Simei vs Tana Merah?

[mummybee]

We are moving to Singapore soon and want to buy a private condo unit in the East Coast. We have a 2-yr-old who requires special care and needs a lot of my time thus we want to choose a place that is close to supermarket (for groceries) and amenities (eg clinic etc) so I don't need to drive far to get basic things.

Initially we want to be within walking distance to MRT but realise this might not be a good idea cos of the noise (my child is affected by noise). Maybe somewhere with bus facilities to MRT?

Agents mentioned MODENA, TROPICAL SPRING and EASTPOINT GREEN in Simei region, and EAST MEADOWS in Tanamera. Any parents living in these regions who can help?

I would greatly appreciate any words of wisdom or advice or suggestion as to (1) which area and (2) which condo complex to live in.

Thanks in advance for your help and time.

[Amelia Camelia]

Hello...

I can only assume that you're not all that familiar with Singapore if you are asking those questions...

If that is the case, then my advice would be to slow down a bit.. it's such a big change to relocate.

Why don't you get a short term lease or stay in a Serviced Apartment for a month or so in the East somewhere?...

That will give you time to do your homework, find a paediatrician or specialist for your child, and maybe some childcare first before choosing a condo to live in and possibly look into a medical insurance policy. I think people will find it hard to respond to your post because it's such a personal thing, you have to see for yourself. Also, there are just so many hundreds if not thousands of condos there's only a small chance that someone reading your post actually lives in those you mentioned.

If it's any indication to you - I probably looked at about 30-40 units/condos with agents (in the space of a month) before I found one by myself in the newspaper. Singapore is relatively small - everything is fairly nearby. If you're considering the East Coast then you can also take advantage of the buses and taxis as well as the MRT.

Also the last thing is that I wanted to mention is that I'm not entirely sure it's all that straightforward for a foreigner to buy a condo in Singapore. I think there are some restrictions that will need careful consideration. I wouldn't take everything the real estate agents tell you as gospel!

We've been here a year now and are very happy. I hope I've shed a little bit of light on the way things are here....
Take care and best of luck
A

[nkthen]

Tanah Merah Crest and East Meadows seems like a better choice for you. It's near to Tanah Merah MRT but far enough NOT to be disturbed by the noise.

[keepitreal]

nkthen,
what noise?

[mummybee]

Thanks everyone for replying.

Amelia, I am not really a foreigner in that I spent my formative years in Singapore but of course that is ages ago and things are different when you have kids. Used to live on Orchard Rd but with a kid in tow, I want to shift out to somewhere more condusive to families. Hubby and I did explore the service apt / short term rental routes but our child has severe allergies and she has in the past reacted to *non-existent* dust/dirt/food stains in public rooms, so short of moving our extremely heavy vacuum cleaner, plus packing our entire kitchen on the plane, some seemingly easy options are not possible for us. Can't imagine having to shift house more than once!!! that is why my husband is now making special trips to Singapore just to explore surroundings and ask around.

You mentioned rules of foreigners buying properties in Singapore. I have been told I can buy so long as it is a fully private condo, ie not HDB flat or HDB-convert condo. Please correct me if I am wrong!!


nkthen, thx to the leads to Tanah Merah crest and East Meadows. I do like the sounds of East Meadows and hubby will be viewing a unit there in his next trip there. You are right, better to be near but not too near MRT. Are you familiar with tanah Merah eg you living there youself? One agent told me not to consider it cos the entire area has no supermarkets / amenities. What do you think?

keepitreal, with your comment, you seem to know abt noise level of a mrt. Are you speaking frome experience? Do share and elaborate more. I called up Modena management about this precise matter and the kind lady told me that her office overlooks the MRT line and yes, although the noise dulls over some time, she is still bothered by it cos the noise comes every 5 to 7 minutes. Do clarify....

[meowmeow]

directly east of east meadows, about 5 minutes by foot, you can find a supermarket, pharmacy, clinic, hawker centre, post office, kindergarten, local restaurants, coffee shops, 7-11, minimart, laundry, pet shop, cash machine, etc. it's about 2x the distance between east meadows and the mrt station. very walkable. look for 'bedok market place' at on map.

[Wahm]

Having grown up in the Simei area, I can give you a few pointers. Yes, Eastpoint Green and Modena are 2 condos in the area. EG is just next to the MRT line but maybe if you take an inner unit, farthest from the line, the noise will not be so apparent. EG has a nice layout ie design, spacious living room and nice kitchen etc. Modena is closer to the Mall. Its a 2 minute walk. Changi Hospital is a 3 minute walk away.
Good luck. By the way, we have a 2 yr old girl too!