2-Room Apartment Cost Calculator
Calculate Your Best Fit
See how much you could save or gain by choosing Type 1 or Type 2 apartments over 5 years. Input your situation to compare upfront costs, storage needs, and resale value.
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When you’re looking at 2-room apartments in Singapore, you’ll often see them labeled as Type 1 or Type 2. At first glance, they look similar - both are small, affordable, and designed for singles or couples. But the differences matter a lot when you’re deciding which one fits your life, budget, and future plans.
Size and Layout: The First Big Difference
Type 1 2-room apartments are smaller. They typically measure around 40 to 45 square meters. Type 2 units are bigger - usually between 50 and 55 square meters. That extra 10 square meters isn’t just a number. It means you can actually fit a full-sized bed in the bedroom without bumping into the wall, or have space for a small dining table next to the kitchen.
Layout-wise, Type 1 units often have a compact, almost boxy design. The bedroom and living area are separated by a thin wall, and the bathroom is tucked into a corner. Type 2 units usually have a more open floor plan. The kitchen is slightly larger, the living area feels less cramped, and there’s often a small balcony or window that actually lets in natural light.
Bedroom Size: It’s Not Just About Square Meters
Let’s talk about the bedroom. In a Type 1 unit, the bedroom is usually just big enough for a single bed and a small wardrobe. If you try to add a bedside table, you’ll have to choose between it and the door swing. Many people end up using wall-mounted shelves just to keep clothes off the floor.
Type 2 units give you breathing room. The bedroom can fit a double bed, a dresser, and still leave space to walk around. That’s not a luxury - it’s a practical upgrade. If you ever plan to live with a partner, or even just want to host someone overnight, Type 2 makes that possible without turning your home into a human puzzle.
Storage: What You Don’t See Matters
Storage is where Type 2 really pulls ahead. Type 1 apartments usually have one or two built-in cabinets - maybe a small closet in the bedroom and a shallow shelf above the toilet. You’ll need to buy your own storage units, which means you’re constantly fighting for floor space.
Type 2 units come with more built-in storage. There’s often a larger wardrobe in the bedroom, a deeper kitchen cabinet, and sometimes even a small utility cupboard near the entrance. Some newer Type 2 models include under-bed storage drawers. That’s not a gimmick - it’s a game-changer if you’ve ever tried to store seasonal clothes in a 40-square-meter space.
Resale Value and Future-Proofing
If you’re buying with the idea of selling later, Type 2 units hold their value better. In 2024, the average resale price for a Type 2 2-room flat was about 18% higher than Type 1, even when they were the same age and location. Why? Because demand is shifting. More people are looking for apartments that can handle small families, remote work, or even short-term rentals.
Type 1 units are often bought by retirees or students on tight budgets. Type 2 units attract young professionals who want to stay in the city long-term. That means when you resell, Type 2 has a bigger pool of buyers - and faster sales. A 2023 HDB report showed Type 2 flats sold 22% faster than Type 1 in the same estates.
Eligibility and Subsidies: Who Can Buy What?
Both Type 1 and Type 2 2-room flats are under the HDB Public Rental Scheme and the Prime Location Public Housing (PLPH) model. But eligibility rules differ slightly.
Type 1 units are mostly available to lower-income households, singles aged 35+, and elderly applicants. Type 2 units are open to the same groups, but they’re also eligible for the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant - which can give you up to S$80,000 extra if you meet income and first-timer criteria.
If you’re a first-time buyer under 35, you can’t buy a Type 1 unit unless you’re part of a singles scheme. Type 2 units are available to singles under 35 as long as they meet income caps. That makes Type 2 more accessible for younger buyers who want to get on the property ladder early.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s the real question: Are you buying for now - or for the next five years?
If you’re single, on a tight budget, and plan to move out in 3-5 years, Type 1 might make sense. It’s cheaper to buy and maintain. But if you’re thinking long-term - even if you’re not sure yet - Type 2 is the smarter pick.
Think about it this way: A Type 1 flat might save you S$50,000 upfront. But over five years, you’ll spend more on furniture, storage solutions, and stress from feeling cramped. A Type 2 flat might cost S$10,000 more to buy, but it gives you room to grow. You can work from home, host friends, or even rent out the spare space without breaking any rules.
There’s no perfect choice. But if you want to avoid regret later, Type 2 gives you more flexibility, better resale value, and a home that actually feels like home - not just a place to sleep.
Common Misconceptions
Some people think Type 1 is "just a smaller Type 2." That’s not true. They’re built to different standards. Type 1 units were designed in the 1990s as temporary housing. Type 2 units, introduced after 2010, are built with modern living in mind - better ventilation, higher ceilings, and more durable materials.
Another myth: "Type 1 is only for elderly people." While many seniors live in Type 1 units, they’re also bought by young workers who think they can’t afford anything else. The truth? Many young people who start in Type 1 end up renting elsewhere because the space doesn’t work for their lifestyle.
Real-Life Examples
Take Maria, 32, a nurse in Tampines. She bought a Type 1 2-room flat in 2022 for S$210,000. Two years later, she’s already looking to move. "I love my job, but I hate my flat," she says. "I can’t even have my sister stay over without sleeping on the couch. I’ve spent S$3,000 on foldable furniture just to make it work."
Now compare that to Raj, 29, a software developer who bought a Type 2 unit in Woodlands for S$260,000. "I thought I was overpaying," he says. "But now I have a proper desk for work, a real kitchen, and I even have room for a small plant. I’ve had three friends stay over - no problem. I’m planning to stay here for at least 10 years."
That’s the difference.
Can I upgrade from a Type 1 to a Type 2 2-room flat later?
No, you can’t upgrade the unit itself. HDB flats are fixed structures. But you can sell your Type 1 flat and buy a Type 2 one later - as long as you meet the eligibility rules, like the minimum occupation period and income caps. Many people do this after a few years, especially if their income has increased or they’re starting a family.
Are Type 2 2-room flats harder to get than Type 1?
Not necessarily. Type 2 units are often released in smaller numbers per project, but they’re still available in most new HDB launches. The key is applying early and being flexible with location. Type 1 units are more common in older estates, while Type 2 are in newer developments like Tengah and Punggol. If you’re willing to live outside the city center, you’ll find Type 2 options more easily.
Do Type 1 and Type 2 have the same maintenance fees?
Yes. Both types pay the same monthly service and conservancy charges (S&CC), which are based on the size of the estate, not the flat. The only difference is that Type 2 owners may spend more on internal repairs or upgrades because they have more space to maintain - like a bigger kitchen or a balcony.
Can I rent out my Type 1 or Type 2 flat?
Yes, but only after meeting the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) of 5 years. You can rent out the entire flat, but not just one room. HDB doesn’t allow room rentals in 2-room flats - even Type 2. So if you’re counting on rental income, you’ll need to rent the whole unit. That’s easier with Type 2 because it’s more attractive to tenants.
Which type has better resale potential in 2025?
Type 2 has stronger resale potential. With more young professionals entering the market and a growing preference for livable spaces, Type 2 units are in higher demand. Type 1 units are still bought, but mostly by retirees or those on very low budgets. If you plan to sell within 5-10 years, Type 2 gives you more buyers and better pricing.
Final Thoughts
The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 2-room flats isn’t just about square meters. It’s about how you live. Type 1 is a starter home with limits. Type 2 is a home that grows with you. If you can stretch your budget - even just a little - Type 2 gives you space, dignity, and freedom. And in a city where space is scarce, that’s worth more than you think.
