To ensure that you and your
family have a happy experience in
Singapore, it’s important to fi nd the
right home. Most expats sign up for
a two-year lease with the option to
renew, so it’s worth taking the time to
choose a neighbourhood that suits
you best. To help you negotiate your
way through the property minefi eld,
we asked DEBORAH LAW from
Expat Realtor to answer some of our
readers’ most pressing questions.Make a checklist!
Like anywhere else, money goes further
when you’re outside the prime districts.
If you plan to live in a central location,
you may have to settle for less space or
fewer onsite facilities. Rental prices are
experiencing downward pressure as a
result of recent government property-
cooling measures and new employment
guidelines; it’s now a tenants’ market.“How do I fi nd the right agent?”
Word of mouth is usually best and it is
highly recommended to use a single agent
who will then commit to you 100 percent;
agents here are paid on a commission-
only basis. Avoid registering with a
number of agents: it’s time-wasting and
confusing for everyone concerned as they
all access the same database of properties
on the market. If you do decide to view
properties with more than one agent, tell
them upfront which properties you have
already viewed to avoid duplication.Moving In!
Questions from Renters
Key questions on
leasing and buying
80 CITY GUIDE 2018
FIND YOUR HOME