Singapore Expats Forum
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https://www.singaporeexpats.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=159093
Ah, the dull, stark look of flats in Singapore. It’s not just minimalist, but brutalist… sometimes with a dank, musty twist… an almost prison block feel. I have to admit, it can be a little off-putting at first, polar opposite of the homey/cozy environment that I grew up in. But I got over it eventually… and if you squint real hard, you might forget all that and start to believe you’re in a tropical paradise.ChloeRivera wrote: ↑Tue, 02 Dec 2025 7:22 pmI am new in Singapore and trying to learn more about daily living here. I recently moved into an older rental flat and the interior looks a little dull, especially the living room walls. I want to make the place feel more comfortable, but I am not sure what is allowed or common practice for tenants.
Do most landlords here allow small upgrades, like repainting the walls or doing a simple refresh? I don’t want to break any rules or cause trouble. Also, if someone did repainting before, how much cost should I expect? I am trying to compare basic painting estimates just to understand the usual range in Singapore, not planning anything big.
If anyone has experience with improving their rental flat in a simple and budget-friendly way, please share. Even small tips are helpful for newcomers like me.