At MetroResidences, transparency and integrity have always been at the heart of our operations. We would like to inform our community that our Singapore business has recently received notice of a court case related to short-term rental bookings made between 2017 and 2019. 

While the legal proceedings come several years after the period in question, we are taking the matter seriously and are working closely with legal counsel to address it responsibly and appropriately.

We want to take this opportunity to reassure our customers, partners, and stakeholders that since early 2020, our Singapore operations have been in full compliance with local laws and regulations. Our Japan and Australia businesses, which operate as separate businesses, have also maintained full regulatory compliance across all markets.

• 100% Regulatory Compliance in Singapore Since 2020

• Fully Compliant Operations in Japan and Australia

• Ongoing Commitment to Responsible Growth and Transparency

This legacy issue does not reflect our current standards or practices. Over the past several years, we’ve transformed our operations to meet evolving regulations and industry best practices. We remain committed to upholding those standards and being a responsible member of every community in which we operate.

As part of our longstanding compliance framework, the following measures have been firmly established across our platform since 2020:

• All accommodation listings are prominently and consistently labelled with a minimum stay requirement of three (3) consecutive months, in line with regulations set by Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
• Our booking system has long been configured to enforce this requirement—the calendar defaults to a three-month stay and prevents bookings shorter than 90 days, ensuring compliance is maintained throughout the reservation process.
• Our AI-powered chatbot has also been designed to pre-screen user enquiries by verifying intended stay durations. Only enquiries that meet the three (3) consecutive months minimum are allowed to proceed, providing an additional layer of regulatory alignment.

We understand that trust is built not only through our services but also through how we respond in moments like this. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep our stakeholders informed should there be any significant developments.

Thank you for your continued support as we remain focused on building a company that values integrity, compliance, and long-term sustainability above all else.

MetroResidences Singapore
2 July 2025

Photo by Mark Stoop on Unsplash

Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh paint in a new house? If you’re lucky to skip past the resale condo and settle into a gleaming condo development, there’s plenty to look out for, even if it’s a brand-new property purchase. Whether your private property is for you to live in, or if you’re looking to earn some rental income, here’s a guide to what to do after your condo TOP for all the fresh condo buyers out there.

After all, all residential properties are not built from the same concrete, and one condo developer is not like the other. With this handy guide, you can focus better on the intricacies of moving to a new home.

1. Defects inspection

Upon delivery of vacant possession of your condo unit, check the duration of your Defects Liability Period (DLP) and report any defects found in your condo and have the developer rectify them. Even brand-new luxury condos can sometimes have defects, be it a door that isn’t installed properly, or a toilet that won’t flush. Plus, if you’re not aware, there will be increased costs over time as the defects become more difficult to rectify. By then, the condo association or the condo developer won’t be liable for it.

Bring along a family member or friend (preferably someone detailed oriented) to check your property for defects. Hopefully, they can cover the spots that you may have missed. It’s easy if you’re just inspecting a condo studio unit, but it’s a completely different story when you’re combing through an entire 3-room condo.

Here’s a checklist you can use when conducting checks in each room:

Flooring

• Check for unevenness, cracks and stains on the flooring
• For bathrooms, the flooring should slant slightly towards the drainage.
• Use a pointer to tap the floor and listen for any hollow sounds
• Ensure that floor skirting is consistent with no cracks

Tip: Bring along some marbles and place them at different areas of the flooring to test for evenness, and if the marbles are rolling in the right direction in the bathroom.

Walls and ceiling

• Look out for any hairline cracks, blistering or stains
• Check that the surfaces are not rough or patchy
• Check for straightness of the corners

Doors

• Ensure that the door and its frame are evenly aligned
• Doors should have consistent joints
• Try to lock and unlock the door to check that the lock is working smoothly
• Check that the door security system is working
• Look for dents and scratches on the door

Windows

• Open and close each window a few times to make sure that it moves smoothly and that the hinges are working
• Look for dents, scratches and rust on the glass and window frames
• Check if the locks are working well

Electrical fittings

• Ensure that there are no gaps between the switches and the wall
• Check to make sure that there are no exposed wirings or any loose mechanism
• Check that all power points are working as expected

Fittings

• If your apartment comes with a clothes drying rack, check that the parts are not rusty and are functional
• Check that all bathroom fittings (e.g. sink, taps, toilet bowls, showerhead) are fitted properly and does not come with any scratches or rust
• Check that the flush system is working

**Pro-tip: Bet you didn’t think of this when you bought your 1st property. Bring along a Post-it pad and pen to indicate the defective areas. A measuring tape would also come in handy if you would like to take some measurements to plan your furnishing.

2. Furnishing your apartment

Have your apartment as ready-to-move-into as possible. If you’re planning your shopping list, ensure that you’ve covered these essentials:

• Washing machine
• Dryer (or a drying rack)
• Refrigerator
• Beddings
• Sofa
• Television
• Dining table and chairs
• Curtains
• Air-conditioner (May have already been installed in the property; do check with the condo management on the free servicing period)

Alternatively, speak to our Asset Management team and have them take care of the furnishing and rental of your property.

3. Lease your apartment

A worthy investment should allow you to grow your wealth with minimal hassle. So here’s when you have to find the right party to work with.

Apart from rental rates, these are top 3 criteria you should look out for when getting someone to manage your leasing needs:

• Wide tenant network – Observe the quantity and quality of potential tenants viewing your unit. You’d want options, and a good leasing partner should possess the resources to provide you with tenants that fit your preferred profile
• Reliability – For a start, responsiveness and punctuality is a good gauge of a responsible agent. Next, look into the person or company’s leasing history and ask for reviews of their service.
• Support services – Sometimes, things go wrong. Damages may occur in your property during the rental period or the tenant may decide to paint your wall a different colour without your permission. Your leasing partner should provide support for any furnishing, maintenance and repair issues, as well as rectify any unacceptable treatment of the property. You should not be disturbed unnecessarily.

You may choose to work with a property agent, a leasing partner like MetroResidences, or both, to manage and minimise your rental gap!

4. Review tenancy agreement and inventory list

Review the tenancy agreement and inventory list Now that you’ve found the right tenant, you will sign the letter of intent and review all clauses in the tenancy agreement.

Create an inventory list of the items in your property and have both agent and tenant review the list and sign off, to confirm that the items listed are handed over in good condition before you hand over your keys to the tenant.

Planning on leasing your apartment with us? You can leave the inventory checks and tenant briefing to our team.   

5) Payments

If you’re working with a property agent, don’t forget to set aside his/her’s commission once you’ve collected the first months rental.

As our team handles all tenant communication, we’ll collect the rental payment, which includes our management fee, and deposits from the tenants.

Call us at 6513 0030 (ext 3) drop an email to assets.sg@metroresidences.com to find out more about renting your property and making the most out of this investment.

About MetroResidences

About MetroResidences MetroResidences is an apartment booking platform that curates properties to match every corporate traveller’s living needs. Each apartment is managed and furnished to fit the standards of modern living. We remove the hassle of leasing and booking corporate apartments; connecting people to homes by providing a variety of options while building a community of trusted owners and tenants.

How do we move forward in a moment when we need comfort the most? As we welcome a new year, a new year that seems frightful and promising at the same time, how can we make a home that both comforts and inspires? For most of the mid-2010s, most interior design trends tended to go for a distanced, impersonal feel, even if it wasn’t lacking in personality. So what are the 2023 interior design trends for Singapore apartment rentals and private homes? Read on for our take.

Table of Contents

• • • 1. Soft-Modern Look
    • 2. Multifunctional Furniture
    • 3. Sustainable Design
    • 4. Biophilic Design
    • 5. Earthen Tones
    • 6. Warm Metallic Accents
    • 7. Thick, Soft Textures
    • Homely Singapore Apartment Rentals with MetroResidences

1. Soft-Modern Look

In the new year, we expect something a little more meditative. It’s no wonder why the soft-modern look is making a comeback. First coming into view in the late 2000s, it espoused the modernity of the minimalist craze while softening its cold edges, warming it up with thoughtfully curated details and finishes. For example, high-gloss cabinetry can be offset with a matte wood finish for the accent panels. While it may be difficult when dealing with inbuilt furniture at a Singapore condo rental, you can start by finding more organic textures for the decor.

2. Multifunctional Furniture

We’re likely to be at home, with the continued shift to hybrid housing and the need for self-isolation in lieu of COVID-19. Every square foot counts. We’ve yet to have more hybrid housing to serve our unique work needs, and the construction sector is only now back in full swing. But construction delays have already pushed back the completion of new residential development and private properties in Singapore.

So there’ll be more focus on the flexibility of living spaces and working spaces. That’s especially true for those who want more space in their studio for rent in Singapore. Not to mention those living with family as they wait for the new housing supply to be completed.

You don’t have to limit your search for multi-purpose pieces of furniture to bigger items. Even dining and coffee tables can take on multiple roles. If you’re looking for a local specialist in multifunctional furniture, Spaceman could be your go-to solution. They have a simple, innovative twist to their furniture to free up extra space in your room. Their wall-mounted table and shelves even have space for three foldable chairs.

3. Sustainable Design

The need for climate action has reached a fever pitch. Consumers are more cognisant of exploitative practices and the importance of sustainable approaches to manufacturing. Many are ditching inexpensive (and flimsy) furniture in favour of pieces that last longer, instead of ones that end up beside the rubber chute after a couple of months. Some are even considering antique pieces for their homes, which makes for an exceptional accent piece that stands the test of time.

4. Biophilic Design

In some sense, this is an extension of the previous trend. While you might have heard it thrown around by modern architects, the first examples of biophilic design and architecture can be seen as far back as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The biophilic design celebrates and respects nature, providing an environment that pays tribute to natural elements by enlivening our senses to it, all the while providing health and psychological benefits.

Now, that doesn’t mean revamping your whole Singapore apartment rental, even when the older public housing design doesn’t take this into account. All you need to do is integrate natural elements into your home. The most obvious start is with vegetation. Be it succulents or ferns, the idea is to fill your living spaces with lush, abundant plants.

But, say, if you’re decorating a new space, go with furniture that evokes nature. It can be furniture with natural materials such as bamboo, sisal, and wood. Or, you can express it through natural colours and naturalistic shapes.

5. Earthen Tones

Caramels, terra cottas, deep corals—we’re finally seeing some colours after years of whites and greys. Nobody wants to live in what feels like a hotel room all the time, no matter if you’re a business traveller or a digital nomad. It’s emblematic of a return, a yearning for nature. Think warmth, think comfort, as the new year approaches. After all, isn’t that what we all need?

6. Warm Metallic Accents

It’s back to basics with this one. Brass and copper are classics, after all. They brighten up living spaces and working spaces with a little charm and elegance. So experiment with delicate decor with a bit of shine, with statement lamps and metallic knick-knacks. You just might be surprised at how the embellishments can add verve without taking away the character of the space.

7. Thick, Soft Textures

The trend we’re seeing now is a resurgence of nostalgia. But imagine less kitsch, more sophistication. Traditional, but not tacky. If you’re diving into this artisanal home concept, look out for tufted carpets and knitted throw blankets with bold tones and patterns. You might be weary of the clash of styles, but the traditional look tempers the flair, giving the space a more refined atmosphere.

Homely Singapore Apartment Rentals with MetroResidences

As we take another step into the era of uncertainty, a sense of familiarity and stability takes centre stage in our living spaces and working spaces. Looking for your home away from home? Our Singapore apartment rentals and serviced apartments are perfect for a longer period of stay. We have properties in luxury developments across Singapore’s most coveted addresses: Bugis, Bukit Timah, Shenton Way, and Novena.

All of our apartments adhere to our strict Property Standards that account for the comfort and cleanliness of all our listed serviced apartments. Our fully-furnished apartments come with amenities like wi-fi, air conditioners, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

The number of business travellers scaling the globe has increased in recent years. As this number increases, so has the need to house these professionals. Traditional accommodation options usually feature hotels – but their terms are often rigid and come with many restrictions.

Another accommodation option would be serviced apartments. Serviced apartments are widely known to offer more flexibility and total freedom for the modern traveller.

However, the travel industry has seen a shift in the tides of accommodation with new players in the field such as the co-living sector. The market tends to speak less of serviced apartments in Singapore suggesting a dying industry to the public. But are they truly dying?

Need serviced apartments with a swimming pool and fitness centre? Click here!

More relevant than ever

Serviced apartments in Singapore adhere to a strict and ever-evolving list of regulations. They are fully furnished apartments that have similar amenities to hotel rooms and can be used for short or long term stays. Thus, offering a home-to-home experience.

One benefit to staying in serviced apartments instead of a hotel is the space you get. Serviced residences offer 30% more space, on average. You get more privacy and there are no hidden costs. 

That means you won’t have to pay for those temptatious minibar items and you won’t need to hesitate when considering opening a bottle of water. The Apartment Service puts apartments at 15%-30% cheaper than hotels, a figure that definitely appeals to companies and frugal travellers.

What hotels don’t give you

Serviced residences are catered for ‘home-living’. This means that what you get in such units aren’t like hotels. Hotels are ideally designed for short term travellers. Exactly what you need when visiting a country, is what you get.

‘Home-living’ generally refers to what a space can offer for long-term dwelling. Somewhere that you can truly unwind and call home. A place to eat, exercise, rest, socialize and grow in. 

From studio to 4 bedroom options and everything in between, serviced apartments come fully furnished and include both living and recreational spaces.

Living spaces include – dining area, pantry and a fully equipped kitchen. Larger units could offer more space in master rooms and some can even accommodate a working space and all of this near popular shopping centres.

Serviced apartments nowadays extend the height of luxury; pairing total privacy with freedom of living. In addition, the lease terms of most apartments are flexible, catering to your specific needs.

What co-living spaces can’t give you

Co-living spaces are fresh, cheap(er) and exciting. They are the headlining act of the millennial world-tour. But they are not for everyone. 

At the core of co-living in Singapore and everywhere else, is the community of people that live together in a shared property. Built on the foundations of a society, people who live in co-living establishments enjoy socializing and cohabitating with other like-minded individuals. 

However, the appeal of having a housemate doesn’t resonate with everyone. Some people would rather not have a stranger in their kitchen, in the pool or always in their face. 

We are all used to our own private space; somewhere you can truly be yourself. We all need a home to call our own. Rejoice in the comfort and peace of mind offered by serviced apartments.

Skip the small talk and avoid the drama. People are great, sure. But let’s be real; they can be a HUGE pain. After a long day at work, the last thing you would want is to come home to loud housemates who always leave the house in a mess.

Now I’m not saying all co-living spaces are like this but would you really want to roll the dice and leave your housemate prospects in the hands of the co-living gods?

Check out this great selection of serviced apartments in Singapore, located within a popular shopping district!

An option for everyone

What accommodation option you choose should always be based on your overall needs. Hotels, co-living spaces and serviced apartments are all made for different types of travellers. 

While Hotels offer an air of exclusivity at great locations, the high rates and restricted space can be a turn off for those who need a bit of flexibility. On the other hand, co-living spaces boast fluid terms at the cost of privacy and the need for active community involvement. 

Serviced apartments then sit in a sweet spot in between the two. Flexibility at an affordable cost, privacy and versatility at the heart of where you want to be. 

Serviced apartments in Singapore tick all the boxes of modern-day living. They aren’t seemingly ‘dead’. They are actually thriving; answering the call and supply of this – ‘in-between’ demand.