Townhouse vs Cluster House in Singapore: Which Suits Your Lifestyle and Budget?

15 Oct, 2024

“The best rooms have something to say about the people who live in them.” – David Hicks

When considering landed property in Singapore, potential homeowners often find themselves comparing townhouses and cluster houses. Both options are attractive, but which one is better suited for your lifestyle and budget? Each has its own set of benefits, but understanding the differences can help make an informed decision. Whether you’re drawn to the community feel of a cluster house or the independent nature of a townhouse, knowing what each property type offers is essential.

For those navigating the townhouse vs cluster house dilemma, it often boils down to specific needs such as space, privacy, and cost of maintenance. In Singapore, with its high-density living, choosing the right landed property can be a big decision. But fear not—Sheinterior is here to help you not only decide but also turn your choice into a dream home with comprehensive renovation services that align with your taste and budget.

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Table of Contents

What Are Townhouses and Cluster Houses?

A townhouse is a landed property where each unit is independent and often comes with its own plot of land. They are popular for those who seek privacy and control over their own property. Cluster houses, on the other hand, are landed properties that share communal areas and facilities such as pools, gyms, or playgrounds. These communal features appeal to families looking for a sense of community while still enjoying the benefits of landed living.

In Singapore, townhouses vs cluster houses often have varying costs of maintenance and lifestyle implications. Whereas townhouses offer more autonomy in managing your home and its land, cluster houses typically include the convenience of shared recreational facilities. Depending on your needs, each offers a unique living experience.

Costs and Maintenance: What Should You Consider?

When choosing between a townhouse and a cluster house in Singapore, renovation costs and maintenance are significant considerations. Townhouses generally require more maintenance, as the homeowner is responsible for both the interior and exterior. However, cluster houses share the cost of maintaining communal facilities, which can reduce the individual burden but comes with a regular maintenance fee.

Homeowners often wonder how much it costs to renovate these types of properties. Townhouses, with their larger spaces and independent setups, may have higher renovation costs, especially if the exterior needs work. Cluster houses, while smaller, often require less costly renovations since the shared facilities lessen the upkeep demands.

With Sheinterior’s personalized renovation services, we make it easier to plan a renovation that fits your budget, whether you’re working on a townhouse or a cluster house. From creating modern interior design ideas that enhance your space to managing renovation costs, we ensure that every aspect of your home is perfectly tailored to your preferences.

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Space and Lifestyle: Which Property Offers More Flexibility?

One of the most significant differences between townhouses vs cluster houses lies in how the space is used. Townhouses offer more flexibility, often having multiple stories and larger living areas. These types of properties are ideal for those who value personal space and a private environment.

On the other hand, cluster houses appeal to families who enjoy a sense of community and shared facilities such asswimming pools or gyms. These communal spaces foster a more social lifestyle, ideal for families with children or those who like to have amenities right at their doorstep. However, cluster houses usually offer less living space compared to townhouses, making smart design and renovation crucial to maximizing the interior layout.

Sheinterior excels at optimizing your space, whether you need to create a spacious open-concept layout in your townhouse or make every inch of your cluster house functional and stylish. Our interior design style solutions ensure that every room in your home is perfectly designed for comfort and functionality.

Renovation Challenges for Townhouses vs Cluster Houses

Renovating a townhouse often involves more significant structural changes, as you have complete control over the property. Whether you’re reconfiguring the layout or adding extensions, the possibilities are endless. In contrast, cluster houses may come with certain limitations, especially when dealing with shared structures or communal areas.

Despite these differences, both types of homes can benefit from professional interior design ideas. In townhouses, the focus may be on creating a luxurious, spacious living environment, while in the space of a cluster house, maximizing smaller rooms and utilizing every inch efficiently is key.

At Sheinterior, our comprehensive renovation services are designed to address these specific challenges, helping you achieve your dream home—whether it’s creating the perfect interior design style for your townhouse or enhancing the functionality of your cluster house.

Privacy vs Community: Which Is Right for You?

One of the main distinctions between a townhouse and a cluster house is the level of privacy you get. Townhouses areideal for those who seek independence, as you don’t have to share walls or amenities with your neighbors. This means more control over your space and a greater sense of personal ownership.

Cluster houses, on the other hand, are designed for those who value community and shared living spaces. While you sacrifice some privacy, you gain access to recreational facilities that can make life more convenient and enjoyable. The shared costs of maintaining these facilities make it a more affordable option for those looking to enjoy luxury amenities without paying for them independently.

At Sheinterior, we can help you create a space that complements your lifestyle, whether you prefer the privacy of a townhouse or the communal aspects of a cluster house. We specialize in designing interior spaces that are both functional and beautiful, making your home feel uniquely yours.

Ready to Transform Your Townhouse or Cluster House?

Choosing between a townhouse vs cluster house in Singapore boils down to personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle needs. Both types of properties offer unique advantages, but the right one for you depends on how you want to live and what you value most in your home.With Sheinterior’s affordable and comprehensive renovation services, we’re here to help you turn either choice into the perfect home. Which lifestyle appeals to you more—privacy and independence, or community and shared amenities? Let’s explore your vision and bring it to life.

Our Happy Clients Reviews

Quotation is clear with no hidden cost. Don’t need to worry about high variation cost in the middle of renovation. We only paid for add-on and upgrades (sintered stone, concealed door) that we specifically requested for half way during the renovation.

Our new home design turns out great with Jess's help and creative ideas! We were slightly skeptical at first with their good review, but now we think Jess deserves a perfect review. We have seen cases where home owner's reno turned into nightmare, thus we had our hearts out of our sleeves during the initial stage. But Jess managed to boost our confidence back with her positive attitude and enthusiasm. Since our first meeting until the completion of project, she never fails to impress us with her

I was recommend to Jess by a friend and she was nothing short of expectation. Jess’ approach was collaborative, consultative and very flexible. I’ve done a few reno projects before and I just say Jess is probably one of the best I’ve worked with! She’s very transparent with costs, is very timely with her deliverables and has a style that’s great to work with.

Overdue review here but thankful we went along with SHE after referrals from friends and most importantly we’d like to give a shout-out to our ID Kelvin for making our first renovation experience a relatively smooth and pleasant one. He has a good eye for details and is highly responsive.

How Can She Interior Help You

If you want your home to be just as beautiful, then look no further. Book an online consultation with She Interior today. Have some comments or suggestions you’d like to share with us?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I hire an interior design firm when I can manage the renovation myself?

Sure, some homeowners prefer to DIY or coordinate with contractors directly—but here’s the thing: renovation in Singapore isn’t just about choosing tiles or paint. It’s about permits, HDB guidelines, space planning, lighting, and hundreds of decisions that can quickly become overwhelming. Hiring a firm means having a team that takes care of everything—project management, technical compliance, and design synergy—so you avoid costly mistakes and delays. More time for you, less stress, and a stunning result that looks like it came from a magazine? That’s a win.

Isn’t hiring an ID firm expensive?

It depends on who you work with. Not all ID firms are out to burn your wallet. A good firm will help you make smarter, cost-effective decisions that stay within budget without cutting corners. Plus, our transparent pricing means no hidden costs—just value for every dollar spent. Sometimes, spending wisely now saves you from overspending later.

What if I already have my own ideas or moodboard? Will the ID still help?

Absolutely—we love when homeowners bring their vision to the table! Think of us as your creative partner. We take your inspiration and elevate it with layout planning, material sourcing, and cohesive styling to ensure it works in real life, not just on Pinterest. Our job isn’t to override your ideas, but to bring them to life beautifully and practically.

How long will the renovation take if I hire an ID firm?

With an ID firm, timelines are managed professionally. While every project varies, having a team to coordinate with vendors, contractors, and suppliers keeps everything on track. You won’t have to chase after multiple parties—we do the heavy lifting, so you can move in faster and smoother.

How do I know if an ID firm is reliable?

Great question. Look out for HDB-licensed firms, transparent reviews, detailed portfolios, and clear contracts. A reliable ID firm won’t just promise a good-looking home—they’ll prove it with process, professionalism, and people who genuinely care about your home. Ask about past projects and how they handle after-sales service. That’s where true reliability shows.