Automatic dishwashers are very rare here. Also, most kitchens don't have air conditioning.
Another thing, ask lots of questions of your landlord. I know someone who moved into a new place and was told they'd put in an oven, and they put in a toaster oven. Not funny. Visit a place before agreeing to rent. Is there air conditioning? If so, does it work? Turn it on when you visit. That kind of stuff.
It's not like renting an apartment in the US where there are leasing offices and if something breaks, you give the office a call and they fix it in the next day or so. Each unit in condo complexes is generally owned by a separate landlord. Often in Sg, you're responsible for arranging repairs and paying the bill yourself, and then deducting it from the next months rent. Make sure something is in your lease that says how repairs are handled.
Another thing, consider budgeting for monthly pest control if you see one ant. Where there's one, there are more. Ant problems are common, even on high floors in new luxury condos. We tried doing stuff ourselves with sprays and other products, but the ants would be back the next day. Seriously, cut open a piece of fruit and the ants appear out of nowhere. Pest control was one of the best investments we made, in my opinion. It costs about $900-$1000 per year.
