Office Rental FAQs in Singapore

Office rental in Singapore refers to leasing commercial office space from a building owner for business use, typically under a fixed-term lease agreement with monthly rental payments.

Office rental rates in Singapore range from S$11–15 psf in prime CBD Grade A buildings and around S$6–8 per square foot per month for city-fringe buildings. Rates vary depending on age, specification, size, amenities, location and access to MRT stations. Read more on commercial office rental costs

Office leases in Singapore typically range from two to three years for conventional office space and 5 years for larger spaces. Options to renew at the end of the first term are common, on terms to be agreed. Serviced offices and flexible workspaces offer shorter term options under license, usually from two months to one year,for businesses requiring greater flexibility.

Asking rent is the advertised quoted rental rate, while the effective rent reflects the rate after negotiations and allowing for landlord’s incentives such any rent-free period, averaged over the lease term

Office rent is typically calculated based on the gross floor area in square feet multiplied by the agreed rental rate per square foot per month. This is usually on a gross rent basis that includes the services charge.

A Grade A office refers to a modern, high-quality office building. The determining factors usually include age (less than 8 years old) high specifications (raised floor, column free, good natural lighting, flexible air-con, amenities, dual telecom risers standby power) and are usually close to MRT station) In Singapore, Grade A offices are typically found in the Financial District of the CBD or major business hubs, and offer efficient floorplates, modern building systems, often located within a short walk of MRT stations. These buildings usually command higher rental rates due to their quality and accessibility.

Serviced offices provide fully furnished, private office suites for a single company, in a fixed monthly fee, with utilities such printing/ copying and internet services provided on a usage cost basis. Co-working spaces offer shared work environments with flexible ‘hot-desk’ arrangements. In Singapore, many operators offer both options, but the key differences are privacy and space exclusivity. Learn more about co-working spaces in Singapore

Yes. Many commercial buildings in Singapore are located within a five- to ten-minute walk of MRT stations. Corporate Locations can shortlist office listings by MRT proximity, helping companies find space that suits staff commuting and client access needs.

The most popular office districts are those within The Financial District, defined as Raffles Place, Downtown, Shenton Way, Tanjong Pagar, City Hall and Marina Bay. Also inside the CBD are Orchard Road and Bras Basah. Some edge of CBD locations are popular, such Thomson Road/ Novena. Other major decentralised locations include Alexandra / Harbourfront and Paya Lebar. Each location offers different rental rates, building grades, and accessibility, with most being within a short walk to MRT stations.

Tenants are not legally required to use a commercial property agent in Singapore. However, an independent tenant-focused agent can help shortlist suitable offices, benchmark rental rates, negotiate the best lease terms, and use precise market knowledge of comparable options to reduce overall occupancy costs and occupancy / leasing risks. There are no charges to the tenant for this service

Tenants should budget for service charges (if not included in the gross rental), utilities, fit-out costs, reinstatement costs, car parking and professional fees depending on lease structure.