Condo V Semi-Detached, Central V East Coast

[Curls]

Hi All!

I was wanting some advice that will hopefully point me in the right direction as I set out in search of a place for my family of 4 (2 kids, 3 & 5yrs) ... our children will probably be attending the Aust Int'l School and Hubby will commute to work in Tangong Pajar Rd.

Initially I thought we'd be looking at a condo, but it seems that the company budget will enable us to get a semi-detached or a bungalow (depending on the area). At the moment I've been looking at districts near-ish to the school, places like Bukit Timah, Bishan, Novena, Newton, Ang Mo Kio etc. I'd like for us to have access to many of the facilities that seem to be on offer in condo complexes (pool, gym, playground etc) but the idea of having a garden/rooftop garden is hard to beat!

So I guess, my questions are ...
Should I find a place nearby the school, or somewhere close enough to travel?
Given that budget will allow for it, should I go for Semi-Detached or stick with a condo?
Am I heading in the right direction in terms of the areas I'm looking at, or am I barking up the wrong tree!?!?!

Any help or suggestions would be greatly much appreciated ... my brain is slowly but surely turning into sludge!

Thanks!!

[humpbackwhale]

Hi if i am not wrong the area you should be looking at Serangoon, Paya Lebar and East Coast (nearest is Serangoon). Try google earth and you see what i mean.

Bukit Timah, Bishan, Novena, Newton is too far. Ang mo kio still ok. Can email to school to ask where most kids staying.

With family, condo is best as there is security and facilities. But Singapore is quite safe, but with security you get peace of mind with kids.

Actually condo is best with kids and you need not fore go garden as there are many condos with private enclose space (own garden) at ground level or roof top units that has private roof garden.

[Leela]

Hi if i am not wrong the area you should be looking at Serangoon, Paya Lebar and East Coast (nearest is Serangoon).

Bukit Timah, Bishan, Novena, Newton is too far. Ang mo kio still ok.

Actually condo is best with kids and you need not fore go garden as there are many condos with private enclose space (own garden) at ground level or roof top units that has private roof garden.

I have to disagree with you regarding Bishan. Some of the condos close to the Bishan MRT are almost as close to the Australian International School as the ones at Serangoon. Ang Mo Kio, Braddell, Toa Payoh and Paya Lebar are all within a reasonable distance of the school as well.

This condo is within walking distance of the school:
http://www.singaporeexpats.com/singapor ... gbloom.htm

There are low density condos (the buildings are just 3 or 4 stories high) where you can get either a ground floor with a private patio or a top floor with a massive rooftop terrace but you still get the shared pool, BBQ pits, playground, etc. that you get in condos. See what I mean:

http://www.singaporeexpats.com/singapor ... ardens.htm

If you want lots of facilities these are good options:
http://www.singaporeexpats.com/singapor ... nglade.htm
http://www.singaporeexpats.com/singapor ... royale.htm
http://www.singaporeexpats.com/singapor ... flesia.htm
http://www.singaporeexpats.com/singapor ... s-view.htm
http://www.singaporeexpats.com/singapor ... towers.htm

You can also get a cluster house/townhouse, which is a terraced house with condo facilities. These are not near the Australian school but will give you an idea of what I'm talking about:

http://www.singaporeexpats.com/singapor ... e-rose.htm
http://www.singaporeexpats.com/singapor ... eriffe.htm

[Nick_H]

Leela
Thanks for that post as it was really helpful. We are in the same position as Curls as we are moving from the UK in June with two children who we hope will go to the AIS and we are looking to live fairly close to the school.

Curls, I can not PM you as I have made enough posts but if you want to contact me, so we can share information on fiding accomodation and getting the kids into School

[Curls]

Thanks guys!

Hubby is away at the moment and over the next few weeks we'll be finalising whether the move is on or not ... I figure that we'll have to move fast once a decision is made so I thought I'd at least be slightly prepared. I still have a million and one questions, LOL but it's all good! If the move is a goer prepare to be bombarded with a myriad of questions from 'furnished or unfurnished' to 'where's the best chicken tandoori!'

Nick, I'll be in touch either by PM or email once I know what's going on ... it seems we are probably looking for similar accomodation

[Leela]

Leela
Thanks for that post as it was really helpful.

You're welcome. I moved here from the UK myself just 3 months ago, but it doesn't take long to find your way around. You'll see. It's so much smaller than London...

[sundaymorningstaple]

Nick_H,

You may also want to have a look at my link in my signature line. Lots of useful bits & pieces. It's a constant work in progress.

sms