Moving to Singapore! Need help on finding accomodation

[VeryOldExpat]

Sup y'all! I'm moving to Singapore really really soon! I'm kindda worried about accomodation right not. Anyone have any ideas where I can start searching? I'm looking for a good place to live in preferably suburban but highly accessible too. Is that even possible? I heard the public transport system is pretty darn efficient...

Was looking for a Singapore version of craigslist, but it wasnt really active...

[MinSG]

There is a "Search property" feature here on this forum web site. Yes, public transports are highly accessible and efficient here. Where to stay really depends on your budget and requirements(suburban with greenery, closed to public transports, with condominium facilities, markets, etc).

There are 2 types of properties in SG, namely HDB and condo. HDB flats are apartments built by government with short distance to public transports, markets and communities but without luxurious facilities like swimming pools, gym, BBQ pits, etc. condos are built by private sectors and most of them with full facilities but quite a distance to public transports compared to HDB. However, some condos are closed to public transports but rented or sold at higher price.

Hope you find your dream place and welcome to SG.

[Sasuka]

You can try the HDB website, its got this map service that shows you what is available in the region. Carpark, Hawker centres, things like that. Otherwise, a few other wesites you can try are streetdirectory or shownearby analytics.

[sundaymorningstaple]

There are 2 types of properties in SG, namely HDB and condo. HDB flats are apartments built by government with short distance to public transports, markets and communities but without luxurious facilities like swimming pools, gym, BBQ pits, etc. condos are built by private sectors and most of them with full facilities but quite a distance to public transports compared to HDB. However, some condos are closed to public transports but rented or sold at higher price.

Hope you find your dream place and welcome to SG.

MinSG,

You really should get out more and look closer to ground level. There are lots of the 3rd types of housing as well, otherwise known as landed property. Expats like to rent landed property as well as condo's. This is especially so if they happen to like large pets (e.g., dogs like labs, shepards, etc) Or kids.

[Sasuka]

There are 2 types of properties in SG, namely HDB and condo. HDB flats are apartments built by government with short distance to public transports, markets and communities but without luxurious facilities like swimming pools, gym, BBQ pits, etc. condos are built by private sectors and most of them with full facilities but quite a distance to public transports compared to HDB. However, some condos are closed to public transports but rented or sold at higher price.

Hope you find your dream place and welcome to SG.

MinSG,

You really should get out more and look closer to ground level. There are lots of the 3rd types of housing as well, otherwise known as landed property. Expats like to rent landed property as well as condo's. This is especially so if they happen to like large pets (e.g., dogs like labs, shepards, etc) Or kids.

"if they like large pets or kids.".... like how you lump pets and kids together...Hahaha

[sundaymorningstaple]

Actually, most families who have large dogs tend to have kids as well. Large dogs are very protective of small children provided the parents let the dogs interact with the children when they are small. They form a bond akin to siblings with the dogs being the older more protective sibling. Families with no kids seem to gravitate more towards yap dogs instead of the kind that go woof!

edited for spelling!

[Sasuka]

Hahha, I remembered this article a long time back since we're on the topic of pets and kids. But generally, I think you're right. Kids and Pets do form a very strong bond especially dogs...

http://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/11/nyreg ... gewanted=1

[MinSG]

Well SMS, I know there are landed properties and even strata houses within condos but VeryOldExpat mentioned "highly accessible" and "public transport system" which I am not aware of any landed properties with these features.

To your point, I should also recommend to VeryOldExpat Serviced Apartments and hotels which are also accommodations then.....

[VeryOldExpat]

Woah...chill guys! Wha's this talk about dogs eating people. But anyways, from what you guys say, I'll probably be looking for a hdb or a condo unit. My expat package leaves plenty to be desired. What about lease terms? I will be here until about christmas 2010. Is that enough to sign a lease agreement?

I have highlighted a few places I'm interested in. Can y'all take a look and advise?

1:
http://analytics.shownearby.com/Dhoby-G ... 26/1172319

2:
http://services2.hdb.gov.sg/web/fi10/emap.html#

3:
http://analytics.shownearby.com/Redhill ... 01/1010859


Thanks, for the advice!

[sundaymorningstaple]

Short term leases are a bit hard to come by. However, if you find a condo that is going en bloc, there might be a possibility of grabbing a short term unit there but whether or not the time frame is right will be a problem. The other alternative is taking a year lease with a diplomatic clause (if it's even possible - most are 2 year leases and can't be exercised until after the 1st year is up) but you might want to look into it anyway. Dhoby Ghaut is smack in the middle of the CBD so prices there are on the high side.

Another possibility is taking over somebody else remaining lease who is having to depart suddenly due to whatever. Not all employers are amiable to this but often they are, rather than possibly having a unit sitting empty The current economic outlook governs this to a great extent - is it a renter's market or a Landlord's market.

Maybe some other's here can give you some better suggestions.