Condo moving rules in Singapore: application, deposit and lift booking
Condo moving rules in Singapore explained: the moving application, deposits or fees, service lift booking, allowed moving hours and parking.
Updated 2 min read
Condo moving rules in Singapore are set by each condominium's management corporation (MCST) and its managing agent as house rules. Moving rules differ from building to building, but most ask for the same few things. Contact your management office early, ideally before you book a mover.
The moving application
Most condos require a moving-in or moving-out application before the move. Ask the management office:
- which form to fill in and how far ahead it must be submitted
- which documents they need (for example, proof that you own or rent the unit)
- whether the mover's details or insurance must be included
Deposit or fee
Many condos collect money for a move. It can be:
- a refundable deposit, returned after an inspection of the common areas after your move
- a non-refundable admin fee
- or both
Ask how much, how to pay, and how and when a deposit is refunded. Take photos of the lift, lobby and corridor before and after the move, in case of a dispute about damage.
Moving hours and lift booking
Condos usually allow moving only at set times, typically on weekdays during the day. Sundays and public holidays are often not allowed, and some buildings limit Saturdays to the morning. The service lift usually has to be booked through the management office, and some buildings require padding to be fitted inside it.
Share the booked lift time and the building's rules with your mover, so their crew arrives in time and brings the right protection.
Parking and loading
Ask where the moving lorry can park, whether it needs to be registered with security in advance, and how long it can stay. A long walk from the loading bay to the lift adds time, and some movers charge extra for it, so mention it when you ask for quotes.
Moving out
When moving out, the same rules usually apply: an application, a lift booking, and an inspection before any deposit is returned. If you're a tenant, check what your lease says about the unit's condition on handover.
Checklist for your condo move
- Ask the management office for the moving application, deposit and lift booking rules.
- Book a mover whose crew can work within the allowed hours. See how to choose a mover.
- Book the service lift and parking.
- Photograph the common areas before and after.
- Follow up on your deposit refund.
Get quotes from movers who know condo rules, for example movers in River Valley or Bukit Timah.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need permission to move into a condo?
Usually, yes. Most condominiums ask residents to submit a moving application to the management office before the move, and some require it several days ahead. Ask your management office for its form and lead time.
How much is the condo moving deposit?
It varies by condominium. Some charge a refundable deposit that is returned after an inspection shows no damage; others charge a non-refundable admin fee, or both. Ask the management office for the amount, how to pay and the refund process.
Can I move on a Sunday?
Many condos don't allow moving on Sundays and public holidays, and some limit Saturdays to the morning. Check your building's moving hours before you book a mover.
Who books the service lift?
You, or the mover on your behalf, book it through the management office. Confirm the booked time with your mover so the crew arrives in time to use it.
Sources
- Allied Pickfords: Condo moving rules in Singapore
- BCA: Strata management guides (MCSTs, by-laws and house rules)
Facts checked against these sources on 17 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm with the source or provider before you rely on them.
Related guides
House moving cost in Singapore (2026): mover prices and how to compare quotesHouse moving cost in Singapore explained: typical mover prices for 3-, 4- and 5-room HDB flats, what drives the price, and how to compare quotes.
How to choose a mover in Singapore: questions to ask and red flagsHow to choose a mover in Singapore: what a good quote includes, questions to ask about insurance and damage, and red flags to avoid.
HDB moving checklist: what to do from 8 weeks out to moving dayOur HDB moving checklist, week by week: booking movers, utilities, ICA change of address, packing, and what to do on moving day in Singapore.