For most people, it’s pretty easy to identify what they want in a rental condo: space, location, proximity to the MRT, beautiful flooring and perhaps even somewhere close to their favourite makan places. It is finding all of those things within one’s budget that is the real challenge.
For instance, if you’re planning to rent a two-bedroom unit in Singapore’s prime districts or the Core Central Region (CCR) – which covers areas like Bukit Timah, Holland Road, Novena, Orchard and River Valley – then be prepared to fork out an average of $4,305 a month.
Of course, there are still pockets within the prime residential districts that are relatively more affordable. After crunching data from CCR rental transactions in the 12 months of 2017, we have come up with a list of the city-state’s 10 most affordable private condos for two-bedroom rentals within the prime districts.
The list is based on data obtained from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) detailing average monthly rental costs of non-landed residential projects with at least five sales transactions and five rental contracts in 2017.
While some of these properties tend to be older, they certainly offer value for your money – about half of our picks cost just under $3,000 a month to rent, that’s roughly 30% lower than the CCR average of $4,305 a month. The rate is also comparable to projects located within the city fringes or the Rest of Central Region (RCR), in which rental for two-bedroom units cost an average of $3,240 a month.
Avg. monthly rental: $2,733
Suites@Newton sits on Surrey Road and is located just a stone’s throw away from United Square and Square 2, so you’ve got all your retail, grocery and F&B needs covered.
The 67-unit freehold project was completed in 2016 and is just slightly over 500m from Novena MRT station, making it an ideal homestay for folks who don’t drive. It is also close to elite schools such as St. Joseph’s Institution (Junior) and Anglo-Chinese Junior School, which are both located about 1km away from the development.
Facilities at the freehold project include a swimming pool, pool deck area, gymnasium fully-automated mechanised parking and Jacuzzi. Based on URA caveats, there were 23 rental transactions for two-bedroom units at the development in 2017. Find similar condos near MRT stations here.
2) Ridgewood
Avg. monthly rental: $2,763
Constructed in 1981, the 464-unit 999-year leasehold project along Mount Sinai Drive is one of the oldest condominiums in Singapore.
The estate is self-contained with retail shops, and if you drive, you can make a trip to Holland Village in under five minutes. Some units at the condo are renovated to have large balconies, making them especially appealing to expats who prefer a larger space.
Residents at the leasehold condo enjoy facilities such as swimming pool, sauna, gym, tennis courts, squash courts, fitness corner, a mini-mart, covered car park, 24 hours security, playground, and BBQ pits. There were eight rental transactions for two-bedroom units at the development in 2017, according to URA caveats. Browse rental listings at Ridgewood here.
Avg. monthly rental: $2,777
The medium-rise freehold project is located in the Bukit Timah area and was completed in 1997. It is fairly large, comprising a total of 256 residential units.
Residents at Nineteen Shelford can get their daily necessities and more at Coronation Shopping Plaza and Serene Centre mall, both located less than 1km away. Bars, bakeries, cafes and restaurants also populate the nearby Bukit Timah Road. There is also the Adam Food Centre, located some 600m away.
The condo comes with an array of facilities that include swimming pool, gym, a fitness station, sauna, BBQ pits, a playground and a mini-mart. Based on URA caveats, there were 33 rental transactions for two-bedroom units at Nineteen Shelford in 2017. Find rental listings at Nineteen Shelford here.
4) Robin Suites
Avg. monthly rental: $2,868
Units at Robin Suites come with grew views, with the Botanic Gardens situated nearby. The views are unobstructed as Robin Suites is nestled at the fringe of the high-rise zone. Fronting the development are landed properties, and some low-rise residential developments.
Connectivity wise, the 92-unit freehold project is located just 403m away from the Stevens MRT station. It is located within a 1km radius from popular schools like Anglo-Chinese Primary School and Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary).
The project was completed in 2016 and features facilities like a sky lounge, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, pool deck, a gym room, a fitness corner and BBQ pits. Based on URA caveats, there were 14 rental transactions for two-bedroom units at the development in 2017. Find rental units at Robin Suites here.
5) Parc Sophia
Avg. monthly rental: $2,898
The 152-unit freehold project is conveniently located less than 300m away from Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, and is near shopping malls like The Cathay and Plaza Singapura, which hosts a myriad of eateries and retail stores.
It is also near renowned institutions like Singapore Management University (SMU) and The School of Arts (SOTA).
Facilities at Parc Sophia include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, BBQ pits and a gym. Based on URA caveats, there were 23 rental transactions for two-bedroom units at the development in 2017. Find units to rent at Parc Sophia here.
Avg. monthly rental: $2936
Tanglin Regency (far right) is a 99-year leasehold project that was completed in 1998 and comprises 120 units. It is located just 264m away from Redhill MRT station and is a short walk away from a variety of restaurants in the area, including Zi Yean Restaurant and Buzz in the Woods.
Residents who drive can make a trip to the Orchard Road shopping district for all their shopping needs in about five minutes. They may also head to the nearer Dawson Place or Redhill Market for some light shopping.
Facilities at the development include a wading pool, a swimming pool, a gym, tennis court, BBQ pits and a playground. There were 39 rental transactions for two-bedroom units at the development in 2017. Find rental listings at Tanglin Regency here.
Avg. monthly rental: $3,063
The Tessarina was completed in 2003 and is situated along Bukit Timah Road. The development comprises 443 units and is predominantly surrounded by landed estates. It is also close to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, allowing residents to enjoy a green and tranquil lifestyle.
Facilities at the freehold development include tennis courts, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a children’s playground. Based on URA caveats, there were 36 rental transactions for two-bedroom units at the development in 2017. Get rental listings at The Tessarina here.
Avg. monthly rental: $3,064
Tucked away from the main road of Farrer Road, the quiet compound of this freehold 396-unit development is surrounded by mature foliage and provides a quiet getaway for residents. Connectivity-wise, the development is just minutes’ drive from the vibrant precinct of Holland Village and Coronation Plaza.
Sommerville Park was completed in 1985 and boasts an array of facilities, which include a clubhouse, BBQ pits, a playground, putting-green, squash and tennis courts, swimming pool and a mini-mart. According to URA caveats, there were 11 rental transactions for two-bedroom units at the development in 2017. Find listings at Sommerville Park here.
Avg. monthly rental: $3,071
The 99-year leasehold development sits on the quiet vicinity of Arcadia Road along Adam Road. Completed in 1980, the 272-unit development comprises both apartment and maisonette units, with the latter spanning as large as 3,000 sq ft.
Hillcrest Arcadia comes with full condo facilities, which includes BBQ pits, a gym, a fitness station, tennis and squash courts, putting green, sauna, a club house, swimming pools and a playground. There were seven rental transactions for two-bedroom units at the development in 2017, based on URA caveats. Find listings for rent at Hillcrest Arcadia here.
10) RV Edge
Avg. monthly rental: $3,111
This swanky 108-unit freehold development sits on Shanghai Road and was completed in 2015. It stands seven-storeys’ high and is minutes’ drive from popular hangouts spots such as Great World City and Wheelock Place.
Facilities at RV Edge include swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a gym. Based on URA caveats, there werenine rental transactions for two-bedroom units at the development in 2017. Find rental listings at RV Edge here.
10 most affordable private condos for two-bedroom rentals within the prime districts