Value for Money options in Singapore

[tuxspear]

Hello everyone.

I have an opportunity to relocate to Singapore so would love some advice on where to live.

I'm bachelor in mid 20's and we'll be working in or near Raffles Place.
I am thinking to look for a studio or 1 bhk apartment/HBD or any other type in the SGD 500 - 800 range. Room should be fully furnished and cooking should be allowed.

Any suggestions regarding area and locality I should look for would be very much appreciated. Also would this budget be enough to get decent accommodation near Raffles Place.

Thanks

[BillyB]

Hello everyone.

I have an opportunity to relocate to Singapore so would love some advice on where to live.

I'm bachelor in mid 20's and we'll be working in or near Raffles Place.
I am thinking to look for a studio or 1 bhk apartment/HBD or any other type in the SGD 500 - 800 range. Room should be fully furnished and cooking should be allowed.

Any suggestions regarding area and locality I should look for would be very much appreciated. Also would this budget be enough to get decent accommodation near Raffles Place.

Thanks

Try www...com.sg to see how far your budget will stretch.

I think you'll be really struggling to find anything around the CBD for that price. A shared room in most city centre condo's range from 1200-1500. I can't speak for HDB's - maybe someone else can help on that front.

I think you need to be looking further out of the city or accept something that is quite basic. Alternatively, if you can, increase your rental budget.

[durain]

for your budget, no way going to be near your work. you will have to look further away from the CBD. singapore is small, so doesnt really matter where you stay.

[beppi]

Any amount or research on this forum or elsewhere (e.g. property classifieds sites) would have shown you that "rent" and "value for money" do not come together in Singapore. The topic has been discussed at least a hundred times here, even if the truth is probably not to your liking:

Your budget will allow you to rent the most basic sublet/shared flat room somewhere in the suburbs. For the same near Raffles Places (which is right in the commercial centre of town with very few residential options nearby) or if you want some luxuries, you need double of that. For location AND luxury at least triple.
A studio, one-bedroomer or anything with a modicum of privacy will cost you at least S$1800, again double of that near Raffles Place.

[tuxspear]

Thank u all for ur replies.

@BillyB I am searching for room in www...com.sg. Most of the ads are for common rooms. I am not able to find any ads related to studio apt...

[BillyB]

Thank u all for ur replies.

@BillyB I am searching for room in www...com.sg. Most of the ads are for common rooms. I am not able to find any ads related to studio apt...

Sorry, I thought you meant a bedroom in a shared condo etc. I doubt you can find a studio in the whole of SG for $500-800 dollars.

[durain]

there's not a lot of studio apartment as such in singapore and defo not at your budget.

[nakatago]

Thank u all for ur replies.

@BillyB I am searching for room in www...com.sg. Most of the ads are for common rooms. I am not able to find any ads related to studio apt...

For your budget, a studio apartment is non-existent. You'll just have to settle with sharing a flat. One-bedroom HDB flats are reserved for the elderly (and if you someone renting it out, it might not be legal). condos are definitely out of your budget, like what beppi said.

You'll have to cast wider net and compromise to find an adequate accommodation.

[tuxspear]

@nakatago : In this budget there are lot's of option available for common rooms.

One more ques I have regarding common room. What I understand with common room is that there is a big flat with 2-4 rooms and each room is being rented out to an individual.

I can see that normally there is a lease agreement for an year. So if I take a common room would there be a lease agreement and what important point I should keep in mind while taking a common room.

Thanks u all for ur replies...

[beppi]

Common room means it has no bathroom attached (only shared bath somewhere in the flat). Master room means attached private bath. Masters are also usually bigger.
"No owner" or similar usually means the arrangement you mention, but it is better to call and ask (many of the cheaper "no owner" places are illegal HDB rentals that you as a foreigner MUST avoid). Many rooms are also rented out by the flat owner who lives in the rest of the apartment with his family. This is mostly legal.
Rental contracts are usually fixed for one or two years. Shorter terms are very rare (and cost more).

[beppi]

Another point to note: It is very common to have the rent increased by 30-50% when the contract runs out and you want to renew. To avoid that, longer terms are preferable (2 years better than 1).
But if you are in a long contract and need to leave for any reason (e.g. You lose your job and need to return home) you are still legally obliged to pay the full rent until the end of the contract. However, in reality most landlords in such a case just keep you deposit (usually as much as two months rent).

[revhappy]

Hello everyone.

I have an opportunity to relocate to Singapore so would love some advice on where to live.

I'm bachelor in mid 20's and we'll be working in or near Raffles Place.
I am thinking to look for a studio or 1 bhk apartment/HBD or any other type in the SGD 500 - 800 range. Room should be fully furnished and cooking should be allowed.

Any suggestions regarding area and locality I should look for would be very much appreciated. Also would this budget be enough to get decent accommodation near Raffles Place.

Thanks

BHK? This is Singapore not Mumbai
Get used to 2+1, 3+1 and yeah dont expect a whole unit in the price range that you are looking at. Start your search with "Common Room" or "Master Room"
Cheers!

[boffenl]

another option would be a hostel or dormitory. There are some very nice upscale options for around $800 for an individual room including wireless and access to a cafeteria. Not sure if I can mention any, but just Google hostels or domitories and see what comes up. Good luck!

[the lynx]

another option would be a hostel or dormitory. There are some very nice upscale options for around $800 for an individual room including wireless and access to a cafeteria. Not sure if I can mention any, but just Google hostels or domitories and see what comes up. Good luck!

woah, i actually don't know there is such thing as hostel/dorm here in Singapore for expats...

(pardon me for my ignorance)

[boffenl]

Sure, anyone can use them. Some visiting professors use them since they're cheap and easy--can be month to month or even longer terms. Have a looks around--most also have private shuttles to nearest MRT stations. I think they're a good deal BUT you'll be mostly around young people and their crazy ways.