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First ever post! Newton/Novena advice

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litic
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First ever post! Newton/Novena advice

Post by litic » Thu, 15 Jan 2009 2:05 am

Hi,

My partner and I are moving to Singapore in March from the UK. We think our budget will be around $3000, and we'd ideally like a 2 bed-flat so family & friends can visit and stay.

From our research so far, we think Newton/Novena looks a good option, especially as transport links are a priority; he will work in CBD, I don't know yet but would like to be MRT/buses. Everything we've read so far seems to point this as a good area, although I can't see any information about what else is there? I know about United Square & Novena shopping centres, but how about little shops? bars? restaurants? Is it all just housing in this area?

Also, how long do you think it would take to walk to Orchard Road (along Scott's Road, I think?) from Newton circus? Ten minutes?

I've looked up a few property websites and I think our budget will be ok for a 2-bed here - do you agree? Are internet prices inflated? Can anyone recommend an agent?

Thanks very much to anyone who can help. All advice is much appreciated.

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sundaymorningstaple
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Post by sundaymorningstaple » Thu, 15 Jan 2009 7:13 am

About 20 to 25 minutes at a brisk walk. I used to do it all the time when I lived about 3 minutes from the Novena MRT (further up Thompson Road away from Orchard Road).
SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers

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Post by BodyBlitz » Thu, 15 Jan 2009 7:52 am

Novena has United Square and Novena Square + velocity.
Pretty much everything there Gyms to supermarts - Cold storage.

Depending on the traffic and the weather and how fast you walk, you can walk to orchard within 20-25 mins - starting of orchard - Far East Plaza.

From Novena to Raffles Place(CBD) - it takes only 6 short stops via MRT. 10-15mins ride - a tip is to go about 30 mins earlier to work to avoid the sardine packed cabins, 7.30 - 8.30 is the witching hour.

Apart from that you can take SBS Transit 162 takes about 30-45 mins depending on traffic conditions.

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sierra2469alpha
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Post by sierra2469alpha » Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:05 am

Litik - we live there. PM or post back any specifics and we can check them out for you. Cheers, P & C

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Post by AngryAngMo » Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:32 am

I agree, the location seems to be very convenient. I have a number of friends living around Novena and Newton and its very easy to get to the city, business district, or quickly buy some missing errants in the cold storage or malls situated there.

litic
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Thank you!

Post by litic » Thu, 15 Jan 2009 4:49 pm

Thanks so much for your very helpful advice. It's really difficult trying to choose an area without being there! So many sound great, but for different reasons.

Having read a couple of other posts, I had another question - the advice seems to be generally that you should go with just one rental agent as most have the same properties on their books anyway. However, I saw that someone had written 'go with at least 5 agents'. Which would you agree with?

Interesting to hear that rush hour is from 7.30am. We're in London at the moment and I get to work before then to avoid rush hour here. What time's worst in the evenings?

P & C - thanks for the offer. Will prob PM at some point when have more specific questions.

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Saint
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Post by Saint » Thu, 15 Jan 2009 5:05 pm

Depends on who's paying the comission, if your company is paying then no harm with engaging an agent exclusive. If you are having to pay, just search for properties and view the one you want, doesn't matter if differing agents.

Basically,

If you engage an agent exclusively to find a property, you the leasee is liable for the agent's commission.

If you just view the properties with different agents, the Landlord pays the agent's commission

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Post by BodyBlitz » Thu, 15 Jan 2009 5:11 pm

Evening peak goes in two waves -

6.30 - 7.30 pm office workers

8.30 - 9.30 pm retail workers.

However its not as bad as Japan where its packed to the brim without any breathing space.

You can still stand comfortably just that its a little compact.

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sierra2469alpha
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Post by sierra2469alpha » Thu, 15 Jan 2009 5:19 pm

Litik - I'm with BodyBlitz on the peak times, but do not stress. It's literally not even 10 minutes to City Hall, maybe another 3 minutes to Raffles Place (city). You'll be fine if you've sufferred the Tube, or worse, Sydney's train Crash of a system! Oh and Orchard is like 4 minutes - no dramas. Everything is close here.

I am just confirming the multiple agent thing for you - but I'm sure someone will post back before we C and I can.

Best tip: if you want to live up here - just make sure your agents know where some of the new buildings are going up - you might try and get "sold" an apartment which is right near a building in progress.

2nd best tip: Rentals ARE coming down in this area. So do be careful, especially with how long you sign your lease for.

HTH, Mr. P (Ms. C in absentia!)

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