THE PROPERTY GAME
The panel members share their experiences in searching for a home and dealing with landlords and agents.
Do your research beforehand as you and the agent may have different perceptions of what your ideal area may be. We had a good experience with ours and really felt he was on our side. Just be open and honest about what you’re looking for. – Alexandra
List all your requirements for renting a home in order of priority. Stick with an agent who knows your prospective area well and isn’t pushy. – Ankita
Find a good agent and stick with them. You need to be patient when it comes to house hunting, especially if you’re looking at properties online. Don’t be surprised if the agent doesn’t even have the listing for the property you are keen on; a lot of the time they are only listed speculatively. – Beth
We’ve always used Kristen Graff from Home Equity. She’s from the US, but has lived in Singapore for many years, so she’s very familiar with every district and knows the best locations, buildings and local business practices. Compromise is also key; you won’t always be able to get everything you want (unless you have some serious funds!). – Dana
Find the right agent! There are some that don’t listen to your needs and requirements and will just show you anything. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and ask for what you want to be fixed or added before you sign any contract. In Singapore, the tenant is responsible for fixing things that break. There will be a certain amount written in your contract that the landlord will cover. Above that amount, the tenant is responsible. – Linda I had quite a bad experience with an agent in the past – they tried to bully me into signing a contract when I’d had second thoughts on the property. Don’t be afraid to chat to a few agents until you get it right. They can put a lot of pressure on you but hold out for what’s right for you. Go with your gut! – Lisa
Scout out the areas in advance that you are interested in living in, and make a list of the things that matter most to you ( for example, location, transportation and schools). – Mel
Do your initial research using platforms like Property Guru and 99.co to get a sense of what you like, make sure you see plenty of places and then always ask for a discount as there is value to be had! – Sophie