Kamusta, kabayan!
Maybe you're a first-time OFW in Singapore who's looking for accommodation... well, I know you are, and you're lucky your Filipina Ate in Singapore is here to tell you the most important things you need to know as you begin your hunt.
Finding the right housing in Singapore is a top priority for us OFWs. This is because our housing expenses will affect the total amount that we will eventually take home per month. Imagine spending SGD3,000 per month for your accommodation, that's quite a stretch if you're earning SGD4,000. Not wise, as they say. So before you head to other sites and apps to look for the cheapest flats in the market, read below first.
Types of Housing in Singapore
You might find that the housing in Singapore is quite diverse. However, it makes sense since the country is small and land is scarce. Thus, most people live in buildings rather than bungalow or two-storey houses we are more familiar with in the Philippines. I remember my friend describing Singapore as a large version of BGC, because of its condominiums and tall buildings.
Anyway, Your Filipina Ate in Singapore lives in a HDB flat. It's the cheapest and most practical options for us OFWs in Singapore. But there are a few other types of accommodation you can explore depending on your budget and needs.
Let me enumerate and explain more in detail:
1. HDB Flats
Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats are public housing options that are popular among locals and foreigners in Singapore. As a Filipino working in the country, you may be eligible to rent or buy an HDB flat, depending on your employment or PR status.
SPass, Employment Pass, and Work Permit holders can rent HDB flats. The rent per month ranges from 2000 to 3500 SGD. That's for a whole 3-bedroom or 4-bedroom flat. So, if you're renting along, say a common room, it can easily cost you 600 to 1200 SGD. That's quite expensive, especially if your salary is not yet that high and you still have a family to support in the Philippines. So, usually, our kababayans share rooms. It's typical that in one common room or one master bedroom, there are two occupants, renting for 500 to 700 SGD each. That's with AC already. Some of us may want to look for even a cheaper option, like 400 SGD maybe, I know there are landlords who rent their utility room (a smaller and usually non-AC room) for a lower price.
It's always best that you group or live together with people you already know. That way, you can live comfortably and minimize conflicts. But sometimes, when you're lucky, you'll find really good housemates who will turn into your friends, too. I've experienced that and the other uglier version, too, lol. So, lesson learned, make sure you can live with the person or people you're sharing a home with.
Now, where to look for HDB flats for rent, you ask. The best way is online -- but not any other online platform... Facebook. There's this group called "Pinoy Room for Rent in Singapore." Just request to join the group and you'll find listings of flats available for rent. You can even see the location, price, and rules for each. You can also post announcements such as when you are looking for joiners to look for a whole flat with you.
For HDB flats in Singapore, expect that not all homes can be rented by us Filipinos. The Housing Development Board also follows a quota system, wherein they consider the percentage of races in one block or neighborhood. I'm not entirely sure how this works, but I know about this is passing because our landlord told us about it when we were supposed to renew our lease at her flat.
The rent is paid monthly. It usually doesn't include public utility bills such as water and electricity, but oftentimes bills are 50-100SGD per person depending on the usage. When you first start renting, the landlord or main tenant (which is usually a kababayan who manages the flat you'll be sharing) will ask for a month's advance and a month's deposit, so just be prepared for that, too.
Living in HDB flats is convenient, but since we are foreigners in this country, I hope you do your part in being more respectful and decent as a housemate, roommate, and neighbor. Oftentimes, your neighbors (usually Singaporean locals and a few other foreign nationalities like Indians and Malays) will not disturb you. So far, the neighbors I've had are friendly. One auntie always passes us oranges. My current neighbor often greets us in the morning. Singaporeans are friendly, in general. So I ask you to be respectful of their culture, too. Don't invite a lot of friends or relatives and be too noisy. Do your part in cleaning your house. Don't hand wet laundry. Don't play instruments in the middle of the night. Don't drop your weights when people are sleeping. Don't just burr holes in your room without asking for permission.
Actually, you may find it stricter to live in Singapore, but it's actually one of the reasons why I love living here. It follows rules, which make life more organized. It makes people respect each other better. Did you know that you can't just have your pets live with you in your HDB flat just because you want to? You need to seek permission from the authorities and you must pet-proof your flat, too. The first time I heard it, I thought "I hope the Philippines has the same. That way, people who cannot care for cats and dogs won't be able to harm these animals."
Anyway, I'm talking about a lot of things already. So let's go to the next type of accommodation you can explore.
2. Condominiums
There's no contest that condominiums are far better and more ideal option for you. BUT... of course, it's more expensive.
Condominiums offer a range of facilities and amenities, making them a desirable option for working professionals. Renting a condo provides a comfortable and convenient lifestyle, often with access to swimming pools, gyms, and security services.
Adjacent to these conveniences (where you can take a dip at the pool anytime you want, not pay any gym membership fee to do workouts, or pay a minimal fee to invite your friends over for a barbeque party) is a more expensive monthly rental. Expect to pay 1000 to 2000 on monthly rent plus the bills.
If you earn more and don't have to support a lot of family members, perhaps it's better for you to choose a condominium. You can even opt to rent a whole unit for yourself or your better half, why not?
I'm not sure if condominiums follow a quota system as well for the residents, but do check on it, too when you go looking for one. Drop me a message so we can share some tips to our kababayans too, ok?
3. Landed Property
Landed properties in Singapore look like the typical rich people homes in subdivisions in the Philippines. They are often bungalows, semi-detached, and terrace houses. Locals are often the ones who own these houses as they are expensive to rent and even own. It's provide more space and privacy. BUT, they are generally more expensive and might not be as readily available for rental. Perhaps if you're a family who has high-paying jobs, you can consider a landed property in Singapore.
Where to Start Looking
I've mentioned a few platforms above to look for your accommodation in Singapore. Here are your other options.
Online Property Portals
Websites like PropertyGuru, 99.co, and iProperty are excellent platforms to search for available properties in Singapore. You can filter your search based on location, budget, and property type, making it easier to find options that suit your preferences.
Real Estate Agents
Engaging the services of a real estate agent can be beneficial, especially if you're unfamiliar with the Singapore housing market. They can help you navigate through available listings and negotiate rental terms on your behalf. But of course, this is helpful if you already have a contact who can be trusted. Be careful of scams, there are also a few of those in Singapore.
Also, if you seek the help of an agent, be prepared to fork out an agent fee.
Social Media and Filipino Community Groups
As mentioned above, this is my most recommended option. Joining Filipino community groups on social media, especially Facebook, can provide valuable insights and recommendations on housing options. Many members are willing to share their experiences and offer advice to fellow Filipinos in Singapore. And they even post availabilities for a room or a new tenant.
Finding housing in Singapore for Filipinos is an essential aspect of starting a new chapter in this lovely island city. With a wide range of housing options and helpful resources at your disposal, you can find a home that suits your preferences and needs.
Hope I was able to help out!
Cheers,
Your Filipina Ate in Singapore
Comments