Last Updated on December 25, 2025
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
When considering the different types of housing in Singapore, it’s helpful to note that residential homes generally fall into a few broad categories. Understanding these categories makes it easier to navigate property listings, whether you are renting or buying.
The 3 main housing categories
There are three main housing categories you should be familiar with, and it is essential to understand each type of housing in Singapore:
- Public housing: government-subsidised homes known as HDB flats
- Public–Private Hybrid: Executive Condominiums (ECs)
- Private housing:
- Private (Landed)
- Private (Non-Landed) – Apartments & Condominiums
In this guide, we introduce each housing type found in Singapore and explain how they differ, with slightly more detail on private landed and non-landed homes.
Public Housing
Public housing in Singapore is managed by the state’s Housing and Development Board (HDB), hence these homes are commonly referred to as HDB flats. This category forms the backbone of Singapore’s residential landscape, with around 80% of resident households living in HDB estates, and the vast majority being homeowners.
New HDB flats are sold to eligible Singapore Citizen households. Permanent Resident households cannot buy new HDB flats but may purchase resale HDB flats subject to conditions such as the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) and the Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) quota. HDB flats are primarily intended for owner-occupation; whole-flat subletting is regulated and typically allowed only after meeting the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).
Private (Landed)
Owning a landed home means owning the land on which the property stands. In land-scarce Singapore, this makes landed housing relatively rare and highly sought after. These homes are typically associated with larger living spaces, greater privacy, and a higher level of exclusivity.
Due to their size and upkeep requirements, landed homes usually involve higher maintenance responsibilities. Foreign ownership of landed residential property requires prior approval from the Singapore Land Authority’s Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU). This approval framework covers bungalows, semi‑detached and terrace houses, strata‑landed houses not within approved condominium developments, and landed homes at Sentosa Cove. Without approval, foreigners may still purchase private apartments and condominiums, as well as strata‑landed units within approved condominium developments, without approval.
Private (Non-Landed)
This category includes both apartments and condominiums. Apartments are typically part of smaller residential developments and come with fewer shared facilities. Condominiums, on the other hand, usually offer a wider range of amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, security, and recreational spaces.
Private non-landed homes generally come with fewer usage restrictions compared to public housing and are popular among both homeowners and renters.
Public–Private Hybrid: Executive Condominiums (ECs)
Executive Condominiums, or ECs, are a hybrid form of housing that sits between public housing and private condominiums. In terms of appearance and facilities, ECs often resemble private condominiums, featuring amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and landscaped common areas. Developed by private developers but governed by HDB rules initially, ECs are subject to a 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) during which sales are restricted to eligible Singaporean citizen or Permanent Resident households. At 10 years from the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP), ECs become fully privatised and may be sold to foreigners.
Property Tenure in Singapore
Homes in Singapore are commonly held on either a leasehold or freehold basis. Leasehold properties are typically held for a fixed period, commonly 99 years, whereas freehold properties allow indefinite ownership of the land. This distinction affects ownership but does not change everyday living or rental arrangements. The type of housing in Singapore often determines the tenure of the property.
Below is a closer look at the different types of private landed homes found in Singapore. These vary within the broader type of housing available in Singapore.
Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) represent the most exclusive form of landed housing in Singapore. There are only 39 designated areas where these homes can be built, each with a minimum land size of 1,400 m² (approximately 15,070 ft²). These properties are typically valued in the tens of millions.
Detached houses, commonly referred to as bungalows, are standalone structures built within their own plots of land. They do not share walls or roofs with neighbouring properties and must have a minimum land size of 400 m² (approximately 4,306 ft²). These homes can be found across Singapore, except within designated GCB areas.
Semi-detached houses, often referred to as Semi-Ds, are pairs of homes built side by side and connected by a shared party wall. They are typically attached along the sides, although some designs are built back-to-back. Semi-detached houses and corner terraces usually have a minimum land size of 200 m² (approximately 2,153 ft²).
Terrace houses form part of a row of at least three homes that share common boundary and party walls. These homes typically sit on land sizes of around 150 m² (approximately 1,615 ft²) and are among the most common types of landed housing in Singapore.
Shophouses are historic terraced buildings. Today, conserved shophouses may be zoned commercial, residential, or mixed-use under Urban Redevelopment Authority guidelines, so actual uses vary by property.
Bringing It All Together
Singapore’s housing landscape may seem complex at first, but it becomes much easier to understand once you are familiar with the main housing categories and how they differ. From public housing and executive condominiums to private apartments, condominiums, and landed homes, each type serves a distinct purpose within a structured system.
Whether you are new to Singapore, exploring rental options, or simply trying to make sense of property listings, understanding the various housing types in Singapore provides a useful foundation. This guide is intended as a starting point — a simple reference to help you navigate Singapore’s residential options with greater clarity and confidence.
