Mr. Tsiken’s career negiotiations have just been finalized. Soon, we will be joining other Filipinos trying to make a life in Singapore. The prospects look good. First off, look for a place to stay. So far here’s what I’ve found out:
Most Singaporeans live in public housing called HDB (Housing Development Board) flats. These are what would be the equivalent of Bliss housing in the Philippines (except it’s better maintained, of course). There are 3/4/5-room or executive room flats. The living room is counted as 1 room so a 4 room flat would have 3 bedrooms. HDBs are typically nearby schools, clinics, hawker (food) centres, recreational areas, groceries, and MRT stations. Naturally, these areas have more activity.
There are also a lot condominiums in Singapore for those who prefer a more peaceful and private environment. The basic difference between living in an HDB flat and a condo is that the latter have security and amenities like swimming pools or tennis courts.
Singapore also have landed apartments for rents but these are much more expensive since land is a very limited resource for them.
Most single Pinoys rent rooms, or if they have other friends, rent an entire flat and just share the rent among themselves. Whether to rent an HDB or a condo flat would depend on your budget. Lately rental in Singapore is in an uptrend because their economy is doing good and there are a lot of foreign talent looking for places to stay. (As of May 07 a 3-bedroom flat will go for S$1300)
The usual way of looking for places to stay is by hooking up with property agents. These agents serve as middlemen for the landlord and the tenant as most tenants would not deal directly with non-citizens or non-PRs (Permanent Residents). Typically, the agent will give you a couple of choices that you can check out before you decide which one you prefer. (In our case, there was only 1 place available because there was so much demand that available places get snatched up right away.) They also provide a useful service of preparing the documents (letter of intent, rental contract, etc) you need to formalize your rental agreement with the tenant. Agent’s fees usually equals 1/2 month rent for every year of contract. 1 year is the minimum length terms for a rental agreement.
Things to consider before deciding where to stay:
- Budget
- Location – how easy/difficult would the commute to work be
- Amenities in the area
Remember: You will probably be living there for a whole year. Little things that bother you may drive you crazy if you have to endure them every single day.
Here are a few links you can check out that could help you find a place of your own:
- classifieds in the property section -Adpost.com, Roomsdb.net
- going rates for condos – http://www.singaporeexpats.com
- You can also find rooms for rent here:Pinoysg Classifieds
Note: The accuracy and timeliness of the information is not guaranteed, and serves only as a guide.
15 responses so far ↓
1 Jonha @ Happiness // May 18, 2010 at 6:22 am
Yayaman pala ang mga agents sa inyo ano? haha
.-= Jonha @ Happiness´s last blog ..Manny Villar’s Aggressive Marketing vs. Noynoy Aquino’s Effective Marketing =-.
2 AdelineLeeProperty // Jul 16, 2010 at 10:44 am
Hi to all Pinoy tenants,
I am a property agent in Singapore. I have*$*MANY RENTAL UNITS AVAIL*$*for you to choose from!!UNITS PRICE ARE NEG and REASONABLE FOR YOU!!
In order for me to serve you better,
Please CALL/SMS me NOW @ +65 9630 8379:
- No of people living?
- Country of Origin?
- When do you need to move in?
- Pass Holding?
- Your budget?
All races are welcome!
(Already Co-broke)
Looking for Rental units?? Please CALL/SMS me @ +65 9630 8379
3 Kristine // Aug 19, 2010 at 5:40 pm
- No of people living – I’m only 1 person but its ok if I have a partnet to share with.
- Country of Origin – fron Philippines
- When do you need to move in – by September 2010
- Pass Holding – Tourist
- Your budget – 8k for 1 month
4 jaby // Sep 7, 2010 at 7:19 pm
hi! looking for an affordable room. 1 for my couple friend with 1 baby, for me(lady) and another friend(male). moving on oct 9, 2010.
- from philippines
- tourist
250- 300 sgd
5 kahori // Sep 21, 2010 at 5:43 pm
hi my husband and i needs a master bedroom with toilet. moving this october 2010.
prefer location: near choa chu kang mrt
budget: 650 to 750 SGD
6 Muhammad Fahmi // Oct 29, 2010 at 10:25 pm
Hi there, my name is Fahmi. I’m a certified Property Consultant. I have been in this property market for quite a fair number of years right now. How do I assist you in regards for your property needs. Please feel free to call me at my mobile +65 8322 4255. Thanks and looking forward to serve you with trust and integrity.
Muhammad Fahmi
Certified Property Consultant
Mobile: +65 83224255
PropNex Pte Ltd
7 PAYLESS LOANS // Nov 29, 2010 at 11:37 pm
Am Mr Aaron Arulandhusamy a Singaporean,I know alot of Singaporeans need money in form of loan from a reliable lender at low interest rate, Have you been looking for Loan? Have you been deny loan by the bank?
This is to inform my fellow Singaporean who needs loan that there is only one legitimate lender who can offer you any type of loan you need at a very low interest rate, I got S$80k from this company, and you can contact this company with this email address to also get your loan now. It is 100% legitimate lending company, here is the company email address payless_loans@live.com
8 Mrs Jenifer Mohamed // Dec 9, 2010 at 9:59 pm
We are a private group of financial investors base in ASIA, that offer Loans of various types to help individuals and organization reach financial objectives. We customize structured financial solutions for a select group of clientele and investors.We have an excellent reputation for the provision of first class financial loan products with exceptional customer service.
Our commitment to client services and innovative approach to problem solving has put us an edge above our competitors. We offer Loans to at 3% interest rate per annul and the Minimum amount you can borrow is 3,000.00 to 5,000,000.00 in any currency.Any individual that is interested in applying for a loan should kindly contact us now.
Note: All replies should be forwarded to the Company’s E-mail: Contact E-mail:jeniferfastersgloan@yahoo.com.sg for more procedure’s and information’s stated below.
*INFORMATION NEEDED*
Full name:
Your Country:
Your Valid Cell Number:
Loan amount needed:
Duration to pay back the loan:
Services Rendered include:
Refinance Loan,Home Improvement,Investment Loan,Auto Loans,Debt
Consolidation,Line of Credit,Second Mortgage,Business Loans,Personal Loans,Car Loan,Auto Loan.
Regards,
Mrs.Jenifer Mohamed
Contact E-mail: jeniferfastersgloan@yahoo.com.sg for more information’s on this loan program.
9 need ,,beny // Dec 29, 2010 at 8:18 pm
need a lum sum of loan for less interest
10 need ,,beny // Dec 29, 2010 at 8:25 pm
iv a common room for rent for 2ladies philipines 600 per month no agent pls beny1269@yahoo.com.sg sengang
11 Frank Smith // Jan 11, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Hello,
We are Christian Organization formed to help people in needs of helps,such as financial help.So if you are going through financial difficulty or you are in any financial mess,and you need funds to start up your own business,or you need loan to settle your debt or pay off your bills,start a nice business, or you are finding it hard to
obtain capital loan from local banks,contact us today via email franksmithloanlender@googlemail.com
for the bible says””Luke 11:10 Everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened”.So do not let these opportunity pass you by because Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever more.Please these is for serious minded and God fearing People..
You are advise to fill and return the details below..
Your Name:______________________
Your Address:____________________
Your Country:____________________
Your Occupation:__________________
Loan Amount Needed:______________
Loan Duration:____________________
Monthly Income:__________________
Cell phone Number:________________
Best Regards
Mr.Frank Smith
12 Jef // Feb 20, 2011 at 6:13 pm
2+1 unit for rent $1600 (non neg)
LAKESIDE MRT
NO COMMISSION , NO AGENT PLS
Please Call 81413970 Jef ?DO NOT SMS please?
partially furnished with ceiling fan ,Non air-con
Block 112, Ho Ching Road (Bus No 154,540,246,30,98,98X,240,178)
8 mins by bus to Lakeside MRT station Near Chinese Garden / Japanese Garden /Jurong Lake /Jurong Park/ NTUC Supermarket /Food Court / Banks /Schools /S11 /Jurong Town Community Centre/ Sheng Siong Supermarket/ Jurong Bowling Centre/ Westpoint Family Hospital/Jurong Neighbourhood Police Post
13 lucy // Mar 20, 2011 at 1:14 pm
Hi,
I have a transient Common Room for immed Short term rental @ Bukit Batok ( Redline NS 2 )
Our rooms rates come with 2 options as below:-
Option A:
S$48-day for single person / S$55-day for 2 persons
Add : 1 time cleaning services $20.00
Option B: ( Without Aircon ) Ceiling fan
$42-day for single person/ $46-day for 2 persons
Add : 1 time cleaning services $20.00
Deposit $80.00 – $150.00 depending on length of stay ( Deposit will be refund upon departure )
(1 – 3 Day – With Aircon
Single $55.00
Couple $65.00
Here, we only rent out the rooms, we don’t rent out the whole unit
Looking for friendly, clean and easy going tenants…
Available from March 25 on a first come, first served basis
Interested Email lucyng789@yahoo.com.sg
14 rain // Mar 27, 2011 at 10:09 pm
hi, was looking for atransient house or room where we(my family)can stay for just 4 days…we plan to have a vacation there in May probably.we’re not really meticulous but the cleanliness and safety as well as accessibility to a nearby MRt is a choice(bec my parents are already senior citizens).do you know a place where we can stay???we’re 4 in the family.
thanks.
P.S.
budget 15-20 SGD
15 wilson cheng // Jun 2, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Are you looking for financial assistant, Are you looking for a Loan to enlarge your business? Do you need a bad credit Loan, A bad credit loan is a personal loan specifically designed for borrowers with poor credit ratings. You might have bad credit if you have previously defaulted on a loan or failed to meet credit card repayments. Though bad credit loans typically carry less favourable interest rates, they can be very helpful in terms of improving your credit history if you make repayments on time.our interest rate is very low to get any type of loan you may need please contact us today for more information at:limchuafinance@yahoo.com.sg
Leave a Comment