Hello expat collective,
I'm writing a well known question and would appreciate your thoughts. As background, I'm currently negotiating an opportunity in SG - and I would be shifting my wife (a teacher) and two children, Ages 8/6.
We're currently in Syd where we have a house with a modest pool in the suburbs, so we're looking at condo option to have the pool.
We've seen some around the AIS - The Chuan etc. - so if anyone has feedback on ones around the school, that would be particularly appreciated also. Do they have lots of similarly aged children? Is it a good social atmosphere?
Priorities:
- your budget (approx range) : up to $5k
- your workplace/s (don't name names, just approx neighbourhood) : Labrador Park MTR
- the size and/or type of property that you are seeking (#bedrooms, on-site facilities etc) : 3 bedrooms, (possibly a study?). Must have pool, gym would be nice.
- will you have a car here? Hopefully not
- proximity to transport required. MRT-subway/buses/the airport/Malay border post (if so, which one). Close to MRT
- will you have any accompanying children needing to attend school? If so, age/s? 2. Likely AIS
- are you looking at private (international/fee-paying, or local schools?) See above
- will your employer being funding any fees; or will you, 'out of pocket'? Employer funded
- is remaining within a national curriculum important; if so what nationality are you? Australian. We're not sure how long we'll be going for.
- have you identified any such schools yet? AIS. Avondale?
Nice to have:
- will you need to be able to say walk to the local shops, a library, your doctor, a market, and so on? All of these would be nice, but not deal breakers.
- access to any specific sport, social, and recreation facilities?
- are you considering bringing any pets. If so what kind, and will they require outdoor access and/or exercise? No
- are you considering bringing any parents/in-laws etc? Do they have specific needs (for example difficulty climbing stairs?) No
Your current home and commute:
- are you already a city dweller? i.e. Are you used to city-centre hustle and bustle, or would you hope for a bit more peace and quiet? From Sydney suburbs. Don't need a big night life scene
- what is the size and type (apartment, house+garden etc) of your current home? 3 bedroom + study. 2 living spaces.
- what are any current commute times like? 75 minutes
Many thanks in advance for your help.
