Singapore Expats

I am considering doing a one-year postdoctoral fellowship at NUS (Bukit Timah campus), starting in September 2007. The salary would be fine if housing weren't so expensive! My rent budget is about SG$1200 a month. Any suggestions about which areas to look for housing? I've been to Singapore once, but only to the most touristy downtown areas, so I'm not familiar with other neighborhoods. I prefer not to have to commute too far, and to find an apartment building that has some amenities such as a gym or a pool, and is close to public transit.

With 1200 S$ budget you should check out for HDB flats. Clementi is close to NUS, but the condos start from 2000 S$. The other point is that it is not easy to make only 1 year contract. Owners prefer to rent for at least 2 years or more. They increase the rent for short contracts. Another solution could be sharing the flat with someone. I know that many students do it this way. Even you can check out the classifieds in this website. You may find something suitable for you.

At the moment there is a high demand for rent. Many expats arrived recently to work in Singapore. This increases the rents for sure. maybe around the period you come, things could change a little bit. Hopefully less demand and more affordable flats.

Good luck for your flat hunt anyway.

Wow -- it is indeed depressing to hear how expensive things are. I don't particularly want to share an apartment unless I can find someone who's gone most of the time.

Do any of the HDB developments have gyms? I don't care if the equipment is old.

no, HDB flat does not have gym.

In some regions there are public sport complexes which you can become a member with reasonable fees, but on the other hand I guess you can also use the sport facilities of NUS. My suggestion would be to find a flat close to NUS and use the facilities of public places or NUS. Considering sharing the flat with another student if you would like to stay in a more comfortable condo.

Hello MuratKorman,

Hi since you are in clementi and mentioned about HDB which are in my interest, I would like to ask if a 3 bedrooms HDB in clementi near MRT and centrepoint with a rent of $1500 is available in the current market?

I had stayed in Clementi a decade ago in a 2 bedrooms HDB, old and poorly maintained, 4storey building with no elevator plus wicked nasty landlord, it was the worst nightmare of my life in SG (partly contributed to my departure of SG) With a budget of $1400 to $1600, do you think I could make my life easier in Clementi and possibly avoiding the nightmare I went thru long time ago? PLS advise........I always like Clementi.

Chix chix>>>you are welcomed to join in too since you are in Clementi.

I guess you can find something suitable with your budget range. As I have stated before, it is not possible to find a condo less than 2000 S$. I haven't investigated any HDB, but focused rather on condos when I was searching for a flat. I suggest you contact with this website. They assign a real estate agent and he or she searches according to your requirements. Then you would also know the availability of the HDB around Clementi region.

Thanks for the advice, and the good suggestion about the NUS sports facilities. I'm pretty sure I'll be allowed to use them. If so, I will also explore the possibility of an HDB flat.

You are welcome. I hope you find an HDB within your budget.

Jelly Bean,

I'm living in hdb 2 bed in Clementi. About 200 metres from the mrt and pay $1,000/month for a 20 year old unit, but it's in good condition. I know of a 3 bed that just rented nearby for $1600 that's only 5 years old, so you should be able to get something in your price range.

perhaps you should also inquire whether you would be eligible for accommodation at the NUS staff housing?

With a budget that low, I recommend you look into the SHIFT program, a housing scheme for foreign workers. We strongly considered it last time we moved to SG but ended up in a condo after all because of a really good deal we got at Springdale, Upper Bukit Timah.

http://www.contactsingapore.org.sg/movi ... hift.shtml

Good luck!

Forgot to post the link to the SHIFT program...

http://www.jtc.gov.sg/products/readybui ... index.aspx


Price

Our SHiFT programme offers you quality and affordable housing with a wide range of choices in terms of size and design/layout. The aim is to make it easy for you to find something suitable to meet your preference and budget. SHiFT apartments come unfurnished, to give you the flexibility to furnish your apartment according to your own taste.

MONTHLY RATES (FOR FIRST TENANCY)

Apartment Type


Monthly Rental*


**SC/CC Charges

3-room


From S$750.00


S$55.00

4-room


From S$880.00


S$60.00

5-room


From S$1,000.00


S$65.00

Executive


From S$1,100.00


S$75.00

Additional payment one month deposit + stamp duty + admininstrative fee.
Subsequent payment by GIRO (payable monthly in advance).

*Monthly Rental is exclusive of SC/CC Charges and other Misc Charges such as utilities, etc.

**Service and Conservancy Charges (SC/CC) are determined and payable to the Town Councils managing the respective estates. Charges vary from Town Council to Town Council