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Original poster

Advice on housing in Singapore pls

139 replies

oxocube · 17/02/2007 09:21

I've read the previous threads on moving to Singapore but could anyone help with more specific advice regarding housing. It looks like we may be moving there later this year and DH's office will be based in the Jurong district which I understand is v industrial. We have a max of about 3,500 Sing dollars per month for housing and I'm interested in what you could get for this kind of money. We're not bothered about fashionable areas (just as well with our budget!) and ideally would like somewhere with a garden (cluster house?) as we have a dog and a cat as well as 3 kids. Ideally looking for somewhere with 4 bedrooms.

Are we being unrealistic? Does anyone have any insider knowledge about areas in the Southwest. Thanks so much to anyone who can help

OP posts:
eldestgirl · 17/02/2007 11:05

Hi Oxocube,
OK we pay $6500 pcm for a 2 bedroom house with a garden, but it's more central than Jurong. Unfortunately rents are skyrocketing at the moment, up to London levels. You may have to think more in terms of an apartment in a condo, which might not be so bad if your kids are older. Have you tried asking on the Singapore ex-pat board?

Rojak · 17/02/2007 12:58

Hi Oxocube

I live on the east of Singapore where rentals are a little cheaper than the central areas.

Jurong is really quite far west, I think if you look in the Upper Bukit Timah area, you may find something within your budget.

You'll also need to think about how your kids will get to school, DH to work etc. If you're getting a car, then will you be resident chaffeur? Otherwise, you need to think about how long kids will be on schoolbuses etc.

Eldestgirl is right, rents are going up.

We live in a condo and have 4 beds and roof terrace. We have no pets but our condo allows pets.

The Singaporeexpat website has pictures of properties.

Hope this helps

Original poster
oxocube · 17/02/2007 17:02

thanks to you both! The Upper Bukit Timah was an area we considered because we were told the rents were cheaper. Not sure about the car yet and was hoping the kids could school bus (and hoping the company will pay for it along with the school fees!)

Have tried the Singapore Expat board but its quite confusing! Most of the property companies ask you to register details before you can see properties and its a bit early to do that in our case. Are you in the centre, Eldestgirl, by Holland Road etc. The rents were frightening there! We're coming from Netherlands from a 4 bed town house with a little garden, but a 2 minute drive from woods and heathland so I think I might have to adjust my thinking a little

Also, any info on schools would be great. Our kids will be 12, 10 and 6 and have been in a PYP school which goes on to follow the IB programme for the last 4 years. The UWC looks good but huge and expensive but the company should cover this. Also looked at the Australian School. Our kids have never been to a UK school and we don't intend to go back there so not really looking for a Brit style curriculum like Tanglin.

Thanks again!

OP posts:
eldestgirl · 17/02/2007 23:50

I am off Bukit Timah Road, near to the Botanic Gardens.
UWC is the best school, but it can be really difficult to get kids into it. Have you made any enquiries? There is a new international school opening which also does the IB programme. Also the Canadian School is moving to Jurong, and is also IB which could be ideal for you.
Your children could really enjoy living in a big condo rather than a house. The facilities tend to be really good (pool, tennis, squash etc) and they make lots of friends independently. My children are all under 5, so we prefer having a small house with a garden where I can keep an eye on them.

Original poster
oxocube · 18/02/2007 07:41

thanks eldestgirl. A friend who now lives in NL but who spent 5 years in Singapore said the same thing re the condo. She also has 3 kids and said her's made loads of friends really quickly. We haven't made any school enquiries yet as we are waiting for more definite dates but will as soon as we know more. Will look at the Canadian school

OP posts:
LadyPenelope · 18/02/2007 08:31

Hi Oxocube
Here is a link to the new International school which just opened in Singapore ...new international school in Singapore It offers IB. My kids don't go there, but a colleague of mine just sent his kids (approx 5 and 8). He saw it as a good alternative to UWC, which was too expensive for his budget and he likes the ethos and his daughters have settled well. It literally just opened, so I can't speak for reputation, however, it is one of the few International schools without a waiting list as it is building its student base.
UWC has good reputation but it does have waiting lists for most (all?) year groups. If you already know you are coming perhaps you can get on the waiting list. (Not sure if this is even possible, but might be worth enquiring. Perhaps it's possible with a letter from your company?)
Canadian school - I've particularly heard good things in pre-school age group.
FYI, there is also a Dutch school (don't know if that's relevant for you as you are coming from NL) which does just primary years I think and there is German International School which does all year groups. (But can't remember if they follow the IB or not)

Budget wise, 3,500 is on the low side for a house I think. However, up towards Jurong and upper bukit timah is definitely cheaper - so it might be possible. Will your company give you a look see visit? Might it be possible to see how much your money gets and then go back to them for a tad more if required. Do they have a criteria for setting the budget (eg, it should get you similar accomodation to your home in NL for instance?)

Getting school fees is worth a lot of money though, and that's definitely worth more than the house rental would be.
Good luck!

Original poster
oxocube · 18/02/2007 08:46

Thats really nice of you to post the link LP . I realise the housing budget is on the small side but I'm ever the optimist! Actually, this will be the first time school fees are part of the package - we certainly couldn't afford to move otherwise.

There are an awful lot of uncertainties at the moment so I'm just trying to find out as much as possible. No doubt I'll be plaguing you all with minutae nearer the time!

OP posts:
Rojak · 20/02/2007 13:34

Oxocube

If you click on this link , it will take you to a page where you can view pictures of housing by location without registering. I think Upper Bukit Timah is District 21.

I have a friend who lives in Upper Bukit Timah and he picked it because he can go cycling in some nature reserve close by, but can't remember what the reserve is called.

oldnewmummy · 21/02/2007 04:22

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve! (Hi Rojak!)

A nice area out west (but not as far as Jurong) is Pasir Panjang village - there's a little strip of restaurants/pubs, a supermarket, a damn good Indian restaurant, and it's close to West Coast Park.

No idea about rents though.

Standard advice (not read the whole thread) is to stay in a serviced apartment for a while and have a really good look around.

Good luck!

Egypt · 21/02/2007 07:01

we're around upper bikit timah and have a house on a condo. so not highrise no garden as such but people have dogs and there is a pool. about 30 houses in all, nice atmosphere. anyway, it's here

we paid about that i think, only been here a month, but rent going up fast! you should def try and get a siting trip.

oldnewmummy · 21/02/2007 07:23

Perhaps we should organise a Singapore meet up?

Egypt · 21/02/2007 07:25

ooo yes please! name the date !

slim22 · 21/02/2007 07:26

hi
so glad to come accross this thread. Currently in the final stage of organising a relocation to singapore. Coming in 3 weeks on fact finding mission.
I've read all the threads here and on singapore expats and will certainly come back from more detailed enquiries.
I have one question for the moment...........I'm starting to get cold feet after reading post re:island fever (thanx eldestgirl, you made my day!!).
How many of you have experienced it? Hpw severe? How do you recover??
I'm not too worried about relocation. Been there, done that many times over.But never to such a small place......Be honest, please It's really bugging me.

Egypt · 21/02/2007 07:35

there's loads to do imo. and really, its not that small - how far from your home do you usually venture out in the uk? i spent my time in the local village! not that i'm qualified to comment really yet, only being here 5 weeks.

i'm near to you then rojak, off BT rd, obv i'm not in the BT area then? sorry, mis-info there oxocube. so we are pretty central and rent is reasonable. we have 4 bedrooms. although 3 of them are actual bdrms, one is a spare in the basemnt.

oldnewmummy · 21/02/2007 08:29

Ok, meet up.......my parents arrive on Friday and then we're going to Perth, so how about:

Friday 16th March, 12.30pm, Modestos (which is part of Orchard Parade Hotel, corner of Orchard and Tanglin Road).

Show of hands here who's interested, and then we can post on meet up boards.

Bring along anyone else you think might be interested.

Re Island Fever - I've been here 10 years this week, and it's not so much boredom but that you get really irritated with things after a while, e.g. driving, spitting in street/swimming pool. But then the tax rate is low and the sun is shining so I grin and bear it.....

slim22 · 21/02/2007 08:34

I think it's just the jiggies about moving again.
I must say I am looking forward to living in hotter climate and open space and escaping london madness.
Would love to join you on 16th march. Have 3 yaer old in tow. Any of you with toddlers?

Rojak · 21/02/2007 08:36

Hi Oldnewmummy! How's the baby? BT Nature reserve, of course DOH

Eygpt, I'm on the east coast - not BT!!
Yes am all for a meet up as I'm fairly new too.

Slim22, I haven't (yet) experienced cabin fever but have been taking things easy and not been rushing out to do everything on offer but Oldnewmummy has been here years so perhaps she's better qualified to respond!

Rojak · 21/02/2007 08:40

I really need to type a bit faster!

I need to go check my calendar re: 16th March as I can't quite remember when DD starts her new playgroup.

oldnewmummy · 21/02/2007 08:42

Rojak has a toddler. I just have The Cutest Baby In The World (although he'll be even cuter when he sleeps through the night). Modestos has a big outside covered area, and Rojak's DD seemed to enjoy the pasta last time, so reasonably kid-friendly.

Ok, looks like the meet up's a goer

oldnewmummy · 21/02/2007 08:43

I'm Ok Mon, Tues, Fri, so we can change the date if you're not free.

slim22 · 21/02/2007 08:48

sounds great!!
DH is negotiating relocation package as we speak.
So I'll be back soon for more questions.
I'm definitely coming in march anyway and will post again for update on meet up.
have a nice day (evening?) in singapore.

oldnewmummy · 21/02/2007 08:50

However if you really are slim and 22 I may hate your guts and ban you, since I'm fat and 41

Rojak · 21/02/2007 12:39

DD's playgroup is in the afternoon 2pm - 5pm so I'm worried I may not be able to have lunch and get back to the east for 2pm to get her to playgroup.

By the time I got organised enough to get DD into the playgroup, all the morning places were gone so had to settle for afternoon and hoping that a morning space may come up a few months down the line.

Egypt · 21/02/2007 13:21

oooo, i'm up for meet up. 16th is fine for me. anytime. although dd goes to playgroup tues and thurs am i am looking to have changed her to mon,wed,fri by then, picking her up at 1215, so should just make it! she is 2.10yrs and baby due 24 march, so may even have that in tow too if last night was anything to go by!

sorry rojak, it was eldestgirl who lives in BT! where exactly are you eldestgirl?

Egypt · 21/02/2007 13:22

any day is fine with me btw, if you guys want to change for rojak?

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