Where to Stay During Home Renovation in Singapore: 2025 Guide

You finally pulled the trigger on that home renovation project you’ve been dreaming about for years. But now comes the not-so-fun part: figuring out where to stay during home renovation in Singapore. You hadn’t realised planning where to stay can be such a headache, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

In this insightful guide, we cover the best temporary accommodations to meet your needs and budget while your home gets a facelift. We also touch on the expected renovation challenges, renting laws, packing and storage tips, and how a self-storage unit can be instrumental in storing your items during this rough period.

Let’s dig in!

Renovation Challenges in Singapore

While renovations can make your apartment more livable, you should be ready to address the following challenges, especially if you live in Singapore or any other major Asian city:

  1. Strict regulations and permits
  2. Managing renovation packages
  3. Storage space and temporary housing woes

1. Strict Regulations and Permits

One important thing to keep in mind is Singapore’s strict rules around renovation. Most major renos require permits and inspections to ensure safety, structural integrity, and compliance with regulations. The application process can be tedious, and failing to obtain proper permits can result in heavy fines. Do your research on the specific permits needed for your project before getting started.

2. Managing Renovation Packages

For convenience, many home and business owners opt for renovation packages from contractors. However, these packages often lack flexibility or personalisation; they frequently come with hidden costs or unsatisfactory work quality. If you plan on choosing a package, scrutinise the details carefully and don’t be afraid to customise it to suit your needs.

3. Storage Space and Temporary Housing Woes

Finally, you’ll need temporary storage space for furniture and belongings as well as where to stay during the renovation. Self-storage units provide secure space for your items so you can focus on the project. For where to stay, you want a budget-friendly apartment that provides you with the essentials of living or working from home. This way, you won’t feel the break from your primary residence.

Continue reading to learn about the different options available to you when choosing a short-term rental while your house is under renovation in Singapore.

Rental Options

Short-Term Rental Options While Your Home Is Under Renovation

When your home is under renovation, you’ll need a temporary place to stay. As a result of the flexibility and amenities offered, short-term rentals are a popular choice.

Here are some options to consider for temporary accommodation:

  1. Airbnb
  2. Services apartments
  3. Corporate housing agencies

1. Airbnb

Airbnb is a great option if you want a homely feel. Plus, you don’t need to deal with bureaucracy as often found in a hotel or serviced apartment.

You’ll find everything from studio apartments to luxury condos, with many listings offering weekly and monthly discounts. Airbnb also allows you to communicate directly with hosts and read reviews from previous guests.

2. Serviced Apartments

For extra convenience, consider a serviced apartment. This type of short-let offers the convenience of a hotel and the freedom of an apartment.

Most serviced apartments offer studios and multi-bedroom units with room service, gyms, pools and more. Some even provide storage space for your belongings during renovation.

3. Corporate Housing Agencies

If your previous residence is a company-provided apartment, your best replacement will be a corporate house. Your employer is usually responsible for providing corporate housing during renovation, so speak with your manager if necessary.

Corporate housing agencies provide furnished apartments for short periods, from a few months to a year. They handle all the essentials, like utilities, Wi-Fi, and cable, so that you can focus on what matters.

While renovating your home can be stressful, choosing the right temporary accommodation will give you peace of mind. Don’t forget that you can also book a self-storage unit to keep your belongings safe until your renovation is complete. Also, when choosing a temporary apartment, there are certain things you should factor in, as we’ll see below.

Top Things to Consider When Choosing Temporary Accommodation

Finding where to stay during home renovation in Singapore can be challenging, but with the right knowledge, you can have the best experience.

Here are 5 important factors to keep in mind when choosing a place to stay during this interim period:

  1. Convenience
  2. Amenities
  3. Storage space
  4. Flexibility
  5. Additional costs

1. Convenience

The location and accessibility of the accommodation should be a top priority. Consider how close it is to your home under renovation, your workplace or school, public transport, and amenities. The more convenient the spot, the less disruption to your daily routine there will be. Look at options near an MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) or bus stop, especially if parking is limited.

2. Amenities

Look for accommodation that provides a comfortable living experience. High-speed internet is a must for most people today. Other useful amenities include parking, recreational facilities like swimming pools or gyms, meeting rooms, and 24-hour security. If possible, choose a place that allows you to continue your daily life much the same as you do at home.

3. Storage Space

During renovations, you’ll need extra space to store your belongings. Look for accommodation that provides storage areas like lockers, cupboards, basements or garages. Self-storage units are also a popular option.

You should consider facilities closer to your primary residence. Remember, the more storage available, the less clutter you’ll have in your temporary home, so ensure you opt for a decent size of unit.

4. Flexibility

Your renovation schedule may change, so ensure the accommodation you choose in Singapore offers flexible lease terms and move-in/out dates. Short-term leases, preferably 3 months or less, are ideal. That way, you can stay for an extended period if needed or move out quickly once your home renovation is complete.

5. Additional Costs

Make sure you understand all costs beyond just the monthly rent. Ask if utilities, parking fees, security deposits, or furnishing fees apply. You want to avoid unexpected expenses down the road.

Some places may charge extra for air conditioning, Wi-Fi, or access to facilities like gyms, pools or rooftop gardens. Factor these additional costs into your budget to determine what you can afford. You also want to properly plan financing for your renovation project; we’ll walk you through some crucial budgeting tips below.

Renovation

Budgeting for Your Renovation Stay: Costs to Factor In

Cost is a major factor to consider when renovating your apartment. Apart from the cost of renting self-storage and booking a short-term rental while your house is under renovation in Singapore, you also want to properly plan for every major expense associated with the renovation.

Here are 4 essential costs to budget for:

  1. Labour
  2. Materials
  3. Contingency fund
  4. Cost of temporary accommodation

1. Labour

Renovation labour in Singapore can vary quite a bit depending on the scope of your project and the contractors you hire. On average, you can expect to pay an average of $22 per man-hour for labour. The more hands-on work you do yourself, the more you can lower costs. But for major structural changes, it’s best left to the pros.

2. Materials

The materials you choose can significantly impact your renovation budget. Opting for high-end finishes like imported marble countertops or hardwood flooring can easily double your costs versus more affordable alternatives.

Do your research to understand the price ranges for things like:

  • Flooring: Tile, laminate, hardwood, carpet
  • Countertops: Granite, quartz, laminate
  • Cabinets: Wood, laminate, metal
  • Appliances: Standard versus premium brands
  • Plumbing and lighting fixtures
  • Paint: Standard versus premium

It’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes from suppliers to compare.

3. Contingency Fund

No matter how well you plan, unforeseen costs will always pop up during a renovation. Factor in an additional 10%+ contingency fund in your budget to cover things like structural issues, leaky pipes that need replacement, or new wiring. It’s much better to overestimate and have some leftover in the budget rather than having to halt a project part way through due to a lack of funds.

4. Cost of Temporary Accommodation

During your renovation, you’ll also want to consider temporary accommodation costs. Airbnb costs start at $16/night in Singapore, while the monthly costs of serviced apartments range from SGD 2,000 to SGD 8,000, depending on the location and amenities offered. Make sure these additional living expenses are included in your overall renovation budget.

Planning your renovation budget carefully by evaluating all potential costs will help ensure your project stays on budget and avoids unwanted surprises. While it may seem tedious, doing your due diligence upfront will give you peace of mind that you’ve budgeted properly for a smooth renovation experience. But, it doesn’t end here; to be on the safe side of the law, you should familiarise yourself with regulations for short-term rentals in Singapore.

Rules and Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Singapore

Singapore has strict laws regulating short-term rentals to protect residential communities. It’s important for homeowners or tenants seeking where to stay during home renovation in Singapore to understand these rules.

Here are 3 key regulations to be aware of:

  1. You cannot rent property for under 6 or 3 months.
  2. The number of occupants must not exceed the stipulated limit.
  3. Obtain necessary approvals before subletting.

1. You cannot rent property for under 6 or 3 months.

If you plan to rent a public housing unit like an HDB flat, you can’t rent it for less than 6 consecutive months at a time. For private properties, the minimum is 3 months. These laws aim to prevent short-term rentals that could disrupt neighbourhoods.

2. The number of occupants must not exceed the stipulated limit.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) sets occupancy caps of up to 8 unrelated persons for rental properties to avoid overcrowding. This is a relaxation from the previous 6-person cap, which is expected to expire by 31 December 2026. Adhering to these limits is essential to ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining the quality of life within the community.

3. Obtain necessary approvals before subletting.

Renters intending to sublet must secure approvals from relevant authorities, like the Housing and Development Board (HDB) for public housing or from the property owner for private residences. Failure to obtain proper permissions could result in penalties or eviction.

Familiarise yourself with these laws as a tenant, confirm with your landlord to ensure they have the necessary permission, and budget to rent the property for a minimum of 3 or 6 months. With due diligence, you’ll have peace of mind that your short stay is legal and doesn’t distract you from your renovation activities.

After sorting out where to stay during home renovation in Singapore and understanding the rules, your next focus should be where to store your items. Continue reading as we explore the available options for securing your valuable properties during renovation.

Storing Your Furniture and Valuables During Renovations

Storing Your Furniture and Valuables During Renovations

When renovating your home, you’ll need to find more space for all your belongings while construction is underway. The most convenient options are portable storage containers and self-storage units.

Portable Storage Containers

Renting portable storage containers lets you keep your things on-site but out of the way. Many portable storage companies offer weather-resistant containers in various sizes that are delivered to your home. Once full, the company picks them up and stores them in their warehouse until you’re ready to return them. This eliminates the need to transport your items to a storage facility yourself.

Self-Storage Units

For smaller valuables like jewellery, documents, or electronics you want to keep safe, consider renting a self-storage unit. Storefriendly’s facilities in Singapore offer climate-controlled units in a range of sizes. You’ll load your belongings yourself, but the units are kept in a secure facility with 24-hour monitoring.

Extra: Protecting Your Home Furniture

Any furniture left in the home during renovations should be well protected. Wrap your furniture in plastic sheeting or moving blankets and seal it with tape to prevent damage from dust, debris and spills. Place sliders or furniture sliders under couches and tables so they can be easily moved as needed during the work.

Between portable storage, self-storage, and properly protecting what’s left inside, you have options to keep your belongings safe during even major home renovations. Carefully packing everything beforehand will make unpacking and resettling into your refreshed space a seamless process once the work is done. Keep reading as we explore even more insightful tips on packing and storing essential belongings when seeking where to stay during home renovation in Singapore.

5 Tips for Packing and Storing Your Belongings

To make the renovating process seamless for your contractors and aid you when settling back in, consider the following tips:

  1. Start packing early.
  2. Declutter and organise.
  3. Use all available space.
  4. Protect fragile items.
  5. Plan for essentials.

1. Start packing early.

  • When renovating your home, start packing at least a month before moving out. This gives you enough time to pack efficiently without feeling rushed.
  • Pack room by room, starting with rooms you use most often, like the living room or kitchen.
  • As you pack each room, label all boxes on multiple sides with their contents and the room they came from. This makes unpacking so much easier.

2. Declutter and organise.

  • Before packing, declutter and get rid of anything you no longer need.
  • Have a garage sale or donate items to charity. Organise what’s left over into categories.
  • Pack similar items together in labelled boxes so you know exactly what’s inside. You can also group packed boxes by room.
  • Keep an inventory of packed boxes to make unpacking quicker.

3. Use all available space.

  • Look for unused space to store packed boxes and furniture.
  • Seal and stack boxes in the attic, basement, garage, and shed.
  • Use wardrobe boxes to store clothing and linens.
  • Pack folded clothes, linens, and towels in dresser drawers, then seal and label the entire dresser.
  • Disassemble furniture, such as bed frames, tables, and chairs, to free up space in storage.

4. Protect fragile items.

  • Wrap fragile items like dishes, glassware, mirrors, and artwork in packing paper, bubble wrap or towels before packing them in boxes.
  • Place padding like crumpled paper or Styrofoam between items.
  • Clearly mark “fragile” on all sides of boxes containing breakables. This alerts movers and ensures proper handling.
  • For large mirrors or artwork, consider professional crating for maximum protection.

5. Plan for essentials.

  • Keep essentials like clothing, toiletries, chargers, documents, and medications with you.
  • Pack an “open first” box with items you’ll need right away in your temporary place. Include things like pyjamas, chargers, snacks, toiletries, towels, and plates.
  • Also, keep valuable documents, cash, jewellery, and electronics in a secured storage space unit. This ensures you don’t lose or misplace important items during the move and renovation.

With some planning and organisation, packing and storing your belongings during home renovation can be manageable. Start early, declutter, group similar items, utilise all space, protect fragile goods, and keep necessities with you or in a secured self-storage. Following these tips will make your temporary move and eventual return home much smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay when my house is under renovation?

When your house is under renovation, consider staying in a serviced apartment equipped with a full kitchen, a regular-sized fridge, and essential cookware. These accommodations provide the comforts of home, such as Wi-Fi and on-site laundry facilities, so that you can maintain your routine with minimal disruption.

What is the best room to renovate first?

The kitchen is often the best room to start renovating, as it’s typically the highest priority for homeowners. Tackling the most important area first ensures that, even if resources or energy wane, the crucial part of your home upgrade is completed, aligning with your priorities for satisfaction.

How can I save during renovation?

To save on renovation costs, consider doing your demolition by yourself, setting a firm budget, and avoiding debt. Plan meticulously, obtain necessary permits, reuse materials where possible, personally purchase supplies and take on painting yourself. These steps can significantly trim expenses while giving your project a personalised touch.

Which month is good for a house renovation?

Fall is an ideal time for house renovation since it’s outside the peak season of summer, from May to July. During these months, contractors are less busy, potentially offering more availability and possibly better rates.

Conclusion

When it comes to where to stay during home renovation in Singapore, there are so many options—like short-term rentals and corporate housing—providing you the flexibility to choose what works best for your situation and budget. The key is planning ahead and booking early, especially if you want a coveted serviced apartment or storage unit near your reno site.

Regardless of the option you choose, endeavour to make the most of your temporary living space. Treat yourself to some staycations, develop habits to improve your well-being, explore new neighbourhoods, and get to know Singapore in a whole new way. Before you know it, you’ll be moved back home, enjoying every inch of your fresh, new space.

This reno journey will fly by, so savour it and the memories you make along the way.