Singapore real estate agents and property agencies
There are many reputable realtors in Singapore
Many new expats in Singapore have a hassle free start to life with the financial cushion of a employment contract that includes housing, medical and schooling expenses all paid for. For those not quite so lucky there are many initial costs and things to worry about with housing sure to be at the top of the list. Although property prices are the highest in Southeast Asia by far, Singapore is arguably the easiest place to buy property outright as a foreigner and the industry is very professional and well regulated.
For buying and renting purposes, most other established expats will always recommend using a sole agent as virtually all real estate agents have access to all the same properties, be it island wide or in designated localities.
This will usually save valuable time and confusion being offered viewings to the same property by multiple agents and the possibility of having to pay more than one commission.
There is a strong support network of expats in Singapore who will be only too willing to recommend professional agents and other services such as architects and removal firms. In fact there are numerous expat-owned property services companies and relocation specialists. International Property Answers (Aljunied, Tel: +65 6382 2186) are a company offering a comprehensive portfolio of services including construction, property investment, lettings and property management for potential expatriates.
Recommended Singapore real estate agents
Residential property agents in Singapore can be found in all areas, comprising international firms with several branches, those that focus primarily on expat sales, condo management companies and independent agents that market local suburban HDB flats. 3V Realty Consultants (Holland Road, Singapore, Tel: +65 6314 1488) is a small business that focuses on the expat market with condo rentals, serviced apartments and home sales within the desirable expat districts of Holland Village, Orchard and Bukik Timah.
Large houses are difficult to find in Singapore
ERA Realty Network Pte Ltd is a good bet for those with less rigid location choices as they have over a dozen branches across the island and access to a wide range of properties for sale and rent. Another similar set up is Homefinders Pte, with a large team of independent affiliates located in more suburban districts such as Bedok, Hougang, Woodlands and Jurong.
Although there are few places to stay in the Central Business District, cosmopolitan inner city living is possible and very popular with expats who prefer to be close to work and entertainment options. There are few houses available in this densely built up area but high rise condo developments predominate and there is a wealth of choice.
There are many specialist companies who exclusively market new and resale condos in specific developments. If you have your heart set on a particular place, this is a good option but if you are still just shopping around do not expect much impartial advice. Kaizer International Property (Orchard Road, Tel: +65 6738 0098) is one such company devoted to serviced apartments and condo resales in the pricey districts of Orchard and Mount Elizabeth.
HDB flats are the most affordable option for home hunters in Singapore and are generally found in high rise buildings in the suburbs. You may have to forego the usual condo style amenities such as a communal swimming pool and landscaped gardens but you should be able to find a comfortable two bedroom place for around SGD$600.00 a month. This is also the kind of place where you will experience the ‘real’ Singapore with few other expats and far from the frenetic pace of the big city.
In addition there are hundreds of specialist letting agents of every description in Singapore from multinational property brokers to small neighbourhood agencies run by a single person. A trawl of the local classified ads will find a wide choice of homes offered direct from landlords and plenty of cheap house shares too. Renewable rental agreements of one year are pretty much standard in Singapore and if you use an agent the commission is usually fixed at the equivalent of one month’s rent.
