Renting apartment in Singapore on tourist visa

[ryan_roxx]

I'm an American that works in Indonesia and Malaysia, and am thinking of getting an apartment here in Singapore to have a "home base" on this side of the world. I know there are restrictions on foreigners buying property in Singapore, but are there any specific restrictions regarding renting here? I would not be working in Singapore and entering on a tourist visa only.

[jpatokal]

Not possible legally on a tourist visa -- you can either lease a Service Apartment, which get pretty expensive in the long term, or try to find some dodgy sublet deal which doesn't make you a legal tenant.

Can't the company you work for sort out a Sg visa for you, or are you freelancing?

[guruvishwanath]

Actually its the other way around. Foreigners buying property is pretty much ok, as long as you fulfil some conditions. You can only buy private apartments which are listed as Freehold and foreigner's eligible. I know several foreigners have shelled out bucket sums of money to procure property. If you are buying in the Sentosa Cove (upwards of 6Million), then be prepared your financial and personal life to be scrutinized with a Electron Microscope. The Finance ministry does not want triads, mafia and other ill-gotten wealthy people to shovel money here to procure property. There was even an article of an experience related by a buyer on how he was checked before being approved. But that's for a landed property or a bungalow. for apartments? I dont think there are stringent checks, but there are some checks.

[jpatokal]

Actually its the other way around. Foreigners buying property is pretty much ok, as long as you fulfil some conditions. You can only buy private apartments which are listed as Freehold and foreigner's eligible. I know several foreigners have shelled out bucket sums of money to procure property. If you are buying in the Sentosa Cove (upwards of 6Million), then be prepared your financial and personal life to be scrutinized with a Electron Microscope. The Finance ministry does not want triads, mafia and other ill-gotten wealthy people to shovel money here to procure property. There was even an article of an experience related by a buyer on how he was checked before being approved. But that's for a landed property or a bungalow. for apartments? I dont think there are stringent checks, but there are some checks.

That's all well and good, but the OP was specifically asking about renting, not buying property

[sundaymorningstaple]

[guruvishwanath]

MAJOR! Ooops!!! But I distinctly remember my head processing as buying. Not sure why I thought so. Oh, well! Then its a no go. Cant rent on tourist visa.

[mekanoid]

Interesting topic, are visitors allowed to rent an AirBNB room for 3+ months?

[Pal]

Try Service Apartments:
https://www.singaporeexpats.com/singapo ... tments.htm

[martincymru]

Interesting topic, are visitors allowed to rent an AirBNB room for 3+ months?

"Yes" was the reply I received from 2 AirBnB landlords.

But, is the renter an "occupant" or a "resident". If not then what?

[sundaymorningstaple]

https://singaporelegaladvice.com/law-ar ... -singapore

Martin, the sticky point is the URA and HDB with their minimum rental clauses of 3 & 6 month. You have to have a residency tenure at the time the contract is signed of at lease three month to make it a valid contract. As a western visitor who can get a automatic 90 visa on entry, unless it is perfectly timed, it is almost impossible to get a pte property 90 day (3 month) contract unless they are waiting for you at the airport on a morning arrival to get your deposit and signature so they can get it down to lodge it with the relevant authority. (HDB is out of the question with 6 months minimum). So for all intents and purposes, if you try to rent id for less than 90 days, it is illegal (but the LL may well rent it to you anyway) but it's a gamble for both them and you.

[smoulder]

Airbnb is not legal.

[martincymru]

Thus,
"In May 2019, URA announced that despite extensive consultations with stakeholders about a proposed regulatory framework for short-term accommodation, the minimum stay duration of three months will continue to apply for any accommodation in private residential properties. URA will continue to enforce the requirement of a minimum stay duration of three months in private residential properties.:"
Source: https://www.airbnb.com.sg/help/article/ ... -singapore

So, I agree SMS, that AirBnb (as an agent) or a private owner (as landlord) are not breaking any law in Sg as long as 3+ months. Your point noted about practical reality though.

Lastly, pending the term "Occupant/Resident" being defined, I intend to use the term "stayer" since URA refer to renting as a "stay" (not a lease or a licence).

[sundaymorningstaple]

I reckon, knowing Singapore, any term you use will be irrelevant if you spend the night there. But, you buys your ticket and takes your chances.