Answer
Condo Maintenance Fees in Singapore
The monthly cost most first-time condo buyers forget to budget for. Here's what you actually pay and what it covers.
Answer: Monthly condo maintenance fees in Singapore range from $300 to $800+ depending on unit size, condo age, and facilities. This covers MCST fees (security, pool, gym, lifts, cleaning, landscaping) and a sinking fund contribution (typically 25–30% of the total). Older condos and those with extensive facilities charge more. On top of monthly fees, special levies may apply for major repairs.
Monthly Maintenance by Unit Size
Typical ranges for mass-market condos in Singapore (2026)
| Unit Type | Size (sqft) | Monthly Fee | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom / Studio | 450–600 | $250–$400 | $3,000–$4,800 |
| 2-Bedroom | 600–900 | $350–$500 | $4,200–$6,000 |
| 3-Bedroom | 900–1,300 | $400–$650 | $4,800–$7,800 |
| 4-Bedroom / Dual Key | 1,200–1,600 | $500–$800 | $6,000–$9,600 |
| Penthouse | 1,800–3,000+ | $600–$1,200+ | $7,200–$14,400+ |
Fees vary significantly. Luxury condos and those with fewer units can charge well above these ranges.
What Your Maintenance Fee Covers
| Category | What It Covers | % of Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Security | 24/7 guards, CCTV, access card systems | 25–35% |
| Sinking Fund | Reserve for major repairs (lifts, repainting, waterproofing) | 25–30% |
| Cleaning & Landscaping | Common area cleaning, garden maintenance, pest control | 15–20% |
| Facilities | Pool chemicals, gym equipment, BBQ pits, tennis courts | 10–15% |
| Lift & M&E | Lift servicing, electrical systems, fire safety, plumbing (common) | 10–15% |
| Insurance | Building insurance for common property | 3–5% |
The Sinking Fund — Your Hidden Reserve
The sinking fund is a mandatory reserve that every condo must maintain under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (BMSMA). It's the money set aside for big-ticket items:
- Building repainting (every 5–8 years, $200K–$1M+ depending on condo size)
- Lift replacement ($80K–$150K per lift)
- Waterproofing and roof repairs
- Pool resurfacing ($30K–$80K)
- Electrical system upgrades
Tip: When buying a resale condo, ask the agent for the MCST's latest financial statement. A healthy sinking fund means lower risk of special levies.
Special Levies — The Unexpected Bill
When the sinking fund isn't enough for a major expense, the MCST can vote for a special levy — an additional one-time charge to all unit owners. These can range from a few hundred dollars to $10,000+ per unit depending on the work.
Common triggers: emergency lift replacement, facade repairs mandated by BCA, fire safety upgrades, major water tank or pipe replacements.
A well-managed MCST with a healthy sinking fund rarely needs special levies. This is why checking the condo's financial health before buying is crucial.
What Drives Maintenance Fees Up
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Older condo (15+ years) | 20–40% higher — more repairs, older systems |
| Fewer total units | Fixed costs split among fewer owners = higher per-unit fee |
| More facilities (tennis, function rooms, multiple pools) | More to maintain = higher fees |
| Luxury condo | Higher standards of maintenance, concierge, premium landscaping |
| Poor MCST management | Inefficient contracts, deferred maintenance leads to bigger bills later |
| Low sinking fund | May trigger fee increases or special levies |
Budget for the full picture
Maintenance fees add $3,600–$9,600/year to your holding cost. Factor this in when calculating whether you can afford that condo.
Affordability CalculatorFAQ
How much are condo maintenance fees in Singapore?
Monthly maintenance fees typically range from $250-$400 for a 1-bedroom unit, $350-$500 for a 2-bedroom, $400-$650 for a 3-bedroom, and $600-$1,200+ for penthouses and larger units. The exact amount depends on the condo size, age, facilities, and number of units sharing the costs.
What is the sinking fund and how much of my maintenance goes to it?
The sinking fund is a reserve for major repairs and replacements — things like repainting the building, replacing lifts, waterproofing, and resurfacing the pool. Typically 25-30% of your monthly maintenance contribution goes to the sinking fund. For example, if you pay $500/month, roughly $125-$150 goes to the sinking fund.
What is included in condo maintenance fees?
Maintenance fees cover: 24/7 security, pool and gym maintenance, lift servicing, common area cleaning, landscaping, pest control, insurance for common areas, fire safety systems, and general building upkeep. It does not cover your individual unit repairs or renovations.
What is a special levy and when is it charged?
A special levy is an additional one-time charge approved by the MCST (Management Corporation Strata Title) for unexpected major expenses — like emergency lift replacement or critical waterproofing work — when the sinking fund is insufficient. This requires approval at a general meeting.
Why are maintenance fees higher for older condos?
Older condos (15+ years) typically have higher maintenance fees because: (1) more frequent repairs are needed, (2) older lifts and systems cost more to maintain, (3) the sinking fund needs replenishment after major works, and (4) there may be fewer units sharing costs if the condo is smaller. Expect 20-40% higher fees compared to newer condos.
Related
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Last updated Feb 2026. Fee ranges are estimates based on typical mass-market condos. Actual fees vary by condo. Check the MCST financial statement before buying. This is general information, not financial advice.