Expat areas in Singapore: 8 areas that will make you feel at home
Singapore may be a small country, but don’t let its small size fool you. Moving to a new country is never easy, hence many expats would usually choose to live within an expat community so the assimilation process is easier. If you come from abroad, choosing from the different expat areas in Singapore to call home can be a tricky task due to the diversity of neighbourhoods/districts in Singapore.
If you do a simple search on Quora the most upvoted answer for “Where is the best place to live in Singapore” is this:
Let us go one step further and show you what are the most popular expat areas in Singapore.
Yield tables and rent charts are useful reference points, but the units that actually rent well and continue to attract tenants over time aren’t always the ones at the top of a yield table.
The more important question is whether the investment still makes sense once you factor in holding costs, vacancy and your long-term plans. That’s often where buyers find a second opinion most valuable.
Over time, that’s also why we decided to work with agents who shared the same data-driven and advisory-led approach behind our editorial, consultants who could help readers think through decisions more objectively, rather than simply push transactions.
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Expat areas in Singapore – #1 Orchard
Orchard Road is probably one of the more famous destinations in Singapore. Not surprisingly, it is a very popular place to live in due to its central location and easy access to amenities like shopping, entertainment and restaurants. There is also the American Club and Tanglin Club that are popular hangouts for expats. Of course, don’t expect rent here to be cheap. After all this is probably one of the most prime areas you can live in Singapore.
Notable condominiums in the area:
The Orchard Residences
Expat areas in Singapore – #2 Holland Village
Holland Village is one of the most popular expat areas in Singapore. Every weekend Lorong Liput is limited to only foot traffic and restaurants take that opportunity to expand seating onto the street. So you can see many foreigners and expats hanging out at the different cafes and bars along the area. The neighbourhood is surrounded by private residential areas at Holland and Farrer and although expensive, the vibe and exclusiveness of the area still draws many expats. Additionally, the one-north business park of Fusionopolis, Biopolis and Mediapolis are situated close by which further adds to the attractiveness of the area.
Notable condominiums in the area:
Holland Residences
Expat areas in Singapore – #3 Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru in recent years has spiked in popularity as a more hip joint to hangout. There have been many cafes sprouting out, and the whole area has been revitalised. It has a certain retro charm that many expats are very drawn to as it is quite unlike any other place in Singapore, and they enjoy the rich history that the estate provides. One huge plus point for Tiong Bahru is its convenient location, it is close to the CBD as well as Orchard and has many transport links so moving around is very straightforward. With all these plus points it is easy to see why Tiong Bahru is one of the most popular expat areas in Singapore.
Notable condominiums in the area:
Meraprime
Expat areas in Singapore – #4 Robertson Quay
Robertson Quay is definitely one for the singles or any young couple. There are many bars and restaurants that line the river and after work hours and weekends the place is packed with expats. The CBD (Central Business District) is just a few bus stops away and with the addition of the Fort Canning MRT station a short walk away, connectivity to the area has improved. There are many high end condominiums dotted around the area and it is really for the expat that enjoys some nightlife as well as the trendy vibe of staying by the river.
Notable condominiums in the area:
UE Square
Expat areas in Singapore – #5 Tanjong Pagar
If you are a working professional what better place to stay at than the CBD itself! Over the past few years there have been many new condominiums to the area that affords great views of the city. Of course rent here can be comparable in price to Orchard but that is the price you have to pay for absolute convenience. You will just have to set your expectations for smaller sized apartments. There are many great food options, as well as lots of cafes and gyms for the young working professional.
Notable condominiums in the area:
Altez
Expat areas in Singapore – #6 Bukit Timah
Bukit Timah is definitely one of the areas for any expat that will be bringing his/her family along. There are a great many reputable schools in the area and the residential mix of condos and landed homes with bigger living areas are often a pull factor for any expat. Bukit Timah is also surrounded by lots of greenery so if the concrete jungle of the city is too much for you, this can be a good choice.
Notable condominiums in the area:
Cascadia
Expat areas in Singapore – #7 Woodlands
Woodlands has gained in popularity among expats due to the location of the Singapore American School. Rents are much more affordable in this area and living space can be more spacious as well. Of course this will come at the expense of travelling time as it will be less convenient to travel to other parts of Singapore. Not to mention, easy weekend trips to Johor Bahru!
Notable condominiums in the area:
Parc Rosewood
Expat areas in Singapore – #8 Katong
Katong and Joo Chiat areas are considered to be like the Holland Village of the East. The East side of Singapore is known for its many good hawker food and these neighbourhoods are chock full of foodie and drink options. These areas are close enough to the CBD and Changi Business Park is not too far away. The close proximity to East Coast Park is great for families as well.
Notable condominiums in the area:
The Shore Residences
As always, feel free to leave a comment down below or you can always reach us at stories@stackedhomes.com!
Yield tables and rent charts are useful reference points, but the units that actually rent well through a cycle, after vacancy, holding costs, and your intended exit, aren’t always the ones at the top of the list.
If you’d like to discuss how this applies to your own circumstances, you can reach out for a one-to-one consultation here.
And if you simply have a question or want to share a thought, feel free to write to us at stories@stackedhomes.com. We read every message.
Frequently asked questions
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