Answer
Condo Unit Size Guide (sqft) — Singapore
Condos are shrinking. What used to be a 3-bedder is now a 2-bedder. Here’s what sizes to actually expect, and how to avoid paying more for less.
Answer: Typical condo sizes in Singapore: 1-bed: 400–550 sqft, 2-bed: 600–800 sqft, 3-bed: 900–1,200 sqft, 4-bed: 1,200–1,600 sqft. New launches trend toward the lower end of each range. Sizes are in strata area — actual liveable space is 15–20% less. Always compare PSF alongside total price to understand the real value.
Typical Condo Sizes by Bedroom Count
| Unit Type | New Launch (sqft) | Resale / Older (sqft) | Liveable Space (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 300–450 | 350–500 | 250–380 |
| 1-Bedroom | 400–500 | 450–550 | 340–450 |
| 2-Bedroom | 600–700 | 700–850 | 510–680 |
| 3-Bedroom | 900–1,100 | 1,000–1,200 | 760–1,000 |
| 4-Bedroom | 1,200–1,400 | 1,300–1,600 | 1,020–1,300 |
| Penthouse / 5-Bed | 1,600–2,500+ | 1,800–3,000+ | 1,350–2,500+ |
Sizes in strata area (sqft). Liveable space estimated at 80–85% of strata area. Actual varies by layout and balcony size.
New Launch Shrinkflation — The Numbers
Developers have been shrinking unit sizes to keep total prices palatable. Here’s what a $1,000,000 budget gets you across different eras:
| Era | Budget | Typical Size (2-Bed) | PSF |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–2015 | $1,000,000 | 850–950 sqft | $1,050–$1,175 |
| 2016–2020 | $1,000,000 | 700–800 sqft | $1,250–$1,430 |
| 2021–2026 | $1,000,000 | 600–700 sqft | $1,430–$1,670 |
Same price, 25–30% less space over a decade. This is why PSF matters — it shows the true cost of space.
PSF vs Total Price — Why Both Matter
Total price is what you pay. PSF tells you what each square foot costs. Here’s an example of why comparing both is essential:
| Condo | Size | Total Price | PSF |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Launch A | 650 sqft | $1,100,000 | $1,692 |
| Resale B | 850 sqft | $1,200,000 | $1,412 |
Condo A looks cheaper ($1,100,000 vs $1,200,000), but you’re paying $1,692 per sqft vs $1,412 per sqft. Condo B gives you 200 sqft more space for $100,000 extra — that’s just $500/sqft for the additional space. The resale is better value per sqft.
Liveable Space Tips
- • Strata ≠ liveable. Strata area includes your share of common areas, walls, balcony, and aircon ledge. Expect 15–20% less actual floor space than the listed sqft.
- • Check the balcony. Some new launches have balconies of 50–80 sqft included in the strata area. That’s space you can’t fully use in Singapore’s heat. Prefer units with smaller balconies if you want more indoor space.
- • Layout matters more than size. A well-designed 700 sqft unit can feel more spacious than a poorly designed 800 sqft unit. Square or rectangular layouts are more efficient than L-shaped or corridor-heavy ones.
- • Dumbbell layout. Units where bedrooms are on opposite sides of the living area offer better privacy and feel more spacious, but the corridor connecting them eats into usable space.
- • Ceiling height. Most condos have 2.8m to 3.0m ceiling height. Higher ceilings make smaller units feel bigger. Some new launches offer 3.15m+ for premium units.
- • Visit in person. Floor plans and showflats can be deceiving. Visit actual units (for resale) or bring a tape measure to the showflat. Check if furniture fits your real-life pieces, not the developer’s scaled-down models.
Condo vs HDB — Size Comparison
For upgraders coming from HDB, here’s the size reality check.
| HDB Type | HDB Size (sqft) | Equivalent Condo Type | Condo Size (sqft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Room HDB | 700–750 | 2-Bed condo | 600–800 |
| 4-Room HDB | 900–1,000 | 3-Bed condo | 900–1,200 |
| 5-Room HDB | 1,100–1,200 | 3-Bed / 4-Bed condo | 1,000–1,400 |
| Executive HDB | 1,400–1,600 | 4-Bed condo | 1,200–1,600 |
If you’re upgrading from a 4-room HDB to a 2-bed condo, expect a significant downsize. Many upgraders underestimate this.
Know your budget before you shop
Use the calculator to find out what condo price you can afford — then compare the sizes available in that range.
FAQ
What is a typical size for a 2-bedroom condo in Singapore?
A typical 2-bedroom condo in Singapore ranges from 600 to 800 sqft. Newer launches tend to be on the smaller end (600–700 sqft), while older resale condos can be 750–850 sqft. Some new launches have squeezed 2-bedrooms down to as small as 550 sqft.
Why are new launch condos getting smaller?
Developers price units by total quantum (total price), not PSF. To keep the total price accessible, they shrink unit sizes while charging higher PSF. A $1M 2-bedder in 2015 might have been 850 sqft at $1,176 PSF. Today, a $1M 2-bedder might be 650 sqft at $1,538 PSF. Same price, less space.
Should I buy based on PSF or total price?
Both matter, but for different reasons. Total price determines your cash outlay, loan, and monthly payment — it’s what you actually pay. PSF tells you the value per unit of space and is better for comparing across properties. A low PSF with a large unit might cost more total but give you better value per sqft.
What is the difference between strata area and carpet area?
Strata area includes your unit’s internal space plus a share of common areas (corridors, lobbies, walls). Carpet area is the actual usable floor space inside your unit. The strata area is always larger. In Singapore, condo sizes are quoted in strata area, so the liveable space is typically 15–20% less than the listed sqft.
Is 700 sqft enough for a family?
It depends on the family size and layout. A well-designed 700 sqft 2-bedder can work for a couple with one young child. But it gets tight quickly with two children or if you work from home. Consider the layout carefully — a dumbbell layout (bedrooms on opposite ends) wastes less space than a corridor-heavy design.
How do I compare condo sizes between new launch and resale?
Always compare strata area to strata area. Visit showflats and resale units in person — floor plans can be misleading. Pay attention to the layout efficiency: some 750 sqft units feel bigger than 850 sqft units because of better design. Check if the balcony and aircon ledge are included in the stated area.
Related
- New Launch vs Resale Condo — size is just one factor
- Condo vs Landed Property — space comparison at every budget
- Condo Renovation Cost — maximising a smaller space
- Total Cost of Buying a Condo — beyond the sticker price
- HDB Flat Type Comparison — sizing up your current flat
Last updated Feb 2026. Sizes based on recent new launch and resale listings. Strata area per URA guidelines. This is informational, not financial advice.