gator wrote:Hi all,
The plan at the moment is that I'll be moving to Singapore for my job from the States (NY) in December. I've never been to Singapore, let alone East/Southeast Asia, and I'm really looking forward to it.
So I'm starting to do some research into good places to stay. I'm a single guy in my late 20s and would like to have a place near the nightlife, but also relatively close (by mrt) to the business district (I'm not sure where exactly my workplace will be yet, but my uneducated guess is District 2). I've heard a lot about Orchard Road, but I don't know if that area is out of my price range.
My budget is under S$3500/mo ideally for a furnished 1+1 place (1 bed, 1 office/guest bed) with modest living room, kitchen, and bath. Does this sound at all reasonable?
Also, I heard someone else mention this but didn't hear an answer.. Are brokers typically paid for by the tenant or the landlord? I know in NY the brokers take money from both ends (which I find to be crazy, but besides the point).
Any help is hugely appreciated. This is really a great resource, and once I settle down in Singapore, I hope to give back.
Thanks!
A few options to consider:
Robertson Quay
- Near a lot of water holes, rental around $3 - $4k for 1 br, I think
- Small apartments though, but most are quite new
- Not near any train station. The closest is Dhoby Ghart which involve 10 - 15 mins walk, which is considered a long walk, when its 30 degrees.
Tg Pager / Outram
- There are options of fancy
condos (eg. Icon) or HDB (spottiswoode area)
- Can probably find a 2 bedroom if its an older place, or 1 br in Icon
- Traffic is accessible if you find a place next to the train station
Orchard /Somerset
- Rental varies because there is a mix of new fancy
condo and older apartments.
- Food and train are accessible
Alternatively, you can consider Newton area, if you can find a place next to the train station.
If your rent is more than $3k, the landlord will pay the commission. If your rent is less than $3k, you would need to pay half of it.
Just to give you an idea... I spent 1 month, viewing more than 10 apartments, going through several internet sites and going through several agents (for different viewings) before settling in the place I am staying now. You need to view a decent number of apartments, before you find something that you will be happy with. Of course, if you want to do it fast, expect to pay a bit more, and potentially settling down to a "crappier" place.
Good luck!