Affordable Industrial Units for Startups in Singapore |...

Affordable Industrial Units for Startups in Singapore

نشر بتاريخ 2025-06-09 09:19:53

A Smart Space Strategy for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs

Singapore is known for being a global business hub, boasting world-class infrastructure, low taxes, and a highly connected environment. But if you're a startup, especially one in manufacturing, logistics, e-commerce, or light assembly, your biggest question might be:
Where can I find affordable industrial units to launch or scale my operations?

Thankfully, Singapore offers a wide variety of cost-effective industrial spaces tailored for startups. This guide covers everything you need to know to secure affordable industrial units for startups in Singapore—from types of units, key locations, government support, to tips for choosing the right space.

Why Startups Need Industrial Units

While many startups operate in shared offices or coworking spaces, some require industrial units for practical reasons:

Product development and prototyping
Storage and warehousing
Light manufacturing or assembly
Fulfilment and logistics
Tech-based operations (e.g., robotics, clean tech)

Industrial units offer more space at lower per-square-foot rates than traditional office setups. Plus, with flexible layouts and high ceilings, they give startups the room to grow.

Types of Industrial Units in Singapore

There are two main categories of industrial properties:

1. Business 1 (B1) Industrial Units

B1 zones are ideal for startups in clean and light industries. They are usually found in mixed-use or high-tech business parks and are often closer to residential or city fringe areas.

Suitable for:

Software/hardware startups
Creative studios
Clean-tech or medical tech firms
Robotics or prototyping labs

Popular Locations:

Ayer Rajah Crescent (JTC LaunchPad)
Ubi, Tai Seng
Woodlands BizHub

2. Business 2 (B2) Industrial Units

These are meant for heavier or more intensive industrial use. Startups involved in manufacturing, logistics, or mechanical engineering typically go for B2 spaces.

Suitable for:

Manufacturing startups
Food processing
3D printing or industrial hardware
Automotive servicing

Popular Locations:

Tuas, Jurong Industrial Estate
Kranji, Sungei Kadut
Defu and Eunos Industrial Parks

Where to Find Affordable Industrial Units

Here are some tried-and-tested methods for startups to discover affordable industrial spaces:

1. JTC Corporation (Jurong Town Corporation)

JTC is Singapore’s main industrial landlord. It offers factory units, ready-built facilities, and business parks tailored for startups and SMEs.

Look into JTC’s Startup Spaces, such as the LaunchPad @ One-North
You can also consider ready-built units for lease that are often subsidized for new businesses.

2. Commercial Real Estate Portals

Websites like:

99.co
CommercialGuru
PropertyGuru
EdgeProp

These platforms allow filtering by size, rental rates, and zones (B1/B2). Many landlords are open to negotiating rates with startups.

3. Industrial REITs & Private Landlords

REITs like Ascendas REIT, Mapletree Industrial Trust, and Sabana REIT have affordable and flexible units tailored for growing companies. They offer:

Modular layouts
Short-term leases
Scalable options

Government Support and Incentives

Singapore’s pro-business environment includes government incentives that reduce the cost of renting industrial space:

1. Enterprise Singapore Grants

If your business involves innovation or product development, you may qualify for:

Startup SG Founder grant
Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)

These grants can help cover costs such as:

Renovation of industrial space
Setup of operations
Machinery or equipment needed for production

2. Subsidized Rents through JTC

Startups in JTC's LaunchPad spaces benefit from below-market rental rates and access to mentors, co-working networks, and shared facilities.

3. ESG’s Plug-and-Play Facilities

Enterprise Singapore partners with building owners to provide plug-and-play industrial facilities at discounted rates for specific industries.

Tips for Choosing the Right Industrial Unit

Start Small, Scale Fast
Don’t rent more space than you need. Choose units that allow scalability, either within the same building or estate.
Check the Zoning (B1 or B2)
Make sure your business operations are permitted in the area you're eyeing. You don’t want compliance issues later.
Access and Transport
Ensure good accessibility for your staff and delivery partners. Proximity to MRT stations or expressways is a bonus.
Look for Shared Facilities
Many industrial buildings offer shared meeting rooms, loading bays, or even fabrication labs—great for lean startups.
Negotiate Lease Terms
Ask for shorter leases (1-2 years), renovation subsidies, or even rent-free periods when signing a new contract.

Key Locations for Startups

Here are some affordable zones with high potential:

🏭 North Region: Woodlands & Yishun

Tech hubs with lower rental rates
Near Malaysia border for logistics
B1 industrial units under $2.00 psf

🏭 West Region: Jurong & Tuas

Best for logistics, marine, heavy industries
Larger spaces, lower rates (~$1.30 psf)
More suited for B2 businesses

🏭 East Region: Ubi & Eunos

Popular with creative, clean-tech, and light industries
Higher rates (~$2.20–$2.80 psf) but better connectivity

🏭 Central Region: One-North & Ayer Rajah

JTC LaunchPad area for high-growth tech startups
Vibrant startup ecosystem
Competitive but worth applying for

Final Thoughts

Finding affordable industrial units for startups in Singapore is no longer a hurdle thanks to a business-friendly ecosystem, JTC's infrastructure, and various rental options across the island. Whether you're bootstrapping a robotics startup or launching a new e-commerce brand, Singapore provides the physical space to help you build, ship, and grow.

Start lean, stay smart, and scale wisely.