Insider Guides

Furnished Apartments in Singapore: What’s Included and What to Check Before You Sign

Searching for a furnished apartment in Singapore can be confusing, because “furnished” means very different things from one listing to the next. Some homes come with little more than a bed and a sofa; others include everything down to the cutlery, Wi-Fi and weekly cleaning. This guide explains what furnished apartments in Singapore usually include, the questions worth asking before you sign, and how the country’s minimum-stay rules shape your options.

What “furnished” actually means in Singapore

Listings rarely use these terms consistently, so always confirm the inventory in writing. The table below shows what each level of furnishing typically covers.

Furnishing level	Usually included	Usually not included
Unfurnished	Built-in wardrobes, lighting, air-conditioning, sometimes kitchen cabinets	Beds, sofas, white goods, kitchenware
Partially furnished	Major furniture (bed, sofa, dining set) and white goods (fridge, washer, aircon)	Crockery, linen, small appliances, decor
Fully furnished	Move-in-ready furniture, appliances and kitchenware, often linen and Wi-Fi	Personal items; cleaning may be charged separately

Furnished living and dining area inside a Figment heritage shophouse apartment in Singapore

What to check before you sign

A furnished home is only as good as the agreement behind it. Run through this checklist before committing.

A written inventory of every item, with photos, attached to the tenancy agreement.
Who repairs or replaces furniture and appliances that fail through normal use.
Whether utilities, Wi-Fi and any cleaning or maintenance are included in the rent.
The condition and servicing schedule of the air-conditioning units.
The security deposit amount and the exact conditions for its return.

Furnished rental formats to consider

Most furnished homes in Singapore fall into a few formats. Co-living in Singapore bundles a furnished room with shared spaces, utilities and Wi-Fi under one bill. Serviced apartments add hotel-style services, while a self-contained studio apartment suits those who want their own kitchen and entrance. For longer commitments with full furnishing, a three-month rental is often the shortest practical option for a private home.

Minimum-stay rules that shape your options

Furnishing aside, Singapore’s regulations limit how short a lease can be. Private residential properties carry a minimum stay of three consecutive months set by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats and rooms have a six-month minimum. Licensed serviced apartments are the main exception, permitted for stays from seven days. A standard private unit may house up to six unrelated occupants, temporarily raised to eight for homes of at least 90 sqm that are registered with URA, an arrangement extended to 31 Dec 2028.

Frequently asked questions

Are furnished apartments more expensive to rent?

Furnished homes usually command higher rent than bare units because the landlord carries the cost of furniture, appliances and, often, services. The premium can be worthwhile if it removes the expense and hassle of buying and disposing of furniture for a stay of a year or two.

Can I rent a furnished apartment for one or two months?

Generally no, for a private home. The three-month minimum applies regardless of furnishing. Stays shorter than that are only lawful in licensed serviced apartments or other accommodation specifically approved for short stays. Browse a monthly serviced stay if you need a shorter, fully serviced option.

Is the furniture negotiable in a tenancy?

Often, yes. Landlords may add, remove or replace items before you move in, especially for a longer lease. Agree any changes in writing and update the inventory list before signing.