Moving from Tokyo to Singapore - advice pls

[jktokyo]

Hi All,

I am moving from Tokyo to Singapore due to office transfer in July, and I have so many questions, not even sure where to start. I guess finding a place is the first priority. I tried some searches online, and it turned out that the rent in Singapore is shockingly expensive, even higher than in Tokyo. I am not looking for some fancy luxury super-huge place, just 1 bedroom condo, around 50-80sqm, maybe walkable distance to MRT stn. Is it possible to manage it under 3k SGD per month? or the budget sounds too tight?

Also, which area is recommended? East coast looks pretty good from pictures, but it seems most condos there are a bit far from MRT stn (by google map view)

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks a lot.

Regards,
Jessica

[zzm9980]

Yes, that is a tight budget, especially for a condo in East Coast. And yes, rent here is more than Tokyo. The problem is there is a distinct lack of 'cheap' options such as smaller units and studios. You're pretty much forced into a family sized unit or larger.

East Coast is a bit distance from MRT, but if you live close to Marine Parade, you're only a 5-10 minute bus ride from MRT. Or, a direct bus to CBD.

If you like East Coast, consider renting a 3 Room HDB (that's two bedrooms). You should be able to get one in Marine Parade for $2200-3000. You'd think that the price range is dependent on view and location, but it's really all random and at the landlord's most likely illogical whim.

If you really want to stick to a private property (condo), you'll have to look further out. $3000 will get you a condo in Pasir Ris, which is also an area with a lot of parks and an OK beach. It's more like a river and less like open sea there.

You can also consider the area near Paya Lebar MRT. That is one of the few places with smaller (500sq ft or less) condos that are newer. It is in between a few good food areas, and has a lot witthin walking distance, but is also near some local markets and living areas (They call it "heartland"). It's at the edge of Geylang, which has a bad reputation, but you're pretty much OK on any "Lorong" in Geylang numbered 30 or higher (And most of the rest too, but that's just an easy rule of thumb).

[jktokyo]

Thanks a lot for the reply. I just took a look at the map, Pasir Ris is pretty far to CBD, how long it would take for one way? 30mins?

J.

[Barnsley]

Thanks a lot for the reply. I just took a look at the map, Pasir Ris is pretty far to CBD, how long it would take for one way? 30mins?

J.

Yep .... takes about 25-30 mins

An advantage of Pasir Ris morning commute is that you can usually get a seat as its at the beginning of the line.

[JR8]

For your ongoing reference, the bus and train timetables that you'll find online (SMRT etc) will indicate (generally reliable) point-to-point journey times for the trains, and timetables for the buses.


p.s. I also relocated from a Tokyo posting to one in SG, long long ago. I think one of the immediate contrasts between the two, was the general lack of knowledge or interest in 'high culture' in SG. Anyway, that's one for another day!

Good luck with your move!

[Brah]

1BRs are uncommon here and under 3k is hard these days.

If you don't mind saying, which industry are you in? I'd be interested to know what kind of companies (all, probably) are continuing to offshore here.

[jktokyo]

JR8,

Thanks a lot. And yeah, people get spoiled in Tokyo by any sense

Brah,

Yeah, it seems most condos are quite big, with at least 2 bedrooms. I really don't need too many rooms just for myself...

I am in financial IT.


J.

[AngMoG]

Two more things to consider if staying significantly under 3K is a must:
- 2BR HDBs. They are most likely in a worse state than condos, no pool or similar, and you have neighbors peeping in the front door (which I don't mind actually). But you can get something starting around 2000, if it is a bit further out; 2500 if it is East Coast.
- You can start out on a master room in a condo. That one can start around 1200, maybe 1500, and has an attached bath room (look for master as opposed to common room).

Most places will want you to commit for at least 1 year, keep that in mind.

[jktokyo]

AngMoG,

Thanks a lot for the tips. HDBs condition sounds kinda awful, and I don't plan to have a roommate or sth... I may consider checking on a bit further neighborhood, after all, 25-30mins transfer to work is more acceptable to me than 'have neighbors peeping in the front door'... lol

J.

[zzm9980]

AngMoG,

Thanks a lot for the tips. HDBs condition sounds kinda awful, and I don't plan to have a roommate or sth... I may consider checking on a bit further neighborhood, after all, 25-30mins transfer to work is more acceptable to me than 'have neighbors peeping in the front door'... lol

J.

They're really not all that bad, it's very hit or miss. When I first moved here I saw a mix of East Coast condos and HDBs under $3500/month. Most of the condos were in about the same shape on the inside as the HDBs. Some a bit worse. Ive seen inside some pretty rough looking HDB units, but these aren't the ones that are generally being leased out. The HDB buildings do look uglier on the outside though. The ones being leased are usually owned by slightly more well off people who will recognize the value in making it nice inside.

And yes, I wound up renting an HDB because it got me a high floor and unobstructed sea view for about $500 less a month than the cheapest condos I could find on east coast. And it's in comparable interior shape to condos even $1000 more. My only major complaints would be the bathroom is off the kitchen and the exterior paint scheme is ugly.

[jktokyo]

Hi zzm9980,

Really appreciate the info you shared. Guess I have to actually be there and take a look at real places, so I can have a clearer idea abt what type of apt I want. I have 30 days accommodation paid by company, so during this 30 days, I need to make the decision.

J.

[Brah]

JK, recommend you do what I did, I took a trip for a 3-day weekend here, just checked the place out, met with some people I knew, to see if I liked it.

I did. And then I moved here. And then I didn't.

Now I kinda do and kinda don't.


Your relo deal sounds like mine and most people's - relo + 30-day executive residence until you get your place. You need a good 3 weeks to see what you need to see to get the right place. Some of us on the forum know good fudosanyasans, many are scheisters.

[JR8]

...I took a trip for a 3-day weekend here, just checked the place out, met with some people I knew, to see if I liked it.
I did. And then I moved here. And then I didn't.
Now I kinda do and kinda don't.

Hahaha, jinx, I totally get that!

Your relo deal sounds like mine and most people's - relo + 30-day executive residence until you get your place. You need a good 3 weeks to see what you need to see to get the right place. Some of us on the forum know good fudosanyasans, many are scheisters.

Yes, if you have a month in a Service Apartment, it will take you that 3-3.5 weeks to find a place. Truly an example of a job filling the time available for it.