URA revises minimum stay duration to 3 months for private residential properties
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has lowered the minimum stay duration to 3 months, from the current 6 months.
The revision takes immediate effect and applies to all private properties which have been approved for residential use. All occupants residing in such properties must fulfil a minimum stay duration of three consecutive months. Stay durations of less than 3 consecutive months, including short-term stays (e.g. those facilitated through home-sharing platforms) continue to be disallowed.
Does this affect Housing Development Board (HDB) residential properties?
The minimum stay duration of 3 months applies only to private residential properties. The minimum stay duration for HDB residential properties will remain at 6 months.
Why the change in rules?
The minimum stay duration of 6 months was put in place since 2009. URA explained that, in recent years, they have observed growing demand from groups seeking accommodation for periods of between 3 to 6 months. These include academics and students visiting local Institutions of Higher Learning, and professionals on work assignments. The feedback from this group has been that they prefer private residential properties, considering their choice of locations, range in unit sizes, and financial affordability, over hotels and serviced apartments.
The revised minimum stay duration will provide these groups with more accommodation options.
How do landlords benefit?
URA highlighted that the revised duration will also provide more rental opportunities for property owners seeking to rent out their properties.
What about demand for stays shorter than 3 months?
URA has said that hotels and serviced apartments will continue to cater to visitors on shorter stays.
P.S. For info on short-term rentals, read: Airbnb Short-term Rentals could be allowed in Singapore.