Singapore vs London (UK)

[louy]

No not really.

I spent a week or so in Singapore. In that time, i only saw the inside of the office and the inside of my hotel.


So i have just been reading whatever I can on the Internet about it. Dunno how much of what I am reading is actually rubbish tho.

[Saint]

I personally wouldn't recommend a HDB flat for a first time expat as you'll probably find them a very lonely place. 99% of people who live in HDBs are locals and so you'll find yourself very much on your own.

Condos are completely different and having all the facilities and a higher percentage of expats you wont find yourself so isolated.

If you can stretch to maybe $2.5k you'll have a large choice of condos that you could rent. They're not going to be the plush new modern ones but a decent one can be found.

It's well worth doing some background work on areas and maybe potential condos before you come out but you'll probably find agents wont be bothered until you are actually in Singapore. I would probably give yourself at least 2 weeks to find the right place but a month is more realistic. There is a huge number of empty apartments which you would be able to just move in but it isn't going to happen over night.

[louy]

hmmm... maybe a condo is the way forward.

I wont be completely lonely, hopefully my girlfriend will come out to join me.


She is a newly passed finalist accountant (ACCA). I wonder if it is easy for her to move across to Singapore from Hong Kong.

I think it is not too bad for me cos my company area arrange visas etc. But she will probably have no company to support her.

Failing to get a job here, then she can just come and visit me 30 days at a time on a visitor visa.

[louy]

I now have a question about condo's.

What are the associated cost with living in one.

Do I have to pay management fee and service charges. or if this usually included in the rental price ??


What is the most I should consider for rent, as a percentage of total salary?? I dont want to say paying 50% on rent, and then find out there are also further more associated cost which I must meet.

[durain]

you only pay the rent and utility bills. really up to you what percentage you want to put your salary to your rental. some people like the high life so they rent a penthouse and eat congee or plain boiled rice with a touch of soya sauce everyday.

[HunBunny80]

Durain is right. It depends on how you wish to live. $2k a month is a challenge. a few of my friends move to Loyang Valley paying about $2K to $2.5K for 2 bedrooms for around 1500sqft. Facilities are fantastic.
If you don't mind moving further out, it is still possible.

[louy]

Hello,
The follwing was advised to me.
It is looking that my 2k budget is not gonna go far at all.

What is a HUDC ??




<quote>


East of Singapore is popular for its food, proximity to the East Coast Beach watersports/in-line skating, indoor stadium, Esplanade, Airports etc. You can choose district 15, 16 if you like.



HDB flats costs about $2400 - $2800 per month excluding utility bills for a 3 bedroom in Marine Parade.



It can be a challenge to find a 2 bedroom HDB unit within short period and may cost $2000. Mind you that HDB units are taken up quickly. Let me know more about your preference after you read up and talk with more people.



Older HUDC flats about 1500sft with 3 bedrooms may costs up to $2800 along the Laguna, East Coast stretch.


I thought a small studio apartment in condominiums along MRT tract may sound right for you. Some of these are asking for S$4000 upwards.


</quote>

[sundaymorningstaple]

What is a HUDC ??

HUDC is short for Housing and Urban Development Company, which in layman terms means privatised HDB flats.
Some of these flats come with facilities, like swimming pools etc

These HUDC flats, which come with a 99-year lease, were developed in the 1970s and 1980s for people who did not qualify for HDB flats but could not afford private apartments.

In privatisation, the residents essentially pay the HDB to take over the ownership of common property such as carparks and landscaped areas. They also take over the management of the estate from town councils.

Owners pay about $25,000 to $30,000 each for privatisation. This covers the cost of common property that has been transferred to owners, legal costs, survey and other processing fees, all of which can be paid using their Central Provident Fund savings.

[nhonho_88]

Normally, the cost of living in Asia is cheaper than in Europe, only living in Tokyo, Japan is the most expensive in Asia and the 2rd expensive in over the world. If you go to Singapore, you do not have to worry about the cost because It is not expensive at all. so a lot Vietnamese students go there to study although the living standard of Vietnamese people is not so high as Uk people

[sundaymorningstaple]

nhonho_88,

Obviously YOU aren't paying the bills. Mommy and Daddy still supporting you is it?

[doraemon0]

[quote="louy"]Hello,
The follwing was advised to me.
It is looking that my 2k budget is not gonna go far at all.

What is a HUDC ??




<quote>

Yes, 2k is a bit on the low end. If you want to stick with your budget, you may have to settle for a HDB.

For 2.5k - 3k, you may be able to find a condo, but it won't be very near the central part of singapore. But since singapore is so small, taking a cab from one end of singapore to the other end will probably only take 1hr.

[louy]

Obviously YOU aren't paying the bills. Mommy and Daddy still supporting you is it?

The UK office of my company is in the middle of no where. So the rental here is really cheap.
Plus I only live about 5 minutes walk to the office.

It is going to be a big struggle and jump going from that situation to one where the majority of my salary is going on rent and bills, and having to commute to work.

[louy]

Yes, 2k is a bit on the low end. If you want to stick with your budget, you may have to settle for a HDB.

For 2.5k - 3k, you may be able to find a condo, but it won't be very near the central part of singapore. But since singapore is so small, taking a cab from one end of singapore to the other end will probably only take 1hr.

Im coming over not on an expat package, but almost on a local package.

I am gonna live like one too and so most likely be HDB.

Just hoping I dont end up in a rubbish one.

[kookaburrah]

Louy, I'm about to move to Singapore from London, and have faced the exact same questions as you. Like you, I will be on a local package, and like you I am sure I'll be fine.

Good luck!

Yes, 2k is a bit on the low end. If you want to stick with your budget, you may have to settle for a HDB.

For 2.5k - 3k, you may be able to find a condo, but it won't be very near the central part of singapore. But since singapore is so small, taking a cab from one end of singapore to the other end will probably only take 1hr.

Im coming over not on an expat package, but almost on a local package.

I am gonna live like one too and so most likely be HDB.

Just hoping I dont end up in a rubbish one.

[louy]

Good Luck to you too !!!

When are you moving over ??
have you been to Singapore before ??
What attracted you to Singapore ??

I am looking at the first week of October.

Louy, I'm about to move to Singapore from London, and have faced the exact same questions as you. Like you, I will be on a local package, and like you I am sure I'll be fine.

Good luck!