Types of Houses Singapore
The types of housing in Singapore are as diverse as its rich culture. This guide aims to give you a comprehensive understanding of the various housing types in Singapore, each offering a unique blend of style and functionality. From the spacious living quarters of condos that cater to those who prefer luxury and comfort, to the simplicity and affordability of HDB flats, Singapore’s residential landscape caters to a variety of preferences and budget ranges.
The best types of houses in Singapore are 3-Room HDB Flats, 4-Room HDB Flats, 5-Room HDB Flats, Executive HDB Flats, DBSS Flats
For those who have a penchant for heritage and nostalgia, terrace houses offer a charming throwback to the bygone era. With this guide, we hope to help you navigate the diverse properties in Singapore and find the type of housing that suits your taste and lifestyle.
Quick Summary
- Best types of houses in Singapore are 3-Room HDB Flats, 4-Room HDB Flats, 5-Room HDB Flats, Executive HDB Flats, DBSS Flats
- When choosing from the variety of types of houses in Singapore, key considerations should include your budget, lifestyle preferences, and proximity to essential amenities like schools, shopping centers, and public transportation.
- Singapore’s residential scene is an exciting blend of modern architecture, evidenced in the towering condominiums, and a hint of nostalgia, seen in the traditional shophouses, offering residences that cater to all kinds of lifestyles and budgets.
Key Considerations
- Affordability: The different types of houses in Singapore come with different price tags. HDB flats, for instance, are notably more affordable as compared to landed properties such as bungalows or semi-detached houses.
- Location: The location of the house is another crucial factor. Properties in central districts are typically more expensive, while those in suburban areas are more affordable.
- Size and Space: From compact HDB flats to spacious landed property, the type of house you choose will also determine the amount of living space available.
- Amenities: Some types of houses, like condominiums, come with added amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and security services.
- Resale Value: The potential resale value is also a consideration, particularly if you intend to sell the house in the future. Certain types of houses might hold their value better than others.
- Lease Period: In Singapore, the lease period of the property is another key consideration. Most HDB flats are sold on a 99-year lease, while some condominiums and all landed properties are freehold.
Types of Houses in Singapore
1. 3-Room HDB Flats
3-Room HDB Flats, popular amongst smaller families or single occupants, provide a comfortable living space at a reasonably affordable price. These flats typically consist of two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and one or two bathrooms, offering a good balance between affordability and comfort.
2. 4-Room HDB Flats
4-Room HDB Flats are a favorite choice among the locals, offering additional space with an extra bedroom compared to the 3-Room variant. These flats are well-suited for small to medium-sized families, providing ample space for comfortable living, including three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and two bathrooms.
3. 5-Room HDB Flats
5-Room HDB Flats are an ideal pick for larger families, offering plenty of room for everyone. These flats feature three bedrooms, a spacious living room, a dining area, a kitchen, and two bathrooms, providing a generous living area without compromising on comfort.
4. Executive HDB Flats
Executive HDB Flats provide the most spacious accommodation in the non-landed housing category in Singapore, making them highly sought after by larger families or those who desire more room. These flats typically feature three bedrooms, a large living area, a dining space, a kitchen, two bathrooms, and an additional study room which can be converted to suit various needs.
5. DBSS Flats
DBSS Flats, or Design, Build and Sell Scheme flats, represent a unique housing class in Singapore that bridges the gap between HDB flats and private condominiums. These flats offer residents a higher level of design and finish, along with an enhanced living experience, while still being more affordable than private housing options.
6. HDB Studio Apartments
HDB Studio Apartments are perfect for senior citizens who wish to live independently, offering a compact yet comfortable living space designed with seniors’ needs in mind. They are typically equipped with elderly-friendly features and located close to essential amenities, adding convenience and fostering a supportive living environment for its occupants.
7. Terrace House
Terrace Houses are a nod to Singapore’s colonial past, providing residents with a unique living experience that combines heritage charm and modern comfort. These houses, characterized by a row of identical or mirror-image houses sharing side walls, offer more space and privacy than flats while being more affordable than detached houses.
8. Semi-Detached Houses
Semi-Detached Houses in Singapore are another type of landed property, offering generous living space and more privacy than terrace houses. Typically, they consist of two houses joined side by side, sharing a common wall, and are well-suited for medium to large families seeking a balance between spacious living and the convenience of close proximity to neighbors.
9. Detached Houses (Bungalows)
Detached Houses, also known as Bungalows, represent the pinnacle of luxury living in Singapore, offering the most spacious and private residential option. These standalone properties often come with private gardens or yards, and have no shared walls with any other houses, making them the ideal choice for those seeking exclusivity and ample living space.
10. Good Class Bungalows (GCBs)
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Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) represent the epitome of luxurious residential living in Singapore, characterized by their expansive size, extensive gardens, and premier location in the city’s most prestigious residential districts. With a minimum plot size of 1,400 square meters, these exclusive properties provide unparalleled privacy and space, making them highly coveted among the affluent.
11. Cluster Houses
Cluster Houses are a hybrid type of housing in Singapore that combines the best of landed property and condominiums, offering residents individual landed space with shared condominium-style amenities. Perfect for families seeking a balance of space, privacy and amenities, these residences often feature multiple storeys, private car porches, and shared facilities like swimming pools, gyms and security services.
12. Shophouses
Shophouses are a distinctive architectural feature in Singapore, often seen in historic districts. These multi-functional buildings, dating from the colonial era, typically feature commercial businesses on the ground floor with residential living spaces on the upper floors, offering a unique blend of work-life balance.
13. Executive Condominiums (ECs)
Executive Condominiums (ECs) are a unique housing form in Singapore, straddling the line between public and private housing, providing residents with a taste of luxurious living at a more affordable price. These properties offer similar amenities to private condominiums, like swimming pools, gyms, and security services, and after a minimum occupation period, can be fully privatized and sold on the open market, similar to private property.
14. Housing and Urban Development Company (HUDC)
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Housing and Urban Development Company (HUDC) flats were introduced in Singapore in the 1970s and 80s to provide affordable housing for middle-income families. With larger living spaces than typical HDB flats, they were privatised in 2014, thereby becoming a unique and highly sought after type of private housing in Singapore.
Cost of Different Types of Houses in Singapore
The cost of housing in Singapore varies significantly based on the type of property and its location.
1. Public Housing (HDB Flats)
A newer 4-room HDB flat in a non-mature estate can cost around SGD 300,000, while the price for the same in a mature estate can exceed SGD 600,000. A 5-room flat can range from SGD 400,000 in non-mature estates to over SGD 800,000 in mature estates.
2. Condominiums
The price of condominiums depends largely on the location and the facilities offered. A suburban condo can cost anywhere from SGD 1 million to SGD 1.5 million, while a city-center condo can easily exceed SGD 2 million.
3. Landed Properties
The cost of terraced houses starts from around SGD 2 million, while semi-detached houses can range from SGD 3 million to SGD 5 million. Bungalows can start from SGD 5 million in non-prime areas. Good Class Bungalows, with their prime location and larger land area, can cost anywhere upwards of SGD 20 million.
Types of Houses Singapore
Singapore offers a diverse range of housing options, from affordable HDB flats to luxurious Good Class Bungalows. Each type of house comes with its unique features, advantages, and price point, catering to the varied needs of residents. The choice of a home becomes a function of several factors such as budget, location, size, lease period, and personal preferences.
Understanding these different types of properties will help potential homeowners make an informed decision that aligns with their lifestyle needs and financial capabilities. Remember, the best house isn’t necessarily the most expensive one, but the one that feels like home.
Since you’ve made it to the end, why don’t you check out more of our blog posts down below:
- Ultimate Guide For Foreigners Buying Property in Singapore (2024)
- Ultimate Freehold Vs Leasehold Condos Singapore Guide (2024)
- Ultimate Guide To Executive Condos in Singapore (2024)
- Ultimate Property Valuation Singapore Guide (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions about Types of Houses Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below:
What are the best types of houses in Singapore?
The best types of houses in Singapore are 3-Room HDB Flats, 4-Room HDB Flats, 5-Room HDB Flats, Executive HDB Flats, DBSS Flats
What kind of house in Singapore?
Private Properties
Private Condominiums. These are like ECs but are privately owned from the start. …
Apartments. These properties are like private condominiums, but are typically part of smaller residential projects.
Semi-Detached.
Terraced Homes.
Cluster Houses.
Townhouses.
Shophouses.
Bungalow.
What is the most common type of housing in Singapore?
Public housing flats, or HDB flats, are the most popular type of residential units in Singapore offered by the Housing and Development Board. They are affordable homes that are available for purchase or rent at subsidized rates. These flats are conveniently located near amenities and public transportation.
What are HBD homes in Singapore?
The Housing & Development Board (HDB; often referred to as the Housing Board), is a statutory board under the Ministry of National Development responsible for the public housing in Singapore.
What does HDB mean in Singapore?
The Housing & Development Board (HDB) is Singapore’s public housing authority. We plan and develop Singapore’s housing estates; building homes and transforming towns to create a quality living environment for all.
What is the difference between a 3-room and a 4-room HDB flat?
A 3-room HDB flat typically includes two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. In contrast, a 4-room flat is larger and usually includes an additional bedroom and an extra bathroom.
How are Executive Condominiums (ECs) different from standard condominiums?
ECs are a hybrid of public and private housing. They offer amenities similar to private condos but at a more pocket-friendly price. After 10 years, ECs are fully privatized and can be sold to foreigners.
What is the difference between a semi-detached house and a terraced house?
A semi-detached house shares one common wall with another similar house. They are larger than terraced houses, offering more space and often come with a private garden. Terraced houses, on the other hand, share walls with both of their immediate neighbors.
What are Good Class Bungalows?
Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) are the pinnacle of landed housing in Singapore, often located in prime districts. They come with a large garden and are often designed with unique architectural features.
What factors influence the cost of houses in Singapore?
Several factors influence the cost of houses in Singapore, including the property type, its location, its age, proximity to amenities, and market demand.
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