Relocating from the US. Need help finding housing.

[nwiggs]

I am a single female relocating to Singapore from the US. My salary will be $70k USD. My office is located in the Capital Tower in Tanjong Pagar. I will need to find housing near the office. I'm a little worried because the rent seems to be really high. My company has no relocation department so I have to find housing on my own. I need temporary housing for about 3 months. Can someone please help me? My future manager advised that I should get a condo. How much is the average rent for a condo in the financial district? Should I look further away? How long is the average commute if I move further away? I really have no clue and am in a state of panic. Is it safe? What is HDB housing? Oh please help : (

[durain]

you only need it for 3 months? for a short period, you will be hard to find an apartment as most landlord is looking for at least 1 year. your other options are Service Apartments (expensive) or hotels.

[nwiggs]

I need somewhere to stay until I find permanent housing. So I was thinking of subletting or staying in a hotel for a 1-3 months and then once I'm settled find a condo. Any suggestions on reasonably priced temporary housing?

[down_under]

I think for temporary housing, you don't have much options other than Serviced Apartments or hotels. I wouldnt recommend hotels for a period of 3 months, for 1 bedroom Serviced Apartments, there are plenty of options but you will be looking at $6K - $7K/month SGD.

In regards to your long stay, housing rates has gone up the roofs in the last year or so, and if you are looking at staying central, I think you should factor in atleast 5KSGD/month. But if you are happy to stay bit away, like 30Mins MRT ride from central, you can get a studio or a 1 bedroom in a condo for around $2.5K - $3KSGD/month.

HDB's are public housing apartments which offers no frills housing, condos comes with all facilities like pool, gym, etc etc and security. For HDB's I think you can get a 1 or a 2 bedroom now for around 2KSGD/month.

Hope that helps....

[nwiggs]

Thank you for the info. It was very helpful. Yes it is quite expensive to live in the city. I don't mind a longer commute to work if it means that my rent will be less expensive. With HDB housing, does it come with typical amenities like a washer/dryer, refrigerator, etc.? Are the conditions in HDB properties unsafe? What standard of living should I expect when living in an HDB property? Poor? Average? Is there a link to find possible roommates?

[Saint]

Check out the classified section for rooms to rent as it wouldn't surprise me if you coundn't get one on a 3 month short term lease.

[Jeppo]

Thank you for the info. It was very helpful. Yes it is quite expensive to live in the city. I don't mind a longer commute to work if it means that my rent will be less expensive. With HDB housing, does it come with typical amenities like a washer/dryer, refrigerator, etc.? Are the conditions in HDB properties unsafe? What standard of living should I expect when living in an HDB property? Poor? Average? Is there a link to find possible roommates?

Furnished untis will normally have a washer. Not many will have a dryer, everyone hangs out the washing. HDB are perfectly safe, I've been in one for over two years and never had a problem, except some of our neighbours have had their shoes stolen, that's why we keep our shoes inside. Our neighbours (retired) keep an eye out and are extremely friendly, although they only speak Chinese, so either my wife has to talk to them or their grandson (about 5 years old) translates for me.

Standard? Not sure specifically what you mean but the condition of my unit is very good. It even has marble floors. And there are plenty of food courts and stores nearby.

For roommates, check out local grocery stores, they usually have posters for people looking for rooms/roommates.