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Warning against rising private home rents worsening affordability for middle-income families

Published July 25, 2026 at 8:02 AM UTC

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The 0.7% rise in private home rents, while modest at first glance, adds to the cumulative pressure on tenants who have already seen multiple quarters of increases. For middle-income Singaporean families, rental costs are a significant monthly expense, and each uptick reduces disposable income and savings capacity. Unlike property owners, renters do not benefit from capital gains and bear the full cost of rising rents. This trend risks exacerbating social inequality, as more households may struggle to afford adequate housing. Furthermore, if rents continue to climb, it could deter expatriates and talent from relocating to Singapore, hurting the city’s competitiveness. The government should consider measures to increase rental supply, such as accelerating the completion of public and private housing projects, or providing rental subsidies for lower-income groups. Without intervention, the rental market could become a barrier to economic inclusivity.