Local law preclude Airbnb’s legal operations in Singapore for stays shorter than 3 months. But while it is technically illegal, that hasn’t stopped some from listing their property on the online platform, nor has it fully deterred people from booking them in turn. Just bear in mind its risky status if you do consider booking on Airbnb or similar short term apartment rental platforms.

The reasons for banning Airbnb short-term rentals in Singapore might surprise you. With the vast majority of Singapore citizens living in owned accommodation, Airbnb has not had a measurable impact on long-term rents, which is the bugbear of residents in many major cities. Instead, one of the ostensible reasons for outlawing short-term rentals is to promote greater security for residents. High-density, high-rise housing is the norm in Singapore, with residents often packed cheek-to-jowl in towering skyscrapers. When people live in such close proximity, there is greater concern about what the neighbours are up to.

Because of the shorter term added flexibility of booking an airbnb rental, Airbnb tends to be more expensive than renting—up to 25% more, plus or minus. Figment's rentals are able to provide these sharing economy savings while retaining the authenticity of a vacation rental.

There has been quite a number of studies done in the past couple of years to see if Airbnb always comes out cheaper than booking a room in a hotel. Priceonomics ran a study back in 2013 that found that it was 21% cheaper to rent out an entire apartment on Airbnb than to book a hotel, and up to 49% cheaper if you chose to rent a private room instead.

While you’ll certainly find Singapore safer than almost anywhere else you’ve visited, the usual safety tips and guidelines apply when staying in an Airbnb rental. To avoid getting scammed, any payments should be made through the Airbnb platform. Always read ratings and reviews before making a booking and only stay with a host you feel you can trust and whose identify has been verified by the platform. A host with lots of mostly positive reviews and an absence of red flag-raising negative reviews is preferable to one with few reviews or numerous negative ones. All communication should take place on the Airbnb platform in case a dispute has to be resolved by the company.

There is no maximum limit on your airbnb rental duration. That said, you might find it to be more affordable to rent a fully furnished apartment from Figment without paying additional commissions to Airbnb.

Every region has its own Airbnb alternatives and Singapore is no exception. Figment offers you the most memorable stays here in Singapore but should you like to explore further options, have a look at the below list!
- VRBO Singapore (previously Homeaway)
- Booking.com Singapore
- Tripadvisor Singapore Vacation Rentals
- Wimdu Singapore

Instead of trawling through scores of Airbnb listings in search of the perfect one, here are some curated lists give you an idea of what’s out there:
-The 20 Best Airbnb Singapore Vacation Rentals | Unique Stays, Lofts, and Apartments by Jones Around the World
-10 Most Gorgeous Airbnbs In Singapore Right Now For Short-Term Stays by Hype & Stuff
-15 Stunning Airbnbs in Singapore by The Broke Backpacker