Packed your bags and decided to make a fresh start in Singapore? One of the first things you’ll need to do when you arrive here is to find a place to stay. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered.
Decide what kind of accommodation to rent
First off, you’ll need to decide what kind of accommodation to rent – a room or an entire apartment or condo or HDB flat (public housing). If you’re single and on a budget, renting a room makes more sense. Check out our article on 5 good reasons for renting a room in Singapore.
Decide where to stay
When it comes to renting, convenience is king. A top location that’s easily accessible to transport, shopping, food and amenities can make life much easier. And if you don’t want to spend too long travelling to work, consider looking for places nearer to your workplace. For example, if you work in Changi Business Park, looking for a place in the east should be your priority.
Browse online listings for rental properties
Once you’ve decided on your criteria (location, budget, type of accommodation), it’s time to shortlist places to stay. There are plenty of online property listing sites in Singapore such as Property Guru. To shortlist, select the “to rent” and further filter your choices by location, type of accommodation, type of room and budget. Don’t forget to check out our article on what to consider when renting a room in Singapore.
If you prefer to rent a room in a co-living unit, Bespoke Habitat offers a wide array of choices. Read up on why co-living is a convenient option for expats in Singapore.
Contact the property agent to arrange for a viewing
When you’ve shortlisted several properties, it’s time to contact the property agent tagged to the listing to arrange for a viewing. It’s important to personally view the room in person so that you’d have a better idea of whether the property suits you or if it’s what you are looking for. If possible, try to arrange for the viewings within the same area on the same day so you won’t have to waste time going for multiple viewings over several days.
What to look out for during viewings
On the day of the viewings, don’t forget to turn up on time. While you are considering the unit or room, the landlord is also observing your demeanour to check out whether you’d make a good tenant. So here’s a simple tip: be polite, well-dressed and punctual.
We highly recommend that you read our complete room rental viewing checklist where we take you through what you need to take note of while at your viewing. This includes checking out the neighbourhood, the unit’s surroundings and how to inspect the apartment and room itself.
Don’t forget to check out our next blog post on what to do to secure your room rental.
