In short
Singapore commercial rents are usually quoted per square foot per month. GST is charged on commercial rent when the landlord is GST-registered. A lease must be stamped with IRAS within 14 days of signing, and the unit must be approved for your use (for example by URA, or HDB for HDB shophouses).
1. Work out the full cost
- Rent per sq ft per month (use our commercial rent calculator), plus GST if the landlord is GST-registered, and any service charge.
- The security deposit, the stamp duty on the lease, the fit-out and the agent's fee if you use one.
2. Check the approved use
A unit can only be used for what it is approved for. Check with URA (or HDB for HDB commercial units) that your business is allowed, and whether you need further approvals or licences, for example from SFA for food.
3. Stamp the lease
Stamp duty is payable on leases of property in Singapore and must be paid within 14 days of signing, online through IRAS e-Stamping. The amount depends on the rent and the term; IRAS has the current rates and a calculator. Who pays is agreed in the lease; it is often the tenant.
4. Agree the terms
- The term, options to renew and how the rent is set on renewal.
- Rent-free months for fit-out, reinstatement at the end, and repairs.
- Assignment and subletting, and the diplomatic or early-termination clause if you need one.
Checklist
- Rent, GST, service charge and deposit worked out
- Approved use confirmed with URA or HDB
- Licences for your business checked
- Lease stamped with IRAS within 14 days
- Reinstatement and renewal terms agreed
Questions people ask
Do I pay stamp duty on a commercial lease in Singapore?
Yes. Stamp duty is payable on leases and must be paid within 14 days of signing through IRAS e-Stamping; the amount depends on the rent and the lease term.
Is GST charged on commercial rent in Singapore?
Yes, when the landlord is GST-registered: leasing commercial property is a standard-rated supply.
How is commercial rent quoted in Singapore?
Usually per square foot per month.
Sources
- Stamp duty on leases: IRAS: renting a property
- GST: IRAS: Goods and Services Tax
- Approved use of premises: URA and HDB
Next steps
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