Confused on housing

[Guest]

Hi,
I am considering taking up a position in Sg, and all the information I have gathered together has now made me confused.

I would be coming from Australia, and I have a wife & two kids. The eldest is 11, and will be starting high School next year,

and the other is 9. They would ( I hope!) be going to the Australian International School ( in district 19).

I would be working in town (not 100% sure of the district, though I believe it is somewhere in the Serangoon Nth Area,

sorry).

I had decided that a 3 Bedroom condo would be OK, and had worked out that the rent would be around $2 000 - $3 000. This

seems to be VERY dependant upon district.

Now I have received an email from a friend of a friend that says that $7 500 to $10 000 would be more realistic for us! That

would blow my budget completely!

I am not particularly interested in a car over there, as from what I have read, they can be more of a problem than they are

worth.

My question is this:-
What districts would suit us as a family, considering the kids would go to the AIS in 19, and I would work in the CBD? It

is hard to find out EXACTLY what an area is like, and I am trying to work out if the move is worth it, and just what I need

to negotiate for, to have myself & family covered.

I am not an overseas traveler & have not YET been to Sg so I may ask stupid questions

Thanks

[joop]

Your friend is making an overstatement with the $7k-10k budget, that would be if you are looking for a high end or a large semi-detached or bungalow in the Serangoon area.

S$2k-$3k is a realistic budget for that location, you can do a search here under District 19.

Alternatively, you can contact our Leasing Department at +65 61000 300 or email: [email protected] for assistance.

[Guest]

Thanks, that is interesting..

Am I under a misconception here.. Is North Serangoon a different area to Serangoon Road?

[Guest]

I agree, with the budget you indicate you should be OK. Make sure you negotiate the price! As for Upper Serangoon it's just North of Serangoon. Serangoon road starts in Little India and the same road becomes Upper Serangoon.

[Guest]

You would be looking towards Ang Mo Kio, Braddell, Bishan, Serangoon North (not Serangoon Road, which is Little India).

[k1w1]

It is worth noting that the school will have a bus system that will pick your kids up at your condo and drop them off again at the end of the school day. You will have to pay more if you live at the other side of the island obviously, but if you are worried about them getting to school easily then this might be a better option than shifting right next door to school This is how most kids get to school.

The budget you mentioned for accomodation is very reasonable, IMHO.

[beenhere10years]

Please keep in mind that Singapore is a small island. Traffic can be tough, but there is no need to live in very close proximity to the school or work. We live downtown and the kids attend the American school. Geographically its smack in the middle. The bus ride is long (but by no means the longest) and from home we can walk to everything -- and its closer to the airport and my husband's job.

Also, can you get a hold of s school directory with addresses? You may find pockets of AIS families living in certain condos which could help narrow down your search.

Good luck.