Negotiating Apartment Rent

[grfisher]

Hi,

I am moving to Singapore in a few weeks. I've already found several apartments online that look great and I was wondering, from all your experience, how much negotiation room there is on the cost. I've heard there is some, but am curious to hear your real stories.

For example, if something is listed at $4000 a month, is that firm? Or if not, what do you think I should offer?

Thanks a bunch!

Greg

[sierra2469alpha]

Greg - a fair bit - ours wast listed at 8200 and we got it for 7600 after having our agent go in at 7300. Admittedly, our agent was fantastic, and much of what you get will depend on her/him. HTH! Good luck with your move! P

[bruinbear]

Can offer 20% less. Market slowing down I think. Be prepared to settle maybe 10% to 15% less than listed price.

[ravechicsg]

You should be able to get the apartment at a 10% - 12% discount on the initial asking price. Take note though, some units are already priced very low to attract more tenants, and for those units, the most discount you will be able to get is $100 to $200.......

[rendl42]

Our place was initially 8500 and we got it down to 6500 for a 2 year lease. Others in same block would only go to 7000.

There are good discounts to be had, but in 12 months or so, the asking price could be even less due to potential softening of property market.