Shophouse v Condo

shavourd · Post by **shavourd** » Mon, 19 Dec 2005 10:02 pm

we're moving to singapore early next year and are looking at a shophouse and a brand new condo. any advice or insight on what may be the best option for a young family with few contacts in the region?

vandals · Post by **vandals** » Wed, 21 Dec 2005 5:09 pm

i think a brand new condo is better because there are usually alot of foreigners in condos

dot dot dot · Post by **dot dot dot** » Wed, 21 Dec 2005 5:48 pm

A condo is an appartment with as said lots of fellow foreigners in most cases.

A shophouse is living on your own I guess.

And don't be mistaken, if renovated, the shophouses can set you back easily around 10 - 12 k per month on lease.....

Eric

shavourd · Post by **shavourd** » Thu, 22 Dec 2005 1:49 am

thanks for the info. how easy is it to make friends out there? may sound naive but if we also join a country club, it may ease the transition from isolated house/property?! anyway, we're finding the offering process a bit difficult, and are awaiting news on two props. any other advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

dot dot dot · Post by **dot dot dot** » Thu, 22 Dec 2005 5:08 pm

I guess you will have to invest time and effort to get to know people around here. Although one may think this is the case almost everywhere in the entire world, there is differences here in Singapore. Don't expect your neighbours so much to be interested in you, here people in my experience tend to just mind their own business. It will not go unnoticed that even in the elevator people will stare blankly and not even say good morning out of their own.

Don't misinterprete it as being rude or unfriendly, it is just not common here to do so.

Having said that, country clubs, private clubs, sporting clubs etc etc will give you the opportunity to socialize and get to know people around, be it the locals or expatriates.

And in this modern age of media, you could for example also take part in some of the events on this forum, we have a lively and active community of online friends, who tend to meet eachother on a regular basis in real life as well. Look at the events section of this forum, if interested?

Eric

Vaucluse · Post by **Vaucluse** » Thu, 22 Dec 2005 5:15 pm

I'd agree with Eric on his perception of what life in a condo vs shophouse is - irrelevant if you have neighbours or not - it will be difficult to make friends. The blank stare in the lift by people you have lived next to for years will freak you at first.

Condo's are a better choice if you like having a pool (and it's always very hot here) or gym, tennis courts etc . . . (We just moved into a place with our own bowling alley - sweet)
Freestanding, or what is called landed properties are better for privacy.

shavourd · Post by **shavourd** » Fri, 23 Dec 2005 12:33 am

Thanks Guys - v. helpful. I'm flying back out there just after the new year to have another look at the available options and will make a final decision that week. Have a great holiday and new year!

vandals · Post by **vandals** » Sat, 24 Dec 2005 2:51 am

but then again i seen the expats in my condo are very friendly towards each other....

Vaucluse · Post by **Vaucluse** » Sat, 24 Dec 2005 9:06 am

vandals wrote:but then again i seen the expats in my condo are very friendly towards each other....

. . . and your point is?

SINGAPORE EXPATS FORUM
Singapore Expat Forum and Message Board for Expats in Singapore & Expatriates Relocating to Singapore

Shophouse v Condo

Shophouse v Condo

Search By

LOCATION

AMENITY

KEYWORD

DISTRICT

shophouse v condo v landed property!?

Condo v Shophouse

Who is online