5 Tips for Expats Searching for Accommodations in Singapore
It has been a busy week with multiple requests, especially from expats looking for accomodation in Singapore. Thought I would share some tips to make your property-hunting experience a less stressful one.
#1 Start your search and research early
Preferably start 3-4 months ahead. Get a good grasp of the different districts in Singapore, and zoom down to the possible choices you would like to live at. While condos are preferred choice for expats, HDB and landed properties could be just as nice too.
#2 Be flexible on your arrangements
Consider staying slightly farther from your location of choice, if the price is right. You might just come across gems in our neighbourhoods!
If you have the funds and will absolutely regret if you can't get it, just go for it. That being said, do make sure you can comfortably afford the rental - late rental payments could mean heavy penalties, or worse forfeiting your lease.
Some of my clients are on having fully furnished units as well. Generally, fully furnished units can cost up anywhere from $100 to $400 more than partially furnished units. Depending on market conditions, landlords may choose to furnish it or otherwise. If you are not keen to pay that increment, there are online groups and platforms where outgoing tenant expats are giving away/selling at a discounted price.
#3 Property Portals
Platforms like Propertyguru and 99.co are generally used by agents to market the listings. You can filter your search by location, train stations, schools, etc, to narrow down your search. If you could, ask for a recent video of the property so you can make a more informed decision.
Tip: In today's market, any listings more than 3 weeks old is likely to be unavailable.
#4 Group yourselves
You could arrange with others for a bigger budget and hence a bigger co-lived property. Think - 2 people with a budget of $3000, staying in a studio/1 bedder condo, versus 6 people with a total budget of $9000 that could afford a nicely sized property with excess for social nights :)
#5 Engage an agent
Consider engaging an agent, to do the qualifying and legwork for your property search. They will navigate through the property rental process, negotiation as well as all rental liaison during the lease term, for a smooth stay. This would be less stress to you (no need to be constantly distracted day to day about this), and going into a property rental transaction knowing your interests are protected.
My tenants actually shared that they reached out to the similar landlord agents, without a reply. Trust your agent to do his/her best for you, pray that your property search can come to an end with a nice landlord.
All the best, and enjoy your stay in Singapore!
Gerald
(65) 8868 3888 (Click to WhatsApp)
