711245 - tips for expatriates & landlords

Dec 8 7 a.m
Reply in red. Thank you for writing to me.
H...wrote:

In a message dated 12/7/97 10:56:30 PM, you wrote:

Location of your office?

>I will be working out of home for at least the first 6 months but I will be traveling a lot so I will need access to the airport.

Many new condos within 10-minute drive to the Airport. Problem may be the shortage of spacious 4 bedroom condos. Many 4+1 bedrooms in the new Bayshore Condos are very small and after putting in a bed, you can’t move!

Where your children (if any) will be schooling?

> One 1year old child so no need for schooling yet

Where you would like to live e.g. 30 minutes to office

> We are debating about whether we would like to live downtown or out in a house. Because I will be working out of home, I will need an extra room for an office.

Many new houses with 4 bedrooms available. Rental around S$4,000 - $6,000.

Where your wife would like to live?

> Somewhere close to or convenient shopping. However, while I know cars are

outrageously expensive there, what would we expect to pay per year to lease (not buy) a medium size sedan? Cheapest is long-term lease at S$80/day or less for medium sized car.

What is the rental budget?

> Ideally we would like to cap around S$ 8000-9000 range. Although obviously we won't complain if we can find what we want for a lower budget because I will be able to shift that budget around for something like a car etc. No problem getting what you want below S$8,000. However, in the brand new Pebble Bay Condos, 4+1 are renting around $7,000 partially furnished. Those high floored ones and with waterfront views will be asking for more rentals.

Your wife may like this place as it is within 15-minute drive to Changi Airport and 5-minute drive to the city

Do you want a new condo or a house?

> We would consider either depending on the facilities of the condo and the space of the house. If it is a condo, I prefer high floors.

A good swimming pool, playground and security may be important for the child.

How many bedrooms?

> Ideally we would want 4 possibly plus 1 and we would be looking for 2200 sq. ft. or greater.

No problem getting a new house or condo on high floor with lower budget.

Do you want fully furnished, unfurnished or partially furnished residence?

We would be looking for partially or fully furnished. We are selling most of our large things like dining tables, beds and dressers etc. in Tokyo and will need to replace them in Singapore. I expect that the best thing for us would be a combination of a partially furnished apartment with dining table etc. and purchase of some other furniture. However, we are very open to either option. Best to get a partially furnished condo as you may not like the furniture and get lower rental.

Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing back from you.Warm regards,

B....H.