S$1800 reasonable budget for studio / 1 bedroom apartment?

[Tainak]

Hello,

I have been going through many sites and forums but cannot find an answer to few questions:

Is S$1800 reasonable budget for furnished studio / 1 bedroom apartment near Clementi / Jurong MRT?

How much would I need to budget for water, electricity, internet and tv per month?

Do employers pay their employees medical insurance?

I'm looking at relocating to Singapore in January and need this information asap to decide if the offer I've got is reasonable.

Many thanks in advance.

[Flyjet1]

Is S$1800 reasonable budget for furnished studio / 1 bedroom apartment near Clementi / Jurong MRT?

Do you mean your budget or the rent? Well, $1800 is enough for a 5-room HDB apartment rent in that area. =3 bedrooms

How much would I need to budget for water, electricity, internet and tv per month?
If you are regular executive, likely you gona have high utility bill, provided you use airconditioning sparingly including weekend. Water+electricity+cooking gas = approx $100. internet broadband = $50. SCV tv basic subscription = $60

Do employers pay their employees medical insurance?
Usually covered in employment contract, bascially covers 14 days medical leave, up to $300 medical fees, group medical insurance, up to 40 days hospitalization leave and group dental insurance etc. Per annum. do check your contract nicely

[Tainak]

Thanks Flyjet!

I meant monthly rent. I'm a single lady so I won't need 3 bed apartment but would like to have facilities like swimming pool... As per my understanding the HDB flats do not have any facilities. Also they are difficult to get??

[Flyjet1]

Thanks Flyjet!

I meant monthly rent. I'm a single lady so I won't need 3 bed apartment but would like to have facilities like swimming pool... As per my understanding the HDB flats do not have any facilities. Also they are difficult to get??

Alright, I mean you could easy get a 2 bed room HDB at around $1300-$1500 in that area. Sublet it or use it as computer room. Yes they do not have any facilities, but so you need them daily? Well, if you are one who likes to use the gym, swim, and tennis etc, frequently then its worth renting it.

[smayrhofer]

Are you going to be working in the CBD or out in the west?

If you are working in CBD, with $1800, you can get a flat (2 bedroom) much closer to work. Singapore is probably small compared to where you are coming from (no idea where that is, just a guess) so you may think clementi is not very far away, but after living here a while you tend to regret renting a place so far out of town.

I had a 2 bedroom hdb in chinatown until just recently, also cost me $1800. Prices should be coming down now, so you may be able to get something slightly cheaper. A one-bedroom hdb flat is really very very small. Get a 2 bedroom if you can afford it.. guest bedroom, computer room, whatever you end up doing with it you'll feel a lot less cramped.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Clementi far away from the CBD?

I consider anyplace that is within 15 minutes by MRT of the CBD pretty close and not that big of a big deal. You can reach the CBD in 45 minutes no matter where you are located on the island via feeder bus & MRT. I know. I do it twice a day......

Actually, one bedroom/studio type apartments are very, very hard to find. A three room HDB flat will give you an extra bedroom/computer room/weight room and will be only probably in the neighbourhood of 12-1500/mo or maybe less as the property market starts to disintegrate. Actually, should you go a little further out towards to Jurong East you may start finding older condo's within your budget as the market cools off and lost of expats start going home after their retrenchments.

[Tainak]

Thank you for the advices guys!

I'll be coming from Finland but I've lived the last 3 years in Dubai where there is no public transportation (apart from few busses) and I'm quite use to everything being at least 30min drive away.

I noticed you all talked about HDB flats. I thought those were hard to get?

I assume CBD is the city centre (Chinatown, City Hall...). My office will be close to Chinatown but I'd prefer staying a little away from the hustle and bustle of the centre.

I heard Jurong area is scenic and I guess not too far away either.

[sundaymorningstaple]

You can start with our host here. Just click "Home" at the top of the page and go from there......

[AngryAngMo]

From what you say, it might be interesting to check out the East / East Coast as well, Kembangan, Eunos has some nice appartments and condos...and its around 25 min via MRT to the city

[jpatokal]

I assume CBD is the city centre (Chinatown, City Hall...). My office will be close to Chinatown but I'd prefer staying a little away from the hustle and bustle of the centre.

There are surprisingly quiet places near the centre. River Valley is many expats' choice (and priced to match), but older condos like Pearl Bank can be quite affordable.