SECTION A
WORK PASSES & ELIGIBILITY
1. What work passes are available in Singapore?
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Employment Pass (EP)
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S Pass (SP)
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Work Permit (WP)
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Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
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EntrePass
2. How long does EP approval take?
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Typically up to 3 weeks; or even 6 weeks on case-by-case
3. Can employees bring their family?
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Yes, they can via Dependant’s Pass (DP) or Long Term Visitor's Pass (LTVP) — subject to salary/eligibility
4. Can dependants work?
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Yes, if they secure their own work pass
5. How are EP applicants accessed?
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Through the Complementarity Assessment (COMPASS) Framework
6. What is the COMPASS framework?
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A points-based system assessing salary, qualifications, skills, diversity, and local hiring. More information here
7. Can a company relocate staff without a Singapore entity?
For EP/S Pass, no. ONE Pass offers limited exceptions
8. Can employees work remotely outside Singapore?
Yes, they can. However, payroll, tax, and immigration implications must be reviewed
SECTION B
TYPES OF HOUSING
1. What types of housing can I choose from in Singapore?
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Government Housing (HDB flats)
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Private Housing
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Condominium/Apartments
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Walk-Up Apartments
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Landed Homes
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2. I do not require an entire unit for 1 pax, what options are there?
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Room rentals are available across the specified types of housing
3. What is the estimated rent for each type of housing?
New Field | Type of Housing | Type of Unit | Estimated Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
Government Housing (HDB) | Room Rental | Master Bedroom Ensuite | $1,000 - $3,000 |
Common Room | $800 - $3,000 | ||
Whole Unit Rental | 3-Room (2 Bedrooms) | $2,600 - $6,000 | |
4-Room (3 Bedrooms) | $3,000 - $7,000 | ||
5-Room (4 Bedrooms) | $3,000 - $8,000 | ||
Private Housing | Condo/Apartment Room Rental | Master Bedroom Ensuite | $1,000 - $4,500 |
Common Room | $1,000 - $3,000 | ||
Landed House Room Rental | Master Bedroom Ensuite | $1,000 - $4,000 | |
Common Room | $900 - $2,500 | ||
Condo/Apartment Whole Unit Rental | Studio | $1,000 - $6,500 | |
1 Bedroom | $2,800 - $10,000 | ||
2 Bedroom | $3,800 - $15,000 | ||
3 Bedroom | $5,000 - $25,000+ | ||
4 Bedroom | $6,000 - $25,000+ | ||
5 Bedroom | $8,000 - $25,000+ | ||
Landed House Whole Rental | Shophouse/Conservation House | $6,000 - $25,000+ | |
Terrace House | $6,500 - $25,000+ | ||
Semi-D House | $8,500 - $25,000+ | ||
Detached House | $12,000 - $25,000+ | ||
Bungalow House | $17,000 - $25,000+ |
4. What the minimum period of stay?
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Government Housing (HDB)
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A minimum of 6 months is required by law, but most landlords prefer 1 or 2 years.
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Private Housing
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A minimum of 3 months is required by law, but most landlords prefer 1 or 2 years.
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SECTION C
TIMELINE
1. How fast can I move into my Singapore home?
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It depends on how long the process takes:
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Viewing & Decisions: 5 days or more
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Negotiations & Signing: 3 to 5 days
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Utilities Account Transfer: up to 7 days, or more during festive seasons
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Generally, it can take up to slightly more than 2 weeks. To avoid rushing, I highly recommend to start your search at least 1 MONTH before your planned move-in date.
2. I don't like rushing so I would like to begin my search around 3 months before I intend to start my lease.
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It's good to be early, but do take note that most rentals are only advertised on the market less than 2 months before your lease start date. As such, there may not be many choices available yet.
3. I would like to start my search early, but I will not arrive in Singapore until my intended lease date. How can I attend viewings?
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I provide the service of remote viewing through video call or video tours. However, I highly recommend to view in person when you arrive as remote viewing may not be as accurate.
SECTION D
NEIGHBOURHOODS IN SINGAPORE
1. Which areas/neighborhoods do you cover?
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I am able to assist your employee in finding a home all over Singapore. From CBD and Marina Bay area, to Orchard and River Valley and on to the heartlands. This also includes Sentosa island.
2. Which area/neighborhoods do you recommend?
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All neighborhoods have their own charm, and I usually recommend based on work location, lifestyle habits and budget.
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A simple breakdown would look something like this:
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Families who prefer a quiet environment can consider River Valley, Holland and Bukit Timah
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Singles who prefer to be convenience can consider the CBD area. Alternatives include Tiong Bahru, Queenstown or Redhill
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Neighborhoods like Orchard and East Coast are known for being popular hangouts for shopping and coast life. respectively
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SECTION E
BASICS OF RENTING
1. What documents do I need to start renting?
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Passport
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Valid pass (EP, S Pass, DP, LTVP, Student Pass)
*Can be in the form of In-Principle Approval. Actual passes must be provided later on.
2. Are viewings free of charge?
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There is no charge to view properties.
3. Which parties are typically involved in a rental transaction?
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Landlord + Landlord's agent
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Tenant (You) + Tenant's agent (Ashley)
3. What are the differences between fully furnished, partially furnished and unfurnished units?
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Fully furnished - Typically means you can bring your luggage and move in, but some units still require you to purchase your small personal goods like bedsheets and utensils
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Partially furnished - Only fitted with some appliances such as white goods (fridge, washer and induction cooker). Furniture required to rent or purchase
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Unfurnished - Could fall under partially furnished category, or could mean completely unfurnished
4. I like a unit that is unfurnished but I need furniture. What can I do?
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If your budget permits:
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Prefer brand new furniture - purchase from furniture companies, which I can suggest a few for you to choose from.
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Cost-saving method - rent from a furniture rental company, which I can suggest a few for you to choose from.
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SECTION F
RENTING PROCESS
1. I have decided on a unit and I would like to rent it. How do I kickstart the process?
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Letter of intent
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Good faith deposit
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Passport and work passes
2. What is the total cost expected to rent a unit?
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Good faith deposit / Security deposit
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Rent for lease duration
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Stamp duty
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Agent commissions
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Aircon maintenance fees
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Utitlities + Utilities security deposit
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Misc. fees
3. What are the upfront costs up until key collection?
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Good faith deposit / Security deposit
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Stamp duty
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Agent commissions
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First month advanced rental at key collection
4. I am not sure if there would be a situation where I would need to break my lease. How do I go about it?
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A diplomatic clause will have to be negotiated into the tenancy agreement.
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1 year or less lease - Not applicable. You may lose your deposit or be required to reimburse the landlord on agent fees to find a replacement tenant.
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2 year lease - Allows tenants to terminate after 12 months if employment ends or they relocate.
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For a more in-depth explanation on rental process, please find my rental handbook here under Resources.
SECTION G (For Corporate)
SERVICE & PARTNERSHIPS
1. What is your qualification/experience in assisting employees to find homes in Singapore?
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I have worked with employees with MNCs and executive staff (ie. CEO of an MNC) to relocate to Singapore.
2. How many employees can you handle concurrently?
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The most I have personally handled is 10 employees at the same time. Not to worry as I am working with a large team who are equally proficient and well-trained to assist your employees' accommodations.
3. Do you only help MNCs relocate employees?
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No, I am able to assist startups, SMEs etc. It just so happens that my previous clients are from MNCs. Please feel free to reach out.
4. I would like to do a pilot test before deciding to request your service of relocating all my employees.
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No problem at all. Unless you are on a time crunch to get all your employees over ASAP, I am able to relocate one to a few employees to get started first.
5. What are the chances something goes wrong for my with the move-in process?
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Not to worry, I strive to minimise problems from cropping up as much as possible. Unless it is an issue that involves the employee's work pass, I will do my utmost best to assist and solve the problem.
SECTION H
MISC. QUESTIONS & POST SIGNING
1. What is a Letter of Intent (LOI)?
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A document indicating the tenant’s intention to rent, including key terms (price, start date, additional requests). It has a
1. What is a Tenancy Agreement (TA)?
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A legally binding contract outlining all lease terms, signed after landlord accepts the LOI.
2. What is a Diplomatic Clause (DC)?
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A clause that allows the tenant to terminate the clause given legitimate reasons (ie. employment ends)
3. What is stamp duty?
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A tax that validates your tenancy agreement and makes it enforceable in court. The amount is 0.4% of the total rent for the duration of the lease.
4. Are utilities included in the rent?
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Room & Studio rental: Generally yes, but depends on landlord.
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Whole unit rental: No, you will have to open a utilities account.
5. Why is there aircon servicing fees applicable?
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Room & Studio rental: Generally not applicable, it is usually included in the rent. Do still check with the landlord.
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Whole unit rental: Tenants are responsible to service the aircon on a quarterly basis at their own cost.
6. Is wifi provided?
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Room & Studio rental: Generally yes, but depends on landlord.
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Whole unit rental: No, please choose a provider and install your own wifi. Main broadband providers have start-to-end wifi installation services, so not to worry.
7. I am not familiar with applying for the necessary payment and accounts, are you able to help?
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Yes, I am able to help with the following:
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Utilities (Electrcity, water and gas for some developments) account transfer
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Stamp duty application
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8. I have ended my lease, but the landlord refuses to return my depost. What can I do?
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All unresolved disputes can be escalated to the Small Claims Tribunal.
