SINGAPORE – An advertisement for “a room” for rent on Facebook has received heavy criticism on social media for being a coffin-size room which seems only to fit one single bed and renting out at S$750.
Some netizens commented that the price is overly excessive; some sarcastically mocked that maybe the room is more suitable to rent to “Doraemon” or as a pet house.
Xiao Lee, supposedly the landlord of the property, posted an ad in a Facebook group, Room For Rent Singapore SG on 10 December, stating a “small room” at Block 750, Yishun Street 72 is open for rent.
“3-minute walk to MRT, 2 floor, ” the post added that the room with “superior environment ” can be rented at S$750 and the tenant can move in anytime.
But the photo that he shared shows the room being just able to fit a single bed.
Although a wall fan is provided, it is questionable whether the tenant can sleep comfortably or even fit any other furniture or belongings inside.
The bedside can be seen already tightly close to the door.
The post has since garnered over 1400 comments; some netizens had questioned whether it is a joke to rent out a “storeroom” which can only fit one single bed.
“Maybe Can Rent To Doraemon”
Netizen CkEddie Lee wrote: “Eh bro, this is storeroom! Are you not bothered by your conscience? This room for $750? I won’t take it even for $350.”
June Verenne ridiculed that with the tiny space size, maybe the owner wishes to rent the room to Doraemon:
Meanwhile, netizen Thaiboy Kit offered a better deal, with a rent price of $700 and $900 for 2 pax. He shared a photo of a more spacious room with air-conditioning.
“Friendly owner, which is me who occasionally will buy you food and celebrate PH with you; But PUB must share ah .. if you on aircon 24hrs, i die ah,” he asked for those interested can save his post because he will rent out again once his tenant contract over.
Netizen Cecile Cmy commented that back to 10 years ago this small room only rent for $300-350, and with $750 can rent a medium room.
“Now Singapore really kill people hard earn money who want to stay there for work purpose. This seems like a store room more than the small room I use to stay 10years ago in Singapore.”
Same landlord rent master room of the same unit for $1700
Another post by the same owner last week, was renting out the master room from the same unit in Block 750 Yishun, with a price tag of $1700 for two pax and $1400 per 2 pax for a normal room.
“Take it or leave it ,no need to “ah ji ah zo”(means don’t complain).”
Rental Price Hiking For The Past Two Years Due To Influx Of Expats
Rental for HDB flats has been climbing for the last couple of years. Christine Sun, OrangeTee and Tie’s senior vice-president of research and analytics, had said earlier that demand had surged dramatically over the past few months before July.
In consequence, the rents increased at a faster pace this year compared with 2021, for both HDB flats and condos.
“Many expatriates, permanent residents and international students have returned with the almost complete easing of our border controls, “she told AsiaOne.
Ms Sun speculated that given that non-resident employment is expected to rise in the coming months, rental growth is likely to persist for the rest of the year.
An article in The Business Times also reported that rental hikes in Singapore has not dampened the demand.
Some expats are willing to sign a S$7,000 a month, one-year lease for a two-bedroom privately-owned apartment close to the central business district.
Another Hong Konger Kelly Ho moved to Singapore in December last year into a one-bedroom privately-owned suburban flat for S$2,300 a month.
