House hunting tips |
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It is advisable to start viewing places one month before your target move-in date if you are renting as units you view too early will probably be taken by the time you make a final decision. Have a good idea of which area you want to live in and be very focused on what you want (and don't want) in a property. Do not leave it till the last minute as rushing to find a place leaves you in a very bad bargining position. Once you've viewed a few properties, it's time to make a selection. Here are some things to consider when choosing a place to rent. If you're not planning to buy a car, find a place that's commuter friendly. Places within walking distance from the MRT are best for getting around, but that convenience comes at a premium. If you don't mind living a little further away, you can often find cheaper units that are well-served by multiple bus routes. Before paying a premium for condo facilities, ask youself - do you really need that gym, pool, or tennis court? If you don't plan to use the facilities often, you can save some rent and make use of Singapore's extensive community facilities instead. If you're planning to rent an entire HDB flat (rather than just one room in a shared flat), make sure your landlord has approval from HDB. A common (but illegal) practice is for landlords to rent out their HDB flat without HDB approval, keeping one room locked. The locked room is supposed to be "proof" that the owner continues to reside in the flat, but this won't save you if HDB officials come to check.An easy way to make sure your landlord has approval to rent out their HDB flat is to ask to see a copy of the approval letter, when you go to view the unit. |
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