Panel Tips

We moved a lot in the first few years until we found the right place. Probably it’s best to have something short-term at the beginning until you get familiar with the city.

Judit

I’D ENCOURAGE NEWCOMERS TO ASK FOR INTRODUCTIONS TO REAL ESTATE AGENTS. Tim

FIND SOMEONE YOU TRUST AND GET THEM TO HELP IN YOUR SEARCH FOR A PLACE. I HAVE A GREAT EXPAT AGENT CALLED ROB JONES. USING HIM GIVES ME PEACE OF MIND AS I KNOW I’M NOT GOING TO BE EXPLOITED OR RIPPED OFF IN ANY WAY.

Nathan

Constantly looking at Property Guru can get overwhelming. So, while you do that, get in touch with a couple of agents and see who understands your needs best. Take a walk around the neighbourhood before signing a contract to make sure you want to be there for two years. While most house contracts are for two years, other expats have told me they’ve been able to negotiate one-year contracts as well.

Also, be ready to make an offer as soon as possible. We lost out on a house we really liked because someone else made an offer before us. When it comes to landlords, remember that you can make a few reasonable requests to them before signing the lease. On the other hand, I’ve also heard stories about landlords not returning security deposits, so make sure you take pictures of any damage in the apartment prior to moving in and have it included in the contract as proof.

Komal

What have you learnt since looking at property and dealing with agents, and what would you advise newcomers?

To get a good agent, the best option is to go by recommendation only. Some of them do this job as a “side hustle” and aren’t as reliable.

Alicia

Stick to who you know and what you know. Some agents are going to tell you what they think is great without listening to what you want. I strongly recommend Deborah Law from Expat Realtor as she listens.

Jessica