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  

You may also like

Property Insight
11 Nov 2025
Bukit Timah Road GLS Draws Strong Developer Interest with Top Bid at $1,820 psf ppr

The Bukit Timah Road Government Land Sales (GLS) site attracted strong developer interest, drawing eight bidders in total. The top bid was submitted by HH Investment Private Limited, a company linked to Taiwan’s Huang Hsian Construction Corporation, at $566.3 million or $1,820 psf ppr. This outpaced the second-highest bid from Hoi Hup Realty and Sunway Developments by 12.3%, underscoring robust confidence in the site’s long-term potential. It also marks the highest GLS land bid since the Cuscaden Road site in 2018, which achieved $2,377 psf ppr.

The spirited participation highlights developers’ optimism toward the Core Central Region (CCR) market amid its ongoing recovery. With limited centrally located residential plots available, the strong premium over competing bids demonstrates the strategic value developers place on sites that combine connectivity, exclusivity, and investment resilience.

Located within the Newton Planning Area, the site is zoned for Residential (Non-Landed) use and is expected to yield about 340 housing units. It benefits from direct access to Newton MRT Interchange, linking the North–South and Downtown Lines, and close proximity to Orchard Road and the CBD. This connectivity enhances its appeal among both investors and owner-occupiers seeking convenience and long-term capital stability.

The area’s transformation is further supported by the upcoming Draft Master Plan 2025, which envisions Newton evolving into a vibrant mixed-use precinct anchored around Newton Circus, Scotts Road, and Monk’s Hill. These clusters are set to feature enhanced greenery, improved public spaces, and an integrated mix of residential, lifestyle, and retail offerings. The Bukit Timah Road GLS site will likely emerge as a key catalyst in this rejuvenation, potentially serving as the first major residential development to lead Newton’s renewal journey.

The tender outcome mirrors earlier activity in the Newton precinct, particularly the Kampong Java Road GLS site that was awarded for Kopar at Newton, which attracted seven bids at the time. The consistency of competition affirms the enduring attractiveness of Newton as a luxury residential enclave and its positioning for long-term growth.

Market momentum in the CCR strengthened in 3Q2025, with developers selling 903 units, the highest quarterly figure since 4Q2010 (994 units). This resurgence reflects growing confidence and demand among affluent buyers, buoyed by recent successful launches such as River Green, UpperHouse at Orchard Boulevard, and The Robertson Opus. These projects have reignited enthusiasm for luxury homes through strong branding, architectural distinction, and desirable locations.

The sustained performance of the CCR segment reinforces the market’s resilience, particularly for premium developments that continue to draw discerning local and foreign buyers seeking enduring value.

Click

here

for the full report 

Prepared By:

Mohan Sandrasegeran

Head of Research & Data Analytics

Email: mohan@sri.com.sg

Property Insight
04 Nov 2025
Kingsford Tops Bid for Telok Blangah Road GLS Site at $1,326 psf ppr

Kingsford Development has emerged as the top bidder for the Telok Blangah Road Government Land Sales (GLS) site, marking a strategic expansion of its landbank into the Rest of Central Region (RCR). The developer submitted a winning bid of $918.3 million ($1,326 psf ppr), surpassing the second-highest offer by 4.4%. This reflects Kingsford’s strong conviction and competitive stance in securing a site within one of Singapore’s most ambitious urban transformations—the Greater Southern Waterfront (GSW).

With the GLS programme ramping up to ensure a steady housing pipeline, developers are exercising greater selectivity and spreading participation across more sites. The Telok Blangah Road parcel stands out as a trophy opportunity for forward-looking developers seeking early positioning in this transformative district. The site is expected to yield about 745 residential units, offering excellent connectivity and proximity to HarbourFront, VivoCity, and Sentosa Island—key lifestyle and retail anchors that enhance its attractiveness. Nearby rejuvenation works, including the planned redevelopment of HarbourFront Centre into a 33-storey mixed-use building, will further reinforce the precinct’s long-term appeal.

As the first private residential plot under the GSW transformation, the Telok Blangah Road site is expected to set early benchmarks for design, pricing, and urban integration—much like the Turf City GLS site in Bukit Timah.

Click

here

for the full report 

Prepared By:

Mohan Sandrasegeran

Head of Research & Data Analytics

Email: mohan@sri.com.sg

Property Insight
27 Oct 2025
3Q2025 HDB Resale Market Trends: Steady Growth and Sustained Demand