FAQs / Resources

FAQs / Resources Singapore Office Rentals

Outlined below are some of the most commonly asked questions, when renting offices in Singapore

How to select the right agent to find office space in Singapore

How to select the right agent to find office space in Singapore

Finding the perfect office space in Singapore requires more than just searching online listings; it demands the expertise of a dedicated commercial property agent who can navigate the complexities of the real estate market.

Read more about how to ensure you choose the right agent

difference between Effective and Asking Rental Rates

What is the difference between ‘Effective’ and ‘Asking’ Rental Rates?

Many tenants ask what is the difference between the effective rental rate and the asking rental and how is the effective rate calculated. The asking rate is exactly that, it is what the landlord officially quotes for any given building. However, most tenants need to know what the likely ‘bottom line’ actual rental overhead will be, after negotiations. This is known as the effective rate, or target rent.

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Why Do I Need An Agent to Find Office Space in Singapore?

Why Do I Need An Agent to Find Office Space in Singapore?

Why take the chance by negotiating yourself. By partnering with a professional agent you will know that you have done all you can to get the best result.

Read more about the benefits of partnering with an independent office space agency

What is the difference between Serviced Offices and Co-Working Space?

What is the difference between Serviced Offices and Co-Working Space?

Sometimes the difference can be quite subtle and most Shared Office Space operators offer both types of arrangement.

Read more about Serviced Offices vs Co-Working Space

Find fitted office space

Leasing Fitted Office Space - What tenants need to know

When looking for office space for rent, most tenants should start with checking whether there are any fitted office spaces available for lease.

Read more on how to find fitted office space

How to Rent Office Space in Singapore

How to Rent Office Space in Singapore

The process of renting an office space can be daunting for anyone, whether you are a first-time mover or repeat office relocator and it is always a challenge.

Read more on how to rent Singapore office space

How Much Does It Cost To Rent an Office in Singapore

How Much Does It Cost To Rent an Office in Singapore?

There is now a widening rental gap (per sq ft per month) within The Financial District between the very top tier of the market - Premium Grade A, upper mid-range and economy range.

Read more on commercial office rental costs

Find out about Grade A Office Space and how Offices are Graded


How Much Does it cost to Fit Out an Office in Singapore

How Much Does it cost to Fit Out an Office in Singapore – 2024

As a general rule of thumb, a basic office fit-out would cost in the region of S$70.00 per sq ft to S$80.00 per sq ft ...

Read more on office fit out costs

News July 2022 Tenant Advice

Tenant Advice

So you think your rent is fixed for the whole term of your lease? Think Again!

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The bane of redevelopment break clauses in office leases. What can tenants do to deal with them?

The bane of redevelopment break clauses in office leases. What can tenants do to deal with them?

One of the most contentious and increasingly common clauses in modern commercial property leases in Singapore, is the landlord’s right to pre-terminate the lease, in the event they decide to redevelop the building.

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Co-working Spaces

Could co-working space be the solution you are looking for?

The traditional perception is that those who rent co-working space are often new start-ups with staff strength of 2-4 people, but increasingly this type of office is being used by some of the largest companies in Singapore

Find out more on Co-working spaces in Singapore


A selection of frequently asked questions about lease agreements in Singapore


The two figures, namely "Rent" and "Service Charge" are broken down to show

  1. "Rent" payable for the premises and
  2. "Service Charge" associated with tenant's contribution toward the apportioned costs and expenses for services (like central air-conditioning) supplied in relation to or in respect of the Building (common areas and shared facilities like toilets, pantry etc.).

In most cases, rent will be maintained as per the agreed terms throughout the lease, while service charge may be revised anytime during the terms of lease whenever necessary.

"Service charge" is payable by all tenants of the building and fees (based on per square feet/metre) are the same regardless of the leased space. The revision of service charge may be due to changes in utility rates or tariffs imposed by the service provider and/or statutory boards. Any revision will be imposed on all tenants and for reasons of fairness, landlords will not allow any tenants to be exempted from the change.
The landlord is responsible to pay property tax for the annual value that is up to the annual rent for the premises paid by the tenant based on the prevailing tax rate. The tenant is only required to pay the difference in property tax if the annual value of the premises exceeds the annual rent for the premises and/or the tax rate is revised upwards. The costs are imposed on all tenants and for reasons of fairness, landlords will not allow any tenants to be exempted from this.
It is imperative that tenants take up adequate insurance policies to protect them against any theft, loss or damage to their property within the leased premises in the event of fire, any unforeseen or unfortunate situations, as the landlord's insurance coverage will mainly be in the common areas and the structure of the building.
It is the duty of tenants to yield up and reinstate the lease premises back to the original bare condition at the expiry of the lease regardless of the unit's handover condition. However, landlords will generally as much as possible pre-market the unit in the fitted up state to tenants interested in taking over the fittings/fixtures.
For Singapore's commercial market, it is common practice that tenants pay for the landlord's legal costs when a landlord engages a law firm for the preparation of legal documents and providing advice in the event of any comments and enquires from tenants on the lease agreement. This is not negotiable. Tenants however, do have the option on whether to hire lawyers to review and advise them on the lease agreement. For situations when only an administration fee is charged, legal fees may still be payable if there are substantial changes to the original legal documents as the landlord will seek a lawyer's advice.
Commercial leases, unlike residential, do not allow pre-termination of leases or provision of diplomatic clauses. More commonly practiced will be for out-going tenants to novate/assign the lease to a new party in order to be released of their obligations. All expenses which arise out of the pre-termination process will be borne by the out-going tenant.
Subletting of space is not allowed under the terms of the lease. Exceptions though can be made for associate/sister companies of the main tenant to share or sublet the premises with the landlord's agreement. In any case, there should be no monetary gains to be made by the main tenant.
A redevelopment clause is commonly present in lease agreement in the event that the owner of the building have intentions to redevelop or plan major improvements/refurbishment works. Tenants will need to ensure that a fair amount of notice period be given for relocation to take place. There will however, be no compensation given to tenants whether they are a new or a long term tenant.

More reading
The bane of redevelopment break clauses in office leases. What can tenants do to deal with them?
Tenants typically need to inform the landlord 3, 6, or 9 months (sometimes longer for much larger space users) ahead of their intention to renew or return the premises. This is to allow the landlord sufficient time to market the space to the next tenant, and tenants should also take note of the notice period in order not to jeopardize their relocation plans.
A Director or Authorised Representative of the company as reflected in the company business profile will be able to sign off the legal documents. Any other person not listed in the business profile will require a Board resolution.

Typically this includes the following

  1. Electricity costs and chilled water for running of the centralized air-conditioning during normal office hours.
  2. Cleaning, lighting and maintenance of the common parts.
  3. Provision of security guards and general security costs.
  4. Property Tax.
  5. Building Insurance.
  6. Water costs for restrooms / showers etc.
  7. Running the Fire Alarm system.
  8. Maintenance of the lifts.
  9. Cleaning of the exterior walls/ glass.
  10. Usually averages out to S$1.10 – S$1.30 per sq ft (included in gross rent).