Budget for Relocating

[mulpj12]

Hi,

I am a 21 year old who is moving from the UK to Singapore later this year to work in a hospital alone. I am wondering if anyone could give me some guidance on how much money I will need coming over in order to get everything set up e.g apartment deposit utilities deposit. I also will not be paid until a month and a half after I arrive so I will need to budget for living expenses for this time also. Basically how much should I have in my 'relocation' budget. I understand everyone's situation is different but if someone could give me any help I'd really appreciate it.

[manojbajaj95]

Hi,
I recently moved to Singapore. So i may answer your queries.
First thing is apartment, you will need a months rental as security deposit + first month rent + agent fee equal to half month rent. So total comes out 2.5 * monthly rent.
As far as utilities is concerned, security deposit is $500.
And for others you can expect to pay anything from 50 to 500/week, depending on your lifestyle. I can manage it at 80-90 which includes travel and food.
You will need to add hotel stay expenses as well. You might want to look online websites to get an idea what rent/hotel rates you'll have to pay.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[Strong Eagle]

Don't pay an agent fee unless you have contracted with an agent... have the landlord pay her/his agent. You can search these forums... real estate agents in Singapore are about as unscrupulous as they come.

Many places want first and last month's rent, plus a one month security deposit. It's currently a renter's market.

[mulpj12]

Don't pay an agent fee unless you have contracted with an agent... have the landlord pay her/his agent. You can search these forums... real estate agents in Singapore are about as unscrupulous as they come.

Many places want first and last month's rent, plus a one month security deposit. It's currently a renter's market.

Thanks so much for your reply!

Sorry for my ignorance but what do you mean by 'renters market'?

Are prices given set in stone as they are on the listing or can they be negotiated down?

[Strong Eagle]

By renters market, I meant that the vacancy rate for rental units has gone up, while the monthly rentals asked have gone down. You are still going to find landlords who are demanding no longer attainable monthly rents who would rather leave their place vacant than lower the price, but there are many more who are finally accepting reality.

This gives you a better opportunity to negotiate a tenancy agreement that works better for you. For example, if there is any chance that you might find yourself terminated, lose your EP, and have to return to your home country, you'd want to see what you could do about improving the "diplomatic" clause in your agreement for the early termination of the lease.