The co-working spaces scene in Singapore is thriving (or maybe dying, in WeWork’s case).
In its wake is the birth of a new way of life — and nope, we aren’t talking new age-y stuff, but co-living spaces for Singaporean millennials, expats and business travellers.
And we’re all aboard the idea, given the concept encourages communal living and networking opportunities with a fun spin.
Think bar takeovers, yoga sessions, or brainstorming sessions with housemates.
If you’re a local young working adult, it’s a dilemma of practicality: should you continue living with the folks rent-free, or strike it out on your own?
On that, these are some of the most beautiful spaces to live in, and what to know before making the big move.
Things to Consider Before Moving In
Down Payment
As with all long-term rentals, you’ll likely be required to pay a security deposit prior to moving in, in addition to your first month’s rent. Any damages incurred during your stay will then be deducted from your deposit, and the balance refunded to you.
Know What You’re In For
As far as possible, always arrange for an apartment viewing. It’s something I wish I’d thought to do before moving into my student accommodation in Melbourne back in 2014. (Yeah, I’m still stuck in the past. So fight me.)
Minimum Rental Period
In Singapore, the minimum tenure period’s three months — although co-living space Hmlet does offer week-long stays at its Cantonment Road apartments.
Payment Terms
You may be required to pay on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on your length of stay and lease terms. The amount will typically be deducted on a fixed date, so make sure you’ve a sufficient amount in your bank.
Co-Living Spaces in Singapore
On that, we’ve rounded up some of the most beautifully furnished (and relatively affordable) spaces to co-live in.
Note: Due to the COVID-19 situation, these companies have been stepping up on their preventive measures to ensure every individual’s safety. This includes holding virtual apartment viewings, following the Ministry of Health regulations for disinfection and cleaning standards, and conducting practices such as temperature checks and using masks and disposable gloves.
Commontown
A South Korea import, Commontown offers eight beautifully appointed co-living spaces in Singapore that’d likely remind you of an IKEA showroom — which is to say, you’d wish you owned them all.
A real plus point for animal lovers like myself, though: pets are welcome, so long as your housemates are agreeable to it (you’ll also have to keep them in your private room!).
Room types: Master Room with Ensuite Bathroom (from $1,900/month); Junior Master Room with Ensuite (from $1,600/month); Standard Room (from $1,400/month)
Rental terms: Three months minimum
Locations: Aljunied, Bukit Timah, Lavender, Newton, Novena, one-north, Paya Lebar, Redhill, River Valley, Tiong Bahru,
What’s included: Wi-Fi, weekly housekeeping, maintenance, washing machine and dryer units, community eventsÂ
COVE
With over 200 stylishly furnished homes across Singapore — many of which are centrally located — COVE aims to streamline the flatshare rental process for young working adults.
We like how fuss-free the check-in process is; you’ll be able to move in within 24 hours or transfer easily between its properties.
And if you’re looking to network or grow your social circle, COVE plays host to community events ’round the city.
Room types: Master Bedroom with Private Bathroom (from $1,450/month); Standard Room with Shared Bathroom (from $1,400/month); Studio Apartment (from $2,400/month)
Rental terms: Three months minimum; monthly renewal thereafter
Locations: East (various, including Kembangan), West (various, including one-north), Central (including Orchard, Novena, River Valley, Farrer Park and the CBD)
What’s included: Full furnishings, Wi-Fi, weekly housekeeping, utilities, kitchenware, Google Chromecast
EasyCity by Dash Living
EasyCity’s focus lies in rooms and apartments for corporate clients, business travellers and young working adults.
Earlier this year, it has been acquired by Dash Living, a Hong Kong-based property tech startup.
Under Dash Living, there has been an expansion in the co-living spaces based in Singapore.
Unlike some of its co-living counterparts, its private apartments are spread across Singapore, and somewhat homelier — although that’s not to say they scrimp on style.
Room types: Common Bedroom (from $1,400/month); Big Common Bedroom (from $1,600/month); Master Bedroom (from $1,750/month); Two- to Four-Bedroom Apartments (from $4,600/month)
Rental terms: Three months minimum; maximum two years (renewable lease)
Locations: Geylang, Paya Lebar, Farrer Park, Balestier, Pasir Panjang, Clementi
What’s included: Weekly housekeeping, laundry units, fully-equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi
Figment
If you’re a history buff who’s looking for an insta-worthy space to stay at, this might be the one for you.
Figment turns Singapore’s shophouses into beautiful livable spaces, so that you go beyond taking selfies in front of these colourful buildings.
These apartments usually do not come with a tiny price tag, targeting customers with an exquisite taste of the country’s heritage and culture.
The ground floor of each Figment shophouse comes with a beautiful spacious shared living room and kitchen.
Room types: Figment Room with Shared Bathroom (from $1,600/month), Figment Suite with Ensuite Bathroom (from $2,200/month)
Rental terms: Three months minimum
Locations: Little India, Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, Geylang, Joo Chiat, Balestier
What’s included: Wi-Fi, weekly housekeeping, shared laundry and cooking facilities
Hmlet
It’s planted its roots in four cities — and soon, Melbourne and Brisbane — but Hmlet’s hardly a commercialised co-living space. Rather, it strives for consistency by creating communal spaces and homes you won’t want to leave.
They’ve also corporate housing options, which include two- and three-bedroom apartments (from $4,990/month) for up to six pax.
To fuel the community spirit, events (and housekeeping services!) can be booked through the Hmlet app.
They’ve even recently ventured into the online interior design services and furniture services.
Room types: Pocket Bedroom (from $900/month); Regular Bedroom (from $1,300/month); Master Bedroom (from $1,700/month); Studio Room (from $2,000/month)
Rental terms: One week (Cantonment only); three months minimum at all other locations
Locations: Tiong Bahru, Bukit Timah, Orchard, River Valley, Little India, Bartley, CBD, East (Various), West (Various)
What’s included: Wi-Fi, wash and dryer, weekly cleaning, air-conditioning, quarterly thorough cleaning, wellness activities and BBQs
Login Apartment
Login embraces minimalism — a fact that holds true in its light-filled apartments, themselves set in neutral tones and finished with wood and steel touches.
While prices are dependent on location, the basics don’t differ: its master bedrooms feature queen size beds and en suite bathrooms; common bedrooms are strictly for individuals, and come with shared bathrooms.
Room types: Junior Master Bedroom (from $2,300/month); Master Bedroom (from $1,800/month); Common Bedroom (from $1,200/month); Whole Apartment (from $3,000/month)
Rental terms: Three months minimum; option to renew monthly thereafter
Locations: Queenstown, Novena, East Coast, Orchard Road
What’s included: Wi-Fi, weekly housekeeping, Zumba sessions and cooking classes
lyf by Ascott
If its pictures are any indication of life at Lyf (sorry, I just had to), then sign me up.
Its selection of studios and bedrooms — at once kitschy, with lashings of colour set against more muted tones — make for Instagrammable pictures in themselves.
Looking for a space for up to six pax?
The four-bedroom apartment includes an interactive, touchscreen whiteboard for insightful brainstorming sessions.
Given its great location and accessibility, lyf is also a popular staycation choice amongst locals!
Room types: Studio (from $150/night), Two-Bedroom (from $230/night), Four-Bedroom (from $350/night), Six-Bedroom Duplex (from $410/night)
Rental terms: Minimum one night’s stay
Locations: Funan, Farrer Park, one-north (opening 2021)
What’s included: Laundry units, kitchenette, breakfast, movie nights, Wi-Fi
MetroResidences
If you’ve been looking to rent out your apartment to no avail, MetroResidences aims to fill that gap.
Unoccupied apartments are refurnished and turned into fancy-ish, cosy abodes for tenants — then listed and photographed nicely, so you don’t have to do the work.
With over 300 options across Singapore, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one.
Ah, the paradox of choice.
Room types: Co-Living Room with Single Bed (from $1,000/month); Master Bedroom (from $1,850/month); Two-Bedroom Apartment (from $3,100/month); Three-Bedroom Apartment (from $4,500/month)
Rental terms: Three months minimum
Locations: Lavender, Balestier, Newton, Tanjong Pagar, Raffles Place, Farrer Park, Tanah Merah, to name several
What’s included: Washer, dryer, Wi-Fi, stove, fridge
