23/M/UK- 2-3k/month- where should I live?

[oli_1]

B

[the lynx]

Hey,

I'm relocating to Singapore for work at the start of Feb and am deciding on where to live. I'd quite like to live on my own in a vibrant expat area. My budget is 2-3K SGD/month. Anyone have any ideas? All welcome. Additionally will be looking to make friends upon arrival so get in contact [email protected]

Your budget can only get you a room in an expat-friendly condo in a vibrant expat area, by your definition. Or a whole HDB unit close to a vibrant expat area.

Target the following:
Holland Village, Buona Vista, Tiong Bahru, Marine Parade, Tanjung Pagar, West Coast, Joo Chiat, Geylang (I'm serious about this one).

[rajagainstthemachine]

I think you can get a shoe box unit for around 2300, I was moving houses in Nov, I saw plenty of 1+1 studio units for that price.

[Barnsley]

One of my mates reckons one of the new condos in Paya Lebar is 2600 for a 2 bed ....

I think that there is a lot of new stuff going up in that area.

With the MRT you have easy access to everywhere you would feel like its cool to hang out!!

[oli_1]

Hey,

Thanks for the response everyone, I think that looked like 2.3 but I meant between 2000-3000 SGD/month.

I think i'm more interested in which area to live in. I've heard geylang is pretty good in terms of cheap rent as families aren't to keen to live there and its pretty vibrant with lots going on. Are there any other areas like this that I should consider? If so why?

Thanks for any responses in advance.

[rajagainstthemachine]

Hey,

Thanks for the response everyone, I think that looked like 2.3 but I meant between 2000-3000 SGD/month.

I think i'm more interested in which area to live in. I've heard geylang is pretty good in terms of cheap rent as families aren't to keen to live there and its pretty vibrant with lots going on. Are there any other areas like this that I should consider? If so why?

Thanks for any responses in advance.

A couple of lanes in Geylang have a red light district, I'm not sure if that would be a preference for you

[Barnsley]

Hey,

Thanks for the response everyone, I think that looked like 2.3 but I meant between 2000-3000 SGD/month.

I think i'm more interested in which area to live in. I've heard geylang is pretty good in terms of cheap rent as families aren't to keen to live there and its pretty vibrant with lots going on. Are there any other areas like this that I should consider? If so why?

Thanks for any responses in advance.

If you live sort of central everywhere is close by .... Its 30-40 mins from one end of the Island to another in a cab so can live anywhere and it isn't going to cost you a bomb to get around.

There aren't really any other areas that have the volume of places like Geylang has , but a number of places have their own little piece of vibrancy!!

[Barnsley]

Hey,

Thanks for the response everyone, I think that looked like 2.3 but I meant between 2000-3000 SGD/month.

I think i'm more interested in which area to live in. I've heard geylang is pretty good in terms of cheap rent as families aren't to keen to live there and its pretty vibrant with lots going on. Are there any other areas like this that I should consider? If so why?

Thanks for any responses in advance.

A couple of lanes in Geylang have a red light district, I'm not sure if that would be a preference for you

That's what adds to the vibrancy ...

[oli_1]

Thanks again guys.

[rajagainstthemachine]

You should then find geylang quite accommodative to your needs, there is plenty of good food options and a general hustle bustle at almost all times of the day.

[nakatago]

I don't see being approached by women asking for me to partake in their services a threat to my safety nor my bank balance.

That's illegal actually and with a police/nanny state like Singapore, seldom happens. The seedy parts of Geylang are in the teenaged-numbered lorongs ("lanes") so you can easily avoid them easily. Geylang and the Paya Lebar area are undergoing what passes as gentrification in Singapore so it's becoming more attractive.

[thismyvoice]

You can add Balestier to the list. There are some studio units going for about $2k. Do everyone a favour. Negotiate hard.

[JR8]

It's easier starting from your overall requirements, and going from there.

See... http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/viewtopic.php?t=101985

[nakatago]

Do everyone a favour. Negotiate hard.

A suggested method: propose to your would-be agent that any amount he can deduct from your rent would be included in his agent's fee.

The agent's fee is dictated by what your rent would be (typically your monthly rent) and hence tenant agents have no incentive to get you lower rent. It's high-time to turn that around.

[oli_1]

Balestier... it's good to hear that name floating around as have been offered a condo I should be able to get for 2k with no agent fee. The complex is called Prestige Heights? Anybody know of this? Located just of Balestier Road? What is the area like there? Thanks again if anyone can help on this!