Are you coming to Singapore anytime soon for a fun holiday or work? You’ll naturally have to put some effort into finding the perfect apartment in Singapore, which can directly influence the quality of your stay. It is otherwise challenging to navigate Singapore’s rental market if you’re a first-timer or newbie. So, how do you find the best apartment for an enjoyable stay? Here’s a guide that will help you immensely in this regard.
Explore 11 Smart Ways to Choose the Right Apartment in Singapore
When it comes to finding ideal apartments for rent in Singapore, here are some valuable insights on everything you need to know, right from the budget and suitable neighbourhoods to nearby transportation and a lot more. Let’s dive deeper into these tips below.
Understand Your Budget
The first thing to do is to carefully understand and chalk out your budget. This will give you an idea of whether you can book luxury or affordable apartments in Singapore, depending on the property type, configuration, and location that you want. While setting your budget, keep several factors in mind, such as utilities, rent, and other added expenses. Finalising your apartment rent in Singapore will automatically give you a way to filter out available options and choose the one that fits the bill.
Research Neighborhoods
Check out the best neighbourhoods in Singapore before you finalise your apartment. You should decide based on aspects like proximity to your workplace or corporate hubs, convenience, lifestyle, and so on. If you’re wondering where to live in Singapore, here are some of the top choices worth considering:
- Holland Village– This is one of the best neighbourhoods in Singapore, offering a central location with proximity to the City Centre and several other attractions like the Singapore Botanical Gardens.
- Orchard Road -It is a bustling zone that is the shopping and entertainment hub of Singapore, and offers multiple accommodation options.
- East Coast – This is a more family-friendly zone with several parks, beaches, waterfront attractions, and more.
- Tiong Bahru– You’ll love the historical landmarks here, along with the restaurants and cafes.
- Central Business District (CBD)– This locality is ideal for those who want to stay near their workplaces and other entertainment options in zones like Clarke Quay.
- Marina Bay– You can consider staying in Marina Bay for its gorgeous views and access to several landmarks in Singapore.
- Tanjong Pagar– This area is vibrant and is ideal for expats and solo travellers who want to experience local culture in Singapore.
Always consider your commute to the tourist landmarks you wish to see, or your workplace, along with the amenities in the area, public transportation, and so on. You can also talk to locals for guidance on where to stay.
Check Proximity to Public Transport
You should ideally stay in an apartment that offers easy access to public transport in Singapore. For starters, check for apartments near MRT stations, which will help you explore the city affordably and speedily. Look for nearby bus stations as well, along with travelling times to the major places you want to see or the corporate hubs you want to access.
Look for Amenities
Good amenities matter immensely when it comes to choosing your Singapore serviced apartment. You should choose apartments with amenities in Singapore that can truly make a difference. Some of them include cutting-edge security features like CCTV surveillance and key card access, and also access to onsite swimming pools, gymnasiums, Jacuzzi, spa, and sauna facilities. Many apartments also come with communal lounges, F&B facilities, meeting rooms, conferencing facilities, business centres, rooftop terraces, balconies with views, and concierge/reception services for prompt assistance.
Other basic amenities that you should cross-check include living and dining room furnishings, bed and bath utilities, fully-equipped kitchens and appliances, high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, etc. Other facilities that may be offered include car parking facilities, elevator access, maid services, laundry, dry cleaning, housekeeping, and a lot more. You can check out luxury apartments in Singapore, which offer a wide spectrum of exclusive amenities for you to enjoy.
Determine Lease Terms
It’s vital to check the lease terms in Singapore while choosing your apartments. You can opt for long or short-term lease apartments in Singapore, depending on your needs. The latter can be for a few days or a week, or even a few weeks in general. The former may be a few months and even up to 1-2 years in case you’re relocating or simply looking to live like a local for a prolonged duration. You should understand the lease terms carefully in order to ensure a smooth tenancy process.
Check the clauses like the maintenance responsibilities, deposit requirements, payment mechanism, and adherence to Singaporean rental laws.
Review the Apartment’s Condition
When it comes to finding the perfect apartment in Singapore, you should not neglect its condition. You can ideally choose several modern apartments in Singapore that come with updated and operational fixtures and appliances, along with stylish furnishings and décor. Make sure you choose only well-maintained apartments in Singapore that are in good structural condition. Read reviews carefully to understand whether the property does not have major issues.
Inspect for Noise Levels
You don’t want to live in an apartment that’s near noisy construction sites or crowded streets if you’re referring to retreating to a tranquil sanctuary for your Singapore trip. Before finalising your apartment, visit it during different times of the day and night to check for noise levels. This will help you discover truly quiet apartments in Singapore, since you’ll be able to check the surroundings at varying times.
Understand the Landlord’s Reputation
It is crucial to find trusted landlords in Singapore for your apartments and the best property managers in Singapore. In case of the former, you should ask for referrals and do your homework extensively, while reviewing agreements and pointing out any discrepancies. Check the landlord’s references and experience, along with requesting more detailed lease terms.
In case of property management companies, verify their licenses with the CEA and look up online reviews and references. Get a written agreement that outlines all the responsibilities of the landlord and property management company, along with dispute resolution mechanisms. You can also rely on reliable online booking platforms to find safe and verified listings in Singapore.
Check the Safety & Security Features
The importance of proper safety is unparalleled when it comes to finding the right apartments for rent in Singapore. Look for secure apartments in Singapore, checking features like CCTV surveillance, gated access, key card entry to apartments, manned personnel, etc. Another important thing is to look for safe neighbourhoods in Singapore, which remain populated even in the wee hours, with lower crime rates and adequate policing.
Consider Future Growth
If you’re looking to stay in Singapore for a longer period, it’s vital to consider future-proof apartments in Singapore. What is the key takeaway in this case? You should look to rent apartments in areas that have ample potential for future growth in terms of connectivity, infrastructure, amenities, and so on. Look for indicators of upcoming neighbourhood development in order to stay in an apartment that’s situated in an upcoming prime zone.
Know the Legal Requirements
Understanding the rental laws in Singapore is essential before you finalize your decision. Renting apartments legally in Singapore involves signing the tenancy agreement (TA) that outlines the lease terms, rental amount, payment schedule, deposits, and rights and responsibilities of the two parties. Make sure that the regulations of the HDB (Housing and Development Board) are adhered to, including eligibility criteria for tenants and the minimum rental periods.
Foreigners may rent in Singapore, although a valid visa is necessary for this purpose. The minimum rental period for HDB flats and bedrooms is at least 6 months for private properties, while landlords should ensure that tenants are suitably authorized and that the number of tenants does not surpass the limit. The apartment should only be used for residential purposes, while tenants have to comply with the Housing and Development Act and lease. Tenants also have to pay 0.4% as stamp duty on the total rent for the lease period, while the agreement should contain a list of all the items in the apartment.
Conclusion
These are some helpful tips for finding apartments in Singapore, right from choosing the neighborhood and going through the legal aspects carefully to verifying the property condition and noise levels. You should start searching for Singapore apartments based on the insights given above. Visit reliable rental websites to discover the best listings in Singapore, including TheSquare, which offers a wide range of options at varying price points.
