choosing a flat for aug/ sept

[statesidegirl]

Hello all,

We are due to arrive in Sg Aug. 1. We will need a 4 bedroom rental close to Fort Canning. Should we
a. plan a quick trip (from the States!) end of June to choose a rental to start Aug 1, or
b. just wait til we get here on aug 1 to choose something for whenever it is available - sept 1 or earlier if possible. (we can stay in Service Apartment until rental becomes vacant)

i am concerned that most properties that size will be taken by families who want to be housed before school starts, and the pickings will be slim if we wait til august...?

many thanks

[aster]

I live right next to Fort Canning.

Tough call on whether to fly over earlier to book something from August. I would probably go for a Serviced Apartment for a month and then arrange everything when you're here, without the rush.

You could also stay close-by and get to know the place, the various condos in the vicinity, etc.

For Serviced Apartments in the area you probably want to check out Fraser Place (Robertson Walk), Park Avenue Suites (@ UE Square) and Somerset (in Clarke Quay).

[carteki]

Singapore is really small and I'm not sure what you define as "close". In SG that is walking distance....
Best to come here and see the apartments for yourself. Dodgy agents etc plague the industry and photo's will never do a place justice or otherwise especially as you're committing yourselves for 24 months.

[cbavasi]

I would definitely be wary of booking a trip to secure an apt... We did that even after the deposit check was banked the deal fell through (something about the landlord's cousin wanting to move in)... I had to fly BACK and secure another. If you do make a trip out - make sure the TENANCY AGREEMENT is signed by all parties and the STAMP DUTY PAID. In a "normal" timeframe this can take anywhere from a couple of days to 2 weeks for the landlord/agent/tenant to work out the details... I was able to get my second lease signed in 2 days simply b/c we didn't ask for anything... we just wanted the place done and dusted. If I had to do it again I would have waited to be here and then looked for the apt.

[statesidegirl]

Yes, by "close" i mean within 20 minutes walking distance. We are looking at the Imperial, Leonie condotel, and River Place... Any other suggestions?

We are a family and would require 4 bedrooms.

thanks

[statesidegirl]

And you are of course correct about not taking something "sight unseen" - My question was really whether it would be worth it to push ourselves to fly in for a few days in June to secure something, or wait until August when the choices might be rather diminished. Or is the turnover so frequent that we would have a good chance of finding something in august???

thanks

[cbavasi]

I think you misunderstood my post... it would take more than a couple of days to finalize the paperwork (meaning landlord signs all the papers and the stamp duty paid, the tenancy agreement drawn up... etc.) I made the mistake of signing all the papers in the tenancy agreement, handing over the deposit/stamp duty checks and the landlord hadn't signed his portion. When I flew back the deal fell through. This is not unusual in Singapore. You will be well shocked when the pictures you are seeing online are not even close to what you are being shown.... the units are VERY different depending on owner/renovation. So if you are looking pictures of a unit on this site - doubtful it is the actual unit you will be shown.

[raden888]

Finding a place on the ground is the best bet...Real Estate Agencies/Agents have zero sense of professionalism here. Don't hinder your chances due to the short time frame. Book yourself into a Service Apartment and then find something that is most suited to your needs. Enjoy your stay!

[statesidegirl]

cbavasi,

yes, i did understand your VERY helpful info about the process taking longer than a few days. we would definitely be in a rush , can only stay 4-5 days in June, and i see now that that would not be enough time to secure the paperwork. THank you.
i suppose we will wait til august and let the chips fall where they may. We may have less choice, but we will have the time to take a good look and get all the details negotiated correctly. THANK YOU>