Any Holland Village (Singapore) Apartment Recommendations?

[Calgary]

After trying for over a week to join the Singapore Expat Wives FB group to no avail I'm taking Cerisier's advice and asking here. However, I'm a bit behind the ball.

DH is in Singapore this week and while we've confirmed schools for our DCs and determined that we'll likely move to Holland Village for the 2yr stint I'd love to see if he can have look at apartments while he's there.

Any suggestions of great places with lots of toddlers? :) We'd be looking for a place with at least 4 bedrooms (one for a housekeeper/babysitter) in a building with a playground, bbq area, and pool. Also, if anyone can comment on mozzies in the area and whether we need to be above the 13th floor (which an acquaintance suggested) to avoid them as I could be known as mozzie-bait.

Thanks so much!

[AggressiveBunting]

I can't comment on HV, but just to let you know, apartments will typically have a "helper room" which is not included in the bedroom count, and in the type of place you're looking at, it might be assumed and not mentioned in the spec. You might choose to give your helper one of the other bedrooms, but it wouldnt be usual or expected.

Also, re the FB account, it's a pain, but admins are very paranoid about droid accounts due to spamming/ advertising etc. Or the admin might just be on holiday or something.

[peppapigonaloop]

what is your budget for apartment? Most do come with a maids room and the norm would be for them to have that. If that was the case would you still want 4 beds? do you have a relocation agent?

[ClareDiana]

Hi Calgary,

We live in Holland Village but in a specific area called Chip Bee Gardens which consists of around 350 terrace homes. It's a very different choice to condo living as there is no pool/playground, however, all the terraces are three bedrooms upstairs plus a maid room and bathroom downstairs. There is also a small front and back garden which wouldn't exist with condo living. It's an incredibly convenient area and full of other expats with children and dogs. The monthly rent is significantly less than any 3-4 bed condo although there are initial set up costs in fitting air con, wardrobes etc as the terraces are basic inside. If you want any more info, let me know.

[Cerisier]

Close to HV is pretty low rise but there are lots of condos just along Holland Road towards Farrer and lots on Farrer Road. We have friends in Waterfall Gardens and the rents seem reasonable and the apartments are new and very nice. I can't comment on numbers of toddlers though.

[Calgary]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and information. I hadn't realized that the "helper rooms" were not included bedroom count for the condos so will definitely take that into account. We've been given 8000SGD for monthly rent with anything we save as a 'bonus'. ClareDiana, I'm intrigued by the terraces you mention as I know my husband would love to have outdoor space where the kids could play in a garden. However, do you find you use the outdoor space a lot. Everyone seems to complain of the heat and so don't appear to do so without a pool etc. (though I would guess that you'd get a wading one). Also, any issues with mozzies? They drive me absolutely batty, as do their never-ending itchy bites so I'm particularly sensitive to that.

Re FB, I've individually messaged 3 admins that look pretty active so hopefully that will help.
Thanks again.

[ClareDiana]

Re: the Chip Bee terraces, the odd person here and there has installed a small above-ground pool and many others have wading pools. Depends what your needs are i guess? Most residents seem to use their gardens (especially front garden as it's bigger) and many have done them up by laying outdoor floorboards, shade awning and lots of outdoor furniture. Yes, it's hot and there are Mosquitos but plenty of people don't seem too bothered! Repellant is a must. Some people we know use local government pools nearby and others have joined private members clubs which have facilities such as restaurants, gyms and pools e.g. The tanglin club or the hollsndse club. The vast majority of people in our neighborhood did the condo thing for two years (an average lease term) and then moved into Chip Bee as they wanted more space.

[ClareDiana]

Also, the average rent paid on the terraces is $4k a month so with your budget you'd have plenty left over for joining a club or taking holidays in the region. However, the allure of a fancy condo with all the trimmings can be hard to resist! Good luck with the move.

[Calgary]

ClareDiana, thanks so much for the details. Will definitely check out ChipBee as an option.

[MinusculeAtBest]

Hi Calgary, just wanted to mention that the mozzie issue is a Real one! We are in a lovely condo (Glentrees, closer to Buona Vista) on the ground floor and I get bitten on a daily basis. It is driving me nuts. We have tried every solution (lamp, sprays, creams...) but none is foolproof and I cannot live with windows closed and AC on all the time.
So good luck in your search. I wanted initially to avoid being very high up (especially since many apartments are really not secure for little ones with balconies, windows, etc), but that will probably be our next move to avoid the mosquitoes. Also, most contracts are signed for two years, so if you don't like it, you are stuck!
Last thing, life in a condo is really nice: easy to meet people, great for the children to have playmates, more outdoor space to play. Ours are outside on their scooter all the time despite the heat and the pool is a blessing!

[MinusculeAtBest]

To clarify: people in our condo who are on the fourth floor or above very rarely have mosquitoes. Our apartment is close to lots of greenery and that's why we get them. People at the other end of the condo, even on the ground floor, also hardly get any, as they don't have so many plants around...

[Calgary]

MinusculeAtBest, thank you so much for your comments. I go fairly mad with Mozzetta and so it really is helpful to know that indeed I need to take them into consideration. I saw before the 2yr lease aspect which is exactly why I was concerned as getting out of a lease looked to only be possible with 14 mos paid (one year +2 mos notice.

[Calgary]

Mozzies....not sure why that other word came out..

[londonmoo]

Calgary are you sorted yet? Am not on here very often, as I moved to Sing two years ago, but I pop on now and then and saw this note from you. I live in Holland Residences, small condo down at the end of Taman Warna, near Chip Bee. Some units available, I believe, but not sure about number of bedrooms, is the only thing. It's not a huge condo but fun and friendly. Recommended. Anyway, hope you are sorted!

[papooshka]

There are a few great condos on Holland Hill - Parvis and Lush are new and theres Holland Peak which is old but lovely.

[Laptopwieldingharpy]

Older is better, bigger & cheaper.
Look further on mount Sinai/ clementi etc ...
PM if you want further recommendations.
Worked as a reloc agent in Sg in a previous life. :-)