The housing system in Singapore centers around Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats. However, in recent years, a hybrid type of property called "Executive Condo" (EC for short) has emerged as a new homeownership choice for local families. This special type of property, which lies between government-built HDB flats and private condos, retains the welfare attributes of public housing while integrating the living quality of private condos.I. What is an EC?The Executive Condo (EC) is a product of Singapore's housing policy introduced by the government in 1995. It aims to provide "upgraded" public housing for middle-income families. These families exceed the income ceiling set by the HDB and thus cannot purchase HDB flats, yet private condos are beyond their budget. Therefore, the core design concept of this "sandwich flats" is to offer a living experience similar to that of private condos at a lower price, while setting resale restrictions to ensure the rational allocation of public resources.In terms of architectural form, an EC is almost indistinguishable from an ordinary private condo. It is equipped with facilities such as a swimming pool, a gym, 24-hour security, and a children's play area. However, legally, ECs are strictly regulated by the government in terms of purchase eligibility and resale conditions. In the first 10 years, an EC has a "public nature," and after 10 years, it can be converted into a fully privately-owned property.Up to now, more than 80 EC projects have been completed across the island of Singapore, mainly concentrated in new towns such as Tampines, Sengkang, and Yishun. Data shows that the average price of New ECs is about 20%-30% lower than that of New private condominiums in the same location.II. Eligibility Conditions and Restrictions of ECsDifferent from fully market-oriented private condominiums, purchasing an EC requires meeting a series of conditions set by the government:1. Monthly Household Income Ceilinghe total income of all persons listed in the EC application must not exceed $16,000.2. Citizenship For family purchases, at least one applicant must be a Singapore citizen. For joint purchases by singles, all applicants must be Singapore citizens.3. Minimum Occupation Period (MOP)EC units can only be sold on the open market after the 5-year MOP, and renting out the whole EC unit within the 5-year MOP is not allowed. From the 5th to the 10th year, it can only be sold to Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents (PRs) who meet the EC purchase eligibility. After 10 years, it becomes privately owned and can be freely traded to any buyer including foreigners.4. Loan RestrictionsFor the purchase of a new EC project, a housing loan of up to 75% can be applied for, but part of the monthly mortgage payment needs to be repaid using the Central Provident Fund (CPF).III. Comparative Analysis of New ECs, HDB BTO Flats, and New Private CondominiumsIV. Unique Advantages and Potential Challenges of ECsExecutive Condominiums (ECs) in Singapore offer a unique blend of affordability and practicality, making them an attractive option for middle-income buyers. Here are some key strengths of ECs:• Lower Initial Cost: ECs are typically priced lower than private condominiums, making them more accessible to buyers who exceed HDB income limits but find private condos too expensive.• Government Subsidies: Eligible buyers can receive CPF housing grants, reducing the financial burden.• Comparable Facilities: ECs come with amenities similar to private condos, such as swimming pools, gyms, and security.• Potential for Appreciation: ECs often see significant price appreciation after their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) of five years, making them a good investment.• Privatization After 10 Years: After 10 years, ECs become fully privatized, allowing owners to sell to foreigners and enjoy unrestricted market value.Executive Condominiums (ECs) have their strengths, but they also come with certain disadvantages and challenges:• Limited Eligibility: ECs are only available to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, meaning foreigners cannot purchase them.Resale Restrictions: Owners must wait five years before selling their ECs on the open market, and full privatization only happens after ten years.• Higher Resale Levy: Buyers who previously owned an HDB flat may need to pay a resale levy, which can add to the overall cost.• Location Considerations: most ECs are located outside of the urban area, which may not be ideal for buyers seeking prime locationsV. Who is Suitable for Buying an EC?The ideal buyers of ECs have the following characteristics:• "Sandwiched class" families with a monthly income between S$12,000 and S$16,000.能力• Families that have already completed the MOP period of their HDB flats and are looking to upgrade their unit.• Investors with long-term holding power (at least 10 years). ConclusionAs an innovative practice of Singapore's housing policy, ECs have found a delicate balance between ensuring housing fairness and unleashing market vitality. For eligible middle-class families, it is not only a ladder to improve living quality but also may serve as a springboard to enter the private property market. With the government's continuous optimization of the EC policy, this "public-private partnership" model may provide new ideas for urban housing reforms around the world.You can easily search for listings on Housebell, Singapore's first bilingual real estate platform. It offers a vast selection of authentic listings, all sourced from CEA-certified agents, to assist you in finding your dream home. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the online customer service for professional assistance.

Compared with houses in other countries, houses in Singapore have a special space - household shelters. According to the Civil Defence Shelter Act passed in 1997, all newly built Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats and private residential buildings must have civil defence shelters either within the house or on the floor.Properties in Singapore.What are civil defence shelters?Civil defence shelters in Singapore are divided into public shelters and household shelters.Public civil defence shelters are set up in public places such as subway stations, schools, and community clubs (similar to community service centres in China) for citizens to take refuge in case of emergencies. Among them, the most important public civil defence shelters are subway stations. These shelters can accommodate three thousand people in smaller ones and 19,000 people in larger ones. Each shelter is equipped with a triple protection system: platform screen doors to isolate the track area, explosion-proof steel doors to withstand shock waves, and an independent ventilation, water, and electricity system. There are dry toilets inside, and newly built ones in recent years also have decontamination rooms to disinfect the evacuees. Emergency operation guidelines are widely publicized within the stations to achieve a seamless switch between daily transportation and wartime protection.Household civil defence shelters are located inside residential buildings. They are either within the residential unit (household shelter), built next to the kitchen, bathroom, or near the entrance for the use of a single family, or set up in the stairwell or emergency escape route for the shared use of all residents on the floor (storey shelter).What do household shelters look like?The government has strict standards for household shelters.Area and shape. There are not only certain specifications for the length and width, but also relevant regulations for the capacity and shape. The area of all household shelters should not exceed 4.8㎡.Wall panels. The thickness and strength of the "three panels" (ceiling panel, floor panel, and wall panel) are strengthened according to the standards. They are constructed with reinforced concrete, which is explosion-proof and fireproof, providing shelter for residents in case of emergencies such as air raids or explosions.Doors. They are specially made steel doors, usually sealed and explosion-proof. Paired with specially made door frames to ensure structural stability. The doors of household shelters cannot be removed or modified.Vents. Household shelters are equipped with two vents to ensure air circulation. Residents should never block or modify the vents to avoid problems when they need to use the shelters.Sockets. Household shelters are equipped with sockets for electricity, the TV, radios, etc., so that people can receive external information in a timely manner.How do people use household shelters?In peacetime, people transform household shelters into practical spaces and make full use of them. Some are used as storage rooms to store various daily necessities and sundries. Some are converted into maid's rooms. The relevant authorities have not prohibited employers from converting household shelters into maid's rooms, but the Ministry of Manpower stipulates that employers must provide at least a mattress, a pillow, and a blanket for the maid and ensure that the room is well-ventilated. Some convert household shelters into cloakrooms, small studies, pet rooms, or even small fitness rooms, showing great flexibility in their uses. Of course, some people make full preparations for emergencies according to the original purpose of household shelters. They not only leave space in the shelters for taking refuge, but also stock up on emergency food and water sufficient for 72 hours.In addition, since the iron doors of household shelters are rather obtrusive and cannot be altered, many families decorate to cover them up, creating a visually invisible effect.In short, civil defence shelters have long become a major feature of residential buildings in Singapore. They are not only protective spaces for ensuring the safety of lives, but also a manifestation of a country's constant awareness of potential dangers and its preparedness even in times of peace.You can easily search for listings on Housebell, Singapore's first bilingual real estate platform. It offers a vast selection of authentic listings, all sourced from CEA-certified agents, to assist you in finding your dream home. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the online customer service for professional assistance.

As the most vibrant area with the highest land value in Singapore, the Core Central Region (CCR) includes prestigious districts such as Orchard Road, Bukit Timah, Marina Bay, Sentosa, and River Valley. It brings together high-end residential properties, commercial hubs, and cultural heritage sites. The following offers a comprehensive analysis of the living experience in the CCR from a lifestyle perspective.‌ I. Geographical Location and DefinitionThe CCR is situated in the central part of southern Singapore, encompassing:• Postal Districts 9-11 (Orchard Road, River Valley, Tanglin, Bukit Timah, Newton , Novena)• Part of Marina Bay, Sentosa• Parts of Tanjong Pagar , the CBD, Bugis and ChinatownII. Analysis of Living FacilitiesTransportation Network• MRT: The Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, and Brown Lines intersect, covering major hub stations such as Botanic Gardens, Orchard, Dhoby Ghaut, Marina Bay, City Hall, and Raffles Place, providing convenient transportation.  Highways: The Central Expressway (CTE) runs through the area.  • Buses: Dense bus routes connect the entire island, and the night bus service is well-developed.Commerce and Shopping• Top-tier Shopping Malls: ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City, and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands，known for their concentration of  luxury goods.• Supermarkets: Cold Storage ,offering high-end imported goods, and FairPrice Finest ,a preferred choice for local families.Educational Resources• International Schools: EtonHouse International School, Chatsworth International School, and ISS International School.  .• Local Renowned Schools: Local Renowned Schools: Hwa Chong Institution, Nanyang Girls' High School, ACS Primary, and Nanyang Primary School. The premium for high-quality school district housing within 1 kilometer can reach 15%-20%.Medical Resources• General Hospitals: Gleneagles Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Hospital, known for high-end private medical treatment.  • Community Clinics: Multiple 24-hour Urgent Care centers, such as Raffles Medical.Parks and Recreation• Urban Green Spaces: Fort Canning Park，known for its historical significance, and Gardens by the Bay ,a landmark landscape.• Sports Facilities: The Green Corridor and Sentosa Golf Club.Museums and Theaters  • Museums: National Museum of Singapore and Singapore Art Museum  • Theaters: Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay (often referred to as "The Durian"), Victoria Theatre, and Sands TheatreIII. Housing Price For reference (Year 2025)Note:• The transaction price of landmark condos on Orchard Road ,like The Marq On Paterson Hill, exceeds S$5,000 per square foot.• Small condos (2-bedroom) in River Valley start at about S$1.6 million, making them more suitable for young families.‌IV. Recommended Popular Areas and Notable ProjectsOrchard Roado Positioning: A blend of commerce and residence, suitable for high-net-worth families.o Notable Residential Complexes: The Orchard Residences (large units, sky garden, directly above the shopping mall ION Orchard), The Marq On Paterson Hill (top-tier development, large complex, excellent concierge service, all units are 3,000 and 6,000 square feet).Ardmore Park Areaso Positioning: Suitable for high-net-worth individuals who enjoy living near Orchard Road but prefer a quieter environment.o Notable Residential Complexes: Ardmore Park (a prestigious development with TOP in 2001, featuring 2,885 square feet 4-bedroom units, well-designed layouts, numerous facilities on a large land); Le Nouvel Ardmore (a top-tier development with large units, unobstructed high-floor views, and transaction prices reaching up to S$6,000 per square foot).Nassim Roado Positioning: Located in a prime area with lot of GCB Areas and embassies, within walking distance to the Botanic Gardens, and just a 3-5 minute drive to Orchard Road. It is considered the pinnacle of Singapore apartments, suitable for high-net-worth clients who enjoy living close to natural landscapes.o Notable Residential Complexes: Les Maisons Nassim (the latest top-tier condominium with only 14 units, residents are either wealthy or influential); Nassim Park Residences (a rare large complex with all units being spacious four-bedroom layouts, featuring luxury design and pricing).Holland Villageo Positioning: Compared to other upscale areas, Holland Village has a more vibrant and down-to-earth atmosphere, with plenty of eateries and bars.o Notable Residential Complexes: One Holland Village Residences (the latest large-scale integrated project featuring a subway station, offices, shopping mall, serviced apartments, and comprehensive facilities); 15 Holland Hill (a high-end development completed two years ago, located on Holland Hill, offering a luxurious living environment where you can hear birds chirping).River Valleyo Positioning: Rich in cultural atmosphere, a top choice for middle-class families.o Notable Residential Complexes: Rivière (river-view apartments);  The Avenir (the latest high-end residence in the area, featuring well-designed layouts and convenient surrounding amenities).Sentosao Positioning: Luxury mansions with an island resort style, a gathering place for expatriate executives.o Representative Residential Complexes: Sentosa Sandy Island (villas by the yacht marina), Ocean Drive (coastal villas), The Residences at W Singapore (with hotel-style services).Marina Bayo Positioning: City skyline view, the first choice for financial professionals.o Notable Residential Complexes: Marina One Residences (an ecological building), Wallich Residence (the tallest residential building in Singapore).V. Comparison of Advantages and DisadvantagesVI. Housing Recommendations o Budget Allocation: If your rental budget is limited but you want to live near the CCR (Central Core Region), consider the outskirts of the CCR (such as Tiong Bahru) or older neighborhoods within the CCR.o Family Needs: For those with a higher budget, Ardmore Park is a top choice due to its prime location, favored by high-net-worth expatriate families.o Investment Logic: There is high rental demand for properties in the CCR, but it's important to pay closely attention to changes in the government's Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) policies.Overall , the CCR is Singapore's "premium living area," ideal for those who prioritize convenience and quality. However, it's important to balance costs and needs!

As an extension of Singapore’s Core Central Region (CCR), the Rest of Central Region (RCR) is renowned for its high cost-effectiveness and diverse living scenarios. It retains the convenience of the core area while offering community livability. Renting in Singapore's RCR.The following comprehensively analyzes the living experience in RCR from a daily life perspective:I. Geographical Location and ScopeThe Rest of Central Region (RCR) in Singapore includes parts of several postal districts. Here's a breakdown:District 1 (Part): Marina SouthDistrict 2 (Part): ChinatownDistrict 3: Queenstown, Alexandra, Tiong BahruDistrict 4 (Part): Harbourfront, Keppel, Telok BlangahDistrict 5 (Part): Buona Vista, Dover, Pasir PanjangDistrict 6 (Part): Fort CanningDistrict 7 (Part): RochorDistrict 8: Little India, Farrer ParkDistrict 12: Balestier, Whampoa, Toa PayohDistrict 13 (Part): Potong Pasir, Bidadari, MacPherson, Upper AljuniedDistrict 14 (Part): Geylang, Dakota, Paya Lebar CentralDistrict 15 (Part): Tanjong Rhu, Amber, Meyer, KatongDistrict 20 (Part): Bishan, ThomsonKey sub-districts include:• Queenstown (D3): A mature community blending historical heritage with modern amenities.• Bishan-Toa Payoh (D20): A family-friendly ecological residential area.• Tiong Bahru (D2 fringe): A cultural and vibrant old town merging art and local life.• Geylang (D14): A cost-effective living area with both a red-light district and popular eateries, requiring careful selection of safe streets.II. Analysis of Living FacilitiesTransportation Networko MRT: The Circle Line and East-West Line run through the region, with key stations like Queenstown and Tiong Bahru providing direct access to Marina Bay CBD within 15 minutes.o Highways: The Central Expressway (CTE) and Pan Island Expressway (PIE) connect the entire island, with a 25-minute drive to Changi Airport.o Buses: 23 trunk routes cover all postal districts. Populous areas like Geylang (D14) have added Nite Owl night buses, with the last service running until 2 AM.Commerce and Shoppingo Community Malls: Community Malls: Queenstown Shopping Centre (sports goods) and Tiong Bahru Plaza (supermarkets and dining) meet daily needs.o Featured Commercial District: Geylang Road's night food streets (durian stalls, frog porridge, satay grills) showcase local street culture.Educational Resourceso Local Renowned Schools: Local Renowned Schools: Catholic High School, CHIJ Primary, Raffles Girls' School, and Raffles Institution are among the top public schools clustered in the Bishan-Toa Payoh area.o Higher Education: The National University of Singapore (NUS) is located in D5, adjacent to the southwestern RCR.o International Schools: Tanglin Trust School and United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA).Medical Resourceso General Hospitals: Alexandra Hospital (community-focused) and Mount Alvernia Hospital (private specialty care) address common medical needs.o Community Clinics: There is a high density of general practitioners (GPs) with emergency response times of under 10 minutes.Parks and Recreationo Natural Green Spaces: Kent Ridge Park (hiking and cycling) and Tiong Bahru Park (family-friendly play facilities) provide opportunities to connect with nature. o Cultural Spaces: Redhill Library and Tiong Bahru Art Market blend traditional and modern cultural elements.  ‌ III. Housing Price Levels (2025 Data)Notes:• Queenstown (D3) experiences significant resale HDB price premiums due to its top school districts, with 4-room flats averaging around S$850,000.• Renovated 1-bedroom apartments in Tiong Bahru (D2 fringe) rent for approximately S$4,000 per month, attracting young professionals.‌IV. Recommended Popular Living Areas1. ‌Queenstown（D3）‌o Positioning：A mature community suitable for multigenerational families.o Representative Residential Complexes: Dawson SkyTerrace (innovative HDB design), The Crest (residential towers with blooming petal design).2. ‌Tiong Bahru（D2）‌o Positioning: Balances artistry and convenience, ideal for young families and expatriates.o Representative Area: Tiong Bahru Estate (conserved shophouse architecture).3. ‌Bishan（D20）‌o Positioning: Low-density, ecological community near Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.o Representative Residential Complexes: JadeScape (large-scale development), Sky Habitat (iconic high-rise apartments).4. Geylang（D14）‌o Positioning: Cost-effective living area, requiring careful selection of safe streets.o Representative Residential Complexes: Sims Urban Oasis (rich community facilities), Parc Esta (direct MRT access to the city ).V. Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages✅ Summary:The Rest of Central Region (RCR) is a top choice for middle-class families and young professionals due to its diversity and affordability. It offers urban convenience while avoiding the high costs associated with the core region.You can easily search for listings on Housebell, Singapore's first bilingual real estate platform. It offers a vast selection of authentic listings, all sourced from CEA-certified agents, to assist you in finding your dream home. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the online customer service for professional assistance.

The National University of Singapore (NUS), as one of the top-notch institutions of higher learning in Asia, draws a large number of international students to pursue their studies. However, finding a suitable place to live can be a daunting task for those newly arrived international students. This article will present a comprehensive guide to renting accommodation near NUS to assist you in finding your desired residence.Locations for Renting near NUSThe NUS campus is vast, and its various faculties are scattered across different directions. Therefore, students from different faculties can consider renting in nearby areas. The distribution map of NUS faculties is as follows:Zooming out, you can observe the distribution of the areas around NUS. ▲Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, College of Design and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, NUS Computing, Business School, YIH, RMI, and ISS are all situated on the west and south sides of the campus, close to Clementi and the West Coast.▲The Faculty of Science and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine are on the east side of the campus and are relatively near One North, Dover, and Queenstown.▲The School of Continuing and Lifelong Education is located in Utown, on the north side of the campus. Clementi and Dover are convenient accommodation options.▲NUS Law faculty and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy are not on the main campus but are located at the Bukit Timah Campus. Houses around this area can be taken into account. There are also shuttle bus services between the main campus and the Bukit Timah Campus, with a journey time of about half an hour.Zooming out even further, you’ll find more diverse options.▲Closest to the School (Orange)Clementi, West Coast, One North, and Dover are the nearest to the school. The closest ones are within a ten-minute walking distance to the school, but such accommodation is scarce and rather old. Those a bit further away require a commuting time of about twenty minutes. Since these places are the most convenient, the accommodation tends to be in high demand. There are more options in Clementi and West Coast, so you can look in this area. The accommodation in One North and Dover is relatively limited.▲Better Environment (Green)Jurong East, Pandan River, ULU Pandan, Holland, and Queenstown are a bit further away, but they offer a better environment and more condos. The commuting time is over half an hour, which is still acceptable. Many students choose to live near Pandan River, Buona Vista, and Queenstown. Additionally, Jurong East is the largest shopping district closest to the school, home to shopping centers like IMM, JEM, and Westgate are located.▲Further Away (Purple)Even more distant options include Chinese Garden and Bukit Timah. The former has relatively inexpensive houses but is rather far, with a commuting time to NUS of 40-50 minutes. The latter is a wealthy area with relatively expensive houses but an excellent living environment. They can also be considered as alternatives.In general, Singapore is not overly large, and there are shuttle buses on the NUS campus. Thus, it is quite convenient to live in the areas near the school. It is not necessary to live adjacent to one's faculty. Places within a 30-minute commuting distance to the school are relatively convenient and acceptable.Types of Rental Accommodation in SingaporeThere are mainly two types of residential properties: HDB flats and condos.HDB FlatsThese are subsidized housing constructed by the Singapore government and are relatively affordable. There are food courts and public transportation nearby, making life convenient. However, the environment and facilities may not be as good as those of condos. HDB flats do not have enclosed communities, and each building has a separate number (which can be used to identify a specific flat when looking for an address). But the government has a series of strict regulations on the rental of HDB flats.Rent: Common rooms range from $800 to $1200, and master rooms range from $1300 to $2000.Lease Term: Minimum of 6 months.Note: During the school opening season, the rent near NUS will increase significantly.CondosSimilar to commercial housing complexes in China, they have an enclosed community environment with complete internal supporting facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, clubs, and 24-hour security. The overall quality is higher, and one can enjoy a more comfortable and safe living environment.Rent: Common rooms range from $1000 to $1800, and master rooms range from $1500 to $2500.Lease Term: Minimum of 3 months.There is also a commercial student apartment (co-living), which is a popular choice among many students.Student ApartmentsThere are single rooms, double rooms, and multi-person rooms. The rooms are furnished with beds, desks, wardrobes, etc., allowing for a move-in with just personal belongings. There are also shared kitchens, laundry rooms, study rooms, gyms, and other supporting facilities in the apartment, which are shared by the whole community. Generally, such apartments have central management services, and the rent includes utilities, WiFi, regular cleaning services, etc.Rent: Ranges from $500 to $1500.Lease Term: Minimum of 1 month.Rental Process and PrecautionsRental ProcessSearch for accommodation and view properties - Sign the lease - Pay the deposit and rent - Pay the rental stamp duty - Move in - Check out.When renting, you must be extremely vigilant. Try to choose formal platforms and certified agents to avoid rental scam.Related Articles:Rental Scams in Singapore and How to Avoid themIf you choose to rent an HDB flat, you need to meet the eligibility requirements and comply with relevant regulations.Related Articles:Renting HDB flats：Eligibility Conditions and GuidelinesRenting HDB flats：Tenancy MattersRenting HDB flats：RegulationsRegarding the tenancy agreement, matters to note during the tenancy period, check-out requirements, etc., you need to understand them in advance to avoid disputes.Related Articles:Singapore Rental Guide: Easily Find Your Ideal HomeTenants must see：Singapore Tenancy Agreement and Key TermsIt is recommended to use Housebell to find houses，which is reliable, convenient, and hassle-free. If you have any questions, you can contact the online customer service, and they will provide you with professional assistance.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is located in the western part of Singapore. Reowned for its high-quality educational resources and beautiful campus environment, it attracts a large number of international students. For those of you who are about to study or work at NTU, choosing a suitable place to live is of utmost importance. This article will provide you with a guide to renting accommodation near NTU to help you quickly find your desired residence.Locations for Renting near NTUNanyang Technological University (NTU) is situated in the western part of Singapore, bordered by hills to the west; herefore, when renting a house,  it is advisable to look eastward. Most students will choose the areas along the Green Line of the subway, between Pioneer Station and Jurong East Station. Since NTU is in a relatively remote location, commuting is the first factor to consider. The public transportation methods to NTU are as follows:• From Pioneer MRT Station, you can take Bus 179 or the Green Line shuttle bus directly to the interior of the campus.• From Boon Lay MRT Station, you can take Bus 179 or Bus 199 directly to the interior of the campus. Here is the terminal station of these two buses, offering greater convenience. However, the route of Bus 199 is more circuitous and takes longer. Alternatively, you can also take the MRT from Boon Lay MRT Station to Pioneer MRT Station and then take the Green Line shuttle bus. Even if you walk, it only takes 12 minutes between the two subway stations, which is very close.• For locations farther away, it is recommended to take the MRT to either of the two aforementioned stations and then transfer to the bus or shuttle bus.The following is an introduction to the rental and living situations near the Green Line subway stations.PioneerTransportation: Direct access by Green Line shuttle bus/Bus 179Dining and Shopping: Pioneer Mall, food courtsHousing: Mainly HDBBoon LayTransportation: Direct access by Bus 179/Bus 199, take the MRT to Pioneer and transfer to the shuttle bus or another busDining and Shopping: Jurong Point shopping mall is located right outside the MRT station, offering a one-stop solution for clothing, food, housing, and transportation.Housing: Mainly HDB. There is a popular condo, The Centris, adjacent to Jurong Point. Coliwoo here is also a popular choice among students. Lakeside - Chinese GardenTransportation: Take the MRT to Pioneer and transfer to the shuttle bus or another busDining and Shopping: This area primarily features shophouses and hawker centers in HDB zones, offering affordable and down-to-earth dining and shopping options.Housing: There are numerous condos, typically newer in age, offering good environment and scenic views.Jurong EastTransportation: Take the subway to Pioneer and transfer to the shuttle bus or another bus. Jurong East is also an interchange station for the Green Line and Red Line MRT.Dining and Shopping: Jurong East serves as the largest commercial district in the western part of Singapore. Shopping centers such as IMM, JEM, and Westgate offer comprehensive amenities for dining, shopping, and entertainment.Housing: There are very few condos, and the rental prices is relatively high.Summary:• The area from Pioneer to Boon Lay is the closest to the school and has direct access by bus/shuttle bus without the need for transfer. The houses are mainly HDB, and condos are even more popular. The surrounding amenities are relatively convenient.• In the area from Lakeside to Chinese Garden, there are more condo options with good scenery, but the supporting facilities are slightly lacking.• Jurong East is the farthest, with high prices and the fewest options, but it is the most prosperous, with complete supporting facilities and more convenient access to the city center.When choosing a rental property, the closer it is to the subway line, the more convenient the commute. However, be careful that the room is not directly facing the railway line to avoid vibrations and noise when the MRT passes.Types of Rental Housing in SingaporeResidential properties in Singapore are mainly divided into two types: HDB flats and private condos.HDB FlatsHDB flats are public housing built by the Singapore government as affordable options. They are usually located near hawker centers and public transport, making life convenient. However, the environment and facilities may not be as good as those in condominiums. HDB flats do not have gated communities, and each block is assigned a unique number to help locate specific flats. The government imposes strict regulations on renting out HDB flats.Rent：Common room: $800-$1200, Master bedroom: $1300-$2000Lease Term:Minimum 6 monthsPrivate CondosPrivate condominiums are similar to commercial housing estates in China. They have gated environments with comprehensive facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, clubhouses, and 24-hour security. They offer a higher standard of living and a more comfortable and secure residential environment.Rent：Common room: $1000-$1800, Master bedroom: $1500-$2500Lease Term:Minimum 3 monthsThere is also a commercial student apartment (co-living), which is a popular choice among many students.Student ApartmentsThere are single rooms, double rooms, and multi-person rooms. The rooms are furnished with beds, desks, wardrobes, etc., allowing for a move-in with just personal belongings. There are also shared kitchens, laundry rooms, study rooms, gyms, and other supporting facilities in the apartment, which are shared by the whole community. Generally, such apartments have central management services, and the rent includes utilities, WiFi, regular cleaning services, etc.Rent: Ranges from $500 to $1500.Lease Term: Minimum of 1 month.Rental Process and TipsRental ProcessSearch for properties → View properties → Sign tenancy agreement → Pay deposit and rent → Pay stamp duty → Move in → Move outWhen renting, always be vigilant and choose reputable platforms or certified agents to avoid rental scams.Related Articles:Rental Scams in Singapore and How to Avoid themIf you choose HDB flats, you must meet the eligibility criteria and comply with relevant regulations.Related Articles:Renting HDB flats：Eligibility Conditions and GuidelinesRenting HDB flats：Tenancy MattersRenting HDB flats：RegulationsIt is important to familiarize yourself with the tenancy agreement, obligations during the lease period, and move-out requirements to avoid disputes.Related Articles:Singapore Rental Guide: Easily Find Your Ideal HomeTenants must see：Singapore Tenancy Agreement and Key TermsIt is recommended to use Housebell to find houses，which is reliable, convenient, and hassle-free. If you have any questions, you can contact the online customer service, and they will provide you with professional assistance.