Moving to Singapore from London UK: Expat Guide is your step‑by‑step roadmap to visas, cost of living, housing, and daily life in Singapore, written for Londoners who want a safe, well‑planned relocation supported by Homejourney’s trusted property platform.
This cluster guide connects to our main Singapore Expat & Relocation Pillar , with a specific focus on people currently based in London UK who are comparing life in London with life in Singapore and considering a move, investment, or both.
Life in London vs Singapore: What Changes When You Move?
If you are used to weekend walks along the South Bank, spontaneous visits to the Tate Modern, or hunting for things to do in London around Soho and Shoreditch, Singapore will feel both familiar and different at the same time.
Similarities:
- Both cities are major global financial hubs with strong legal systems, English as a working language, and large expat communities.
- Excellent public transport: London has the Tube and Overground; Singapore has the MRT and buses, both heavily used by locals and expats.[3]
- High cost of living compared to regional neighbours, with prime central property and dining in top districts priced at a premium.[3]
Key differences Londoners notice in Singapore:
- Climate: No more grey winters; Singapore is hot and humid all year (~24–32°C), with heavy showers instead of drizzle.
- Space: Fewer sprawling period houses; more high‑rise apartments and condominiums with pools and facilities.
- Safety: Singapore consistently ranks among the safest cities globally, with very low violent crime and strict laws.[6]
- Commutes: A 45‑minute commute that might take you from Clapham Junction to Liverpool Street by Tube could become a 20–30 minute MRT ride across the island.
If you are still exploring London attractions and UK travel before you leave, you can refer to our related guides, such as Complete Guide to Things to Do in London UK Complete Guide to Things to Do in London UK | Homejourney Travel & Property Insi... and our Budget Travel Guide to London UK (2025) Budget Travel Guide to London UK (2025) | Homejourney Safe Tips , then use this article to plan your long‑term move to Singapore.
Relocating from London to Singapore: Visas, Jobs & Cost of Living
Visa and Work Pass Options for UK Citizens
UK citizens do not need a visa for short visits (up to 90 days) for tourism or business, but you must have a valid pass to live and work in Singapore long term.[4][6]
The main work passes, administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), include:[3][4]
- Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers and executives with a qualifying salary level and acceptable qualifications.
- S Pass: For mid‑skilled staff meeting salary and quota criteria.
- EntrePass: For founders of venture‑backed or innovative start‑ups.
- Dependent’s Pass / Long‑Term Visit Pass: For eligible spouses and children of EP/S Pass holders.[6]
Always confirm requirements via official sources such as MOM and GOV.UK’s Living in Singapore page.[6] Rules change regularly; if your situation is complex (e.g. self‑employed, cross‑border business), consult a licensed relocation or immigration professional.
Employment Opportunities for London Professionals
Londoners often transition into roles in these sectors:
- Finance & FinTech: Similar to the City or Canary Wharf, with strong presence of banks, private equity, and payment companies.
- Tech & Start‑ups: Many move from London’s Shoreditch/Old Street scene to Singapore’s startup clusters near Tanjong Pagar, One‑North and Orchard.
- Legal, Consulting & Professional Services: Regional HQ roles serving Southeast Asia.
- Education, Healthcare & Research: International schools, universities, and medical centres.
Insider tip: Many roles are filled before you land. London‑based candidates often secure offers via Singapore‑focused recruiters, or secondment within their existing UK employer. Align your EP application timeline with your job offer so that your arrival and housing search match visa validity.
Cost of Living: London vs Singapore
Multiple studies and expat guides show Singapore is generally more expensive than the UK overall, especially for rental housing and groceries, though dining out in local eateries can be cheaper.[3][4]
Key comparisons London expats feel most:
- Rent: Central, expat‑favoured Singapore condos can rival or exceed central London rents, especially in Districts 9, 10, and 11.[3]
- Car ownership: Vastly more expensive in Singapore due to COE and taxes; most expats rely on MRT/Grab instead of owning a car.[4]
- Food: Supermarket groceries can cost more than in London, but hawker centres (e.g. Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat) offer full meals from ~SGD 4–8.
Homejourney helps you budget in both currencies. Our platform supports currency comparison tools for SGD and GBP, so you can view Singapore property prices in familiar London terms using our currency features .
Property in Singapore for Expats from London UK
What Can Foreigners Buy?
Under Singapore’s Residential Property Act, most foreigners (including UK citizens) can freely buy:
- Private condominiums and apartments
- Strata‑titled units in approved developments
Restrictions usually apply to:
- HDB flats: Typically reserved for citizens and PRs; foreigners can only rent, not buy, in most cases.
- Landed properties: Purchase often requires special Land Dealings (Approval) Unit permission.
Always confirm current rules with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) or a qualified lawyer, as regulations and definitions may change over time.
ABSD for Foreigners
On top of Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD), foreigners pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on residential purchases. ABSD rates and conditions have changed several times in recent years and may change again, so rely on official IRAS and URA resources rather than outdated blogs.
Before making an offer, use Homejourney’s tools and bank comparison features via our mortgage information page Bank Rates to estimate your total acquisition cost, including BSD, ABSD, legal fees, and potential renovation.
Popular Neighbourhoods for London Expats
Many Londoners instinctively seek a similar feel to areas like Islington, Clapham or Notting Hill. In Singapore, these zones often appeal:
- River Valley / Robertson Quay: Central, riverside dining, walkable to CBD; feels a bit like a mix of South Bank and Marylebone.
- Tiong Bahru: Low‑rise art‑deco blocks, indie cafés, and markets; a favourite with creatives, similar to London’s Stoke Newington vibe.
- Holland Village: Popular with families and long‑term expats; pubs, cafés and international schools within short drives.
- East Coast (Katong, Siglap): Sea breeze, park connectors and cafés – often compared to a sunnier, more chilled version of outer London suburbs.
Insider tip: Use MRT maps the way you used Tube maps in London. Being one or two stops further out (e.g. Buona Vista instead of Holland Village, or Redhill instead of Orchard) can noticeably lower rent while keeping your commute under 25 minutes.
Start exploring options through Homejourney’s verified property search Property Search and projects directory Projects Directory , where we prioritise transparent, accurate listing information and verified agents.
Rental Market Overview
Compared with London, Singapore’s rental market typically moves faster, with many units taken within days of listing. Leases are often 1–2 years, and negotiations focus on:
- Monthly rent (inclusive or exclusive of utilities and internet)
- Diplomatic or break clauses for expats
- Furniture (fully furnished vs partial vs unfurnished)
- Air‑conditioning maintenance responsibilities
