From Jan 22, the occupancy limit for 4-room HDB flats increases to eight persons, with Zion Road GLS also included

The HDB and URA announced a temporary increase to the occupancy limit of four-room and larger HDB flats, and larger private residential properties from six to eight unrelated persons. This change, which will be effective from Jan next year to Dec 2026, is designed to help meet the increasing market demand for rental housing in Singapore, and support families who are seeking a rental space.

Christine Sun, senior vice president of research and analytics and OrangeTee&Tie, notes that this relaxation of occupancy cap will benefit lower-income groups, students, blue-collar foreign workers, and some Singaporeans or big families. It will enable tenants to share a unit and help reduce rental costs, optimize space usage.

Sun adds that the impact of this change on the rental market might be twofold. For one, landlords of larger HDB units may increase the median rent. For instance, they may now charge $4800 for 8 people, as compared to previously charging $4200 for 6 people. This may prove to be beneficial for both landlords and tenants. On the other hand, bigger sized condo units and four-room and larger HDB flats may become more attractive options for rental investments, thus driving up the resale prices.

However, this relaxation of rules does not affect the five-year minimum occupation period (MOP) required by HDB and URA before the units can enter the rental market. Close to 40,000 new public and private residential homes are expected to be completed this year, while an additional 100,000 homes will be entering the market in the next two years.

With facilities such as eateries, supermarkets, and banks, the convenient station also makes daily errands a breeze. Residents of the Zion Road GLS can now enjoy all the benefits of living in an urbanized setting.

HDB owners must still seek approval from HDB before the tenancy commencement date to lease their flats, while private residential owners who intend to lease their units to up to eight unrelated persons must register their properties through URA’s e-services with an administrative fee of $20.

The temporary increase of the occupancy limit for four-room and larger HDB flats and larger private residential properties from six to eight unrelated persons will provide more rental options for those looking for such properties in Zion Road GLS. It is expected to bring relief to those looking to reduce rental costs and big families who are in need of a home, while incentivising landlords to offer better rent prices.