Advice on East Coast living w/ easy commute to CBD

[Hedgie]

Hi all. I moved here from the States last year and actually used a real estate agent from this website to find my apartment. I'm currently living in the River Valley area but am finding I don't like it that much. I've visited the East Coast area (near Siglap Centre) on a couple of occasions and really liked the area.

Any advice on areas or condos in that area that are nearby a bus stop or MRT that goes to CBD? Currently from River Valley I take a taxi to CBD and back everyday since the bus requires a transfer even though it is fairly short ride. I'd rather be on one longer ride but without a transfer.

I'm single and don't own a car so I don't want to live somewhere where I'll need a car. My housing budget is around SGD 4000/month. Prefer to have a 2-bedroom place in a building with a good gym, pool, maybe squash court.

Thanks.

[Marlowe]

i just finished a pretty extensive housing search where i looked near where you live and the east coast. i ended up taking a place in tiong bahru, but i also liked the east and can see why you'd enjoy it there.

for $4k/mo you should be able to get a really nice place. rents are a bit lower per square foot than they are where you are now, meaning you can get a bigger place for the same $$ or pay less for same size as you are now.

recommend you go to several places on a saturday and just get a feel for what you like.

best way to get to work if you're in the CBD is to take an executive bus shuttle. depending upon how far back along the east coast you live, it could be anywhere from 30-45 minutes' commute. they have pickups closeby most of the major apt buildings, so you should be in good shape. but, be sure to check before you sign a lease.

good luck, mate.

[Hedgie]

Thanks Marlowe, the executive bus idea sounds perfect for the commute. I've found one building so far online that is right in the area I want and looks pretty good, it's also right near a bus stop with the No. 10 bus and a few others that stop at Raffles Quay (very near my office).

I am hoping that I can find something nice for the same price I'm paying right now. I know rents have gone up since last year but since the East Coast is a bit cheaper than where I am hopefully there is no difference with my current price. My company probably won't object if I move to a more expensive place, but if I keep the price the same it's no skin off anyone's nose.

Anyone have advice on getting out of a lease early? I'm about 7 months into a 2 year lease. I have a diplomatic clause which lets me get out of it after 1-year in case I leave the country but that's it. People tell me the landlord should be happy having me out since they can rent the apartment for more money but from the landlord's point of view there's no guarantee they'll rent it out right away. It could sit on the market for months. I gave them 2 months security deposit and I don't want to lose that. Has anyone gotten out of a lease early on good terms?

[HunBunny80]

I live in The Bayshore and my husband travels on the Bus Plus every morning into the CBD to work without problem (25 mins). Alternatively as you mention, no. 10 is also another option.

Coming back from CBD is even better. There are private mini buses that does one-way from CBD into several specific condos at cheap prices too. Hence, many more options and efficient. So far we love it here.

[huggybear]

If you don't mind being on Orchard ... right behind Paragon is a building called The Richmond. It's a bit older so you might be able to get good sized 2 br for 4k (might be 5k now), but they do have squash courts.

I remember the location was amazing ... it had a nice size pool as well.

good luck on the lease.

[blueocean]

If you don't mind, Tiong Bahru has a condo just opp the Tiong Bahru MRT it called err.. GreenCentre condo? I can't remember the name but it is very near to CDB, river valley, Vivo City, sentosa, etc.

Current i'm stay nearby in the flat, it takes me 15-20 mins by bus to Raffles place. a lot of buses to town. By train, it is abt 5 mins, 4 station to Raffles place =)

I love this erea, Tiong Bahru has everything incl Cinema, NTUC, =) travel to CBD area is the most convenient place to me, has the free shuttle bus form 10 am to 8pm from Tiong Bahru to Plaza Singapore.

The rental wise, i guess should be less than 4K/month.

If you like somewhere near beach, sentosa is very near, taxi fare less than $6. I remember i took a taxi from St James Powerstation after midnight back to Tiong Bahru, it is around $6.

hope it helps.

Ocean.B

[Debbielanyon]

Hi all. I moved here from the States last year and actually used a real estate agent from this website to find my apartment. I'm currently living in the River Valley area but am finding I don't like it that much. I've visited the East Coast area (near Siglap Centre) on a couple of occasions and really liked the area.

Any advice on areas or condos in that area that are nearby a bus stop or MRT that goes to CBD? Currently from River Valley I take a taxi to CBD and back everyday since the bus requires a transfer even though it is fairly short ride. I'd rather be on one longer ride but without a transfer.

I'm single and don't own a car so I don't want to live somewhere where I'll need a car. My housing budget is around SGD 4000/month. Prefer to have a 2-bedroom place in a building with a good gym, pool, maybe squash court.

Thanks.

[LBS03]

Hi Hedgie

I am looking at East Coast as well .. and so far have seen Waterplace, Costa del Sol and Makena ... prices are high and there appears to be limited availability of units as well!

... just curious how you are getting on with your search...

[Hedgie]

Unfortunately my search hasn't progressed at all because my real estate agent and I haven't been able to get together yet. He also hasn't found out if my current landlord will let me get out of my contract. I have around 1.5 years left on it but considering rents have increased I'm hoping they let me out early so they can rent it out at the higher price.

A colleague recently mentioned Tanjong Rhu as an area I should consider moving so now there's another decision I need to make. Such a headache!

[HunBunny80]

I enjoy living in East Coast. Rent is still relatively reasonable and there is alot of eateries around. For those who do not wish to go into city often could opt for farther east (they have everything there) but Singapore is small enough.
I think Tanjong Rhu although closer to city can be quite inconvenient if you do not drive.

[dbi]

For $4k, no need to get headache....if you can't find any place, i am willing to rent my place out which meets your requirement provided i get approval from my wife hehe.
2 Bedrooms with full condo facilities along the east coast, fully furnished, designer decor ,will throw in a scooter for you to zoom around as well...

[ksl]

Hi all. I moved here from the States last year and actually used a real estate agent from this website to find my apartment. I'm currently living in the River Valley area but am finding I don't like it that much. I've visited the East Coast area (near Siglap Centre) on a couple of occasions and really liked the area.

Any advice on areas or condos in that area that are nearby a bus stop or MRT that goes to CBD? Currently from River Valley I take a taxi to CBD and back everyday since the bus requires a transfer even though it is fairly short ride. I'd rather be on one longer ride but without a transfer.

I'm single and don't own a car so I don't want to live somewhere where I'll need a car. My housing budget is around SGD 4000/month. Prefer to have a 2-bedroom place in a building with a good gym, pool, maybe squash court.

Thanks.

Maybe you should try to advertise your present apartment yourself, to find a replacement for your contract, this would solve some issues, with your agent, but being business, they may try increasing the rent too, so look into sub-letting.
Advertise in the classifieds here, better than nothing!

The agent has you by the short and curlies, no way they will let you out of the contract, unless they have a new client!