Advice on where to stay

[shef]

We are moving to Singapore in the middle of the year and we are looking for accomodation. Where do we start?

We are a family with a young toddler and would prefer to live near MRT and close to other expats.

Please help.

[Fursa]

Expats mostly stay in the East Coast Area or in the City Center. We stay at Katong district and quite happy about it. MRT is near by, as well as a number of supermarkets, many kindergardens and pre-schools ...

[Siong2]

We are moving to Singapore in the middle of the year and we are looking for accomodation. Where do we start?

We are a family with a young toddler and would prefer to live near MRT and close to other expats.

Please help.

Find those places out of city as they will be cheaper and yet near to city.
Place like Hougang, Serangoon, Tiong Bahru.

[Wham]

What is your budget in Sing dollars? That will make a big difference. To live in the Orchard Road vicinity or near Holland VIllage (big expat areas) will cost between 3,000 to 6,000 sing for a decent apartment. If you are looking to spend less will need to move further out.

[shef]

Thanks all for your reply. We now know that we have a budget of about $4000 per month to spend.

While searching on this site, I came across a number of Townhouses. It seems friendlier to me as I have a young toddler (balconies can be dangerous). What are the pros and cons of townhouses vs condos?

[singbee]

For a budget of S$4000 i think u can stay nearer to town in district 9 and 10. Both district are the top district in singapore. D9 is closer to town, but it is more crowded and less exclusive (esp for area near river valley road). D10 is of lower density but still near to town, I personally prefer Holland area among all D10 areas as it is close to orchard road, 5 minutes drive and it is peacefull and with lots of greenery.... rather near to botanical gardens.... and holland village - supermarket, exclusive restaurants and coffee place.

Holland area comprises of low rise residential apartments but are generally older > 10 years .... but these older apartments are normally larger in layout than the new apartments, which are crampy for the same size for rent....and with much higher headroom, which may provide more space for the kids to run around. It is def. worth checking out the older apartments in Holland as they are larger and more comfortable for the same price for new apt.... good luck...

[singbee]

oops sorry, forgot to address your concern on condo and townhouse...

Actually, there are few types of townhouse but in general...


Townhouse are normally 2-4 storeys and is low rise and normally no facilities.
Condo can be high rise or low rise, but they defintely have facilities.
Apartment can be low rise or high rise, but with no facilites. Some low rise comes without lift even.

it is hard to say who has balconies, as all types above comes with/without balcony....

Semi-detached or bungalow are houses, lself contained, low rise, no facilities.


Hard to say where expats mostly stay as it depends on the budget being compared. The most prestigious ones are normally in D9 and D10 (as they are nearest to town). Expat staying in east coast area is generally limited to Tanjong Rhu area only as East coast is farther from town . Then there are some here and there scattered around in bukit timah, east coast and further... depending on their budget... and the size of apartment they want...

[No Borders]

Actually i've seen a few townhouses that has facilities.... by facilities i mean swimming pool, small gym, sometimes squash/ sauna) and definitely playground.

I like the idea of townhouses if you have young kids - especially when they're not school age yet. Their school is the playground... where they can meet other kids.

Good luck! hope you find the place by now!