The Internet was abuzz with discussion following a report last Saturday on rising rentals of Housing Board (HDB) flats, one of which - a three-room flat in Jurong East - was said to be rented for $2,500 a month.

Some online discussions pointed out that it was unusual for such a flat to command this sum for rent.

The Straits Times investigated further and found that the rent was indeed $2,500 a month, but the unit was actually for a 'jumbo' flat - made up of two adjoining three-room units.

The transaction was recorded as a three-room transaction in the database of property agency ERA Singapore, but the ERA spokesman had since clarified that the rent of $2,500 was for the equivalent of two three-room flats as the landlord had knocked down the adjoining wall to combine the units.

ERA added that the flat is now rented to a company.

Retrofitting works is going on for the block, which has a number of vacant units, particularly on the top floor. The ground floor is occupied by shops.

Meanwhile, the authorities will be releasing more data on rents for HDB flats to add transparency to the market after increased talk and recent reports of rising prices.

Minister of State for National Development Grace Fu said during her visit to an HDB block in Jurong East: 'The Government will continue to make such information more widely available so people can make more informed decisions.'

The average monthly rent for three-room flats islandwide for April to June ranged from $900 to $1,100. The figures come from property agency PropNex.

However, units in choice locations may command higher rents. For example, some three-room flats in areas such as Bukit Merah and Toa Payoh can command rents of $1,700 to $2,000 per month.

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