Singapore private condominium rents edged up 0.8% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 2026 according to the URA rental index flash estimate released at the end of April. This is the first positive print since Q4 2023 — ending a nine-quarter stretch in which rents corrected from their post-pandemic peak. The flash estimate will be finalised in early May; historically the full release has moved within 0.2 percentage points of the flash.
Core Central Region%1.2
Rest of Central Region%0.9
Outside Central Region%0.5
Overall private%0.8
Q4 2025 (prior)%-0.3
Q3 2025 (prior)%-0.4
Q2 2025 (prior)%-0.6
Q1 2025 (prior)%-0.8
lovelyhomes.com.sgSource: URA private residential rental index flash estimate — Q1 2026
The regional picture
All three geographic segments moved up. The Core Central Region (CCR — districts 9, 10, 11 and the Marina area) led with a 1.2% quarter-on-quarter increase. The Rest of Central Region (RCR) gained 0.9%. The Outside Central Region (OCR) — the suburban bulk of the private market — rose 0.5%. The CCR’s stronger performance reflects a tighter top-end rental pool; prime CCR units are thinner in supply and the relocation-driven expatriate demand has firmed since the start of the year.
For context, the private rental index had declined every quarter since Q4 2023, with the 2024-25 cooling driven by the large pipeline of TOP completions meeting a softer expatriate demand backdrop. The 2026 turn suggests that pipeline pressure has worked itself through and the market is returning to an equilibrium where rents track wage and demand growth.
HDB rentals — still positive
HDB subletting continues its separate trajectory. The HDB rental approvals index (IRAS data, which lags URA by roughly one quarter) has risen 3.8% year-on-year through Q4 2025. HDB rents never corrected in the 2024-25 window the way private rents did — the HDB rental stock responds to a different demand base (mid-income professionals, young families waiting for keys, short-term relocation) and the supply-side discipline (subletting caps, minimum occupation period) keeps the rental inventory tight.
What’s driving the turn?
Three forces matter. First — supply. The TOP pipeline for private condos peaked in 2024-25; 2026 sees materially fewer new completions. Fewer new units hitting the rental market means the absorption rate improves. Second — demand. Employment pass approvals are up in financial services, tech and healthcare in the first quarter. Each new Employment Pass holder is a prospective renter for the first 6-12 months. Third — positive feedback. The URA flash estimate signals that the rental decline is over, which tends to pull forward renewal decisions; existing tenants renewing on marginal rent increases rather than trying to negotiate down.
Landlord implication
For landlords, the shift from rent cuts in 2024-25 to modest increases in Q1 2026 is the first signal that rental reversion is positive again. Model future cashflow with a conservative 1.5-2.5% annual reversion assumption, not the 0% baseline that worked for the last 18 months.
District-level colour
Within the CCR, the strongest performers were rental comparables in D09 Orchard / River Valley and D10 Tanglin / Holland / Bukit Timah, where the flight-to-quality dynamic has been most pronounced. Luxury segment rents (3-bedroom and above in CCR condos) were up 1.6% QoQ, outpacing 1-bedroom rents (+0.9% QoQ) — a reversal of the prior-year pattern where compact units outperformed.
In the OCR, the strongest gains were in D15 Katong / Marine Parade and D19 Hougang / Serangoon / Punggol, where the retiree and family-owner-occupier demographic has kept the rental inventory thin. OCR 2-bedroom rents were up 0.7% QoQ; 3-bedroom up 0.6%.
What happens in Q2 2026?
Two signals to watch. First — the full URA Q1 2026 release around 24 April will confirm the flash number and give the district-level breakdown. Any significant revision from the flash estimate would be a short-term market mover. Second — the IRAS rental-assessment data for Q2, due in August, will test whether the flash signal converts into actual transaction-level evidence. Landlords and tenants negotiate new leases on the flash, but the real test is whether signed leases in April and May reflect the flash.
On current trajectory, the base case is that Q2 2026 prints another +0.6-1.0% QoQ — a continuation of the turn, not an acceleration. A breakout above 1.5% QoQ would suggest the market is pricing in a tighter supply-demand balance than currently evident in the TOP pipeline. A return to zero or negative prints would indicate the Q1 reading was noise, not signal.
Implications for property investors
If you are holding a Singapore private condo as investment property, three things follow. First — rental yields, which had been compressing since early 2024, should stabilise. On a constant-denominator basis (ignoring capital value changes), a unit pulling S$4,500 rent two quarters ago and S$4,536 now is earning an extra S$864 annually — modest but directionally positive. Second — the tax arithmetic matters more at the margin. Non-owner-occupier property tax is flat-banded, so modestly higher rent drops more cleanly to the bottom line than the gross reversion suggests. Third — refinancing windows: lenders use rental income in TDSR computation; a hotter rental market eases borrowing capacity for investors.
Cross-read — what this means for buyers
For buyers currently deciding between purchase and continued rental, the rental turn removes one of the ‘wait and see’ arguments. In a market where rents were falling every quarter, the financial case for delaying purchase was concrete — every quarter of rental saved versus the carry cost of owning. With rents turning up, that argument weakens. Paired with the stable mortgage-rate environment (SORA has held in the 2.8-3.1% band through Q1), the total cost of owning relative to renting has improved on the margin for eligible first-property buyers.
Bottom line
The Q1 2026 private rental print is the first clear turn after nine quarters of decline. At +0.8% QoQ, the move is modest but broad-based. The full URA release in early May will confirm whether the flash signal holds. For landlords, it is the first time since 2023 that modest positive rental reversions are a reasonable planning assumption. For tenants, the negotiating leverage of the last 18 months has narrowed — lock in renewal terms if they are already favourable.
Sources: Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Q1 2026 private rental index flash estimate (https://www.ura.gov.sg/); IRAS rental approvals data. This article is editorial commentary produced by the LovelyHomes team and does not constitute investment or financial advice. Rates, indices and figures are current as at the date of publication. Buyers and investors should consult a licensed professional before making a property-related decision.
Rental yield is the single metric that separates a property bought to rent out from a property bought to live in. In Singapore in 2026, gross rental yields on residential property have settled into a tight 2.5%–5.0% band, with the upper end reserved for suburban three-bedroom condominiums and smaller one-bedroom units in fringe micro-markets. This guide explains exactly how rental yield is calculated, which Singapore districts are delivering 4%+ gross yields in 2026, and the unit-type and tenure trade-offs that determine whether your rental yield translates into meaningful net cash flow after costs, taxes, and leverage.
Figure 1: Gross rental yield is the headline, net yield is what pays the bills.
Quick Answer
Gross yield = annual rent ÷ purchase price × 100.
Singapore average (private condo, 2026): 3.5% gross.
Best yielding sub-markets: Woodlands, Jurong East, Sembawang, Tampines and selected OCR one-beds at 4.2%–4.8%.
Lowest yielding: CCR luxury freehold (Orchard, River Valley) at 2.2%–2.7%.
Net yield after costs is typically 30%–40% lower than gross — budget for maintenance, property tax, agent fees, income tax and vacancy.
Smaller units yield more: 1BR beats 3BR on gross yield by 60–120 bps.
HDB resale yield is not directly comparable — subletting rules apply (MOP, subletting-of-whole-flat rules).
How Rental Yield Works in Singapore
Rental yield has two forms: gross and net. Gross yield is simply the annual rent divided by the purchase price. Net yield deducts all the carrying costs — property tax, maintenance fees, agent commission, minor repairs, vacancy provision, income tax on rental income — and shows you the actual return before financing.
A condominium renting at S$4,500/month on a S$1.5M purchase looks like a 3.6% gross yield. But after you subtract property tax (S$3,600), maintenance (S$4,200), agent commission on a 2-year lease (S$4,500), minor repairs (S$2,000), 1-month annual vacancy provision (S$4,500) and income tax at 22% on taxable rent (approximately S$8,800) — you are looking at a net yield of 1.8%, roughly half the headline number. That is before interest on your mortgage, which would push a leveraged investor into negative cash flow territory unless rents outperform or rates fall.
Key takeaway
Always underwrite to net yield. Singapore investors frequently overestimate returns by anchoring on gross yield figures and ignoring 1.5–2.0 percentage points of carrying costs.
Singapore Rental Yield Map 2026 — By Region
Core Central Region (CCR)
The CCR — Districts 1, 2, 4, 9, 10, 11 and parts of 6 and 7 — is Singapore’s prestige market. It houses the bulk of freehold stock, luxury condominiums, and branded residences. CCR has the lowest gross yields of the three regions:
Sub-Market
Tenure
Gross Yield Range
Orchard / Tanglin (D10)
Freehold / 99-yr
2.3% – 2.8%
River Valley (D9)
Freehold / 99-yr
2.4% – 2.9%
Sentosa Cove (D4)
99-yr
2.2% – 2.6%
Newton / Novena (D11)
Freehold / 99-yr
2.8% – 3.3%
Tanjong Pagar CBD (D2)
Freehold / 99-yr
2.8% – 3.2%
Rest of Central Region (RCR)
The RCR — the districts ringing the CCR — has become Singapore’s sweet spot for balanced yield and capital growth:
Sub-Market
Tenure
Gross Yield Range
Queenstown / Alexandra (D3)
99-yr
3.2% – 3.8%
Science Park / Pasir Panjang (D5)
99-yr
3.0% – 3.6%
Toa Payoh / Bishan (D12 / D20)
99-yr
3.3% – 3.9%
Marine Parade / East Coast (D15)
Freehold / 99-yr
2.9% – 3.5%
Bukit Merah / HarbourFront (D4 fringe)
99-yr
3.1% – 3.7%
Outside Central Region (OCR)
OCR — the suburbs — delivers the highest gross yields in Singapore, driven by cheaper acquisition costs, stable suburban rents and high tenant demand from upgrading locals and middle-management expats:
Sub-Market
Tenure
Gross Yield Range
Woodlands (D25)
99-yr
4.2% – 4.8%
Jurong East (D22)
99-yr
4.0% – 4.6%
Tampines (D18)
99-yr
3.9% – 4.5%
Sembawang / Yishun (D27)
99-yr
4.1% – 4.7%
Punggol / Sengkang (D19)
99-yr
3.8% – 4.3%
Clementi / West Coast (D5 West)
99-yr
3.5% – 4.0%
Unit-Size Effect: Why One-Bedders Lead the League Table
Within any single sub-market, smaller units yield more — a consistent pattern across OCR, RCR and CCR. The reason is mechanical: rent per square foot falls more slowly than purchase price per square foot as units grow. A 500 sqft 1BR in Jurong East might transact at S$930 psf and rent at S$3.80 psf/month (4.9% gross). The same project’s 1,100 sqft 3BR trades at S$1,150 psf and rents at S$3.20 psf/month (3.3% gross).
Unit Type
Region
Gross Yield
1-Bedroom (500–550 sqft)
OCR
4.3% – 4.9%
2-Bedroom (700–750 sqft)
OCR
3.8% – 4.3%
3-Bedroom (950–1,050 sqft)
OCR
3.3% – 3.8%
4-Bedroom + (1,250 sqft+)
OCR
2.8% – 3.3%
1-Bedroom (500–550 sqft)
RCR
3.5% – 4.0%
3-Bedroom (950–1,050 sqft)
RCR
2.8% – 3.3%
The trade-off: 1-bed demand is narrower — single tenants, young couples without children, international postings — meaning vacancy risk is higher in a downturn. Our shoebox unit guide dives deeper into the investment case.
Worked Example: OCR 1-Bedroom vs CCR 2-Bedroom
Consider two investors each deploying S$1.2M of equity:
Metric
Investor A — OCR 1BR (Cash)
Investor B — CCR 2BR (Leveraged)
Purchase Price
S$1,200,000
S$2,400,000 (75% LTV ⇒ S$1.2M equity)
Location
D22 Jurong East, 1BR 517 sqft
D09 River Valley, 2BR 732 sqft
Monthly Rent
S$4,000
S$5,800
Gross Yield
4.0%
2.9%
Annual Property Tax (non-owner)
S$4,440
S$8,700
Annual Maintenance
S$4,200
S$4,800
Annual Insurance
S$600
S$800
Annual Agent Fees (avg)
S$2,000
S$2,900
Vacancy Provision (1 month)
S$4,000
S$5,800
Gross Rent p.a.
S$48,000
S$69,600
Net Rent p.a. (pre-tax, pre-interest)
S$32,760
S$46,600
Net Yield on Price
2.7%
1.9%
Mortgage Interest p.a. (4% on S$1.2M)
S$0 (cash buyer)
S$48,000
Pre-tax Net Cashflow
S$32,760
−S$1,400
Investor A’s unleveraged OCR 1-bed generates positive cash flow of S$32,760 a year. Investor B’s leveraged CCR 2-bed is marginally cash-flow negative — which is fine if the strategy is capital appreciation on freehold tenure, but devastating if the investor miscalculated TDSR headroom. Stress-test using our TDSR/MSR guide.
The Six Factors That Drive Singapore Rental Yield
1. Transport Connectivity
Walk-to-MRT (within 400m) commands a 5%–8% rent premium over non-MRT peers, but also a price premium — so net yield effect is marginal. However, developments that are MRT-adjacent with a line upgrade coming (e.g. Cross Island Line or Jurong Region Line stations) see yields compress post-opening as prices re-rate faster than rents.
2. School Proximity
Tenants with Primary 1 registration imperatives pay a premium for the 1km and 2km catchment zones of sought-after primary schools. This is a tenant-pool effect, not a rent-per-sqft effect — it reduces vacancy rather than raising headline rents.
3. Unit Size and Facing
North-south facing with unblocked views, high-floor > 20th storey, and natural cross-ventilation all contribute 3–8% rent premium. Low-floor pool-facing units can underperform by 5%+.
4. Tenure
Contrary to popular belief, freehold commands a price premium but not a rent premium — tenants do not pay more for freehold because they are not buying. This directly compresses freehold yields below 99-year leasehold yields for otherwise-equivalent stock.
5. Age of Development
New launches rent at a premium in year 1–3 post-TOP, tapering towards market norms by year 5. 10–20 year old developments trade at the stable mid-range. 30+ year old freeholds often underperform on rent (dated finishes) but beat on yield (low purchase price).
6. Macro Cycle
Rental growth in Singapore tracks non-resident inflows (EP/PR approvals, multinational relocations). Expect outperformance during policy easing and underperformance when ICA and MOM tighten approvals. Check MAS Financial Stability Review annually.
Yield vs Capital Growth: The Eternal Trade-off
Singapore investors historically face a stylised choice:
OCR 1BR: 4.5% gross yield, 3% capital growth p.a. ⇒ 7.5% total return.
CCR freehold 2BR: 2.5% gross yield, 6% capital growth p.a. ⇒ 8.5% total return.
CCR wins on total return, OCR wins on cashflow. If you need the property to service its own mortgage, choose yield. If you can fund the shortfall from employment income and are playing for long-term wealth preservation, capital growth wins.
Tax Treatment of Rental Income
Singapore residents (citizens and PRs) are taxed on rental income at their marginal rate (up to 24% in 2026), with deductible expenses. Non-residents are taxed at a flat 24% without expense deductions (unless they elect to be taxed as tax-residents subject to the 183-day rule). Deductible expenses include mortgage interest, property tax, fire insurance, repairs, agent commission, and in certain cases, a 15% deemed rental expense in lieu of itemised receipts.
Furnish strategically. A S$20,000 furnishing package typically boosts monthly rent by S$300–S$500 — payback in 4–6 years, not 10+.
Optimise vacancy. List at market, not above. Every month of vacancy is 8.3% of annual income lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good rental yield in Singapore?
Anything above 3.5% gross for a condominium in 2026 is above market average. Above 4.0% gross is considered strong. Above 4.5% is exceptional and usually limited to OCR shoebox units or distressed stock.
Why is my CCR condo’s yield so low?
CCR prices are elevated due to freehold tenure, land scarcity, and aspirational demand. Rents do not scale at the same rate as price because tenants are indifferent between freehold and 99-year leasehold for the same product. Result: headline yields of 2.3%–2.9% in prime Orchard, Tanglin, Sentosa.
Is HDB subletting a better yield play than condo rentals?
HDB subletting yields can be strong (3.5%–4.5%) but come with strict rules: minimum occupation period (5 years), subletting-of-whole-flat approvals, citizenship mix limits. See our HDB subletting guide.
What is a typical agent commission on a lease?
Standard market practice: 0.5 months’ rent for a 1-year lease, 1 month’s rent for a 2-year lease, 1.5 months for a 3-year lease, payable by the landlord.
Can I claim mortgage interest as a deductible expense?
Yes — mortgage interest on the rented property is deductible against rental income, as are property tax, fire insurance, repairs (not improvements) and agent commission.
How does the 15% deemed rental expense rule work?
IRAS allows landlords to claim 15% of gross rental as a deemed expense in lieu of itemised deductions, on top of mortgage interest and property tax. This simplifies tax filing for small landlords.
What is cash-on-cash return?
Net annual cashflow divided by total cash equity (downpayment + stamp duty + legal + furnishing). This is the number you actually experience in your bank account. Often divergent from net yield when leverage is high.
Can foreigners earn rental income in Singapore?
Yes — foreigners who own Singapore residential property can let it and earn rental income, subject to 24% non-resident tax rate.
Disclaimer: Rental yields are indicative and compiled from URA rental contract data, public transaction records, and market-survey estimates current at the time of writing. Individual yields vary by unit facing, floor, tenant profile and macro cycle. Nothing on this page is financial, tax, or investment advice — consult a qualified advisor before committing to a purchase.
