What is a reasonable cost for rent?

[Aus2Sing]

I appreciate how circumstantial this is, and not an easy question to answer, but hoping for a lead on rental costs in Singapore. I understand accomodation will be one of our greatest expenses over there, just having difficulties coming up with a number we should be looking for. On a salary of around $12,000 per month, is between $4,000-$5,000 per month a reasonable price range to look in?

[x9200]

For the said salary and the rental range, this CAN/MAY be a reasonable range.

[brian_singapore]

What part of Singapore are you working in and what kind of unit do you need?

Rents are dropping and if your not working in the downtown core, you should be able to rent for less depending on your needs.

Rents for small 3 bedroom private condos in Tanah Merah near the MRT can be had for around 2500-3000 for instance.

Perfect if you don't have a large family and are working in Changi Business Park, not quite as good if your working in the science park.

[Aus2Sing]

Thanks for that. It is just my wife and I, so looking for a two bed condo at this stage. Will be working on Marina Blv. Looking for something in an urban area - if there were places you were able to suggest we look at there? Thanks!

What part of Singapore are you working in and what kind of unit do you need?

Rents are dropping and if your not working in the downtown core, you should be able to rent for less depending on your needs.

Rents for small 3 bedroom private condos in Tanah Merah near the MRT can be had for around 2500-3000 for instance.

Perfect if you don't have a large family and are working in Changi Business Park, not quite as good if your working in the science park.

[Max Headroom]

Whatever you do, bargain hard and don't listen to your agent's spin on the current market, or his/her hackneyed spiel: The unit isn't the one most in demand. It isn't a lot roomier than it looks. And the view isn't breathtaking.

Brian-Singapore is correct; rents have been dropping and are still dropping now. In fact, the speed at which rents are dropping has been increasing.

Bottom line: It's a renters' market if ever there was one, so leverage this to the max.

Incidentally, forewarned is forearmed: they've been throwing in all kinds of sweeteners lately to keep rents as sticky as they can.

Let us know how you get on?

[American]

Whatever you do, bargain hard and don't listen to your agent's spin on the current market, or his/her hackneyed spiel: The unit isn't the one most in demand. It isn't a lot roomier than it looks. And the view isn't breathtaking.

Brian-Singapore is correct; rents have been dropping and are still dropping now. In fact, the speed at which rents are dropping has been increasing.

Bottom line: It's a renters' market if ever there was one, so leverage this to the max.

Incidentally, forewarned is forearmed: they've been throwing in all kinds of sweeteners lately to keep rents as sticky as they can.

Let us know how you get on?

I'm a 3 year expat and definitely the market is down. Bargain hard, stick to your guns and you will find some once in a cycle gems like landed houses available at fire sale prices. Your salary is fine to cover the rent you wish of max 4-5k

You can also target to save by Li in somewhere like Kovan Serangoon or even way north like Yishun. Something to.consider if your goal is to save a lot of money. You will be Able to and still live comfortably if you can leave the city center and stay just beyond the fringe (kovan is a good example or pasir ris

[PNGMK]

East Coast has cluster homes going for 4K now. That's almost unheard of ever.

[American]

East Coast has cluster homes going for 4K now. That's almost unheard of ever.

Yes - I'm looking myself. Bukit Timah 3 bedders around 4.5-5k

Newer developments like TOP'ed in the last 2 years are still asking for higher prices but you can find stuff somewhere like 3 bedrooms at d'leedon or interlace for around 5.5k

Newton and novena 3bedrooms can be had for around 5k in this market and these are relatively newer places with full condo amenities.

I would go in with offers below 4K and work up based on negotiation but do not go above 5k unless you want something really high end in a very prime location (like middle of orchard or Somerset or marina bay). Premier neighborhoods in the east coast can be much lower like 4K. Newton novena bukit timah and river valley around 4.8-5k and anywhere else much less. Even sentosa and keppel has dropped to around 5-6k! Again these are what I've observed by talking to agents on . ads and viewing what's available for 3-4 bedders.

If you want a recommended agent do let me know privately. You want someone that is not afraid to play some hard ball and play available properties in a specific building or neighborhood off of each other to get the best deal.

[PNGMK]

East Coast has cluster homes going for 4K now. That's almost unheard of ever.

Yes - I'm looking myself. Bukit Timah 3 bedders around 4.5-5k

Newer developments like TOP'ed in the last 2 years are still asking for higher prices but you can find stuff somewhere like 3 bedrooms at d'leedon or interlace for around 5.5k

Newton and novena 3bedrooms can be had for around 5k in this market and these are relatively newer places with full condo amenities.

I would go in with offers below 4K and work up based on negotiation but do not go above 5k unless you want something really high end in a very prime location (like middle of orchard or Somerset or marina bay). Premier neighborhoods in the east coast can be much lower like 4K. Newton novena bukit timah and river valley around 4.8-5k and anywhere else much less. Even sentosa and keppel has dropped to around 5-6k! Again these are what I've observed by talking to agents on . ads and viewing what's available for 3-4 bedders.

If you want a recommended agent do let me know privately. You want someone that is not afraid to play some hard ball and play available properties in a specific building or neighborhood off of each other to get the best deal.

I would say we are not at the bottom of the rental market. What you're seeing is a drop off as contracts have ended in 2016 or people being sent home at the year end. I have a friend who rented in 1 Leonie Hill last month and there are 28 units vacant there under the same owner! The pain will get worse in the next few months as these owners scramble to fill their units at ANY price. I moved here in 2005 and only paid $1500 for a D12 3 bedroom and I think those days will come back. A lot of Condo owners bought at low prices (much lower than now) and they can afford to go back to those levels and still meet their mortgage outlay - some of course can't and they will go bankrupt.

[maybeSing2017]

"hijacking' the thread and new to the forum.

Singapore being so compact, how bad is it to commute in from a 'suburb'? I see a few locations being discussed as just outside the core area. What is a reasonable commute and do folks bike to work...I can see the heat and humidity being an issue, but could you bike to work from one of these locations to the downtown core?
thanks alot

[bgd]

"hijacking' the thread and new to the forum.

Singapore being so compact, how bad is it to commute in from a 'suburb'? I see a few locations being discussed as just outside the core area. What is a reasonable commute and do folks bike to work...I can see the heat and humidity being an issue, but could you bike to work from one of these locations to the downtown core?
thanks alot

By bike I guess you mean cycle? You can, but you need to pick your route. It won't be pleasant if you are mixing with rush hour traffic all the way. And you need shower facilities at work, unless you live very close.

If you live on the East Coast then you can cycle pretty much the whole route through the park and on park connectors. It's very pleasant.

Alternatively you could try one of those electric scooters. No shower required I assume - maybe ask your colleagues . You would need to check where you can ride them though, I'm not sure on the current restrictions.

You can drive but cars are expensive and so is parking. Motorcycle commuting is good (my preference) but bikes are pricey these days.

MRT I avoid, it gets pretty crowded at rush hour, but buses can be good. Although the homeward journey is usually standing room only.