Dual-Key Units: Two Homes in One Property

Glossary 3 min read Last reviewed
For: Students of the marketFirst-time buyers
Source: IRAS, MAS, URA
TL;DR
A dual-key unit is a single strata property with two separate, self-contained living spaces (typically a main unit plus a studio or one-bedroom sub-unit) accessed through a shared foyer, but held u...
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Quick Definition
A dual-key unit is a single strata property with two separate, self-contained living spaces (typically a main unit plus a studio or one-bedroom sub-unit) accessed through a shared foyer, but held under one title and one set of stamp duties.

What Does It Mean?

A dual-key unit is a single strata property with two separate, self-contained living spaces (typically a main unit plus a studio or one-bedroom sub-unit) accessed through a shared foyer, but held under one title and one set of stamp duties. It is popular with multi-generational families and investors who want to live in one half and rent out the other, or rent both out separately.

Why It Matters

A dual-key unit lets one purchase serve two households or double as a home-plus-rental, all under a single set of stamp duties. That efficiency is why they appeal to multi-gen families and yield-focused investors — but the sub-unit is small, and resale demand is narrower than for a standard layout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay one or two sets of stamp duty on a dual-key unit?
One. A dual-key unit is a single property under one title, so it attracts a single set of BSD/ABSD — one of its main advantages for multi-generational buyers.
Can I rent out just one half of a dual-key unit?
Yes. A common strategy is to live in the main unit and rent out the studio sub-unit, or rent both out separately for higher combined yield.
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This glossary article is auto-generated from ShiokNest's financial data and updated periodically. Rates and figures are current as of July 2026. Check official sources for the latest.