Property in Yasni Exposé of Veromca Zhang

See more estate agents on Rightmove The vast majority of vendors with a property to sell in the Singapore use an estate agent to market their property. Choosing an effective and good quality estate agent who can manage the buying & selling process on your behalf brings a huge range of benefits. Here are just some of the advantages of instructing an estate agent: Your home will be appraised by an estate agent who can advise you about local market conditions and provide an accurate assessment of the correct marketing price. Estate agents employ specialist trained staff, and are often open for extended hours throughout the week and at weekends. Estate agents can erect a 'For Sale' board to raise awareness of your property. Estate agents can present your property to its fullest potential online, using floor plans, brochures, virtual tours and other marketing tools. You can access a number of other important services through estate agents such as financial advice, conveyancing and other home moving products and help. Only estate agents can advertise your property for sale to local, national and international buyers on Rightmove ensuring your home is seen more by potential buyers. Estate agents can advertise your property in other local media where this is appropriate. Estate agents have a register of buyers who are looking for property locally. Selecting an estate agent Use an estate agent who has been recommended to you personally or an estate agent who you have used previously. Remember, the fee isn't the most important factor in choosing an estate agent. A good estate agent will give you great service, keep you informed throughout the process and negotiate the best deal on your behalf. Ask what marketing your estate agent will do on your behalf. Estate agents who advertise on Rightmove have unrivalled benefits. You can find out more about what a Rightmove member estate agent can do for you below. Right Pecfect Business Partner Estate Agents There are over 30,000 estate agents in singapore advertising over properties for sale & rental. If you have a property for sale, remember that it's harder for potential buyers to find it if it's not on Rightmove.   Here are just some of the benefits of instructing a member estate agent to sell your property: Estate agents can advertise your property to the  largest home moving website - 100,000 of local and national home movers visit Rightmove every month. Estate agents can display unlimited photographs to give buyers the best view of your property. Estate agents can give you exclusive personalised reports on the interest being shown in your property, ensuring that your estate agent can keep you informed every step of the way. Real Estate agent how know social media marketing tool top site pool of buyer & tenant to help you sale & rentout your house fast plus internel refer network from expat extenant & buyer.

Liabilities of Renting Your Home If you are considering renting out your home, take the following considerations to heart before doing so. Renting To-Do’s Draw up a rental agreement that defines the terms of the rental, including restrictions, liabilities and occupancy guidelines. Ask for references from potential renters, especially those that will stay for awhile. Request a security deposit to be refunded if there is no damage to your home. Advise TROY EDWARD. that you plan to rent out your home and ask about how this may affect your current coverage. If are renting for a long period of time, consider hiring a “we help owner to apply power of Attorney from Lawyer office at cheap rate $170 plus to $300 singapore law firm fee, we give owner cheap rate upon my service. ” to look out for your house while you are away.   Protecting Your Personal Property Set aside a locked place in your home to house personal items such as clothing and valuables. Take valuable items to a locked storage facility, a family member’s home or a bank vault. Change alarm codes after you are done renting. Provide keys to only one door of your residence so that you have to change only one lock after the renters leave. Photograph and videotape all areas of your home before the rental takes place in case damage occurs while you are away. Tell your neighbors that you are renting and ask that they watch over your home. Ask your telephone company to block long distance phone calls from your landline. Have your mail forwarded or held until you return. Provide your contact information for both the renters and your neighbors in case of an emergency. Provide the renters with a list of service providers, such plumbers and electricians, in case of a water leak or furnace failure. Checking the references of potential renters is vital when determining if you will open your home to strangers. Your first priority should be to protect yourself and your property. Plan Ahead Before Moving Next Home   Conveyancers You can't move home without one, so find a conveyancer to handle all your legal activity throughout the moving process. Removals Ease the stress of moving home by hiring a trusted and fully insured removal company and let them do the hard work for you! Man & Van Sofa, a few boxes, table or a bed? If you need to move your items quickly and safely, choose from thousands of man and van services in your area now! Tradesmen Choose from a selection of leading tradesmen in your area, for any home improvement big or small. --------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- McDo well Realty Network L3006213G Veronica Zhang Senior Sales Associate Marketing DirectorVeronica ZhangRegistration No. R042294DMobile: 90292878www.SGHomeMatch.blogspot.sgwww.veroni ca81.myweb.sgEmail: lanlannick96@hotmail.com

Those Things You Have to Tell Buyers About Your Home Whether you have owned your home for a few years or a few decades, you know its quirks, best features and flaws. When you morph from homeowner to home seller you need to be aware that your experience with your home is something you may have to share with potential buyers. Most buyers opt to have a home inspection before they finalize their purchase, but you as the seller must also follow state and federal regulations regarding disclosure of known facts about your property’s condition. As a seller you may feel uncomfortable revealing problems in your home that could discourage potential buyers, but it’s best to be open about issues before your home goes under contract. A home inspector is likely to find problems and the buyers will be less favorably inclined to negotiate with you if they feel you have withheld information. If a flaw is found after the sale is complete and the buyers have reason to believe you were aware of the problem,the buyer may claim against Seller. --------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- Why Isn’t Your Home Selling If the listing for your home hasn’t been attracting buyers for a few weeks in a fast-paced real estate market, or for a few months in a slower one, you certainly have good reason to be worried. A home doesn’t sell due to a variety of factors, some of which you can control and some of which you can’t. Let’s start with the things you can control, which also happen to be the most important elements of any home’s appeal to buyers: price and condition. Price Your Home Right, From the Start A good REALTOR will help you determine the correct price for your home based on a thorough comparative market analysis (CMA). The reason it’s so important to price your home appropriately from the beginning is that a home that’s priced too high will languish on the market without any offers. Even if you lower the price later, you will have lost the momentum of the initial listing period and buyers will assume there’s something wrong with the home. Eventually you may sell it, but more than likely the final sales price will be lower than your correct initial price would have been. Price your home too low and you have lost out on potential profit. Your price should be based on current local market conditions, not on what you need to pay off your mortgage, what your neighbor sold her place for a year ago, nor your guesstimate of what your home is worth. Your REALTOR's CMA will look at recent sales, homes that didn’t sell and were pulled off the market, and current listings to guide your price decision. Condition of Your Home Regardless of your local market conditions, buyers have high expectations for your home, beginning with the exterior. While you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money, you do need to raise the level of your home’s curb appeal with some sweat equity. Pull weeds, trim the grass, plant a few flowers and perhaps paint your front door to make sure prospective buyers don’t decide to drive away. Inside, your home needs to be consistently clean, neat, decluttered and depersonalized so that buyers can visualize themselves living there. Your REALTOR should be able to suggest ways to  prepare your home for a sale, which, by the way, is nothing like the way you live in it. Your kitchen counters should be cleared, your bed always made and your dishes always put away in case a buyer wants to visit. Marketing Your Home When you choose a REALTOR to list your home make sure you ask about photos and a marketing plan. The majority of buyers look online first at properties so it’s crucial that your home has multiple professional-quality photos that make it look as enticing as possible, and that your home appears on multiple websites so buyers can see it. A listing without a photo or with one badly lit photo isn’t likely to generate many offers. Make Your Home Available One of the more challenging aspects of listing your home for sale is that you must make it available to buyers as easily as possible. Buyers prefer to see a home without the owner there, so make sure there’s a lockbox at your property and that you allow nearly unlimited access to prospective buyers. Overcome Challenges Sometimes market conditions or a specific flaw in your home make it tougher to sell as quickly as you would like. Your REALTOR can help you evaluate the market and let you know if you need to offer particular incentives,such as closing-cost help. If your home has an awkward floorplan or is located on a busy street, you and your REALTOR can come up with ways to emphasize its positive aspects and deemphasize any negative aspects, such as by staging the backyard or highlighting the renovated kitchen. --------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- The Best Season to Sell Your Home and Why Timing really is everything when it comes to home sales. Getting your asking price, and even attracting multiple buyers, can simply be a factor of the time of year when the home is sold final sales price. --------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- What Do Homebuyers Want? Whether you are marketing your home to first-time buyers, young families or empty nesters, all of them are looking for some of the same characteristics in a home, along with a few special preferences that meet their specific needs. Clean nice house that make buyer feel like home.Location budget size of the house & facing is very important factor buyer. --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- When Is the Right Time to Sell Your Home? Timing the housing market to the moment when interest rates are low and buyer demand is high may seem ideal, but if everyone had the ability to see exactly when home values are at their peak. The decision to sell your home should be based on a variety of factors that are both financial and emotional. While you should definitely pay attention to market conditions as part of your thought process—and those conditions will absolutely impact your home sale—you should always keep in mind that the choice to buy or sell a home is completely individual. Reasons to Sell Homeowners have a variety of reasons to sell their home at any given time. Some of the obvious reasons include an expanding family or a shrinking family that changes the amount of space you need; a job change or retirement to a different location; a local job change that impacts your commute; or a desire to move to a particular school district as your children get older. In other cases, the reason to move can be purely financial: Your income has decreased, you’ve recently divorced and you need to live in a less costly home, or your income has significantly increased and you can now afford to live in a different neighborhood or a more expensive property. How to Decide When to Put Your Home on the Market Once you have made up your mind that you want to sell your home, you need to gather some information before you determine when to put it on the market. First, find out your loan payoff amount so you have an accurate idea of what your sales proceeds will be after you’ve paid off all home loans and paid your closing costs, including the REALTOR®’s commissions. Next, find out the recent sales price of comparable homes in your community. You will need to interview several REALTORS® and consult with them about current market conditions to estimate a listing price and how long it may take for your home to sell. Many sellers opt to put their homes on the market in the spring because that’s when more buyers are looking, but you can choose to sell at any time of year. If your home attracts families and is in a sought-after school district, you are just as likely to get offers in the summer as in the spring because buyers want to settle in before school starts. On the other hand, if your home is located in a resort area or appeals to young professionals or empty-nesters, the school calendar is meaningless. Prepare Your Home for Sale An important element in determining when to list your home is its condition. You will need time to make repairs and improvements, to deep clean your home,and to clear away many of your possessions. If you have a large, disorganized home with overflowing closets and a garage with no space for a car, you may need weeks or months before you’re ready to put your home on the market. It’s extremely important to recognize that today’s buyers have high expectations of your home’s condition, so don’t expect to be able to work on your home after it’s listed. Your home should be priced correctly and in prime condition on day one in order to sell quickly and for the best possible price. --------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- How to Choose Your Listing Agent Hiring a listing agent is crucial to your entire experience as a home seller. The person you choose will be involved in preparing your home for sale establishing a listing price, marketing your property and negotiating the transaction. What to Look for in an Agent Many sellers are tempted to choose the REALTOR who suggests the highest list price for their property and who gives their home the most compliments, but you’re better served by a realistic REALTOR. You need to find a REALTOR with whom you can communicate easily, someone who knows your neighborhood well and has a good marketing plan to reach buyers who are not only interested in your home but are also qualified to buy it. Most REALTORS have experience looking at homes and can offer advice about the condition of your home and ways to improve its appeal without overspending. When you talk to neighbors and friends about their recommendations for a REALTOR, ask them how easy it was to reach the agent when they had questions, and how much support and advice the agent gave them throughout the sales process. Questions to Ask During the Interview A REALTOR typically has a listing presentation she provides for sellers—often in the sellers’ home so that she can get a look at the property and its condition. Some of your questions may be answered during the presentation, but if not, you may want to ask the following: Are you a register broker with CEA? REALTORS must abide by the code of ethics. In addition, each state’s real estate license requires continuing education for agents. How many sales did you complete last year? In what price range do you sell most of your homes? What was the average difference between sales price and list price? While this depends on your local market conditions, a REALTOR who often sells homes well below list price may not be advising sellers to price their homes correctly or may be inadequately marketing homes. What is your marketing plan for my home? How many websites will include information about my home? Where will you look for buyers? Do you have advice for me about the condition of my home? Do you have expertise as a home stager or do you recommend that I hire a professional stager? Can you recommend contractors and moving companies? How often should I expect to hear from you when my home is on the market? Will you provide me with regular feedback and updates about potential buyers? Pricing Advice The most important conversation you will have with your agent is about the price of your home. The REALTOR you choose should present you with a comprehensive market analysis that compares similar homes that are on the market, have sold recently and have been taken off the market. You are paying for your REALTOR’s knowledge and expertise, so listen carefully to the advice you receive and choose your agent thoughtfully. --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- Cleaning House Before Selling Deep cleaning your house is that top to bottom, take no dust mother-in-law-quality cleaning that truly maintains the value of your home. --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- Negotiating Tips for Home Sellers In an ideal world, every homebuyer and every home seller would get exactly the deal they want for their real estate transaction. In reality, the best deals are the ones in which each side feels they got most of they wanted and didn’t have to give up too much to the other side. As a seller, you will be best served by stepping back and letting your REALTOR take the lead in negotiating on your behalf—even if you consider yourself an expert negotiator in other areas of your life. You should absolutely be involved in the behind-the-scenes discussion with the REALTOR representing your interests, but try to avoid direct negotiations with the buyer or the buyer’s agent in order to keep the process impersonal. As a seller, you will be best served by stepping back and letting your REALTOR® take the lead in negotiating on your behalf—even if you consider yourself an expert negotiator in other areas of your life. You should absolutely be involved in the behind-the-scenes discussion with the REALTOR representing your interests, but try to avoid direct negotiations with the buyer or the buyer’s agent in order to keep the process impersonal. Top Tips for Sellers Avoid emotional decision making: When you are selling your home it can be hard to detach yourself from the process. After all, you’ve enjoyed your life in the property, given it your personal touches, and maybe even raised your family there. Now, though, you need to look at your residence as a business prospect and try not to take any offer or any comment personally. Rely on your REALTOR: Prospective buyers typically have a buyer’s agent representing their interests and you should have a listing agent who is representing yours. If you have chosen the right agent, you should feel comfortable letting him take the lead in negotiations to get the best possible outcome for you. Your REALTOR will know current market conditions better than you and can negotiate with the market in mind. Always make a counteroffer: Many sellers find a lowball offer insulting and would rather ignore it, but you are better served by acknowledging the offer and beginning the negotiating process. After all, the buyers are at least interested in purchasing your home and it is worth trying to come to a mutually acceptable agreement. It’s not only about price: It is easy for sellers (and buyers) to fixate on the offer price, but in reality what matters more is your final profit on a completed transaction with an agreeable settlement date. You can negotiate about the price of your home, but remember that it’s equally important to make sure the buyers have financing in place so they can make good on their offer. Seller and buyers can also make agreements about repairs to the home, who will pay the closing costs and which items convey to the buyers in addition to the settlement date. If you are having trouble getting to an agreement on one issue, it’s possible that a concession on another topic will help cement the deal. Determine who has the upper hand: You and your REALTOR can evaluate local market conditions to see whether buyers or sellers generally have more power, but you both can also make this determination based on what you learn about an individual buyer. If you are a desperate seller who has already had an offer accepted on your next home, you may need to be more lenient in negotiations; but if your buyer needs to move faster and there are few homes available for sale, you could have more power. Move quickly: While it may be tempting to wait and see what other offers come in, REALTORS often note that the first offer is often the best one and sometimes the only one. If the offer is close to what you had hoped for, keep the momentum going and make a counteroffer so the buyer doesn’t have time to lose interest. You and your REALTOR should work closely together to handle negotiations with potential buyers, but before you get too caught up in the process it helps to establish your priorities for your home sale. Once you know your bottom line in terms of profits from the sale and any other details, you can move forward more easily in the transaction. --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- Repa ir and Update Your Home Before an Open House Prospective buyers won’t ignore even minor problems in a house, from broken light switches to leaky faucets, so you’ll want to have your home in tip-top shape before holding an open house. To get the best results, allocate about a month’s worth of time and enlist the aid of a REALTOR  to guide you through the process of maintenance and repairs. Paint, Refinish and Shine Once inside, buyers will first notice the walls and flooring, so you’ll want to get them looking nice and neat. One simple trick you can do to freshen up your house is to apply a new coat of paint. Update Your Interior Recommends going through the house and replacing outdated light fixtures, noting it’s an inexpensive solution to give a home a modern look. Don’t forget the bathrooms, either—you might need to replace a rusted medicine cabinet or a cracked mirror. Fix small things like burned out light bulbs, running toilets, broken light switches, leaky faucets, broken window blinds and loud exhaust fans. Not only will buyers remember these small things, but minor repairs can add up for a buyer, so getting those out of the way early can make your home more appealing. If your appliances are outdated but you don’t want to spend the time replacing them, consider offering a credit instead of buying new ones. Work with a REALTOR to identify which repairs and replacements will net you the most return. A REALTOR should also know proven maintenance professionals to aid you in the process. When you have replaced and updated the house to your liking, leave a few pieces of smartly positioned furniture in the house.“You don't need a house full of furniture if the home is vacant'',but a few strategically placed pieces can give a buyer perspective.” --------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Professional Service with Personal Touch. Owner &Tenant feedback is an important tool. The face you know the experience you trust Veromca Zhang 90290878

Selling Property Tips / 10-Step Guide to Buying a House / 9-Step Guide to Open Houses / 8-Step Guide to a Smooth Move / 7-Step Guide to Selling a House Making an Offer   If you've been house hunting for awhile you might feel confident that you understand the market value of houses in your area, but it's not unusual for even seasoned home buyers to feel a bit queasy when it's time to make a formal offer. Use these tips to begin investigating your local real estate market. Attend Open Houses Attending open houses helps you track the actual condition of homes on the market--insight you won't get by looking only at recorded stats. Keep the handouts you are given at open houses and then watch for the For Sale signs to come down. Do research on its sales price. Find Home Sales Prices Advertising gives you a feel for the average asking prices of homes, but asking prices are often inflated. Your focus should be on the sales prices of similar homes that have sold recently. You might find that records for your area are available on disk or online. Use records to help you see where prices are now, but don't make the mistake of basing an offer on the amount a current owner paid for a property--it doesn't usually work. Value has nothing to do with a previous sales price if real estate prices have escalated since the sale. Valuation Report It will slow you down, but you can probably order a valuation report before making an offer. Make sure the results will not be shared with others and keep in mind that the opinions of different valuers often vary. Low vs. High Offers Come in too low and you'll run the risk of alienating the seller. That's fine if low is all you'll go, or if the property is truly overpriced, but it can create problems with future negotiations if the seller interprets your offer as a personal insult. She may not be as anxious to deal with you as she would have been had you made a more realistic first offer. Come in too high and you probably won't find the seller's low point, but if you really want the house, and if competition is swift, an offer near or above the asking price might be a must. Learn as much as possible about your real estate market before you make a move. Factors that Can Affect Seller Motivation: - How long has the house been on the market? If only a short time the sellers might not be ready to lower the price. - How does the house compare with others for sale in the same neighborhood? Too high or too low? Can you determine why? - Is the house in need of repairs or massive updates? Updating items such as insulated windows, plumbing and electrical systems, kitchens, and baths can be costly. - How many more years should it last? - What about the neighborhood, do you foresee home values climbing, staying the same, or possibly taking a downturn? Bottom Line Analyze each home's condition and compare it to others on the market, but realize that your final offer will likely involve a good deal of gut instinct. Is it the house for you? If you've been searching for a home for a while, you will probably know the answer to that question the minute you walk in the door. --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ 10-Step Guide to Buying a House Are You Ready to become a homeowner Get a Realtor Get a mortgage Pre-approval Look at homes Choose a home Get Funding Make an Offer Get Insurance Closing What next? You’ve done it. You’ve looked at properties, made an offer, obtained financing and gone to closing. The home is yours. Is there any more to the home buying process? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a repeat buyer, you’ll want to take several more steps. Those papers you received at settlement are extremely valuable, so hold on to them! In the short-term they can help establish tax deductions for the year in which the property was purchased. In the future such papers will be important for tax purposes when the property is sold, and in some cases, for calculating estate taxes. Also at closing, determine the status of the utilities required by the home, items such as water, sewage, gas, electric and oil service. You want utility bills to be paid in full by owners as of closing, and you also want services transferred to your name for billing. Usually such transfers can be done without turning off utilities. REALTORS can provide contact numbers and related information. About two weeks after closing, contact your local property records office and confirm that your deed has been officially recorded. Such records are public notices that show your interest in the property. Lastly, enjoy your home. Owning real estate involves contracts, loans, and taxes, but ultimately what’s most important is that home ownership should be a wonderful experience. Enjoy! ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ 9-Step Guide to Open Houses Walk Through Your House With Your REALTOR What Your Realtor Is Looking For What Needs Work Some homes will need major repairs, such as upgrading the flooring, fixing wear tear air con service & general cleaning. Developing a Marketing Strategy Repair and Update Your Home Before an Open House Declutter Before Your Open House Step Up Your Curb Appeal Stage Your House For Selling Make Your Home Spotless For Selling Go Above And Beyond For Your Open House Market Your Open House Buyer's Perspective; What To Look For At An Open House   Having an open house is a lot like speed dating. In speed dating, you only have a few minutes to make a first impression on a potential date before they move on to the next person. With an open house, many buyers will visit and may only stay a few minutes before moving on to the next showing. To stop them in their tracks, your home will have to make a great impression, and if you go above and beyond with a few easy steps before the big day, it will. Depersonalize Your Home When buyers are touring a home, they naturally try to “identify their family, children and lifestyle in the home,” said a senior REALTOR® . “Visualizing placing their furniture into the house switches a Look into a serious buyer.” Give yourself at least a day to depersonalize your home. Take down family photos, pack up trophies and clean the kids’ art off the fridge. And don’t forget religious items, political affiliations or X-rated material. “More often than not, they do not appeal to the overall buyer and can be a turn-off and offensive.” Clean, Clean, Clean While most sellers know a clean place is more likely to get an offer, an exceptionally clean house can make a great impression on potential buyers. Set aside a weekend to go above and beyond a simple cleaning: Power wash the windows, mop the garage floor and scrub inside drawers and cabinets. --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- 8-Step Guide to a Smooth Move Choose a Mover Do It Yourself Packing it Up Declutter With a Great Garage Sale Transfer Your Utilities It's Moving Day Make Unpacking Fun Settle In --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------- 7-Step Guide to Selling a House Prepare To Sell Your House Find a REALTOR Set the List Price of Your Home Market Your House for Maximum Exposure Negotiate Real Estate Offer The Art of Settling Plan Your Move

A handy checklist can make all the difference when you're buying a home. So, here's a useful planner, where you can tick off various stages once you've completed them. Good luck with your purchase and happy moving! Decide if you're ready to buy Have you got a deposit saved up? Work out how much you can afford to spend Find the best mortgage offer for you Get an offer lined up from a lender Work out other costs you'll have to cover Meet and register with estate agent Consider hiring a property search agent (if appropriate) Match a property to how you live Consider old vs new home Weigh up ‘free' offers or incentives from developers or private vendors Ask about service charges Check out parking, storage and council tax Consider doing up a wreck, buying at auction or with a friend or family member Think about government-supported shared ownership schemes, such as First scheme Second & Third home Work out a ‘home triangle': budget, space and location Draw up ‘would like' and ‘really need' lists Consider extending your search if you can't find anything within your budget Ask agents to show you ‘comparables' (prices of similar property in the area) Research prices paid recently for properties in the area and current home value trends. Transport links and whether prices have risen or fallen Choose a solicitor If buying with a friend or partner, get a co-ownership agreement drawn up Ask to see the Certificate for the property Make enquiries if buying a leasehold flat (who's the freeholder and managing agent, how much are ground fees and service charges, can you keep pets?) Make an offer in writing Ask for an exclusivity period, if possible (so the seller doesn't show the property to anyone else) Agree a date when the vendor moves out and you move in Show proof that the lender will give you money (if getting a mortgage) Check the solicitor is making enquiries and getting title deed information Choose a surveyor Organise a survey or valuation Set the completion date Book a van or removals company Inform authorities (such as utility companies, Electoral Roll, your employer and Inland Revenue) of your new address Get the mortgage deed for the solicitor to sign Sign contracts for exchange Pay the balance of the property's price Get the transfer document and title deeds Take out building and contents insurance Pay stamp duty, Land Registry and solicitor's fees Check your insurer covers you for any damage while moving Tell the removals company about narrow roads or unusual directions Pack, ensuring fragile items are well wrapped Label each box with a number or letter corresponding to the room where it will go Pack a ‘moving box' with essentials including tea, cleaning materials and a bottle of bubbly Keep passports and other vital items with you Pack a bag for each person with a toothbrush and change of clothing Get someone to mind your pets (or make sure they're secure) Make an offer: Discuss your offer with your estate agent who can then negotiate with the vendor on your behalf. Appoint a solicitor and surveyor: They can deal with drawing up contracts and checking if the property is structurally sound. Exchange contracts and move into your new home on completion day. Get the keys to the property Enjoy living in your new home! Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure the above information is up to date, some inaccuracies may occur. If you notice any inaccuracies please contact TROY EDWARD 91009873 Email:Troy_link@hotmail.com Singapore provides a wide range of accommodation facilities in the form of public housing estate and private housing facility to support its huge local population and also the foreigners. Buying or renting the most appropriate apartment or house requires a lot of effort and consideration. An effective house hunt procedure can greatly help in getting the ideal property at competitive market rate. Before deciding on buying or renting a house one has to consider few factors that are the budget, location, type of house and amenities available. Types of Homes Housing facility in Singapore is primarily provided by the public housing facility under the Housing and Development Board. Over 80% of Singaporeans reside in these housing estates. These estates have access to schools, clinics, food outlets, supermarket, recreational facility and an excellent transport network at close proximity. Though an expatriate has to fulfill certain criteria, there are various schemes available for buying or renting an apartment in these HDB Estates. Private housing includes condominiums, apartments and landed property that are developed by private concerns. Certain guidelines have to be fulfilled to buy or rent such property. Location Guide Location of the house is of prime importance before deciding to own or rent a house. For this one has to consider various factors that are most convenient and suitable to oneself and one's family. These include closeness to one's work place, spouse workplace, kids' school, shopping area, food outlets and easy access to road and rail transport. Amenities Guide Depending on personal choice one has to consider all the amenities available nearby. Many housing estates offer world class amenities that comprise shopping malls, hotels, parks, entertainment and recreational facilities. Preference of having an MRT station as well as bus interchange can also be regarded as convenient transport facility before opting for a residential home. Price Guide The prospective buyer has to decide on the budget that he has set aside for investment in residential housing. Any expatriate has to see whether their company is providing for the housing facility or they have to bear it themselves. Thereafter one has to fix a reasonable range that can be $2,000 to $5,000 or other flexible range before opting for an apartment of personal choice. If the monthly budget set aside is of high range then one can opt for a luxurious flat with added facility of gym, swimming pool and tennis court. Sources (Agencies, Properties consultants, Brokers) Property consultants, brokers and agencies in Singapore make property buying and renting hassle free and easy. It also saves a lot of time and money of the prospective investor while looking for an ideal residential property. These consultants and brokers cater to all specific needs and requirements of property investor. Things that foreigners/expatriates should do After deciding on their budget, location, amenities and facility a foreigner or expatriate can consult a reliable agent or broker to meet their specific housing needs. Thereafter they can ascertain the value of the property in order to obtain a loan. Financial institutes and various banks grant loan to all foreigners after fulfilling certain criteria. Thereafter all purchase formalities and documentation has to be done. The buyer can also opt for inspecting the property before taking over the property. Conclusion Singapore's booming economy and a progressive real estate property market has led to an ever growing demand among property buyers. Foreigners and expatriates can make easy and cost effective purchases or rent an apartment by following these house hunting guides. These tips and house hunting guides should be considered and evaluated properly to obtain the most suitable apartment of your choice.

UNIQUE Proven Business Solutions to EXCEL In this challenging Market Learn How YOU can Make it to the TOP! Serlicia's strength-finder test result: 1. Arrange. 2. Strategic. 3. Communication. 4. Individualization. 5. Developer. 6. Professional Service. Our Core Value - STRIVE Service To understand, determine and deliver what our customers want and a high Standard of workmanship of professionalism Trust We believe that trust and respect are essential for teamwork Relationship We believe in good relationship and fairness in all our dealings Integrity We are committed to a high standard of integrity Value People We value every member of our team and encourage their development Excellence We strive to excel always Beside STRIVE, we value Communication, Teamwork and Customer Orientation in order to excel our Performance and Success in every Resales & Rental Projects assignment to us. We Will Achieve Your Needs And Wants In Real Estate*   *Accept Us As A Companion On The Journey Called Real Estate* *Each Of Us Is Hope Strong Internal Network Itself* *Each Of Us Possesses A Precious Treasure For You To Discover* *We Guarantee And Assure The Best Service Provided To You* Always listen & Understand Customer Need Is My First Priority. SELLER & BUYER feedback is an important tool

Veronica Zhang Ji - Associate Sales Marketing Director - MCDOWELL REALTY NETWORK - property agent in Singapore. View details and all available listings

HDB RESALE WANTED READY BUYER Professional Specialize HDB Master Resale Consultant Price List By Area & Flat Type 2012 Town 1-Room 2-Room 3 -Room 4-Room 5-Room Executive Multi-generation Central Area -- $253000 - $303000 $356000 - $503000 $450000 - $728000 $575500 - $855000 -- -- Kallang / Whampoa -- $230000 - $293000 $257500 - $988888 $350000 - $725000 $580000 - $897000 $625000 - $860000 -- Toa Payoh -- $233000 - $293000 $274000 - $435000 $ 358000 - $765000 $538000 - $850000 $604888 - $910000 -- Bishan -- -- $255000 - $450000 $390000 - $737000 $540000 - $799000 $665000 - $980000 $790000 - $900000 Ang Mo Kio -- $246000 - $275500 $285000 - $460000 $397000 - $639888 $515000 - $785000 $680000 - $815000 -- Yishun -- -- $270000 - $388000 $320000 - $493000 $405000 - $571000 $488000 - $710000 $680000 - $720000 Sembawang -- - - -- $362000 - $470000 $417000 - $553000 $477000 -$640000 -- Woodlands -- $230000 - $256000 $245000 - $387000 $315000 - $480000 $380000 - $538000 $495000 - $750000 -- Serangoon - - $238000 - $268000 $289000 - $428000 $357000 - $595000 $460000 - $731000 $545000 - $870000 -- Hougang -- -- $250000 - $423000 $348000 - $570000 $443000 - $ 738000 $505000 - $800000 -- Sengkang -- $263000 $395000 $384000 - $618000 $446888 - $609000 $540000 - $668000 -- Punggol -- -- -- $415000 - $553999 $475000 - $603000 $520000 - $690000 -- Bukit Timah -- -- $385000 - $433000 $490000 - $608800 $680000 - $890000 $745000 - $868000 -- Bukit Merah $190000 - $260000 $240000 - $442000 $290000 - $680000 $385000 - $790000 $598000 - $900000 -- -- Queensto wn -- $220000 - $298000 $287000 - $752800 $446000 - $763000 $690000 - $905000 $835000 - $1000000 -- Clementi - - $265000 - $270000 $300000 - $473800 $410000 - $720000 $585000 - $780000 $760000 - $888000 -- Bukit Batok -- -- $275000 - $375000 $340000 - $602000 $440000 - $750000 $529000 - $760000 -- Bukit Panjang -- -- $299000 - $396000 $331500 - $543000 $400000 - $640000 $495000 - $698000 -- Choa Chu Kang -- -- $300000 - $360000 $340000 - $550000 $417000 - $623000 $510000 - $859000 -- Jurong East -- -- $274000 - $395000 $316000 - $538000 $420000 -$680000 $488000 - $800000 -- Jurong West -- $209000 - $299000 $260000 - $402000 $355000 - $400000 $266000 - $640000 $440000 - $700000 -- Geylang -- $228000 - $280000 $250000 - $460000 $355000 - $678000 $445000 - $875000 $593000 - $747388 -- Marine Parade -- -- $360000 - $525000 $474000 - $560000 $732000 - $895000 -- -- Bedok -- $235000 - $281000 $280000 - $445888 $375000 - $608000 $443000 - $748000 $505000 - $880000 -- Tampines -- -- $298000 - $422000 $369888 - $540000 $465000 - $700000 $585000 - $808080 $610000 - $760000 Pasir Ris -- -- $302000 - $323000 $381000 - $530000 $435000 -$610000 $523000 -$860000 -- All prices are inclusive valuation & cash above valuation. All prices depend on location block number, floor level, lift landing, floor area(sqft/sqm), condition of the flat (flooring, wall, toilet, window, kitchen cabinet). Professional HDB Sale Master Property Management Consultation Island wide Specialize Sold Your House Within 7 Day Up To One Month. Come To Us For Your SALE Needs , Aggressive Marketing Customer Interest Is My Priority 100% Genuine Excellent Service Let me help to do the service for you to ensure a smooth and hassle FREE transaction. WHY CHOOSE US: Sold Within One Week Up To 30 Days Sale Of Flat Best Price For Your Flat ,Ready Cash SC and PR Buyers Immed Deposit From LargePool Of Ready Buyers Network Islandwide With High Cash Above Valuation Smooth Transaction Peace Of Mind ,Experince & Bestknowledge Make Us Difference Professional Marketing Analysis Highest Price Possible Engaged My Sale Service Will Show Owner To Get Higher Valuation In Sale Market Will Advice Owner How to Process,Even If Seller Is Not Happy With The Valuation Now Will Inspection Your House And Advice You How To Get Higher Valuation That Only One Way To Do It With My Experince Professional Service Extra Valuation price. We provide you 100 % commitment , Peace of MIND! Quality Agent With Excellence Professional Unique Service Honest Is my Priority. You deserve the best , let us serve you . Always listen and Understanding Customer need . Always there for you. Proper advice on presentation of your place , makeover We Help Owner And Buyer To Understand Any Urgent Major Problem In Sale Market . The Market Value Of Property And Survey Valuation Price On Your House Advertise on newspaper , public areas or internet referred network Proper advice on the pricing HDB Valuation lastest update syetem on market value. Financial Plan Consultation HDB Loan & Bank Loan lower installment plan interest rate Bank Loan Application Approval with 2 days HDB Loan Consultation Arrangement of Refinancing / Other loans (bridging loan) HDB Sale & Resale Enquiries all kind matter as some major problem issue smooth transaction HLE Application Approval with 14 day CPF Housing grant Consultation and additional grant first timer Home Deposit Guarantee Contra Case Bankrupty Discharge Letter Offical Assignee Divorce Case Death without leaving will letter of administration Death with will Grant of probate Flat fully paid Duplicate lease subsidiary Certificate of title Application Power of Attorney HDB Resale , CONDO Revoke Power of Attorney HDB Resale, CONDO Free Valuation Free Advertising 24 hour service Refer friends or relative to sale hdb house you will get $1000 referral fee. Sellers aquire my service directly, you will get $1000 discount of Agent Commission Pls Call Me Meet Up,If Required More Discount. Buyers on hand urgently looking for HDB Resale Flats and Condo at Tampines/ SimeiBedok/ Chai Chee Marine Parade/ Eunos Pasir Ris/ Changi Sengkang/ Punggol Bukit Merah/ Queentown/ Telok Blangah Ang Mo Kio/ Bishan Central/ City Clementi/ West Coast/ Bukit Batok Geylang / Eunos / Macpherson Hougang/ Serangoon/ Yio Chu Kang Jurong East/ Jurong West/ Boon Lay Kallang/ Whampoa Toa Payoh/ Potong Pasir Woodlands/ Sembawang/ Yishun Choose us now, we promise you that we will be responsible during hold tenancy period of lease in represent of you! Let us take care of the rest for you. No worries, we guarantee peace of mind for your entire Sale & Rental process! Our brokers are reliable, friendly, efficient and professional. If there's no answer, please send us an SMS (text message) and we'll get back to you shortly. I believe I will be able to assist you in your real estate ventures. You would agree with me that what we need is the right ATTITUDE to make things happen. I am here to help you in everything to make the best real estate decision in your life. We will match all your requirement to get shortlist for units Tenants & Buyers You're Just A Phone Call Away From Your Goals. Hesitate No More, CALL NOW. Feel free to call me or pass this on to the next person who needs my help. Contact Us For A Non Obligation Discussion, Immediate Viewing, Fast Act. Owner Pls Call Your Professional Sale & Rental, Specialize Your Perfect Real Estate Business Partner Right Person Sincerity & Honesty Experince full time agent (`•.•) Always `•.(`•.•) Keep (`•.•).• Smiling ! `•..• McDowell Realty Network L3006213G Veronica Zhang Senior Sales Associate Marketing DirectorVeronica ZhangRegistration No. R042294DMobile: 90292878www.SGHomeMatch.blogspot.sgwww.veroni ca81.myweb.sgEmail: lanlannick96@hotmail.com

Unit Type Price Range HDB Master Room : Single($750-$900), couple($850-$1.1K) Condo Master Room : Single($1100-$1250), couple($1200-$1600) HDB 1 room +1 hall flat : $1.4k - $1.9k; Near CBD: $1.5k - $2k HDB 2 room +1 hall flat : $2k - $2.8k; Near CBD: $2.6k - $2.9k HDB 3 room +1 hall flat : $2.4k - $3k; Near CBD: $3.2k - $3.7k HDB 4 room +1 hall flat : $2.7k - $3.7k; Near CBD: $3.5k -$4.2k CONDO 1 room +1 hall Unit : $2.2k - $2.7k; CBD: $2.8k - $3.8k CONDO 2 room +1 hall Unit : $2.7k - $3.6k; CBD: $4.5k - $6.5k CONDO 3 room +1 hall Unit : $3.8k - $5.8k; CBD: $6.0k - $8.0k CONDO 4 room +1 hall Unit : $5.2k - $8k; CBD: $8.5k - $11k CONDO 5 room +1 hall Unit : $7.5k - $12k; CBD: $12k - $14k LANDED House 2 room + 1 hall : $2.8k - $3.4k; LANDED House 3 room + 1 hall : $3.5k - $4.5k; LANDED House 4 room + 1 hall : $5.2k - $8.k LANDED House 5 room + 1 hall : $7.7k - $10k LANDED House 6 room + 1 hall : $10k - $14k Your friendly and reliable agent, you are always looking for.We invite home owners to preview our marketing program.You and your family can receive following benefits: Owner Benefits 34 Services of a Corporate / Personal Lease: Call My Service: STEP 1 : SALES & RENTAL CALL TROY @ 91009873 for free property advices. STEP 2 : Excellent Reputation and Strong Network Recommendation of 10000 ex-tenants, I can help you to find you preferred tenants for your property. STEP 3 : We have enough experience and knowledge to market your property, provide you best coordination with the right price and good tenant that owners are looking for. STEP 4 : Master the principal terms & conditions in rental market, mindset of CEO. STEP 5 : Don't waste your empty house - renting out your house is the fastest legal way to ensure a stable monthly cash flow during the economic downturn. STEP 6 : We are always listening and understanding the customers’ needs, and we are always there for you. We provide free legal advice to help you manage the property easily and avoid the unnecessary problems. Marketing the property: STEP 7 : If you're looking to rent out your house and start collecting rental at the shortest time possible, you've found the right contact point. We are a team of full-time brokers specializing in rental. Just name us your requirements for your preferred tenants and we will proceed to match your house with our database of tenants immediately! STEP 8 : We are expert in bringing suitable people & properties together in shortest time. Customers’ satisfaction guaranteed. We’d like to build a win-win situation for both parties. STEP 9 : If you need to do some maintenance and decoration in the house, we have the contacts which provides cheap service charge and items, such as 50% discount of new furniture, cheap second hand furniture, cheap aircon chemical service, general cleaning service, movers, handyman. STEP 10 : We will give you proper advice on pricing and presentation of your house, makeover to ensure you can get good deal. STEP 11 : We do the free advertisement on newspaper, public areas and internet for you properties. STEP 12 : According to the market rate, we will help you get the high rental. So you can seat back and get the expansion of your financial freedom. STEP 13 : We have company lease tenants for you and they will accept all kind of unit conditions. If they have any requirement, we will subject to your approval and then the company lease tenants will furnish the unit themselves. STEP 14 : We will verify the tenant’s particulars document to make sure the tenants legal staying. STEP 15 : All the viewers I brought to view your house with Higher budget and Positive Feedback. Signing the Tenancy Agreement: STEP 16 : If owner go oversea and need to apply power of Attorney for the property from Law firm, we can give you the contact of the lawyer who charges the cheapest in Singapore. STEP 17 : Verification of the tenant & company lease office and business profile that Registered in Singapore. STEP 18 : The agreement we use for your property is Professional Rental Management Tenancy Agreement to make sure you can rent out the flat peace of mind. STEP 19 : I will give you my Home protection warranty plan to protect your properties! STEP 20 : The one time commission payment protects landlords and tenants for the entire tenancy period which is one year lease up to 2 years lease. STEP 21 : We will advise you on Property Tax Rebate. STEP 22 : If you are too busy to go to the HDB office to get the approval, we can apply the HDB approval online for you. STEP 23 : We are expert in bringing suitable people & properties together in shortest time. STEP 24 : We will apply the utility under the tenant name. STEP 25 : We will do the stamp duty for your property after signing Tenancy Agreements (TA) at IRAS; the cost is to be paid by the tenants. STEP 26 - Fuss Free, Prompt Payment of rental every month through GIRO / Standard Order through company account. STEP 27 : We are professional marketing property management consultant analysis, master in HDB, Condo, Landed Properties’ tenancy law and procedures. STEP 28 : Once professional property management Tenancy Agreement signed, there will be no dispute and problem during the whole tenancy period with our unique services. During the lease: STEP 29 : Checking on tenants every month WITH RECORD to ensure that compliance with Tenancy Agreement(TA) is expected of all the tenants. STEP 30 : Our honest, transparent and fair terms and conditions to help owners and tenants to get along well and solve any issues during the whole tenancy. There will be no worries and no problem between both parties. If there is anything you need my help, just give me a call I will come and solve your problems immediately. STEP 31 : We will keep tracking of the tenants’ particulars’ validity in order to make sure they are legally staying in Singapore. STEP 32 : We provide you free inspection of inventory check at the end of the tenancy lease. STEP 33 : We provide you free general cleaning and air con service. STEP 34 : Two months before end of the tenancy, we will check with the current tenants whether they want to continue to stay inside the property with your approval. If the tenants decide to move out, we will inform you immediately and by your approval to find suitable new tenants to match your requirements in time. We will make sure you won’t lose any rental income. Are you preparing to rent out your unit? Rental is a fast & on-going investment for property owners. To prevent any loss, we will always get you qualified tenants in your unit throughout. We have wide network of tenants. We link up with various tenant & agents in your area to secure the best results for your property. Professional Service with Personal Touch, Great Demand on Your unit If you're planning to rent out your house and start collecting rental at the shortest time, you've found the right contact point. We are a team of full-time brokers specializing in rental. Just name us your requirements for your preferred tenants and we will proceed to match your house with our database of tenants immediately! Why can not engage multiple-agent? * More agent meaning less responsibility for your units / rooms! * Confusion... * Let us take the exclusive of your units with our Professional Property Management Unique Service. Choose us now, we promise you that we will be responsible during the whole tenancy period of lease in represent of you! Feel free to call me or pass this on to the next person who needs my help for a non obligation discussion. Please contact @ 90292878. If there's no answer, please send us an SMS and we'll get back to you shortly. (`•.•) Always `•.(`•.•) Keep (`•.•).• Smiling ! `•..• Your Sincerely Veronica 90292878 Senior Associate Marketing Director Your Perfect Real Estate Business Partner, Right Person Cert by RES / CPD HDBSALENET AGENT

  Making an Offer   If you've been house hunting for awhile you might feel confident that you understand the market value of houses in your area, but it's not unusual for even seasoned home buyers to feel a bit queasy when it's time to make a formal offer. Use these tips to begin investigating your local real estate market. Attend Open Houses Attending open houses helps you track the actual condition of homes on the market--insight you won't get by looking only at recorded stats. Keep the handouts you are given at open houses and then watch for the For Sale signs to come down. Do research on its sales price. Find Home Sales Prices Advertising gives you a feel for the average asking prices of homes, but asking prices are often inflated. Your focus should be on the sales prices of similar homes that have sold recently. You might find that records for your area are available on disk or online. Use records to help you see where prices are now, but don't make the mistake of basing an offer on the amount a current owner paid for a property--it doesn't usually work. Value has nothing to do with a previous sales price if real estate prices have escalated since the sale. Valuation Report It will slow you down, but you can probably order a valuation report before making an offer. Make sure the results will not be shared with others and keep in mind that the opinions of different valuers often vary. Low vs. High Offers Come in too low and you'll run the risk of alienating the seller. That's fine if low is all you'll go, or if the property is truly overpriced, but it can create problems with future negotiations if the seller interprets your offer as a personal insult. She may not be as anxious to deal with you as she would have been had you made a more realistic first offer. Come in too high and you probably won't find the seller's low point, but if you really want the house, and if competition is swift, an offer near or above the asking price might be a must. Learn as much as possible about your real estate market before you make a move. Factors that Can Affect Seller Motivation: - How long has the house been on the market? If only a short time the sellers might not be ready to lower the price. - How does the house compare with others for sale in the same neighborhood? Too high or too low? Can you determine why? - Is the house in need of repairs or massive updates? Updating items such as insulated windows, plumbing and electrical systems, kitchens, and baths can be costly. - How many more years should it last? - What about the neighborhood, do you foresee home values climbing, staying the same, or possibly taking a downturn? Bottom LineAnalyze each home's condition and compare it to others on the market, but realize that your final offer will likely involve a good deal of gut instinct. Is it the house for you? If you've been searching for a home for a while, you will probably know the answer to that question the minute you walk in the door.

Buying versus Renting? What are the advantages of buying versus renting? Consider the pros and cons of each and whether your motivation to buy matches the lifestyle you have or want to have. Why buy?There seems to be an inherent desire in most of us to eventually 'nest' and make our home somewhere. This usually means that buying a home is more desirable than renting and brings a sense of satisfaction and security that cannot be matched. Unfortunately, the rapid increase of values in the property market in recent years has pushed home ownership out of reach for some would-be first time buyers. However affordability does not necessarily equate with having a high income. Home ownership is a long-term goal, and requires planning, tight budgeting and saving strategies. Not everyone is willing to make the types of sacrifices this can sometimes require so it helps to consider some of the pros and cons of buying in order to examine your own priorities. Advantages: Security: Owning your own home brings a sense of satisfaction, security and stability. There are no lease conditions to worry about and you are no longer subject to the whims of a landlord who has control over the length of your tenancy and the cost of rent. Investment: As long as your home is appreciating or maintaining value, you are growing equity (ownership) in your home. This equity can be later used to secure further loans and will also provide security in retirement. Savings strategy: In a sense, making repayments is like a type of forced savings strategy. The more you pay off, the more of your home you will own. Furthermore, once you have paid off your mortgage, you will free up a large portion of your income which will lighten your financial responsibilities. Lifestyle: Choosing the style and type of home for your lifestyle (or changing it to fit) is a huge incentive for many people to become home owners. In rented premises, time, money and effort spent on decoration and gardening will not return to you beyond the length of your lease and in most cases, the landlord will be very particular about any modifications you make in the first place. Owning your own home not only provides the freedom to change and improve your house as you like, but the process can become a productive hobby which may increase the value of your property at the same time. Tax incentives: If you purchase a property for investment purposes, the interest on your mortgage payments is tax deductible. Likewise, an investor who lets their property to tenants can take advantage of the tax benefits of negative gearing. Status: The status of being a home owner is not only satisfying inwardly, but it provides other benefits from a financial viewpoint. As you make regular mortgage payments, you will establish a favourable credit rating with financial institutions which may be useful for future borrowing. Disadvantages:Struggle to save deposit: Depending on the market you are hoping to buy in, getting a deposit together can take several years of saving every spare cent of your income and changing your view of 'essential' spending quite severely. It can mean a lot more than taking cheap holidays, cutting out take-aways or limiting going to the restaurant. Buying in bulk, taking lunch to work, getting rid of credit cards and forgoing expensive outings might be just the beginning, not to mention switching to public transport if you have a second car or giving up expensive habits. High Costs: Home-ownership can be more expensive than renting because you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the property, insurance, paying conservancy rates, plus any improvements you want to make. If you have a large mortgage you may find more than half of your income going into repayments - a huge financial commitment. Price Depreciation: There is a risk in any investment that its value will depreciate. If this happens to your property you stand to make a loss in the event you decide to sell. Interest rates: If your mortgage is subject to a rise in interest rates, you may struggle to continue making your repayments if interest rates increase. While renters can also face rent increases, it is possible to negotiate this with your landlord - or otherwise move. Location bound: Some people are not settlers. They like to move around regularly. Whether it be for career or lifestyle reasons, the thought of being bound to one place seems boring or threatening to their sense of freedom. Moving regularly is expensive in itself, but the transaction costs buying and selling every few years is likely to cancel out any appreciation of the property. Procedure to Buy/Sell Who Can Buy Private Property? All Singapore citizens and companies can freely buy any type of private residential property. However, there are HDB and CPF restrictions that may affect you when you buy a private property.For flats bought directly from HDB (including flats bought from the open market with CPF Housing Grant) a) The flats lessees must satisfy the required occupation period for the flat before acquiring the private propertyb) The flat lessees must continue to stay in the HDB flat after acquiring the private property unless having met the required occupation period allowing them to rent out the HDB flat.For flats bought from the open market without CPF Housing GrantThere is no need to satisfy the required occupation period for the flat before acquiring the private property. However, the flat lessees must continue to stay in the HDB flat after acquiring the private property unless having met the required occupation period allowing them to rent out the HDB flat.Foreigners or foreign companies can buy certain types of residential property according to the Residential Property Act.The Buying / Selling Process:1) Select an agentOptional, but recommended. A professional agent will not only help you to find the right property, but also ensure you get the right price, ensure all small details are covered prior to purchase, guide you through the process and make recommendations on financing and legal representation.2) Find your property and agree on a priceWhen reaching a preliminary agreement to buy, ensure that all important points have been discussed and agreed, including any repairs or changes prior to purchase, what stays and what goes, any special requirements from both sides and the anticipated transaction completion date.3) Sign an Option to PurchaseFor Private Property - The seller through their lawyer or agent will grant you an Option To Purchase sale contract for the property. At this point you are required to pay a non-refundable option fee (normally 1% of purchase price). The option period is usually 14 days.For HDB Property - Since 15 April 2003, the HDB standard Option to Purchase has replaced the Sale & Purchase Agreement as the form of contract to be used in resale flat transactions. Buyers and sellers should not enter into any other forms of agreement or supplemental agreements. Like private property, you are required to pay a non-refundable option fee (not more than SGD$1,000) when the Option To Purchase is granted to you. The option period is 14 days.4) Appoint a LawyerYou now need to appoint a lawyer to make legal enquiries on the status of the seller, the title of the property and the terms of the sale. 5) Arranging FinancingCompare interest rates and special terms when choosing your finance scheme. You can apply for withdrawal of CPF savings by completing an application together with a valuation report prepared by a licensed valuer who is on the CPF panel of valuers.6) Exercise the Option / HDB 1st AppointmentFor Private Property - If all is well you now sign the Option To Purchase sale contract as a form of exercising the option, and pay 5% of the purchase price (less the option fee). You also need to pay stamp duty within 14 days of the contract.For HDB Property - After getting HDB's Loan Eligibility (HLE) Letter or the bank's Letter Of Offer (LO), you are to exercise the Option To Purchse and pay not more than SGD$5,000 (less the option fee). The buyer and seller must then register the transaction with HDB. Registration allows HDB to check the eligibility of the transaction and arrange for a 1st Appointment – usually about 6 weeks after the registration.7) Legal Inspection & CompletionYour lawyer will carry out an investigation of title deeds and send requisitions to various government departments. The seller’s lawyer will also prepare the completion statement and send documents for stamping to effect completion.8) Settle Payment and Handover / HDB 2nd AppointmentFor Private Property - You now settle the outstanding balance of the purchase price. This might be 8 to 12 weeks after exercising the option. The seller’s lawyer will then handover the keys and title deed of conveyance, and you become the owner of your new home.For HDB Property - Completion takes place at the 2nd Appointment, usually about a 8 weeks after the 1st Appointment. The insurance and mortgage is arranged and stamp duty, legal fees and agent fees are paid. The sale is completed and arrangements are made for moving into your new home.Entire Process Time: Usually between 10 to 14 weeks Foreigners Buying The Residential Property Act of Singapore states that a foreign person cannot acquire or purchase restricted residential property unless he obtains prior approval. Such property includes:(a) vacant residential land;(b) landed property [i.e detached house, semi-detached house, terrace house (including linked house or townhouse)]; and(c) landed property in strata developments which are not approved condominium developments under the Planning Act. A foreign person is defined under the Residential Property Act to be:(a) any person who is not a citizen,(b) any permanent resident,(c) any foreign company or any converted foreign company,(d) any foreign society or converted society. Hence, even a permanent resident is categorised as a foreigner unlike in the case of purchasing a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat, whereby a permanent resident could be the applicant or the authorised occupant of the said flat. However, it does not necessarily mean that all foreigners are restricted from purchasing restricted residential properties in Singapore. A foreign person can still buy resticted residential property caught under the Act if he/she had obtained explicit approval from:Land Dealings (Approval) UnitSingapore Land Authority8 Shenton Way#27-02Singapore 068811The approval will be looked upon favourably if: (a) the individual is a permanent resident(b) an individual who can provide economic benefits to Singapore or makes adequate contribution in Singapore; and(c) one who possesses professional or other qualifications or experience which are of benefits or advantageous to Singapore. Any foreigners who attained ownership of residential properties in Singapore prior to the commencement of the Act in 1973 can have the right to retain it. In the event the said foreigners are desirous to sell their properties, it shall have to be sold only to any Singapore citizen or approved purchasers as stipulated by the Act.Foreigners who are interested in purchasing restricted residential properties but have yet to attain explicit approval from the Land Dealings (Approval) Unit, the real estate agent can still have the foreigners to commit in the sale and purchase of the property concerned by spelling out clearly in the Option To Purchase documents by the insertion of a clause, i.e. “the intended purchase of the above mentioned property by the intending Purchases, namely one ___________ is subject to explicit approval from the Land Dealings (Approval) Unit, Controller of Residential Property, as stipulated by the governing Residential Property Act. In the event the approval is not validly obtained, it is hereby understood that the owners shall refund all monies without interests accrued to the said intending Purchaser and thereafter neither party shall have any claims, demands, proceedings, costs, expenses whatsoever against each other as pertaining to the said cancellation of intending sale and purchase of the said property concerned”.Foreigners can acquire or purchase in Singapore the following residential properties without a written approval:(a) An apartment in a building(b) A unit in an approved condominium development. (c) Any non-residential, commercial or industrial property.Note: A foreign person is not allowed to acquire all the apartments within a building or all the units in an approved condominium development without the prior approval of the Minister for Law.For restricted residential property such as vacant land, landed properties such as bungalows, semi-detached, terrace houses, townhouses and strata landed property, foreigners need to apply for approval from Land Dealings (Approval) Unit, Singapore Land Authority before buying. For more details on application, visit the Singapore Land Authority website. For HDB flats, HDB shop-houses and executive condominiums, eligibility is subjected to the Housing and Development Board.To buy a flat directly from HDB, you must be a Singapore citizen, must include another Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident to form a family nucleus. To buy a flat from the resale market, you must be a Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident. Include at least one listed occupier who is a Singapore permanent resident or Singapore citizen.Are there any restrictions on home loans for foreigners?Foreigners and permanent residents can borrow loans up to 70% - 80% of the purchase price of the property subjected to different banks criteria. Non-Singapore companies cannot be granted Singapore dollar loans to purchase residential properties. What conditions must I fulfill if I am a Permanent Resident getting a home loan?To obtain a Singapore dollar loan, you have to provide a written understanding that you do not have outstanding housing loans from any other financial institutions in Singapore. Engage ONE Agent Only Professional property buyersWhile it is standard practice to pay an agent to sell your home, we have - until recently - been on our own when it came to inspecting properties and negotiating the best price. In many ways therefore, it makes sense to hire an expert to help you purchase a property. After all, if you are dealing with a professional selling agent who is trained to entice would-be buyers into paying their highest price for a property, why would you not want the services of a skilled property scout and negotiator who knows what you want and how to get it for you for a fair (or better than fair) deal. And that is exactly why and how buyer's agents have, for many people, become a hassle-free way of finding and buying their next properties. Qualifications and experienceBuyer's agents usually come from real estate agent backgrounds and have much knowledge and experience in the way their counter-parts are trained and operate. They may in fact still be practicing real estate agents - find out their background and qualifications to make certain you are dealing with someone who knows the business and can deliver what they promise. When looking into their services check out also their methods for determining the value of a property. Services offeredGenerally speaking, buyer's agents could be hired to search out suitable properties for their clients and/or to negotiate the purchase price of the property on behalf of their client, whether by private treaty or auction. Buyer's agents are also regularly used to bid for clients at auctions, thereby taking the stress out of the auction while also benefiting the buyer with their expertise in auction tactics. Time and money savedAccording to the services required, buyer's agents charges will vary from a set fee to a percentage of the purchase price, however, buyer's agents' services continue to attract their customers because of the time and money they save in the long run. As well as not having to spend the weeks (or months), of looking through newspapers, internet sites and driving around to open houses, the buyer's agent's experience in the industry and emotional detachment from the purchase and their confidence in the negotiation process have given their clients the right houses for the right prices. Buyer Service Pledge We are dedicated to providing you with service that is professional, courteous and responsive in helping you find a property. To fulfill this commitment, I agree to provide you with the following services:1. Dedicate ourself to making the process of buying your next property as easy and as smooth as possible.2. Respect you, your needs and be honest and forthright. 3. Hold your best interests in the highest regard throughout the process.4. Value and respect your time, being as efficient and effective as possible.5. Understand your needs and respond quickly.6. Consult with you to determine your particular real estate wants and needs.7. Use our base of experience, knowledge, tools and the most up-to-date training to best serve you.8. Explain each step of the process and act as a guide to help you make most informed decisions.9. Disclose material facts known about the property and respond to questions concerning the property.10. Help determine your purchasing power, while explaining alternative methods of purchasing and/or financing.11. Provide an action plan for locating the right property, at the right price and terms, in an acceptable time frame.12. To the best of our ability, continuously show you new properties that fit your needs.13. Provide a Home Search Plan for locating the right property for you, only showing you properties that will best meet your needs and in accordance with housing regulations and ethical real estate practices.14. Use the most comprehensive database of listings in the area, to help you find the home that best meets your needs, whether that be the Multiple Listing Service and/or other methods.15. Use our knowledge and expertise to promote the most valuable purchase on your behalf. We will assist you in evaluating the market value of properties that are of interest to you and help you obtain the most advantageous price and terms. Plan Before You Buy Set your sights on the long term by being realistic in the immediate term. Look at what you can afford and make some compromises on what you want to get off to a sound financial start.Compromise - Needs and wantsFor those who do desire to become home owners, images of coming back to a welcoming home after a day at work, spending time with the family within the sanctity of its walls and pottering in the garden bring feelings of security and happiness. However, it can be tempting to want it all now, and with that desire comes the danger of over borrowing and getting into more debt than you can comfortably repay. It therefore pays to consider what your needs really are and what you would be willing to live without. For example, if you are part of a couple with no children and no need to work from home, could you live without a third bedroom and large garden? On the other hand, if you have a young family would you consider moving to an outer suburb for the extra space it would afford rather increasing an existing mortgage in order to maintain an inner city address? Make a list of the factors that are most important to you, taking into consideration the length of time you intend to live in the house and changes (such as starting a family) to your future circumstances. Making these choices will mean compromising on some things, but you will be better off making sacrifices now rather than struggling to make repayments later or finding there is no extra cash to take care of repairs or much needed renovations.Setting a budgetOnce you have decided on the type of home you need, it is helpful to set a budget. While the amount you can borrow will be limited by your earning capacity, assets and existing debts, lifestyle expenses and so on, do not make the mistake of using this amount as a price guide for your home. Your budget should also include hidden costs such as mortgage and building insurance, stamp duty, legal fees, searches and reports, furnishings and fittings, repairs, maintenance and conservancy rates. Be aware that even high salary earners can and do lose their jobs, so do not use this factor alone to determine the size of your mortgage. Take into account possible future lifestyle changes such as periods out of work, or moving from a double to a single income household with the arrival of a new family member. If you are making a first step into the property market you may have to accept that your first home will not be everything you dreamed of but remember that even the humblest of homes can be beautiful with a few personal touches. Your aim should be to buy a home you can comfortably afford to repay over the long term with the goal of being debt free in the shortest possible time. Your preferred areaMost people decide on a preferred area based on their budget and lifestyle. Others may have a few areas in mind, and are just waiting for the right property to come along. There are several factors to look out for in selecting the right location. Look at the vitality of the estate: Is there a sense of community spirit? Are there recreational and sporting grounds, libraries, shopping centres, good schools and public transportation. This is important for the sake of the house maintaining its value should you need to sell in a difficult market and is especially true if you intend to live in the home for many years. Buying cheaply when you do not like the home area is going to make you miserable in the long run and negate any of the benefits you had hoped for in savings. The right home should be more important than a cheap price unless you have the vision and personality to put up with less than desirable circumstances in order to accomplish a long term goal such as anticipating that an undesirable area will become 'in vogue' Be Financially Prepared Many buyers begin looking for a property without even knowing what they can afford to spend. This can be a big mistake as many buyers can end up disappointed when having found their dream home only to find out that they do not have the borrowing capacity to purchase it. On the other hand, buyers can restrict themselves to a certain price range without knowing that their real borrowing capacity which could fulfill more from their wish list. It is wise to seek financial advice from a lending institution or mortgage broker to determine your actual borrowing capacity before you commence your home search. Find the Right Mortgage Choosing the right mortgage is not just important for your needs, but could make the difference of thousands of dollars in the long term. There are so many products from so many financial institutions all with differing interests rates and a plethora of features and fees. So where do you start? Aside from seeking help from a financial advisor (which may be a very wise decision), there are some ways to begin narrowing down which loan is right for you.Purpose and requirements of the loanFirst consider the purpose of the loan. The next step is to decide what type of loan will best suit your needs. For example, do you want the flexibility to pay off more than your scheduled payments or offset your mortgage against your regular transaction account thereby saving on interest expense? Would you like a credit facility on your account for personal purposes such as purchasing a new car or making home improvements? Would you prefer a fixed or variable rate? If you and your spouse intend to start a family in the future will you need a period of time where you will be able to reduce your repayments? Over what term (how long) do you intend to repay the loan?Loan FeaturesBe familiar with the features of several loan products. Keep in mind too that many banks will also allow you to split your loan amount over more than one type of loan to meet your needs. The following lists of features are typical of those offered by many loan products (most of which incur one-off or ongoing fees).Additional repayments: Making extra payments when you can save thousands and cut years off your loan. Portability: If you move house, this feature will allow you to keep the same loan. This may incur a fee but will still be less than establishing a new loan. Credit facility: Rather than take out a separate loan for personal finances such as renovations a credit facility on your loan increases the credit limit on your existing loan. This is subject to approval and other lending criteria. Consolidation of accounts: An account which merges your transaction, savings and credit accounts may simplify your banking and save you interest on your loan with every dollar you deposit into the account while still giving you access to funds through the usual facilities. Long term expensesTry to prioritize your preferred features in a loan (some banks have online questionnaires to help you with this) and calculate the long term costs of the options you are considering. If you make the most of the features of the loan, will you save more than if you chose the loan without the features even though its interest rate is slightly lower? This may depend on how disciplined you are with budgeting, your family's lifestyle and your future plans. Think about these things as well in order to forecast as accurately as possible your ability (and limitations) to repay your loan. Word of Advice: A mortgage is a guarantee or pledge to repay the loan you take to buy real estate. The word mortgage comes from a French word 'mort' (death) and means 'agreement until death'. Keep this in mind when reading the terms and conditions of the mortgage you are entering! Start House Hunting What features make one house better than another? Discover what to look for in the right house and how to avoid some of the common pitfalls of purchasing.The right home You have loan approval and an idea of where you want to live. You've made a list of your needs and wants in a house, and have begun to study the property market in the areas you like. When you do inspect a house, take a big notepad with you and write down everything about the house you like and dislike. It may be helpful to prepare a checklist of criteria beforehand so that you can more easily compare the properties you view. Some of the things to consider will include: The investment perspective: Will it continue to increase in value, will it require high maintenance costs, does it have potential for improvements to suit your future needs? Is the location an improving area with good access to town centres or is it becoming rundown and neglected? Your family's lifestyle: If you are looking to buy in an area that is some distance from where you currently live, is public transport still readily available and how will the location effect traveling times to work or school? Are there any local shops within walking distance or a short drive away? The position and situation: If you are buying a house with a view, what are the rules to protect it from being built out? If you are looking at closely built units or houses, will you have sufficient privacy from your neighbours, both physically and in terms of sound carrying over into your house? The aspect and block: Will your house capture the sun? North and North-East facing houses usually give better energy efficiency. Is the house situated on a sloping block and will this limit its use? Does the block lend itself to becoming a suitable play space for children or pets? Access and parking: If you are unsteady on your feet or have small children who need to be carried from house to car and vise versa, how will you cope with a flight of steps or a steep climb? If you do not have private parking, will it be a challenge to find a parking lot nearby? Special features: Does the house offer any special features such as a pleasant view, delightful interior, charming courtyard or unique design? A house that stands out in some way from the rest may give it the edge over other houses on offer and is likely to have better resale value if the feature is an integral part of the house. Renovations/Redecoration: If any work is needed on the house, either to match your tastes or suit your lifestyle, how much will this add on to the purchase price? Would you be better looking for something more closely suited to your needs given the added cost and inconvenience of taking on the projects in question? Helpful tips and wise cautions When it comes to house hunting, being prepared with a good knowledge of the property market and knowing your priorities are two of your best weapons. However, even for the more experienced buyer, choosing the right property is rarely a level headed decision because it is hard not to feel emotionally involved. Albeit, with a little common sense, forward thinking, and some sound advice, the would-be homebuyer can be confident that their final decision is the right one. Who is buying the property? When you go to see a house, always take whoever else who is involved in the purchase. It may be tempting to split up with the reasoning that you can see more properties in less time, however if you have an idea that the property may be suitable, make the effort to see it with your spouse or partner. By going together you can both get a feel for the place and if you like it, you will be in the position to put in an offer straight away. If only one of you attends the initial inspection, not only will you have to arrange a second viewing for your partner if you are interested (during which time someone else's offer may be accepted), but the selling agent may not see you as a serious contender if they realise only one of the buying party is present. Don't assume that taking a friend or relative to see a property is a suitable substitute as their opinion - while important to you - may be distracting and will not hold to the same priorities as yours. Making an Offer If you've been house hunting for awhile you might feel confident that you understand the market value of houses in your area, but it's not unusual for even seasoned home buyers to feel a bit queasy when it's time to make a formal offer. Use these tips to begin investigating your local real estate market. Attend Open Houses Attending open houses helps you track the actual condition of homes on the market--insight you won't get by looking only at recorded stats. Keep the handouts you are given at open houses and then watch for the For Sale signs to come down. Do research on its sales price. Find Home Sales Prices Advertising gives you a feel for the average asking prices of homes, but asking prices are often inflated. Your focus should be on the sales prices of similar homes that have sold recently. You might find that records for your area are available on disk or online. Use records to help you see where prices are now, but don't make the mistake of basing an offer on the amount a current owner paid for a property--it doesn't usually work. Value has nothing to do with a previous sales price if real estate prices have escalated since the sale. Valuation Report It will slow you down, but you can probably order a valuation report before making an offer. Make sure the results will not be shared with others and keep in mind that the opinions of different valuers often vary. Low vs. High Offers Come in too low and you'll run the risk of alienating the seller. That's fine if low is all you'll go, or if the property is truly overpriced, but it can create problems with future negotiations if the seller interprets your offer as a personal insult. She may not be as anxious to deal with you as she would have been had you made a more realistic first offer. Come in too high and you probably won't find the seller's low point, but if you really want the house, and if competition is swift, an offer near or above the asking price might be a must. Learn as much as possible about your real estate market before you make a move. Factors that Can Affect Seller Motivation: - How long has the house been on the market? If only a short time the sellers might not be ready to lower the price. - How does the house compare with others for sale in the same neighborhood? Too high or too low? Can you determine why? - Is the house in need of repairs or massive updates? Updating items such as insulated windows, plumbing and electrical systems, kitchens, and baths can be costly. - How many more years should it last? - What about the neighborhood, do you foresee home values climbing, staying the same, or possibly taking a downturn? Bottom LineAnalyze each home's condition and compare it to others on the market, but realize that your final offer will likely involve a good deal of gut instinct. Is it the house for you? If you've been searching for a home for a while, you will probably know the answer to that question the minute you walk in the door. Pre-Settlement Inspection Visit the property on the day of settlement to be sure there are no surprises. Be absolutely positive that the property was left exactly as you had agreed upon in the contract. Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Expatriate LivingIntroduction Singapore is made up of a multi-racial demographic with many different cultures and social customs. A small island, this relatively young country has developed into a bustling hub of technology, arts and finance in the centre of Southeast Asia within decades. One can easily adapt to its diverse culture, lifestyle, customs, food and activities. All international festivals and occasions are celebrated with equal enthusiasm and excitement. International cuisines of different nationalities are also available at various food outlets. It's natural for anyone to take some time to adapt to a new environment and culture. The following address a few points to help make the process a little easier.SinglishA person relocating to Singapore for better opportunities should get acquainted with our native languages for better communication. Singlish is a predominant slang here - a local form of English which also consists of words from different languages like Malay and Chinese, as well as Chinese dialects like Hokkien and Cantonese. For example, sentences here may be accented and ended with ‘lah', in similar fashion to how some Canadians may end their sentences with ‘eh'. Cost of Living Most expatriates are often offered competitive salaries with additional benefits like bonuses and recreational facilities. Other examples of said benefits include an entertainment allowance, payment of school fees, housing, childcare and a transportation allowance. With these subsidies, expatriates may find housing, transportation, food and education costs relatively cheaper than in their own countries.Taxes & Taxable IncomeTaxes in Singapore are regulated by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). All Singaporeans and expatriates employed here are required to pay income tax. The income that is taxable comprise of profits earned from profession and business, income from fulltime as well as part-time work, interest earned from annuity and pension, dividends earned from company shares, property rent and royalty.Housing in SingaporeWhen moving to Singapore for the first time, Expatriates usually rent a private apartment or house. With this in mind, it's not surprising to find expatriates concentrating in certain areas that have a wide variety of condominiums to choose from. Consider the following factors when looking for a property for the first time in Singapore:- Budget for rental- Type and size of property you want to live in- Distance to work and transportation links- Proximity to international schools if you have any young children - Restaurants and entertainment options to spend your free time in the neighbourhood- Distance to the airport, if you or your partner plan or have to travel oftenBudget and Property PricesRental prices fluctuate heavily depending on the supply and demand of available units. With constant development and upgrading within such a small land area, home and property prices can be rather steep, with many expatriates opting to rent instead. These prices vary greatly, depending on many different factors like location, amenities, and size of the home. The following table gives a rough idea of the current price range you can expect:LOCATION PROPERTY TYPE RENTAL RANGECentral (Newton, Holland Village, River Valley, Orchard, Tanglin)1-bedroom apartment S$3,000 - S$7,0002-bedroom apartment S$3,500 - S$8,0003-bedroom apartment S$4,500 - S$10,000Penthouse / 4+ bedrooms S$6,000 - S$20,000Terraced House S$6,000 - S$25,000Bungalow S$15,000 - S$60,000East Coast & Bukit Timah 1-bedroom apartment S$2,500 - S$4,0002-bedroom apartment S$3,000 - S$5,0003-bedroom apartment S$3,500 - S$7,000Penthouse / 4+ bedrooms S$5,000 - S$15,000Terraced House S$7,000 - S$10,000Bungalow S$12,000 - S$40,000Other Areas 1-bedroom apartment S$2,000 - S$3,0002-bedroom apartment S$2,500 - S$4,0003-bedroom apartment S$2,800 - S$5,000Penthouse / 4+ bedrooms S$3,200 - S$8,000Terraced House S$5,000 - S$10,000Bungalow S$8,000 - S$20,000For the latest prices, check our rental listings at PropertyGuru.com.sgProperty Type - House vs. ApartmentTypical condominiums in Singapore have a multitude of facilities - e.g. swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, playgrounds, BBQ pits, etc. They are also usually within a walled compound with security guards. Do note that because plot sizes here are relatively small, only the very luxurious landed properties have pools and other facilities.For somebody moving from a colder climate, please remember that Singapore has a tropical climate, with more small animals and insects around than what you may normally be used to. These tend to cause more problems in landed properties, especially those close to high density areas of flora. If your budget allows however, there are also some nice bungalows that will give you the luxury and privacy that a condominium would not be able to.HousekeepersVarious reliable housekeeping agencies here offer quality cleaning services for offices, apartments and homes. The two prominent housekeeping services companies in Singapore are the Housekeeper's Management Services and the Association of Singapore Housekeepers. TransportationSingapore has one of the most modern and efficient public transportation systems in the world, and travelling from any point on the island to another does not take long under normal conditions. Car ownership can be expensive here, but the roads are well maintained and somewhat less congested than in many other cities. Public transportation is also very effective, but tends to be more concentrated in areas where locals live (HDB estates). In any case, unless you live along the edge of Singapore, your commute would rarely exceed one hour.The main options for getting around are:Mass Rapid Transport (MRT)Singapore's metro/underground train system currently has three lines, with the fourth partially finished. The map below shows the locations of each MRT station as well as details of the distance to the closest MRT station for each listing. Fares range from S$1 to S$2.10, depending on the distance travelled, and if you've had to switch from a bus, and vice versa. The map can be found at http://www.smrt.com.sg/trains/images/tn_netwo rkmap_big_030811.jpg BusSingapore also has an extensive bus network that covers a much larger area than the MRT. Calculated by the distance travelled, fares can range from S$0.71 to as high as S$4, depending on differing factors like distance travelled, and the type of bus service taken. More details on the bus services and the routes covered can be found at http://sbs.streetdirectory.com.sg/sbs/sbsinde xsn.jsp?map=1.TaxisTaxis here are generally plentiful and relatively cheap, compared to many other developed countries. Fares can start from S$2.80 to S$5.00, depending on the type of taxi one hails or calls. This would probably be the transport of choice for most single professionals living close to the city centre. It can sometimes be difficult to get one during peak periods, and additional charges apply for phone bookings and certain hours.Private CarsOwning a car here is more expensive, compared to many other countries, and is not really necessary here on a whole. Most save money by using a taxi; however, owning a car gives you the freedom to move around - and heading up to Malaysia every now and then for a round of golf might be a strong enough reason to get one. Singapore is densely populated and traffic may slow down especially during peak hours. However, the infrastructure helps to smooth out some of the issues and public transportation on the whole is still considerably better than in some of the neighbouring countries. If you still intend on purchasing a car however, but be aware of additional charges that comes with owning one: Purchase Price - Cars here are probably the most expensive in the world due to import duties and Certificate of Entitlement (COE - a permission to own a car for 10 years, after which it has to be renewed).Road Tax - Depending on the size of the engine, you need to pay road tax annually. This can vary from a few hundred for a small car to thousands for an SUV.Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) - A fee is charged during peak hours (from S$0.50 to a few dollars) to access certain roads and areas (mostly in the Central Business District (CBD)). ERP locations can be found atwww.lta.gov.sg/motoring_matters/motoring_er p_location_cbd.htmParking - Though there are parking charges in most locations in Singapore, please note that parking in the CBD can be especially expensive. Condominiums usually have parking charges included in the maintenance fee (which is paid by the landlord).Petrol - It may come as a surprise, but petrol is probably the smallest component of your car ownership costs. It is currently around S$1.80 / litre.You will also need to convert your driver's license into a Singaporean one within the year. This is a relatively straightforward process, but will require you to take the basic theory test. Please note that the traffic flow in Singapore is on the left side of the road (as in UK and Malaysia).Schools & ChildcareThere are a multitude of schools of great repute in Singapore, including over 370 childcare centres, offering affordable and high quality childcare services. We also have many international schools in Singapore to cater to the needs of expatriate children. For most large groups, you have a choice of sending your children to a school which follows your national curriculum while being taught in your native tongue. We've listed the main international schools in Singapore below - please check their websites for more information.Australian International School 1 Lorong Chuan, Singapore 556818 http://www.ais.com.sg/Bhavan's Indian International School 11 Mt Sophia Blk E, Singapore 228461 http://www.biissingapore.org/Canadian International School5 Toh Tuck Road, Singapore 596679 http://www.cis.edu.sg/Chatsworth International School 37 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229313 http://www.chatsworth-international.com/Dover Court Preparatory School 301 Dover Road, Singapore 139644 http://www.dovercourt.edu.sg/DPS International School 36 Aroozoo Avenue, Singapore 539842http://www.dps.com.sg/ EtonHouse International School 51 Broadrick Road, Singapore 439501http://www.etonhouse.com.sg/German School 72 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289760 http://www.gess.sg/Hollandse School 65 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289757 http://www.hollandseschool.org/International Community School 514 Kampong Bahru, Singapore 099450 http://www.ics.edu.sg/ISS International School 21 Preston Road, Singapore 109355 http://www.iss.edu.sg/Japanese Kindergarten 251 West Coast Road, Singapore 127390 Japanese School (Primary) 95 Clementi Road, Singapore 129782 (Clementi Campus)11 Upper Changi Road North, Singapore 507657 (Changi Campus)http://www.sjs.edu.sg/Japanese School (Secondary)201 West Coast Road, Singapore 127383 http://www.sjs.edu.sg/KGS International Pre-School (Japanese)16 Ramsgate Road, Singapore 437462 http://pachome1.pacific.net.sg/~yoko/kinder/k gs.htmlLock Road Kindergarten 10 Lock Road, Singapore 108938 Lycee Francais De Singapour 3000 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, Singapore 569928 http://www.lyceefrancais.edu.sg/Norwegian Supplementary School c/o Royal Norwegian Embassy, 16 Raffles Quay #44-01 Hong Leong Bldg, S048581Tel: Overseas Family School 25F Paterson Road, Singapore 238515 http://www.ofs.edu.sg/Rosemount Kindergarten 25 Ettrick Terrace, Singapore 458588 http://www.rosemount.com.sg/Rosemount International School 461 Telok Blangah Road, Singapore 109022 http://www.rosemount.com.sg/Sekolah Indonesia 20A Siglap Road, Singapore 455859 Singapore American School 40 Woodlands Street 41, Singapore 738547 http://www.sas.edu.sg/Singapore Korean School 74 Lim Ah Woo Road, Singapore 438134 http://www.koreansingapore.org/Swedish Supplementary Education School c/o Swedish Embassy, 111 Somerset Road #05-01 Singapore Power Building, Singapore 238164 Swiss School 38 Swiss Club Road, Singapore 288140 http://www.swiss-school.edu.sg/Tanglin Trust School 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299 http://www.tts.edu.sg/United World College of South East Asia 1207 Dover Road, Singapore 139654 http://www.uwcsea.edu.sg/Waseda Shibuya Senior High School 57 West Coast Road, Singapore 127366 http://www.waseda-shibuya.edu.sg/We have provided some other useful websites for additional school matters:Directory of Local Schools - http://app.sis.moe.gov.sg/schinfo/SIS_DirSvc. aspStudying in Public Schools - www.croxxing.com/english/info_overview.html - in germanFee Structure Public Schools - www.croxxing.com/english/info_fees.html - in german Ministry of Education - www.moe.edu.sg/Foreign Student Information - www.moe.gov.sg/esp/foreign/ and www.moe.gov.sg/csc/csc_admission.htm#ForeignF oreign Student Admission Application Form - http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/admissions/in ternational-students/CQT Application Form - www.moe.gov.sg/esp/foreign/CQTForm.pdf - not working and can't find a replacementAdvice for Expatriates to Place Children in Local Schools - www.moe.gov.sg/esp/eduinfo/School Terms and Holidays - http://www.moe.gov.sg/schools/terms-and-holid ays/ Pet RelocationThere are certain restrictions imposed for the relocation of a pet brought from places other than England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. These pets are quarantined for around thirty days. The completed license has to be submitted two weeks in advance before the import. An amount of S$50 is charged for every pet. There is also a ban on Pit Bulls, Tosas, Akitas, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brazilieros and Neapolitan breeds in Singapore. The Animal, Meat & Seafood Regulatory Branch in the Singapore government can be approached for obtaining detailed information on import regulations. Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

EXPATS TENANT RENTAL Home Protection Warranty PlanQualified Professional Property Rental Management Consultant AnalysisAssociate With ExcellenceYour Interest, My Priority. Place Your Utmost Trust In Me.Specialise In Rental & Sales HDB & CONDO, COMMERCIALWith My Very Honest Service, We Provide You 100% Commitment.I Deliver On My Promise,Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed Is My Higher Priority.Bringing People & Properties TogetherRenting Your Properties In Shortest Time Is Our Destination.Our Quality Associate Serve You With Excellent Professionalism. Our Mission:To enhance the quality of lives by providing value - added Professionalexcellent service. You deserve the best, let us Serve you. Integrity andprofessionalism. To assist others, the way I would expect to be assisted.The service you can rely on. Always there for you. Your Satisfaction isOur Guarantee! We attend to all your property needs and we arelooking forward to serving your future property needs.Our Professional Service : Tenants, One stop, view till you find your dream home with excellent location will match all your requirement (model of unit , condition of house etc.) is our Destination.Place your utmost trust in my best valued marketing plan, "PEACE OF MIND! SAVE TIME!"Come to US, We are your RIGHT AGENTS, HONEST, RELIABLE, HARDWORKING,EFFICENT & PROFESSIONAL. Always there for ALL YOUR RENTAL NEEDS!Our Professional Rental Management Team, who specialise in HDB & CONDO, will attend to all your rental needs and find the appropriate solution for you. We are always there to give you the STRONG SUPPORTS all the way till fullfill all your needs.. Our Landlords::We have a very good relationship with our landlords. We can easily help you find your dream home from our Large Landlords' Database. We understand that "Nothing Is Better Than Walking Into A House That Smells Like 'A Home' ". We'd like to discuss about you requirements together and set immediately viewing for you. You deserve the best, Let us serve you!II. Stay Inside House with PEACE of MIND:Our Home Protection Warranty Plan, which is our Professional Tenancy Agreement and Excellent Housing Service, will Protect the Tenants all the way during the Tenancy Period, Home Protection Warranty Plan's unique benefits offer you peace of mind. We will take care of the whole process in the Tenancy Period and make sure you stay inside the house with peace of mind. We believe in FULL COMMITMENT ASSURED. We provide very honest service to fullfill all your needs. Your SATISFACTION is our HIGHEST PRIORITY.When you have serious problem with your Landlords, you can't cope and you need a professional consultant. Contact us! We are always there to help you. Our Professional Rental Management Team has mastered the full principle terms and condition in Rental Law. We can help you solve any problem that happened inside house. Your HAPPINESS is what we hardworking for.II. Our Mission Statement:We strive to excel and be the best agent by developing our fullest potential, through sharing and mutual support and in conducting our practice in the most ethical and professional manner, achieving success in our career by fulfilling the needs of our clients...always.#1 MASTER IN REAL ESTATE, FIRST CLASS PROFESSIONAL SERVICE.The most knowledgeable and most results-oriented service to the highest standard of professional excellence and customer satisfaction includes the coordination. Delivery of good service, better business performance. With my very honest service, we provide you 100% commitment. I deliver on my promise, customer satisfaction guaranteed is my higher priority. Bring people & properties together, quality units listing from housing owners and agents with excellent locations is our destination. Our Quality associate serve you with excellent professionalism service with one touch. Your perfect real estate business partner right person. Honesty and a personal touch make us the best agents in your neighbourhood. The reason why l work so hard for you because of your family, we attend to all your property needs.We understand how important communication and relationships are to you. It is people like you that make any success that I may have possible, Feel free to call me or pass this on to the next person who needs my help. For a non-obligatory discussion. Veronica Zhang Ji  90292878 I thank you in advance for your time and patience. We look forward to a mutually beneficial business relationship. We wish to be of service to you as business partnerSingapore.

Renting out Private Property in Singapore LANDLORDS: What do I need to consider when renting out my property?First of all, you need to consider what rental amount you would like to fetch for your property. You can start by researching the current rental prices of a similar sized unit in and around your building, bearing in mind the building facilities, age of building, proximity to services. Your agent will also be able to advise you accordingly. Other factors like renovation, upgrading and painting costs will affect your desired rental price. Think also about maintenance charges – both to the building management, as well as upkeep or the potential replacement of larger appliances.You also have to consider if you want to rent out the property as “Partially furnished” or “Fully furnished”. “Partially furnished” often includes curtains, light fixtures and appliances such as refrigerator, washer, dryer, cooker hood and hob. “Fully furnished” would add on basic furniture which includes sofa set, dining room set and bedroom set.Prior to renting our your property, it is strongly advised to dress up the property, cleaning and clearing out clutter, and make it more appealing and marketable to potential tenants. Any major repairs should be done before opening the property for potential tenants’ viewing.Finally, make sure you are aware of the types of questions a tenant may ask – such as the list of facilities available, proximity to buses, trains, supermarkets and schools, available parking etc.The Contract part: After the tenant has chosen your property to rent, what happens next?Once the tenant has chosen your property to rent, a “Letter of Intent” (LOI) will be prepared by the tenant’s agent for your review/agreement together with a cheque for an initial deposit equivalent to a month’s rent. The LOI is an offer letter which states the name of property, name of landlord and tenant, rent amount (offer price), commencement date, lease term, security deposit amount, diplomatic clause, stamp duty, minor repair clause, all standard and additional items the tenant requires from you, i.e. extra sets of keys, additional or replacement of fixtures, appliances, painting of walls, choice of wall colours, additional cable points, etc. You will need to evaluate the requests and decide if they can be met with the offered rent price.After the LOI has been agreed, your agent will then prepare the tenancy agreement (TA) for both parties to agree and sign. The TA is the legal document governing the relationship between yourself and tenant. The tenant has to sign the TA and submit to you together with the rest of the security deposit (another one month rent) plus the first month’s rent in order to begin the lease.What is the term of a lease?When renting a property, the standard practice is that tenancy agreements last two [2] years. Shorter or longer leases can be agreed, but terms have to be negotiated and mutually agreed between both parties.Who pays the agent commission?The commission amount will be discussed and agreed between yourself and your agent either on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis. It is highly recommended to use one agent exclusively who will then commit to you 100 per cent. In this way, it becomes more efficient and effective, and there is no time wasting and confusing for everyone concerned as they all access the same database of properties on the market. Having a dedicated agent means they will understand your specific needs and ensure you are best represented.Legally, an agent cannot represent both the tenant and the landlord. In this way, you will be assured your agent has your best interests at heart. Therefore, your agent will have to co-broke with another agent who represents the tenant and shares the commission.Breaking a tenancy agreement: What is a diplomatic clause and under what condition can it be exercised?A diplomatic clause means the tenant can give early notice to terminate, usually only after the completion of the first twelve months of the term, by serving two months’ notice or two 2 months’ rental in lieu of such notice, in the event that the tenant is:Deported from Singapore;Refused permission by the Singapore Government to reside in Singapore;If the Singapore Government refuses to grant or renew any applicable employment pass/work permit;Transferred by the Company out of Singapore or ceases to be employed by the Company, for any reason whatsoever.Who pays for minor repairs?The standard practice is the tenant will be responsible for any minor repair work that does not exceed $150 per item per job. You shall bear the cost for repair that exceeds this amount. This is applicable only after the first 30 days of Tenancy. During the first 30 days of the tenancy, the landlord will need to replace or repair any item that is found defective, regardless of the cost.When will the rent be paid?It is standard practice that rent is payable monthly in advance on an agreed fixed day.Who pays for the maintenance and management fees?If you own a unit in a condominium and apartment building, you will need to pay the maintenance and management fees, usually on a quarterly basis. You can check with your management corporation for details and payment mode.Do I need to pay any taxes?You will be required to pay property tax of 10% once your property is being rented. Notification to Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) is not required if the TA has been e-stamped.Goods and services tax (GST) of 7% is chargeable on agent’s commission or fees. The rent amount is exempted from GST but the renting of furniture and fittings and maintenance fee are subject to GST.Rent received from letting of property is subject to income tax. Rental income includes rent of the property, maintenance, furniture and fittings. After deductions for allowable expenses (such as property tax, repairs, etc), the net amount is taxable. Tax returns need to be filed by 15 Apr for paper returns or 18 Apr for e-filing.For more information, please check out IRAS website http://www.iras.gov.sg/irashome/default.aspxD oes Stamp Duty need to be paid for rental of my property?The tenant pays stamp duty for the lease of a property.However, if you intend to sell your property with a sitting tenant, stamp duty may apply depending on when you bought the property. If the property was bought during the period of 30th August 2010 to 14th January 2011 and sold within the first year, full seller stamp duty will apply. If sold in the 2nd year, seller has to pay 2/3 of the stamp duty and 1/3 of the stamp duty if sold in the 3rd year. If the residential property was bought after on and after 14th January 2011 and sold within the first four years, stamp duty will apply. It is based on a percentage of the selling price, i.e. 1st year – 16%, 2nd year – 12%, 3rd year – 8% and 4th year – 4%.Properties can be sold with an existant tenancy agreement, i.e. new owners have to continue honouring the tenancy agreement until the contract expires. It is good to let the new owners have a copy of the signed tenancy agreement so that they are aware of the terms and provisions.Moving In: What is the 'Handover' process?Once the property has been cleaned, painted and any repairs have been made, your agent will represent you to conduct the ‘handover’ process with the new tenant, usually with the tenant’s agent.If you contract me as you agent, I will prepare an inventory list of the property. You should check this thoroughly and walk through the entire space taking all the items into account. Anything missing from the inventory list when the property is ‘handed back’ could result in a reduction or forfeiture of the security deposit. The tenant signs the inventory presuming all is present and accounted for.In most cases, tenants can take photos of any items that may have pre-existing defects (such as dented appliances), so that this does not present a problem when handing back the home. Tenants may photograph any wear and tear that is present, and any defects that need to be corrected or replaced within the initial first 30 days.During the handover process, the keys and other relevant items (e.g. warranty cards for appliances, key cards, car decals), will also be handled over to the tenants.Moving Out: What is the 'Handback' process?Your agent will accompany you to do the ‘Handback’ process [when the tenant passes back possession of the property], and usually in the presence of the tenant and their agent. The original inventory list will be checked off, and keys and other items handed back. Presuming the property is handed back in good condition (general wear and tear is considered acceptable), you will then have to repay the security deposit to the tenant within two weeks.How will the tenant get the security deposit back after the lease term?The two months’ deposit paid will be held by you as security and repaid, usually in the form of a cheque, within 14 days from the termination of the lease, subject to fulfilment of the terms of the tenancy agreement. You are not liable to pay any accrued interest on the deposit amount. Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Selling your Private Property in Singapore What do I need to consider when selling a private property?Firstly, you need to consider the date you bought the property as seller’s stamp may apply. If the property was purchased before 30th Auguest 2010, there is no seller stamp duty. However, if it was purchase between 30th August 2010 to 14th January 2011, seller stamp duty will be as follows:1st year – full stamp duty (Same formulae as buyer’s stamp duty, i.e. (Purchase price X 3%) - $5,400.2nd year – 2/3 of the seller’s stamp duty3rd year – 1/3 of the seller’s stamp dutyIf the property was purchased after 14th January 2011, the seller’s stamp duty will be calculated based on a percentage of the selling price, i.e. if sold within the 1st year = 16%, 2nd year = 12%, 3rd year = 8%, 4th year = 4% and 5th year = 0%.Secondly, you should consider dressing up your property, i.e. clear clutter, basic cleaning, re-painting the walls, perform some minor renovation. It’s important to make the property as appealing and marketable to potential buyers as possible. You will be amazed how much value you can add to your property by good preparation: ensure you "dress it" appropriately and make it impressive for people viewing.Finally, if the property is currently tenanted, it can be sold with tenancy. The new buyer must honour the tenancy agreement as it is legally binding and must allow the tenant to stay in the property until expiry unless a deal is negotiated between them for an early release. Can I sell my property to a foreigner? There are no restrictions against foreigners purchasing private condominiums and apartments. However, foreigners are not allowed to purchase landed properties. Only Singapore citizens and Permanent residents who have obtained special approval from the Land Development Authority, are eligible to buy. Landed properties include bungalows, semi-detached houses, terrace houses and some conservation shop houses.After a potential buyer makes an offer, what happens next?Once you have received an offer from a buyer, an initial deposit equivalent to 1% of the purchase price will be given to you for an exchange of the “Option to purchase” (OTP), which the buyer has 14 days to decide if he/she wants to exercise the option.If the buyer decides not to, the option money will be forfeited. If the buyer intends to exercise the option and purchase the property, he/she must do so before the end of the 14 days.Once the option is exercised, the buyer must pay the next 4% of the purchase price, taking the total deposit up to 5%.The buyer is also required to pay the stamp duty to IRAS within 14 days of exercising the OTP. His/her lawyer will help make the payment, conduct the required checks and liaise with the seller’s lawyer to complete the purchase. Typically, the stage from exercising OTP to completion date takes 8 to 12 weeks.What do I need to do prior to the completion date?Before the completion date, you will need to make sure that the management fee, sinking fund and property taxes are paid. If you have paid your management fees in advance, the buyer must refund you for any fees you have paid after the completion date of the sale. You also need to inform your insurance policy to terminate your home insurance on the completion date.If you have agreed with the buyer to leave any fixtures or fittings in the property for him/her as part of the sales agreement, you must do so when you move out of the property. You should also take care not to cause any major damage to the property during the move and be ready for the buyer to inspect the property prior to take over. Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Buying a Private Property in Singapore BUYERS: What do I need to consider when buying a private property?Whether you are looking for a property to invest or to live in, buying is a good option if your circumstances allow it. Investing your monthly rental allowance into your own property rather than someone else’s makes good sense.The macro factors like the health of the economy, social and political climate can influence the demand in the real estate market and hence your decision on when is a good time to enter the market and what type of property to buy. Understanding the government regulations, like buyers’ additional stamp duty, sellers’ stamp duty, en-bloc policies, the general trend of the real estate market and how it faired in the previous quarter can help you in your decision making process. You can check out the Urban and Redevelopment Authority (URA) website below for information on the property price index which is used to determine the movement of the real estate market. This index is released on a quarterly basis.http://www.ura.gov.sg/pr/text/2012/pr12 -79.htmlWhen deciding on the type and size of property, you need to consider how big is your family unit now or in the future, and of course, your budget. Micro factors that affect your decision in buying a property include:The condition of the property, i.e. is it a renovated unit or a fixer upper?The location of the propertyThe tenure, i.e. freehold (perpetual) or leasehold (99 years, 999 years or longer).What is the estimated valuation of the property?The layout of the rooms, i.e. shape, size, design, frontage, etc.The views from various roomsWhich floor is the property?The age of the property, i.e. is there en-bloc potential if it’s an old building? (En-bloc is a collective sale process and usually happens to old buildings. It requires 80% of the condominium’s owners agreement, usually to a developer).Any outdoor space, i.e. a balcony, roof terrace or patio?Any facilities, i.e. swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis court, squash courts, etc?If you have children attending school, is the property located near the school of choice?Proximity to public transport, i.e. Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and bus stopsAccessibility to supermarkets, restaurants, bars and social clubsWhat Stamp Duty must be paid?Singapore citizens, permanent residents and foreigners must adhere to the additional buyer’s stamp duty when they buy residential properties in Singapore on and after 8th December 2011.Stamp duty calculation: (Purchase price or valuation, whichever is higher multiply by 3%) minus $5,400. For Singaporeans and permanent residents, the stamp duty can be deducted from their Central Provident Fund (CPF).Singapore citizens owning one (1) residential property and buying the second (2nd) have to pay additional 7% stamp duty on top of the existing 3%. The third (3rd) and subsequent residential properties attracts an additional 10% stamp duty on top of the existing 3%, which means a total of 13%.Singapore permanent residents buying first residential property have to pay additional 5% stamp duty on top of the existing 3% and buying second (2nd) and subsequent properties have to pay an additional 10% stamp duty on top of the existing 3%, which means a total of 13%.Foreigners and non-individuals, i.e. corporate entities buying any residential properties have to pay an additional 15% stamp duty on top of the existing 3%, which means a total of 18%.How much can I borrow when buying a private home?Singapore citizens and permanent residents taking up the first housing loan to buy a private residential property may borrow up to 80% of a local bank’s valuation or 60% if the loan tenure exceeds 30 years/extends past age 65, with a minimum cash down payment of 5% for 80% loan or 10% for 60% loan. They can utilised a maximum of 15% from their CPF contribution towards purchasing the property. If they take up a second housing loan, the loan to value limit drops to 50% or 30% if the loan tenure exceeds 30 years/extends past age 65, with a minimum cash down payment of 25%. For third and subsequent housing loan financing, the loan to value limit drops to 40% or 20% if the loan tenure exceeds 30 years/extends past age 65, with a minimum cash down payment of 25%.Foreigners may also be able to borrow up to 80% of a local bank’s valuation of a private property and the balance the cash. If they take up a 2nd loan for a second property, they are only allowed to borrow up to 60% of a local bank’s valuation and the balance in cash. Foreignor's seeking local loans within Singapore will be subject to the bank's discretion and lending policies.Non-individuals or companies buying any residential properties can only borrow up to 20% of the bank valuation.[This information is subject to changes in regulations and is not a guarantee that an individual may borrow the amount required.]The advantages include the joy of home ownership, capital appreciation, rental yield, good hedge against inflation, ability to leverage, ability to renovate to enhance the value, no capital gains tax when selling the property and no more paying rent!The disadvantages include high transaction costs, holding cost, less of a liquid asset, potential high costs of renovation and upkeep, financial and psychological burden of having a mortgage, exposure to price fluctuation and a high dependence on political, social and economic factors of the local and global economy.What are the various types of private properties available to buy in Singapore?Singaporeans can buy most types of properties, which include good class bungalows (GCBs), detached houses, semi-detached houses, terrace houses, conversation shop houses, walk-up apartments, private condominiums and executive condominiums.There are no restrictions against expats purchasing private condominiums. However, to buy a landed property, i.e. a house with a garden or yard, you will need to hold a Permanent Residence status and receive special approval from the Land Development Authority with strict conditions attached. Landed properties include bungalows, semi-detached houses, terrace houses and some conservation shop houses.What do I need to consider when deciding which area to live?Singapore offers a variety of choices, which will largely depend on the budget, preference and specific family needs. You can choose to live in the city, i.e. Orchard Road area which is close to high-end shopping malls, or near the Central business district (CBD) area, or close to the sea, i.e. East Coast, West Coast, Sentosa Cove, or close to river/bay area, i.e. Robertson Quay, Boat Quay, Marina Bay, or near lush greenery, i.e. Nassim Road, Botanical Gardens area.If you have children who are attending international schools, you may consider living near those schools.I have found the perfect private property to buy, so what happens next?Once your have picked your property, you will need to submit an initial deposit equivalent to 1% of the purchase price to the seller. The seller will issue to you the “Option to purchase” (OTP) and you have 14 days to decide if you want to exercise this option.If you decide not to exercise the option, your option deposit will be forfeited. If you do intend to exercise the option and purchase the property, you must do so before the end of the 14 days.At this stage, you will need to pay the next 4% of the purchase price, taking the total deposit up to 5%.By now you will need to appoint a lawyer to assist in the conveyancing process and a banker/broker to help with the financing (if required). Some banks cover legal costs.You are also required to pay the stamp duty to the IRAS within 14 days of exercising the OTP.Your lawyer will help make this payment.Your chosen lawyer will then conduct the required checks and liase with the seller's lawyer to complete the purchase. Typically, the stage from exercising OTP to completion date takes 8 to 12 weeks.Singapore citizens and permanent residents taking up the first loan to buy a private residential property may borrow up to 80% of a local bank’s valuation with a maximum 15% from their CPF account and the balance in cash. If someone takes up a loan for a second property, they are only allowed to borrow up to 60% of a local bank’s valuation with 30% from CPF account and the balance in cash.Foreigners may also be able to borrow up to 80% of a local bank’s valuation of a private property and the balance the cash. If they take up a 2nd loan for a second property, they are only allowed to borrow up to 60% of a local bank’s valuation and the balance in cash. Foreignor's seeking local loans within Singapore will be subject to the bank's discretion and lending policies.You will also be required to take out an insurance policy for your property and pay the on-going maintenance fee if you bought a property in a condominium. This is usually paid on a quarterly basis and your management corporation will notify you on the payment terms. Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Renting or Buying Commercial Property or Office Space in Singapore Commercial properties can be categorised as: Commercial buildings such as office block, shopping complex Mixed commercial and residential buildings such as a shopping podium with an apartment tower block Residential with commercial use on the 1st storey, i.e. a shophouse Let's look at them one by one:Things to note when renting or buying a COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE There are mainly two types, which are strata-titled or landed properties. Location: The choice of the location depends on the nature of the business, i.e. if it’s a service related business, then it should be close to the city or close to where majority clients are located. If it’s science related business, it’s preferable to be located in or near Singapore Science Park where other science and technology firms are located. It is generally more expensive to rent a commercial property within the city or CBD area. Floor level – Does the business need to be located on the ground floor where it is more visible? Floor area efficiency - Does the unit have a high column-free space? Bare office units versus fitted units: Depending on the needs of the company, a fitted office unit can be beneficial as it reduces cost renovation cost. Most landlords will provide tenant with a one month rent-free renovation period. Tenure of the lease – usually a 2 or 3 year lease, but longer tenures can be negotiated. Air-conditioning system - Does the building have central or split air-con? Are there any car parking facilities and entitlements? For landed commercial properties, to check availability of roadside parking. Is it close to public transportation like MRT or buses? Apart from monthly rent, there are other costs to consider when choosing a commercial property, i.e. renovation cost, maintenance costs, insurance, etc.Things to note when renting or buying a RETAIL SPACE Location: It is crucial to be located in an area/place where it can attract the most crowds or where traffic flow is highest. The choice of the location also depends on the nature of the retail trade or targeted audience, i.e computer related businesses prefer to be located in an IT mall like Sim Lim Square and sports related retail outlets prefer to be located in Vivocity ,Marina Bay & Marina Square, Orchard icon. Does the nature of the business require it to be located in the city area, i.e. Orchard Road or suburban malls like Junction 8, Tampines Mall, etc. Size of Development – large malls attract more crowd while smaller malls must be unique to draw clients. Floor level – Does the retail space need to be located on the ground floor where it is more visible? Floor area efficiency - Does the retail space have a high column-free space? Loading and unloading facilities – close to lifts and escalators. Tenure of the lease – usually a 2 or 3 year lease, but longer tenure can be negotiated. Air-conditioning system - Does the building have central or split air-con? Are there any car parking facilities and entitlements? Is it close to public transportation like MRT or buses? Apart from monthly rent, there are other costs to consider when choosing a retail space, i.e. renovation cost, maintenance costs, insurance, etc.Things to note when renting or buying an INDUSTRIAL SPACE Most industrial property consists of factories and warehouse space Access to road and width of internal circulation road to fit large containers. Loading and unloading facilities: Good sized sheltered elevated loading/unloading dock? Availabilty of dock levellers to allow forklifts to go into containers Is the unit close to the cargo lifts? There is a 60% factory/warehousing and 40% office space rule. Floor level – Does the industrial space need to be located on the ground floor where it is more visible? Floor area efficiency - Does the industrial space have a high column-free space? Tenure of the lease – usually a 3 to 10 year lease. Longer leases can be negotiated. Air-conditioning system - Does the building have central or split air-con? Are there any car parking facilities and entitlements? Is it close to public transportation like MRT or buses? Apart from monthly rent, there are other costs to consider when choosing a retail space, i.e. renovation cost, maintenance costs, insurance, etc. The seller stamp duty was implemented in January 2013. Property sold within the first year will be levied at 15%; 10% if sold in the second year and 5% in the third year. Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Singapore Property Singapore provides a wide range of accommodation facilities in the form of public housing estate and private housing facility to support its huge local population and also the foreigners. Buying or renting the most appropriate apartment or house requires a lot of effort and consideration. An effective house hunt procedure can greatly help in getting the ideal property at competitive market rate. Before deciding on buying or renting a house one has to consider few factors that are the budget, location, type of house and amenities available. Types of HomesHousing facility in Singapore is primarily provided by the public housing facility under the Housing and Development Board. Over 80% of Singaporeans reside in these housing estates. These estates have access to schools, clinics, food outlets, supermarket, recreational facility and an excellent transport network at close proximity. Though an expatriate has to fulfill certain criteria, there are various schemes available for buying or renting an apartment in these HDB Estates.Private housing includes condominiums, apartments and landed property that are developed by private concerns. Certain guidelines have to be fulfilled to buy or rent such property. Location GuideLocation of the house is of prime importance before deciding to own or rent a house. For this one has to consider various factors that are most convenient and suitable to oneself and one's family. These include closeness to one's work place, spouse workplace, kids' school, shopping area, food outlets and easy access to road and rail transport. Amenities GuideDepending on personal choice one has to consider all the amenities available nearby. Many housing estates offer world class amenities that comprise shopping malls, hotels, parks, entertainment and recreational facilities. Preference of having an MRT station as well as bus interchange can also be regarded as convenient transport facility before opting for a residential home. Price Guide The prospective buyer has to decide on the budget that he has set aside for investment in residential housing. Any expatriate has to see whether their company is providing for the housing facility or they have to bear it themselves. Thereafter one has to fix a reasonable range that can be $2,000 to $5,000 or other flexible range before opting for an apartment of personal choice. If the monthly budget set aside is of high range then one can opt for a luxurious flat with added facility of gym, swimming pool and tennis court. Sources (Agencies, Properties consultants, Brokers)Property consultants, brokers and agencies in Singapore make property buying and renting hassle free and easy. It also saves a lot of time and money of the prospective investor while looking for an ideal residential property. These consultants and brokers cater to all specific needs and requirements of property investor. Things that foreigners/expatriates should do After deciding on their budget, location, amenities and facility a foreigner or expatriate can consult a reliable agent or broker to meet their specific housing needs. Thereafter they can ascertain the value of the property in order to obtain a loan. Financial institutes and various banks grant loan to all foreigners after fulfilling certain criteria. Thereafter all purchase formalities and documentation has to be done. The buyer can also opt for inspecting the property before taking over the property. ConclusionSingapore's booming economy and a progressive real estate property market has led to an ever growing demand among property buyers. Foreigners and expatriates can make easy and cost effective purchases or rent an apartment by following these house hunting guides. These tips and house hunting guides should be considered and evaluated properly to obtain the most suitable apartment of your choice.

Professional Property Management Consultant Analysis in Sale & Rental Development, Master in Sale & Rental Property Business Mission for Clients: Meet their interests, objectives and exceed expectation. Provide superior property services on a timely, effective and efficient basis. Maintain the highest standards of professional integrity and the service you can rely on. Dear Clients, I am here to help you on choosing your property in Singapore - Whether you are an experienced investor, a first time buyer or a foreigner looking to move into Singapore. My services cover you through the whole process - finding the property, negotiating the best price, making an offer and closing the deal. I am here to help you in everything to make the best real estate decision in your life. In today Singapore's changing market condition and the laws, the engagement of a realtor is more important than ever. Property hunting process is busy and exciting, I am here to make sure the experience goes as smoothly as possible by giving you all the help you need under one roof and to ensure your new home meets all your expectations. My aim is to offer my clients, looking to buy, sell, let, rent with the highest level of service, professionalism and personal attention at all times. Let's discuss your leasing and selling needs today by using unique marketing plan. With our wealth of experience we are equipped to advise you on various matters market conditions pricing strategies, management of your property. We are highly experience and motivated to strive for the best deals for you whether in the sale & rental or management of your property. No matter how difficult your situation maybe, I’m confident to solve all your property needs I believe in straightforward explanations. My guiding principle is * Integrity and Knowledge.* We fully master the tenancy principal terms & conditions, so we can solve any problem in rental market. Our Home Protection Warranty Plan and Professional Property Management Tenancy Agreement, will let you rent out your house 100% Peace of Mind. This is why it's important to engage a qualified (certified), honest, driven, reliable, knowledgeable and capable housing agent who can readily give sound advice and work efficiently to address all your property needs. According to your properties' location and condition, we can tell you to improve your valuation prices. And we can give you valuable advices to help you to improve your valuation price on latest transaction record update system HDB value every month. 'Put the least effort, gain the maximum valuation', this is what we want you benefit from our services. Buyers and Sellers on real estate information and analyses over Singapore property market. The end goal is to build a leading public engine, which delivers more convenience and benefits to public interested in real estate matters and transactions, and for the portal to be exposed even to the international market. To keep updated about current real estate market To monitor listing and transacted prices To gather more information when they are interested to purchase a new property Professional Service with Personal Touch, Great Demand on Your unit. We are a team of full-time brokers specializing in Sale & Rental. HDB, Condominium, Landed Property Engage me Today as your Exclusive Agent to Share my SECRET MASTER FORMULA Most Powerful Marketing Strategy. Let us show you our Proven Marketing Plan. Our Home Protection Repair Warranty Plan to Protect Your Interest to Sale & Rent out your property without any worries. Possessed years’ experience in Singapore Real Estate covering HDB, Residential(landed property, luxury condos NEW LAUNCH PROJECTS), Office, Shops and Industrial, Warehouse / Factories Building Island wide, Specialize Sales and rental. Engaging a property realtor, the realtor must be reliable, trustworthy dedicated and someone you can trust in helping you get the BEST MARKET PRICE for your property be it renting, selling or buying. This is exactly what Veronica can Do for you! Veronica's goal is simple: Her professionalism, sincere, honest and dedicated service to you. Her mission is to fulfilll her client's real estate needs and wants by carefully listening, researching and finding the most apporpiate properties that meet those needs and wants. Veronica's Target Audience are individual home owner who want an educated and professional realtor to honestly and with dedication to represent them to sell the property. Choose us now, we promise you that we will be responsible during hold tenancy period of lease in represent of you! The right realtor give you result, your perfect property partner, I will find you a right buyer and your next home. Let us take care of the rest for you. No worries, we guarantee peace of mind for your entire rental process! Our brokers are reliable, friendly, efficient and professional. I am here to help you in everything to make the best real estate decision in your life. Feel free to call me or pass this on to the next person who needs my help for a non-obligation discussion. Please contact @ 90292878. If there's no answer, please send us an SMS and we'll get back to you shortly.

Renting Guide & Buying Guide It is important to know what you want in order to find the right rental property, even if you are only renting a property temporarily while your current home is undergoing renovation works, or if you are in the midst of moving to a new home. While your real estate agent, if you have opted to hire one, will ensure that you are able to find a suitable place to reside in temporarily, it wouldn't hurt to make your own list of things you are looking for in a rental property - and to tick them off as you go. • Budget: This is first and foremost the most important thing you will need to consider before anything else. Determining your budget will help you determine the type of rental property that best suits your needs, within your limitations, and should effectively stop you from falling in love with a property that you cannot afford. Having a budget in mind does not only mean taking into account your future expenses for renting a property, but also looking at the price that rental properties typically go for in the location you are considering. This will mean that you have to do some research on the matter, especially if you already have an ideal location in mind. • Location: Location is probably the most important factor for you to consider if you are bringing a family along. If you have children, you will need to look into the matter of schools. Since it is likely that you will not want your children to transfer to different schools when you move to a temporary home, you will need to consider if the location of the rental property poses an inconvenience to the amount of distance your children will have to travel to school and back each day. This is especially important if you are planning to stay in your temporary home for a significant period of time. Also, you have to consider the travelling distance and time to your workplace. • Size and layout: Even if it is only temporary, you have to consider the size if the property you are renting. Can it fit all of your belongings? Is it of a size and layout that you are comfortable with? If there is a possibility of you staying in your temporary home for an indefinite period of time, you will need to think about whether this is a space that you can grow into. Similarly, if you have a family with you, then you will need to take into consideration how many rooms you and your family members will need. If there is not enough space for all of your belongings and you are determined to make this particular rental property your new temporary home, you will need to rent an additional storage unit. You will then have to calculate the cost of renting a storage unit and the duration that you will need the additional storage for. As an alternative, you may opt to sell the furniture that cannot fit into your new rental home. This does not necessarily apply only to space, however; sometimes, you might find that a bed that you're bringing into your new home cannot even fit through the front door. These potential inconveniences should also be taken into consideration when deciding on a rental property. • Facilities: Another factor to consider is the kind of facilities available to you and your family. For example, if you are renting a condominium unit, you should look at the facilities which are available to you, such as access to the condominium's gymnasium, swimming pool and enclosed car park. If you are renting a HDB flat or a landed residential property, you will need to look at the proximity of grocery shops, markets, shopping malls and sports amenities. If these facilities are what you are looking for and they are conveniently available to you, then the property is worth considering. • Transportation: Is the location served by a large number of bus and other public transportation services? This is one question you need to ask yourself if the rental property you are eyeing is not located near your workplace or your school. If you have to change buses two or three times just to get to your destination, then it probably isn't ideal. • Furnishing: Rental properties can be partially furnished, fully furnished or completely void of any furnishings. Moderately furnished rental properties are usually kitted out with light fixtures, air-conditioning and basic laundry and kitchen equipment. Fully furnished properties more often than not include additional items such as beds, sofas and a television. It is important that you discuss with the landlord the level of furnishing that will be provided beforehand and how much it would cost. • State of the property: Inspect your options in person. Check if there are any signs of a leaking roof or a pest infestation. You should also check if there are cracks in the ceiling or in the walls. While this may not necessarily mean that the property is structurally unsound, you should bring it up beforehand with the landlord, especially if you still, for some reason, plan to rent it. Check with the landlord to see if he or she will take responsibility for the rectification works, if necessary, including expenses. • Neighbourhood: When you do go for a rental viewing, make sure to observe the neighbourhood of the rental property you are viewing. If you are not tolerant of noise in the neighbourhood, you may want to make sure that the property you are renting is not located near basketball courts or soccer pitches or next to a busy road. You should be sure that you are comfortable living in the neighbourhood that your rental property is located in, which means taking note of your closest neighbours as well. If you can imagine yourself living there, then the property is worth considering. Buying Guide Basic Factors to Consider Some of the things you need to consider before purchasing a home are: • Budget • Commuting plans • Type of property you are looking to purchase • Additional facilities The most important question to consider is: what is your budget for purchasing a home? This will help you in determining the type of residential property you are eligible for. However, if you do not have a specific budget constraint, then you might want to decide what type of residential property is suitable for you and your family. This can be determined by other factors such as commuting plans and additional facilities, which may include neighbourhood schools, if you have children, and the proximity of certain amenities such as shopping malls and sports complexes. Financing Your Home It is advisable to finance the purchasing of a home using a bank loan, especially if you have limited excess funds. For this, it is recommended that you decide first on the type of residential property you are looking for, and ensure that it is within your budget. If you have engaged a real estate agent or a solicitor to act on your behalf, check with them on all fees payable so as to prepare a more accurate estimate of your overall budget. Banks will also charge an administrative fee for processing a mortgage, as well as an additional fee for valuing a property. When applying for a mortgage, the amount you will ultimately be allowed to borrow will depend on your own individual financial circumstances and the bank's valuation of the property or the actual transaction price, whichever is lower. The bank will also take into consideration your ability to make the monthly instalments to repay the loan, as well as your credit history. Singaporeans are usually allowed to borrow up to a maximum of 90 per cent of the property value, while foreigners may be granted a loan of up to 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the property value or purchase price. Some foreigners may be allowed to borrow up to a maximum of 80 per cent, depending on their credit standing and their ability to provide evidence of having established funds, but this approval is only granted on a case-by-case basis. For resale flats, a loan of 90% of the resale price of 90% of the market value, whichever is lower is offered to qualifying parties. If you are buying a Housing Development Board (HDB) flat, you may want to look into applying for a HDB loan. HDB offers concessionary loans to first-time home buyers and second-time home buyers, who are upgrading to another HDB flat. DBSS (Design, Build and Sell Scheme) and BTO (Built to Order) flats are also available and applicable to Singaporeans only. (Visit the HDB website here) There are various schemes offered by HDB to ease the process of paying for a HDB flat. Listed below are some of them; • Additional CPF Housing Grant (AHG): This is meant to assist families with a steady income to purchase their first subsidized HDB flat. The AHG can be used for the purchase of new, resale and DBSS flats and it is an additional subsidy over and above the regular market subsidy and CPF Housing Grant that new and resale flat buyers respectively enjoy. This scheme was further enhanced in 2009 to make owning a home easier especially for lower income families. The maximum AHG amount has been increased from $30,000 to $40,000 and the income ceiling has been raised from $4,000 to $5,000. Continuous working period preceding the flat application is reduced from two years to one year. • Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG): This scheme provides first-timer families who are earning up to $2,250 a month to buy a smaller flat from HDB that is well within their means. • CPF Housing Grant for Families DBSS: The CPF Housing Grant is a housing subsidy (in the form of CPF monies) provided by the Government. The grant assists eligible first-timer family to buy a DBSS flat from the developer. (Visit the HDB website here) • CPF Housing Grant for Singles/Singles living with parents: This is to assist singles who are 35 years and older in purchasing a flat. (Visit the HDB website here) • The CPF Housing Top-Up Grant: This scheme is a housing subsidy for those who have taken a CPF Housing Grant for Singles previously in their purchase of a resale flat who marry a first-timer citizen spouse or another Singles Grant recipient or in the event where the non-citizen spouse or child have become a Singaporean Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident. • CPF Housing Grant for Family: The CPF Housing Grant is a housing subsidy (in the form of CPF monies) provided by the Government. The grant assists eligible first-timer family to buy an EC from the developer As home purchase is a long-term financial commitment, therefore it is imperative for you to consider and plan your budget effectively before purchasing a flat. These are some steps to take: • Available cash savings • CPF Monies • Housing Loan (if required) • CPF Housing Grant (if required) Foreigners are allowed to purchase resale HDB flats and private residential property according to their financial abilities. Foreigners looking to purchase private residential property or landed property are still required to seek approval from the Singapore Land Authority prior to purchasing. Do bear in mind that if the property you are buying has a limited lease, it may be more difficult to finance the purchase using a housing loan. Generally, the shorter the lease period, the higher the interest rate of the loan will be. If you are planning to use your Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings to finance part of your purchasing of a private residential property, you must familiarise yourself with the limits on the use of CPF savings for residential properties. Visit the CPF website here. Buying an Uncompleted Private Residential Property If you own a HDB apartment or an executive condominium, make sure that you have fulfilled your minimum occupation period. You cannot purchase a private residential property until you have done so. If you are a non-Singaporean citizen and you intend to purchase a landed residential property, you must first obtain approval from the Controller of Residential Property under the Singapore Land Authority. Non-Singaporean citizens include permanent residents. Visit the SLA website here. If you are buying an uncompleted private residential property, it is essential that you check that the housing developer you are purchasing a residential unit from has a Sale Licence. Only housing developers with a Sale Licence are allowed to offer housing units for sale. When viewing a show flat, you should be aware that show flats may differ slightly from the actual units. In this case, you should check the specifications of the unit you are purchasing in the Sale and Purchase Agreement. You should also be thorough and check with the housing developer if the housing project will be affected by any public schemes and special conditions stipulated by authorities. The sale and purchase of a private residential property is only deemed complete when the housing developer has transferred to you the legal title of the unit. One important thing to note is that HDB does not allow for the buyer, the spouse or anyone listed in the application form to have ownership or a vested interest in other property, be it in Singapore or overseas. Applicants must not currently own or have disposed property within 30 months before the date of application and between the application date and the date of taking possession of the flat. HDB may grant an exemption but this is strictly on a case to case basis. If you are interested in seeking exemption, you must fill up a questionnaire and send it back to HDB. Fill in the questionnaire here.  Singaporean buyers may purchase the below mentioned housing units only twice: • a flat from the HDB; • a resale flat with the CPF Housing Grant*; • a DBSS flat from developer; • an EC unit from developer. *Only applicable for first-timer applicants If you have already bought two housing units, you will not be eligible to apply or be listed as an essential occupier in an application. For more information regarding HDB eligibility, visit the HDB website here. Option to Purchase If you wish to purchase a property, you must obtain an Option to Purchase from the seller. An Option to Purchase is essentially a right to a property and acts as a reservation. As the intending purchaser of the property, you will be required to make a payment known as the booking fee, or the option fee, as a deposit of good faith. The option fee payable for a HDB unit is of an amount not exceeding SGD1,000 and the Option deposit does not exceed SGD5,000. This amount is inclusive of the option fee. Once an Option to Purchase has been granted, you or your representative should receive all necessary documents, including a duplicate of the Sale and Purchase Agreement, within 14 days from the date of the Option to Purchase. This 14 days includes Saturday, Sundays and any public holidays that may fall within the allocated period. If the buyer decides not to go through with the sale, he can simply allow the Option to expire. Only the Option Fee will be lost. During the validity period of your Option the Purchase, the seller is not allowed to offer the property for sale to other interested parties. You should be aware that the Option to Purchase obtained from a housing developer is only valid for three weeks from the date of delivery to you or your representative, and if you do not exercise your Option to Purchase within its validity period, it will expire and the seller is entitled to keep 25 per cent of the option fee. You will be refunded the remaining 75 per cent of the booking fee and the seller may then offer the property to other prospective buyers. All licensed housing developers are required to use the standard form of the Option to Purchase, which can be found on the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) website. Any amendments to be made to the Option to Purchase must be approved by the Controller of Housing. Visit the URA website here. Please note that the Option to Purchase is non-transferrable. Therefore, all persons intending to buy a property together should be named as intending purchasers in the Option to Purchase. Only those named as intending purchasers in the agreement may exercise the Option to Purchase. After an Option to Purchase has been granted, any name changes in the agreement must be approved by the Controller of Housing. If you wish to exercise your Option to Purchase, you must sign all copies of the Sale and Purchase Agreement and return them to the housing developer, and make a down payment, which may be between five per cent and 15 per cent of the purchase price, within the validity period. However, the housing developer may also permit you to make the down payment within eight weeks from the date of the Option to Purchase. The standard down payment is 20 per cent of the purchase price, inclusive of the option fee. Sale and Purchase Agreement A Sale and Purchase Agreement is a contract for the sale and purchase of a property between a buyer and a seller. If you have been granted an Option to Purchase, you should have received a copy of the Sale and Purchase Agreement within 14 days from the date of the Option to Purchase. All licensed housing developers are required to use the standard form of the Sale and Purchase Agreement, which can be found on the URA website. Any changes to be made to the Sale and Purchase Agreement must be approved by the Controller of Housing and when this has been done, the housing developer is required to list all amendments made in a separate schedule in the contract, commonly referred as the second schedule. You should ensure that you make all necessary payments due to the housing developer on time in accordance with the payment schedule included in the Sale and Purchase Agreement, or you may be held liable for additional interest payments. If you do not settle any payments due within 14 days, the housing developer may deem that you have repudiated the Sale and Purchase Agreement and take the necessary steps to annul the contract. Once the contract has been annulled, you will be returned 20 per cent of the purchase price, but you will still be held liable for any outstanding interest owed to the housing developer. In the event of a dispute between you and the seller, you may wish to engage the services of a professional mediator to resolve the situation, or seek legal advice if the need arises. You cannot request for the Controller of Housing to intervene as this is outside of the Controller's jurisdiction. Payments Under the Standard Payment Scheme, you will make a total of 10 different payments. 1. The first payment to be made is the booking fee, which is typically between five per cent and 10 per cent of the purchase price. 2. After signing the Sale and Purchase Agreement, you will be required to make a down payment of 20 per cent of the purchase price, less the option fee. 3. Upon completion of the foundation work, you will be required to make a payment of 10 per cent of the purchase price. 4. You will have to make another payment of 10 per cent of the purchase price, following the completion of the unit's reinforced concrete framework. 5. Once the brick walls of the unit have been completed, you are expected to make a payment of five per cent of the purchase price. 6. Another payment of five per cent is due upon completion of the unit's roofing and ceiling. 7. After electrical wiring, internal plastering, plumbing and door and window frame installations have been completed, you will be required to make a payment of five per cent. 8. Following completion of the car park, roads and drains, you will have to make another payment of five per cent. 9. Upon receiving a Notice of Vacant Possession, you will be required to make a payment of 25 per cent of the purchase price. 10. On the completion date, you will have make payment on the remaining 15 per cent. Besides the purchase price, there are other costs which you are likely to incur such as property taxes and maintenance charges. If you are a non-Singaporean citizen, do note that you will be taxed differently from that of a Singaporean citizen, in accordance with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore's (IRAS) regulations. (Visit the IRAS website here.) Notice of Vacant Possession When the unit is ready to be handed over, the housing developer will issue you a Notice of Vacant Possession. The housing developer must also provide you with a copy of the Temporary Occupation Permit or Certificate of Statutory Completion as well as a copy of a certificate by an architect or a professional engineer, who can verify that all works have been completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications. Defects There is a defects liability period of 12 months from the date you receive your Notice of Vacant Possession from the housing developer. During this period, the housing developer has an obligation to rectify any defects in the housing project which become apparent. You should inspect your unit thoroughly as soon you take possession of it. If you discover a defect, inform the housing developer in writing and request that it be rectified. The housing developer is obliged to rectify any defect within one month of receiving notice. If the housing developer is unable to rectify the defect within one month of receiving notice, you may notify the housing developer in writing that you intend to engage a third party to carry out the necessary repairs and provide the estimated costs of the repair works. You should not include any defects in this notification that were not mentioned in the previous notice to the housing developer. If any new defects are found, you should inform the housing developer in writing first before allowing a one-month period for rectification works. Following the second notification, you should allow the housing developer an additional period of 14 days to perform the necessary repairs. If the housing developer still fails to do this, you may proceed with the repair works and make a claim for the costs from the housing developer. Buying a Private Residential Property through a Private Treaty If you are buying a private residential property from an individual owner, it is advisable to engage the services of a solicitor. You will be required to obtain an Option to Purchase from the seller and in this case, you should be prepared to pay a booking fee of one per cent of the purchase price. The validity period of an Option to Purchase from an individual seller is considerably shorter than that of a housing developer's. You only have 14 days to decide whether or not to exercise your Option to Purchase. If you decide not to exercise your Option to Purchase, you will forfeit the booking fee. If you decide to exercise your Option to Purchase, you should be prepared to make another payment of four per cent or nine per cent of the purchase price, as agreed between yourself and the seller. Once this is done, you can allow your solicitor to help you complete the purchase of the property. This will probably take eight to 10 weeks, during which, you will be required to make the remaining payment of 90 per cent of the purchase price. Your solicitor will need to coordinate with the necessary financial institutions to finance the purchase, prepare the contracts and lodge a caveat on the property, among other things. You will also be required to pay a stamp fee to IRAS, which will be three per cent of the purchase price less $5,400, within 14 days of exercising your Option to Purchase. Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest