Singapore - Best Condo/Townhouse Block for Pre-schoolers?

[CrocodileMummy]

About to move to Singapore with our two year old. We have a fixed sum for relocation so have to meet the rent from our own salary. Any advice about which Condo or Townhouse block is best with a pre-schooler? We're looking for a friendly community with other families and a great children's pool, and perhaps indoor/outdoor playrooms with slides, etc. Also thinking of possibly starting her at Dulwich College when it opens next summer, so would like to be able to commute there easily by taxi/bus/walking. Is there anything else I should ask about or look for when viewing?

Hi. This is really hard as there are thousands of condos here and at all different budgets! Do you have a monthly budget in mind? Start with that and then have a look on property guru to see what appeals in terms of size, space, balcony, no balcony etc. . There is a great facebook page called Singapore Expat Wives where you will be able to get specific advice on specific condos you like the look of. Someone on that page is bound to know the condo/s you are considering. People here in SG often say The Caribbean is great with kids but the apartments are too small for me and I think it's a bit in no man's land (not close to Dulwich either...), so it is very much a matter of budget, personal taste, what kind of lifestyle you want and what kinds of compromises you're prepared to make (eg modern condos will be small, older ones will be larger but quite dated In terms of fixtures and fittings etc). Good luck.

Its really hard to narrow it down as Salted said.

There will be a lot of good options. You need to decide on area and a budget. Propertyguru is a very good place to look as well as the facebook group.

Where will Duwich college be? Can help you zero in on a good area to minimize the commute but not too sure where……

You can definitely forget about walking to school if it Dulwich. It will be a secure compound for sure and likely to be a bit isolated, most big schools are.

Thank you both of you for your advice.

Dulwich College opens next summer at Bukit Batok, West Avenue 8 (click here for map). I don't really fancy paying over the odds for a car in Singapore, but I suppose taxis would be an option if there are no buses.

Hadn't really thought about not having private outside space in Singapore. A bit scary after living in a house so long!

I'll try Property Guru and the facebook page.

Do you think it would be best to approach rental agents directly or go through a relocation agent?

if you are set on an area and budget you can bypass the relocation agent. If the company pays for it, go for it, it really helps having someone driving you around and focused on your agenda for a few days.

On property guru, look at districts 21,22,23
The Upper bukit Timah leading on to Toh Tuck has lots of expat friendly condos (the former site of the canadian school is there and the new one not far in Jurong).
You could go as far up as Choa chu kang wich has a pocket of very nice houses also with lots of expats. Not sure how much your budget can stretch but you could possibly find a little house in those areas.

That said, you'll have lots of outside space in most condos.

Thanks!