Common Mistakes To Avoid When Apartment Hunting

Mistake 1: Not looking around the neighbourhood

The first and most important step is narrowing down your top locations. It is difficult to decide where to live in Singapore (or anywhere else) if you have never been. A lot of our members mention that this is one of the hardest parts of house hunting. Our member Gabriela had been to Singapore a few times before moving over but still found it hard to find the perfect location. Matteo, an exchange student from ESSEC, had never been to Singapore before so he found it hard to know which locations were best for an exchange student like himself. If you are moving from abroad, we recommend reading a few blogs on the areas to help you decide. You can find more information on the top areas to live in for expats in Singapore, here!

Once you have made your decision on your favourite areas, have a look at what is around the neighbourhood. Have a look at: 

Public Transport

Of course the public transport options are one of the most important aspects to look at. In Singapore, most homes are located within walking distance of public transport. If it is not within walking distance to an MRT stop it will most definitely be within walking distance to a bus stop. It is always worth double-checking whether it is convenient for you to get to your office, your favourite hangout spots, or friends.

Construction

If you have been living in Singapore for a while, you'll know that it is virtually impossible to move into a central location without construction going on nearby. Nonetheless, make sure you book a viewing during a time when you can hear construction noise. You don’t want to find your potential perfect home, have a viewing on a Sunday afternoon, only to find out there is a lot of noisy construction. (Most of the time construction sites will have noise shields but it is definitely worth having a look around the area especially if you are signing a longer lease). 

Malls, restaurants, shops, etc. 

Make sure there are places such as supermarkets, convenience stores, or coffee shops nearby. Although having a 7/11 nearby is sometimes so enticing you end up buying small things you don’t really need, it is very convenient in case you are in need of a few bits and bobs.

Mistake 2: Taking too long to make a decision 

You should take your time when it comes to an important thing like moving home. However, bear in mind that rooms and apartments can be snatched up very quickly, especially when the rental market is hot. The beginning of the year, as well as August/September, are both times in the year when there is a lot of demand in Singapore.

If you have found a home that checks all your boxes tell the agent quickly. At Casa Mia Coliving we have had a few instances where someone was keen to take a room but was too slow in deciding, which resulted in someone else taking it :( 

Mistake 3: Not reading the fine print in the contract 

One of the great things about coliving is that you don’t need to worry about strange clauses in your contract. Of course it is still important that you look over every detail of your contract. For coliving rooms make sure to check things like:

• How and when rent is payed / penalties for late payments
• Terms of deposit 
• Cleaning and maintenance ...what's included and what's extra
• How utilities are payed 
• Notice period for moving out, etc.

For standard apartment rental make sure you check things like:

• How and when rent is payed
• Terms of deposit
• Any pre-move-out cleaning
• Damage, wear and tear, etc...
• Diplomatic clause

Mistake 4: Not checking for damage or not asking questions in your viewing

It is also important that you note any damage there may be in the apartment. Create a shared digital folder with your landlord/agent so that they are aware of these damages before you move in. Remember that if there are any issues in your coliving room to mention them to the operator and they should have them taken care of by the maintenance team.

Ask questions during your viewing! It is the perfect time to find out more about the home. We recommend writing down a list of things to ask during the viewing and noting them down. If you forget anything you can always look back at your notes.

Mistake 5: Not having a look at Google reviews (aka best insights ever)

If you are deciding to move in with a coliving operator but haven't made your mind up with which one you want to go, check the Google reviews. This is the best way for you to get real and honest insights. You might also see how the operator will respond to negative feedback, which is another great way to gauge their professionalism. Check out ours here ;)

Mistake 6: Following your heart

It is true, sometimes following your heart can be the right thing to do. Don't let that conflict you when you are apartment hunting. If you know that the rent is too expensive for you, or the commute is too long, don't settle for it just because your "heart is telling you". 

Interested to learn more about coliving and whether it is something for you? Read our blog here!

If you are reading to book a viewing at any of the Casa Mia Coliving homes, reach out now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is it important to look around the neighborhood before choosing a home in Singapore? It's crucial to explore the neighborhood to ensure it meets your needs, such as proximity to public transport, availability of malls, restaurants, and shops, and absence of disruptive construction noise. Understanding the area helps you making an informed decision about your living environment. Check out all neighborhoods of Singapore.
2. What should I consider about public transport when selecting a neighborhood? Check the walking distance to MRT and bus stops, and ensure it's convenient for commuting to your office, favorite hangout spots, or friends' places. Public transport accessibility is key to a hassle-free living experience in Singapore. Check the guide to public transport in Singapore.
3. How can construction affect my living experience in Singapore? Construction is common in central locations, and the noise can be disruptive. It's recommended to book viewings during times when construction noise is likely to occur to assess the impact on your potential home. Here are top 10 things to take care when you go for a viewing.
4. Why is it important to have nearby amenities like malls, restaurants, and shops? Having essential amenities such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and coffee shops nearby adds convenience to your daily life. It ensures you have easy access to necessary items and services without long commutes.
5. What is the risk of taking too long to make a decision on a rental? In Singapore's competitive rental market, desirable rooms and apartments can be rented out quickly, especially during peak demand periods. Delaying your decision can result in missing out on a suitable home.
6. What details should I check in a rental contract? Carefully review the rental contract for details on rent payment terms, penalties for late payments, deposit terms, cleaning and maintenance responsibilities, utilities payments, and notice periods for moving out. This helps avoid unexpected issues later.
7. Why is it important to check for damage and ask questions during a viewing? Noting existing damage and asking questions during a viewing helps prevent future disputes with landlords. It also ensures you have a clear understanding of the home's condition and any potential issues before moving in. Questions to ask during viewings in Singapore.
8. How can Google reviews help in choosing a coliving operator? Google reviews provide real and honest insights from current and past residents about their experiences with coliving operators. Checking reviews helps gauge the professionalism and reliability of the operator and their response to feedback. Check CasaMia Coliving Reviews.
9. Why should I avoid following my heart when apartment hunting? While following your heart might sometimes be right, practical considerations such as rent affordability and commute times are crucial. Ensuring the apartment meets your practical needs prevents future regrets and financial strain.
10. Where can I learn more about coliving and book a viewing at Casa Mia Coliving? To learn more about coliving and explore whether it suits your lifestyle, you can read detailed blogs and resources provided by coliving operators. To book a viewing at Casa Mia Coliving homes, you can reach out directly through their contact channels.