House vs. Apartment?

[Joisey]

My wife and I are taking a short trip to Singapore to decide whether or not to make the move. When we told the realtor that we are interested in something with a small yard if possible, she told us there is no way to get a semi-detached house or townhouse unless we are willing to spend more than $10,000 / month.

When searching online I have found several places in the $7,000-10,000 range with a yard or even a pool. I realize things are often quite different than they appear on the internet so I just wanted to see if anyone can offer me their perspective.

[Strong Eagle]

You can get into a semi-D for $7K or less... will be farther away from city center and older... not as updated. Finding them as they come available is the problem.

[ecureilx]

You can get into a semi-D for $7K or less... will be farther away from city center and older... not as updated. Finding them as they come available is the problem.

and in the photos, they seem "DETACHED" and only when you view, you find them as not-so-detached .. thanks to the Power of Photoshop

Always, it is good to view before committing ..

[nakatago]

You can get into a semi-D for $7K or less... will be farther away from city center and older... not as updated. Finding them as they come available is the problem.

and in the photos, they seem "DETACHED" and only when you view, you find them as not-so-detached .. thanks to the Power of Photoshop

Always, it is good to view before committing ..

It's not always about Photoshop. The angles from where they were shot can do wonders already.

[Strong Eagle]

You can get into a semi-D for $7K or less... will be farther away from city center and older... not as updated. Finding them as they come available is the problem.

and in the photos, they seem "DETACHED" and only when you view, you find them as not-so-detached .. thanks to the Power of Photoshop

Always, it is good to view before committing ..

You mean like this?

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater

[beppi]

I once had a terrace house at Sixth Avenue for below S$2k/month.
Those times are gone, but just two years ago we found a few at S$3k and Semi-Ds at S$4k. You can't expect luxury, but hey, it's a house with a yard!
Scrap your realtor (and if possible realtors altogether), especially if their fee is tied to the height of the rent (i.e. no motivation to find a cheap deal for you!).
In general, houses cost around the same rent as similar-sized condos, since Singaporeans generally like condo facilities and dislike the critters that inevitably come with living on a ground floor (be prepared for mosquitoes, cockroaches, stray cats and the occasional rat or snake if you opt for a house!).

[Joisey]

This is some great perspective. It is good to know a house won't necessarily break the bank. Now I guess it is just deciding if we want to deal with elevators and no yard or snakes and mosquitoes...

If going the hi-rise apartment route, I assume we would look for something in/around Marina Bay to be as close to work as possible but does anyone have advice on what areas might be best for finding a house? Any chance of finding something fairly nice not to far to the east in the ~$7,000-9,000 price range?

[Strong Eagle]

This is some great perspective. It is good to know a house won't necessarily break the bank. Now I guess it is just deciding if we want to deal with elevators and no yard or snakes and mosquitoes...

If going the hi-rise apartment route, I assume we would look for something in/around Marina Bay to be as close to work as possible but does anyone have advice on what areas might be best for finding a house? Any chance of finding something fairly nice not to far to the east in the ~$7,000-9,000 price range?

No worries about snakes and mosquitoes. Having left a half acre yard, I appreciate any yard and the ability to eat/sit/drink on a patio.

One condo consideration if you decide to go that way: Find a place with a decent balcony... so many newer places hardly offer any space.

[beppi]

Marina Bay is about the most expensive place to rent in the whole of Singapore (maybe except Sentosa Island). The difference in rent to a suburb 20min drive away is far greater than the cost of a daily taxi to and from work.
There are also no houses at Marina Bay or anywhere near.

[Joisey]

Marina Bay is about the most expensive place to rent in the whole of Singapore (maybe except Sentosa Island). The difference in rent to a suburb 20min drive away is far greater than the cost of a daily taxi to and from work.
There are also no houses at Marina Bay or anywhere near.

I am sure it is unreasonable to hope for a house close to Marina Bay. So what districts are generally good when looking for houses? Or is it as simple as "anything away from the Central Area"?

[ecureilx]

I am sure it is unreasonable to hope for a house close to Marina Bay. So what districts are generally good when looking for houses? Or is it as simple as "anything away from the Central Area"?

it all depends upon how much you can afford .. not Marina Bay per se, but next door china town - club street area (minus lawn) you can get shop house units .. from what I know

[Mad Scientist]

Food for thought

If there is only two of you and only on a a year work deal kind of thing, Have you considered staying in hotels. No mess , no fuss, no power bills NOTHING ONLY ROOM Cost. You can always discuss with the reservation department and go for special with breakfast included. It will definitely knock off price compare to the rack
My POV is if you are willing to spend say..$10 to $12K on a house(Not sure ) you can always put up in a service aparment or hotel with full service. Shangri-La , Hilton offers that.

This is what I did when I was in Japan for a year. Anyway this is your call.

[ecureilx]

Food for thought

If there is only two of you and only on a a year work deal kind of thing, Have you considered staying in hotels. No mess , no fuss, no power bills NOTHING ONLY ROOM Cost. You can always discuss with the reservation department and go for special with breakfast included. It will definitely knock off price compare to the rack
My POV is if you are willing to spend say..$10 to $12K on a house(Not sure ) you can always put up in a service aparment or hotel with full service. Shangri-La , Hilton offers that.

This is what I did when I was in Japan for a year. Anyway this is your call.

But you don't get a lawn and a 'space'

[Joisey]

Thank you for all the feedback. The main reason we want a yard is because we are bringing our dog (~70 lb black lab mix). We'd really like to avoid having to take an elevator down to a public lobby each time to take her out so if we can get our own yard, that would be ideal. I guess we just have to decide what we are willing to give up in terms of my commute to work and the amenities of a hi-rise.

Again, thanks for all the help.

[beppi]

Oh my, you'll have more than a "lift & lobby" problem with your dog: Most appartments are too small, condo rules usually don't allow dogs and many landlords here dislike big pets!
You may habe to substantially increase your rental budget, avoid Muslim neighbours (15% of the population - dogs are "haram" or untouchable for them) and get a good leash and muzzle, which are mandarory in public.
Or you may leave your pet at home, which may be the better idea.