For many young Singaporeans, the dream of living independently can be overshadowed by the harsh reality of rent prices. HDB rental flats, while offering a private space, often come with a hefty price tag.
This article explores the growing trend of co-living studios—a unique housing solution specifically designed for singles. Let’s delve into 5 co-living studios you can rent as a single for as low as $1.3K per month.
What is co-living?
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As it’s a relatively new concept in Singapore, you might not have heard of co-living studios before. These properties provide the privacy and comfort of your own space, combined with the benefits of a shared community and potentially lower costs.
Here’s a look at some typical co-living arrangements you might encounter:
Condo Co-Living
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Co-living operators often rent out entire condo units and convert them into shared spaces. This can involve individual studio rooms with en-suite bathrooms within the condo, or a mix of bedrooms with shared bathrooms alongside a communal living area and kitchen.
With dual-key co-living, a single condo unit is cleverly divided into two separate living spaces. One is a larger “main unit” with its own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area. The other is a smaller, studio-style “sub-unit” with a kitchenette and bathroom. Both units share a common entrance, but you have your own private doorway to your space.
Tenants in dual-key co-living can enjoy lower rent compared to a standard co-living room, especially for sub-units. Separate living spaces offer a higher level of privacy compared to traditional co-living arrangements with shared kitchens and bathrooms.
However, while there’s more privacy, the common entrance is shared with another tenant, so it’s not quite as private as a completely separate apartment. Hence, dual-key co-living is perfect for friends who want to share living expenses but also have their own private space.
YOLOlive Clarke Quay: $1.7K – $2.5K per month
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YOLOlive Clarke Quay resides within The Riverside Piazza, a condo boasting a short walk to three MRT stations: Clarke Quay, Chinatown, and Fort Canning. Residents would have access to the condo’s shared amenities, such as a swimming pool or fitness room.
Standing as a more affordable option compared to co-living complexes, you can snag a Clarke Quay Standard Double Room at $1.7K per month, inclusive of wifi, rent, utilities and a weekly cleaning service.
Cove TRE Residence: $1.4K per month
Image Credit: Cove
Cove is another co-living operator in Singapore offering a variety of living arrangements, including condo co-living. One such example is TRE Residence, a brand-new condo in Geylang East, a stone’s throw away from Aljunied MRT station.
Beyond the fully-furnished apartment, residents have access to the condo’s facilities, including a large pool, gym, and sky terrace.
Image Credit: Cove
The standard room option at TRE Residence includes a queen-sized bed, a private balcony, and access to a shared bathroom at a competitive $1.4K per month.
Shophouse Co-Living
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If you’ve always dreamt of someday living in one of the iconic Peranakan shophouses in Singapore, you might want to check out co-living operator Figment’s listings. Figment is currently a frontrunner in Singapore’s shophouse co-living scene.
Many shophouses are strategically located in heritage areas like Joo Chiat, or trendy central neighbourhoods. Residents can enjoy easy access to cultural attractions, local shops, and a variety of dining options.
Image Credit: Figment
While undeniably charming, shophouses can have limitations in terms of square footage, as rooms might be smaller compared to co-living spaces in modern buildings.
Additionally, the historical status of shophouses sometimes means limitations on installing modern amenities like gyms or swimming pools, which are more common in purpose-built co-living spaces. If access to such amenities is important to you, you might need to weigh your priorities.
Given the higher rental prices compared to other co-living options, this is best suited for professionals with higher incomes.
Figment Fig House: 2.5K – 3K per month
Image Credit: Figment
A beautifully restored shophouse located in the Joo Chiat Terrace area, Fig House provides a variety of room options. One example is the Ixora Room, which features a queen-sized bed and a shared bathroom, for $2.5K per month.
Image Credit: Figment
For those with higher budgets, rooms like the Jasmine Room offer additional amenities. The Jasmine Room features a queen-sized bed, a shared bathroom, a dedicated study desk and chair, and facade windows for natural light. Prices for the Jasmine Room start from $3K per month, with the possibility of slightly higher rent depending on specific features within the room.
All Figment co-living spaces, including Fig House, include utilities, housekeeping supplies, regular cleaning services, Wi-Fi, and on-site laundry facilities.
Image Credit: Figment
Co-Living Complexes
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Co-living complexes have become a popular housing option in Singapore, particularly for young professionals and students. These purpose-built apartment buildings offer a unique blend of affordability and convenience.
Think “shared flats” with condo-like amenities—rooftop terraces, co-working spaces, fitness facilities, and even on-site laundry services. It’s like having roommates, but with the added benefit of professional management and pre-furnished spaces.
Another draw of co-living is the potential to build a social network, as many co-living operators organise events and activities for residents to bond.
Despite this, co-living isn’t for everyone. Sharing common areas requires a certain level of respect and compromise. While you have your own private room, shared living spaces mean less overall privacy compared to a traditional apartment.
Co-living complexes can be a great option for sociable people looking to save money on rent.
Coliwoo Keppel: $3K – $4K per month
Image Credit: Coliwoo
One such co-living operator is Coliwoo, which operates complexes at Baleister, River Valley, Boon Lay, and more.
Situated in the heart of the CBD, Coliwoo Keppel’s location allows residents easy access to the city’s core and potentially short commutes to work. The complex itself offers a variety of private room options catering to different preferences and budgets. Residents can choose from small studio apartments with Murphy beds to more spacious master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, or a garden view.
Image Credit: Coliwoo
Coliwoo Keppel also features a range of shared amenities like a backyard garden and dedicated co-working for all residents.
Lyf Funan: From $2.2k per month
Image Credit: Lyf
Another prominent player in Singapore’s co-living scene is Lyf, a brand operated by The Ascott Limited. Lyf offers co-living complexes designed for a millennial demographic, focusing on social interaction and a trendy atmosphere.
Lyf Funan, located within the mall itself, grants residents direct access to an array of shopping, entertainment, and dining options.
Image Credit: Lyf
The complex offers a variety of room configurations, from studios or larger shared apartments, some with thematic designs. Shared amenities include a gym and a co-working space.
Bonus: The Initial Residence
Image Credit: The Initial Residence
If you’re considering a co-living experience but hesitant about a long-term commitment, The Initial Residence might be a good choice for you. Located at 355 Balestier Road, this co-living complex offers a different experience —you can book rooms for as short as 6 nights, with prices starting from S$1,300.
Image Credit: The Initial Residence
You can choose from three unit types: studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom. All units include a full-size fridge, kitchenware, microwave, washing machine, and private bathroom.
Image Credit: The Initial Residence
Just like a hotel, residents enjoy not only the usual co-living amenities like a gym and workspace, but also on-site social spaces like a cocktail bar, cafe, and a restaurant called Thank You Come Again.
5 co-living studios you can rent as a single for as low as $1.4K monthly
Singapore’s co-living scene offers a wealth of options for singles seeking an affordable and vibrant living experience. From purpose-built complexes like Coliwoo Keppel to restored shophouses like Fig House, there’s a co-living space to suit a variety of needs and budgets.
However, before you scramble to sign a co-living lease, remember to consider your preferences for shared spaces, social interaction, and amenities first.
Read our other articles here:
- How much should you earn to afford a $3 million property?
- Ultimate guide to mortgages in Singapore
- A $55K retro-style HDB reno
Cover image credit: Figment, Cove
Originally published on 15th April 2024. Last updated on 17th April 2024.
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