The rental housing market in Singapore has experienced slow growth recently, especially in 2026. With only 0.3% of increase, it presents great opportunities for the expats to move. The pressure on tenants is easing as condo vacancies have hit 10% in central Singapore.
So right now, you can plan to hire house movers in Singapore and pack your things for the big move. Besides, if you are a local seeking to switch to a bigger home, it’s your time to shine. Go forth, plan the upgrade and make it happen.
And, when you do plan to move, find the best international movers in Singapore to ensure a seamless move and smooth delivery. However, learn the following regulations first. Read on!
Understand the Rental Process (LOI & TA)
You’d need a Letter of Intent (LOI) and a Tenancy Agreement (TA) when moving into Singapore. The LOI represents your motive, good intentions and legal standing for the landlord to know about.
Also, you must pay a security deposit before the landlord can offer you a TA, which will formally bind both parties for the renting/leasing period.
Negotiate the Diplomatic Clause
It is a crucial measure for protecting the financial interests of expats. This allows you to break a lease early, but only after a year/12 months. You will be free of any penalty, especially if your employment is terminated or if you are relocating to another country.
Beware the Stamp Duty
Stamp duty on a leasing contract is a mandate. It is 0.4% tax is charged on the total lease or rent amount. You must pay it to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) before finalising the housing lease. You must pay this before signing the lease agreement.
Paying stamp duty is a legal requirement and cannot be delayed or skipped. You must fully clear this tax payment before formally signing the final lease or rental agreement documents. Unless a special arrangement is negotiated, you are required to pay it upfront.
Air-Conditioning Servicing is on You
A general understanding is that the landlord does not cover the maintenance fee for the air conditioner. You are required to service the AC every 3-4 months through a professional. When you hire local house movers in Singapore, you can seek a reference for an AC service provider.
Also, when you have to provide the receipts for the services accordingly, after it’s done or before you move out.
The Minor Repair Clause
Always check your tenancy agreement carefully before signing to know about the specifics of the “minor repairs” or “good repair” clause. The typical capped threshold for minor repairs usually ranges from 150 to 300 SGD.
Moreover, this clause states that you are responsible for covering the basic repairs up to the agreed cost mentioned in the TA. When the repair exceeds the pre-agreed cost, the landlord is obliged to bear it.
Inventory and Defect Check
Expats can move in once they sign the leasing or rental agreement and get the keys. However, you must first document everything about the house’s condition. Take a picture or video of existing walls, appliances, manfunctions, dents and scratches.
You can mention all this in the Property Condition Report. Generally, you will get a 30-day warranty period for the landlord to fix these issues after you move in.
Factor in Agent Fees
If the monthly rental price is high or you choose to hire your own broker, expect to pay a standard agent fee. For a standard one-year lease timeline, it is typical to pay a half-month’s rent commission to the agent.
If you sign the lease for longer than two years, the standard commission rate is up to a full month’s rent. The specific commission responsibilities depend heavily on whether the annual rent meets the required local threshold.
Account for Utilities and Wi-Fi
Always remember that basic utility bills and home internet packages are never included in your base monthly rent. Expect standard utility costs to run between $150 and $300 SGD monthly, depending heavily on your household usage.
Ensure that you make a separate budget for hiring the best international movers in Singapore for the move and have finances sorted out for the rent and utilities before you move.
Check What’s Included (Furnished vs. Partial)
Check whether the property is fully furnished or partially furnished with only white goods before signing. Partially furnished typically means the landlord provides essential appliances like a fridge, washer, and dryer.
If moving in with your own belongings, state clearly in the TA if the landlord needs to remove existing furniture. Anything agreed-upon repair or furnishing must be completed before you move in date. Document your inventory to avoid any disputes when you move out.
Deposit Negotiation
While the landlord sticks to the fixed rules, security deposit amounts can still be negotiated before signing. The baseline is that the standard security deposit for a one-year tenancy is one month’s rent, so you can negotiate for a two-month deposit for a two-year lease.
This fee is usually paid upfront and kept as collateral to prevent the tenants from causing any intentional damage and to pay for repairs, contract breach, or unpaid bills. Usually, you get the full amount back when the lease ends, provided you return the property in good condition.
Conclusion
In view of the above-mentioned points, as a foreigner, there are some regulations/laws that one has to know about and follow. Hopefully, this blog delivered some clarity to those planning to move to Singapore soon, especially if you plan to rent a home.
When you hire a house mover in Singapore, ensure that you have taken care of the above fees and permits. This way, the move will be seamless, and you can start anew in a new country. Now you can get back to planning your big move.
