Singapore Expats

Hello!

We are moving to Singapore, from the UK, at the end of June 2016.

Could anyone recommend where to find an apartment/condo for our family, (2 adults, a 2yr old and a baby). There are lots of websites, but would prefer to use/rely on one that is recommended.

We are looking at East Coast, but could look at surrounding areas/near James Cook University.

Any advice would be welcome!

Jess

Hi Jess, in my experience finding apartment is very easy once you're on the ground as the real estate agents are extremely helpful in driving you around. Additionally east coast shouldn't be an issue as there are quite a few developments there.

Highlighting wrote:Hi Jess, in my experience finding apartment is very easy once you're on the ground as the real estate agents are extremely helpful in driving you around. Additionally east coast shouldn't be an issue as there are quite a few developments there.

How much do you want to bet this guy is a real estate agent?

"Extremely helpful in driving you around?" To places you don't want and places you can't afford but the REA shows them to you anyway because the commish payment is larger?

Beware the Singapore real estate agent.

Ouch man, I've had a couple of experiences in other country with real shitty agents, it's a whole different level!
But to be fair, the one in Singapore was referred to me by my firm, I can't talk for all of them.

JKen wrote:Hello!

We are moving to Singapore, from the UK, at the end of June 2016.

Could anyone recommend where to find an apartment/condo for our family, (2 adults, a 2yr old and a baby). There are lots of websites, but would prefer to use/rely on one that is recommended.

We are looking at East Coast, but could look at surrounding areas/near James Cook University.

Any advice would be welcome!

Jess

Hi Jess and welcome to the forum. Before we can give personal advice from our experience as to where to live, it would be helpful if you can give us more details so that we can understand what you need and suggest few places that would suit your needs.

Priorities:
- your budget (approx range)
- your workplace/s (don't name names, just approx neighbourhood)
- the size and/or type of property that you are seeking (#bedrooms, on-site facilities etc)
- will you have a car here?
- proximity to transport required. MRT-subway/buses/the airport/Malaysia border post (if so, which one).
- will you have any accompanying children needing to attend school? If so, age/s?
- are you looking at private (international/fee-paying, or local schools?)
- will your employer being funding any fees; or will you, 'out of pocket'?
- is remaining within a national curriculum important; if so what nationality are you?
- have you identified any such schools yet?

Nice to have:
- will you need to be able to say walk to the local shops, a library, your doctor, a market, and so on?
- access to any specific sport, social, and recreation facilities?
- are you considering bringing any pets. If so what kind, and will they require outdoor access and/or exercise?
- are you considering bringing any parents/in-laws etc? Do they have specific needs (for example difficulty climbing stairs?)

Your current home and commute:
- are you already a city dweller? i.e. Are you used to city-centre hustle and bustle, or would you hope for a bit more peace and quiet?
- what is the size and type (apartment, house+garden etc) of your current home?
- what are any current commute times like?