I'M from Augsburg, Germany. I'll be visiting Singapore to work there for three months. I'm looking for an apartment and read your article about condos and HDB flats. It is public housing, where eight in 10 of the population lives. Condo means condominium, which are private apartments that normally come with facilities such as swimming pool, tennis court and gymnasium.
Rental prices are generally higher in condos because of the facilities they offer.
HDB living offers a less expensive lifestyle, with food centres and markets nearby. The best part is you get to meet many more Singaporeans. Condos, on the other hand, offer more privacy. If you wish to rent the entire HDB flat, the owner must get written clearance from the HDB to do so. There is no restriction on the rental of a private condo.