata Office Market Trends

The strata office market remained stable, with transactions rising from 320 in 2023 to 327 in 2024. This suggests continued investor confidence in commercial assets.

Office Space Demand Strengthens

Singapore’s office vacancy rate declined from 11.0% in Q3 2024 to 10.6% in Q4 2024, reflecting strong demand. Net occupied office space grew by 23,000 sqm in Q4 2024, up from 17,000 sqm in Q3, signaling expanding business activity and leasing interest.

Positive Business Outlook for 2025

The Business Expectations Survey indicates optimism in Singapore’s services sector. The Finance & Insurance sector anticipates improved business conditions, with banks expecting higher investment activities and loan demand amid potential interest rate cuts.

The office market in 2025 is poised for continued stability and gradual recovery, supported by economic growth, sustained demand for prime office spaces, and resilient business formation. Investors remain confident, particularly in core CBD locations, while rental trends show moderate adjustments across different regions.

Click

here

for the full report 

Prepared By:

Mohan Sandrasegeran

Head of Research & Data Analytics

Email:

mohan@sri.com.sg

 

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