The Singapore rental market exhibited steady growth in 2024, with total non-landed rental transactions increasing by 5.3% year-on-year. Transactions rose from 65,460 in the first ten months of 2023 to 68,960 in the same period of 2024.
The Rest of Central Region (RCR) led the charge, with an 8.9% increase in rental transactions, driven by popular developments like Normanton Park, which registered 775 rental transactions due to its strategic location and comprehensive facilities. The Core Central Region (CCR) saw a 6.0% rise, reflecting the ongoing appeal of high-end developments such as The Sail @ Marina Bay, which recorded 449 transactions. Meanwhile, the Outside Central Region (OCR) experienced moderate growth of 1.4%, with Treasure at Tampines leading the segment with 512 transactions, attributed to its affordability and extensive amenities.
Newly completed developments played a central role in reshaping tenant preferences across all market segments. These projects, offering modern amenities and convenient access to key areas, contributed significantly to the increase in rental volumes. For instance, in the RCR, Stirling Residences and City Square Residences attracted tenants due to their central locations and accessibility to MRT stations.
In the HDB market, rental transactions moderated by 5.2% from 32,490 in the first ten months of 2023 to 30,799 in the same period of 2024. This moderation aligned with a robust 10.4% increase in resale volumes, as some homeowners opted to sell their flats amid strong demand in the resale market. Additionally, progress in addressing pandemic-induced construction delays saw the completion of 87 out of 94 delayed projects by August 2024, enabling renters to transition into new flats.
The outlook for 2025 indicates a significant moderation in private residential completions, projected to decline from 9,103 units in 2024 to 5,348 units in 2025, a 41% adjustment. This tightening supply is expected to bolster rental demand and keep rental prices resilient. Non-landed rental volumes are forecast to range between 81,000 and 83,000, while HDB rental volumes are anticipated to stabilize between 38,000 and 39,000, aided by policy changes increasing the occupancy limit for larger flats.
The market dynamics underscore the evolving preferences of tenants and the importance of strategic positioning for stakeholders in the rental market. As supply tightens, both landlords and investors are poised to benefit from sustained demand and stable rental rates.
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Prepared By:
Mohan Sandrasegeran
Head of Research & Data Analytics
Email: mohan@sri.com.sg
