Tips for choosing co-living space in Singapore

 

The concept of coliving space is quite simple. It is that you live in an apartment or a house with other people, and yet have your own private space and with extra money you have your own bathroom and while sharing the rest of the house and its facilities with the other occupants and in some cases the bathroom too.

 

The spaces — from shophouses and condo units to mixed-use properties with addresses that are fittingly flip — are beautifully designed and fully furnished, ready for you to move in, just your suitcase with you. Some of them even come with facilities like gyms, swimming pools and business centres.

 

But more than the social media-worthy surroundings, it’s the people that’s the exciting part. Co-living is touted as an exclusive opportunity to join a community of interesting individuals with rich life experiences, compelling backgrounds, diverse views and hefty life goals — you know, all the missing magic ingredients in your staid, Singaporean life that inspire and propel you towards the true purpose of your life.

 

Co-living operators go as far as to help you get to know your housemates and community, by hosting activities such as game nights and get-togethers. For one, it’s a wonderful opportunity for adventurous young adults to move out and be independent. And since you’re essentially sharing a house, co-living should be pretty affordable!

 

The range of space ranges from $2500 to as minimal as $1250. Pretty good if you don’t have much hobbies But, more to the main thing that co-livingspaces in Singapore are not cheap. Given the combination of prestige, being exclusive and beauty you’d better believe rents reach head turning prices.

 

Some of  the lowest prices we could find for each companies throughout the internet in spaces in Singapore. Now let’s find out what exactly your rent will buy you.

 

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Starting from $1,500 a month, you can get to enjoy co-living in famed heartland towns like Queenstown, East Coast or Novena. You’ll get your very own bedroom with single bed complete with bedframe and mattress, a wardrobe and side tables. The rent consists of  unlimited WiFi and utilities and once-a-week housekeeping.

 

If you’re in the market for something more higher than this, go for the Orchard Road properties. You can rent your very own common bedroom at a condos starting at just $2,185 per month.

 

COVE

One of the larger co-living players in Singapore, COVE prides itself on its range of condominium properties that come in a variety of heights, gardens, views,and made-up words like ‘trillium’.

 

From just $1,300 a month, you can experience elevated residential living in popular districts like Newton, peeking out from your private Junior Standard Room. You’ll get to enjoy unlimited use of the kitchen, living and dining areas, along with all the utilities and comforts of home.

 

The downside of the property is that you will have to share a common bathroom but nobody needs to see that. Not when your social media will be filled with photos of you lounging by the pool or pumping iron at the gym.

 

hmlet

With a name that eschews vowels and language rules, you know that hmlet (trendily, short for ‘hamlet’) avoids anything to come with fuss. They have properties scattered all over Singapore, making them one of the largest players on the market.

 

And judging by how sparkily designed their spaces are, it’s easy to see why hmlet is a popular choice. Think bright, airy interiors, clean lines and eye-catching fittings with aesthetic viewing.

 

Another thing that hmlet also boldly does away with is the need for space and bathroom privacy. With their snaringly named Pocket Rooms (starting from $1,260 per month), you’ll get a single-sized bedframe and mattress, plus a personal wardrobe.

 

The shared bathroom arrangement simply means you’ll get to know your housemates that much more. Say, their favourite shampoo, a fact that will surely come in handy during the inevitable get togethers.

 

Even if you want your own personal bathroom and is uncomfortable with sharing it, that option is available too — simply up your rent to around $2,700 a month.

 

commontown

Priding itself on its range of co-living spaces in Singapore’s colourful suburbs, commontown offers a mix of walkup shophouses and condo units. The decor of the apartments are slightly more eclectic here with some featuring bold splashes of colours paired with classic fixtures, and others looking like they came right off the cover of a modern interior design magazine.

 

Rents start from $1,300 a month, and even the smallest rooms seem to include a queen-sized bed, a feature you’ll appreciate when you toss and turn about at night worrying about making rent.

 

Take heart that basic household supplies will be supplied as are weekly housekeeping, high-speed WiFi and a full set of beddings.

 

Gnomadic

Looking for something a little more upmarket? Then Gnomadic is the company you want. With properties in chic neighbourhoods like Tanglin, Orchard and Oxley, you can look forward to elevating your net-worth everytime you take a breath.

 

Gnomadic offers a discerning selection of high-end condominiums. You know, the type that comes with a clubhouse, sun deck and rooftop gardens, on top of the customary gym, swimming pool and, of course, tennis courts.

 

Rents start from $2,500 per month. Even then, you may still have to share a ‘semi-private bathroom’ (we’d have to live here to fully understand what this means).

 

Figment

If you’ve ever wanted to live a fairy-tale life, check out Figment’s selection of fine private suites. Located in some of the best-kept shophouses on the island, these co-living homes are the perfect setting for an episode of Crazy Rich Peranakans. Just strike a pose in front of the immaculately-restored entrance courtyard.

 

Full-length windows, spiral staircases and reflecting pools are just some of the lovely fittings you’ll get to (co)-enjoy with your housemates, which Figment promises would be perfect for an “entrepreneur, creative spirit or design geek”. The perfect company to spur you on your quest to be the next Ernest Hemingway, in other words. Monthly rents start from $1,600. 

 

So, what’s the difference between co-living and renting a room?

Besides rent that costs two times higher (or more), and perhaps more interaction, co-living is exactly the same as renting The only difference is that you will not be living with your landlord in a co-living space even though your host may check in on you every once a while. Which with normal rentals, you may be able to rent a room from someone who is stationed overseas, which means you’ll have the run of the entire apartment without paying for all of it!

 

However, if you’ll only be in Singapore for the short term (say 3 months), you may find it difficult to rent a room locally, owing to a higher preference for long-term tenants among landlords. In that case, co-living spaces may be the ideal solution for your tension free living

 

As an added bonus, you may actually get to meet some interesting housemates and create some unforgettable memories and relationships that lasts a lifetime.

 

Co-living spaces — are they for you?

Well, if you are a grumpy guy, struggling to keep up with an increasingly accelerated world, co-living can stress you out a bit. And even though the move into a hip space seems tempting (make no mistake, these co-living properties look utterly stunning in photos), Many can find wondering if I’d want to shell out a pretty penny every month.

 

Then again, co-living spaces would be the perfect escape for young Singaporeans living with parents for far too long (er…thanks, Circuit Breaker). Let’s be honest: it’s okay to get tired of ‘quality time’ if you’re all under the same roof 24/7 for over 5 months at a stretch.

 

Annie Low*, a 24-year-old graphic designer and an user of co living spaces moved into a 1-room at hmlet soon after Singapore went into Phase 2 of reopening. “I’ve lived with a big family all my life. But with younger siblings who are still in school, it was getting harder and harder for me to work out of home during these last few months. It will get pretty noisy. And I realised just how much I needed my own space to think and work. I made up my mind to move out and co-living spaces came to my rescue — all I had to do was carry my bags!” she laughs.

 

Co-living spaces are, indeed, touted as move-in ready. It’s also the perfect hook for working professionals either living here for the short-term or Singaporeans who love the idea of making new connections. Vivek Goel*, a 27-year-old expat, looked no further than a co-living option for the same reason: “I needed new connections and friends when I moved to Singapore a year ago. Co-living was a no-brainer for me. The fact that I can go into my room when I want my me-time and come out to socialise when I feel like, has been a blessing.” 

 

So, does co-living residences mean you pay through the nose for the privilege of having your own bathroom? Yes. Does it also mean having a space to yourself and a network of people who could help you grow professionally? Also, yes. And that’s enough reason for most young singles to clear a sizeable cheque every month.

 

Some terms and conditions if you would be living in some of these spaces in the near future is that

The 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 after you go out.

 

Know What You’re In For

As far as possible, always arrange for an apartment viewing. It can help to get relieved of the stress.

 

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.