*** Finding an apartment in Singapore ***?

Question

Hi,

I am an expat looking for a house for rent in Singapore. Preferably a simple 2 bedroom apartment... preferably private (non-HDB).

Can anyone tell me:

1. What are the factors I should consider while choosing property or renting it?
2. What is the best way to search for properties?
3. What should I be careful about (if anything)?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Things to Note:
1. The convenience & accessiblity (MRT, bus stops, taxi stands etc) of the area. Facilities of the apartments & nearby shopping malls (supermarket, 24hrs convenient stores etc). The room space and area of your house. And also the value of the apartment, whether the value is depriciating or on the increasing side.

2. You can try online services such as:
a) http://www.singaporeexpats.com (Great website for Expats)
b) http://www.singaporepropertymarket.com
c) http://www.yellowpages.com.sg

3. The environment near your residential area. Whether it is safe or more prone to crime activities. Whether if it is a busy district or quiet area. To consider if there is a police station nearby in the vicinity of your living area.

Happy searching for your dream home then!! Good luck!

Answer 2

I am an Expat and have been living in Sg for a few years now.
Here is my advice....

Are you getting a Re-location Pkg?

check this site:
http://www.expatchoice.com/property_for_rent.htm


We used a company called Asian Welcome (65) 6733-0233
[e-mail] speak to Veronica.
They were great at finding a place and being to go between, unless you know what you are doing in this society (and we didn't) this is really the way to go.

If you do things on your own:
Make sure everything is perfect in your place.. if there is a cracked tile, or ANYTHING, make sure it gets fixed, or you will be paying for it when you leave.

Get your aircon servicing included in your rent.

If you aren't bringing furniture.. have the rental furniture included in the cost of your rent.

Get a bank account asap HSBC or DBS is good.. An HSBC credit card can get you discounts all over the place.

When you get cable:
We only have one choice.. star hub..
get 3 services with them (cell phone,cable,internet) and you get a discount. Don't go for the biggest broadband service they have, when they say up to this speed, they mean you will get the lowest speed..maybe...
I have a great starter pkg of Sg info If I can I will e-mail it to you.. or send me e-mail and I will give you more info..
[e-mail]

Answer 3

Hi, I believe the key factor to decide on a property is that you feel comfortable in it. It has to have an atmosphere that you like.

Next will be its location. Whetther you want to be in city area, fringe, ot out in the outskirt.

Amenities available. Recreation facilities, pool, gym etc for consideration.

Price, does it match your budget

Rental can be made easy. You can contact a property agent and just provide your wishlist and let the agent find properties that match them and bring you for viewing. So the agent will do the leg-work while you make your decision. Can be quite easy. An established agent will be able to handle all properly and legally to your satisfaction.

You can email me at [e-mail] if you like, I can link you up to a reliable friend to do this for you.

Answer 4

factors to consider :
-near your workin place if u r not driving
-preferably outta of erp area if u r driving
-unit should not face east or west...preferably north or south so tat ur house is not too warm
-facilities such as swimming pools,tennis court ,club house
-do not choose red light district area like geylang, or little india if ur female or have kids around wit u.

best way to search for property is by lokin thru classified ads in the local strait times column .... website tat r for expat sometimes r priced slightly higher. for convenience,U may also look for property agents to help u look for a few units n u can select fr his findings. if u wan value for money without payin for agent fee... u may diy ..look thru the ads n call up the landlady/owner .

areas of condos to consider:
bt timah area, upper bukit timah, novena
if ur budget is higher :
u may consider prime district such as holland village , newton,

Answer 5

1. accessibility is foremost and the conveniences, like semi-furnished or furnished, lease span
2. do it yourself as agents tend to hide whatever and overkill on commissions
3. get guarded sites
i really would rather recommend that you request your company to make recommendations so you get ideas for better slelection criteria