Expats looking for affordable accommodation in Singapore are likely to look up room rental listings or co-living spaces where master or common rooms are advertised for let. If you’ve just arrived in Singapore and are totally new to the renting scene, you’re likely to have the following question: What is the difference between a master room and a common room and which one should you rent?
Let us fill you in. Scroll on for the details.
Master Room
What is a Master Room?
A master room is the largest bedroom in the apartment or condo unit that is being leased and it comes with an attached or en-suite bathroom. Given its larger size, the rental rates for a master room will be higher than a common room.
Price range: S$1,400 to S$1,750 depending on the location
Why should you rent Master Room?
If you have the budget to rent a master room, why not go for one? The two most obvious reasons to consider renting a master room would be size and privacy.
Size
Ask yourself whether you need a larger bedroom. Here are some considerations:
- If you’re on a hybrid working arrangement or envision yourself spending a lot of time working from home (WFH), you may need a larger room that has space for a working desk and other IT equipment. This will offer a more conducive WFH environment.
- If you’re married couple or are planning to live with your partner, a master bedroom makes more sense as it will be able to fit a king or queen bed.
- Do you have a lot of possessions? If you need more storage space, a master bedroom is the answer. For instance, you can fit your personal bookcase in an unutilised corner.
- Are you likely to play the guitar, indulge in gaming, practise yoga or do some crafting within the comforts of your own room? Then go for a master room as you’ll have more space for your personal pursuits.
Privacy
In most apartments, the master room is usually located at the end of the corridor or deeper into the apartment. You’re likely to have to pass through all the other common rooms before reaching the master room. This gives the master room more privacy.
- If you prefer to enjoy some peace and quiet after a long day, a master room may be for you.
Another obvious reason for choosing a master room is that you won’t have to share a common bathroom with other tenants. As the master room comes with an en-suite bathroom, you can have all the privacy you need.
- If you tend to have long showers or spend more time getting ready in the bathroom, this won’t inconvenience your flatmates.
- You also won’t have to worry about messing up the bathroom, making sure that the toilet seat is down, or replenishing toilet paper since you’ll be the only one using the bathroom.
Common Room
What is a Common Room?
A common room is one that’s smaller in size than the master room. It does not come with an attached or adjoining bathroom.
If you’re in a three-bedder condo unit (or higher), you’ll have to share a common bathroom with the other tenants who are renting the other common rooms. But if you’re living in a two-bedder condo unit, then you can have the common bathroom to yourself (just that it’s not located in your room).
Price range: S$1,000 to S$1,300 depending on the location
Why should you rent a Common Room?
The number one reason for renting a common room would be its affordability.
Affordability
- The rental for a common room is usually lower than a master room. This is because common rooms are smaller in size and do not come with adjoining bathrooms. If you’re on a tighter budget, a common room is obviously the more affordable option for you.
Other reasons
- If you don’t have a lot of things and require little storage space, a common room is good enough for you.
- If you’re likely to be out of home most of the time for work or during weekends, a common room would be a practical rental solution for you.
- A common room is usually located nearer to the living room, dining room or kitchen. If you are the social type and prefer to chill or hang out with other flatmates in the living room, then a common room could be a good idea too.
Other types of room rental listings
Occasionally, you may encounter other type of room listings beyond master or common rooms. Here are some of them.
Economy Room
This is a common room which is likely to be the smallest bedroom in a condo unit (for example in a 4-bedroom unit). It’s likely to be no-frills and priced at a lower rental range.
Price range: S$750 to S$1,000 depending on the location
Premium Room
Some landlords also advertise what they describe as premium rooms for rent. This could be a term used to describe a room which comes with a balcony or with an adjoining patio (if it’s on the ground floor). With this room, you’ll have more space to chillax.
Price range: S$1,200 to S$1,400 depending on the location
Conclusion
Now that we’ve given you the lowdown on the differences between a common and master bedroom, we hope you’ll have a better idea of what room type you should go for when you explore room rental spaces. Happy room hunting!
