Immigration Information

Specialised immigration information to guide your move to Singapore.

Property Search Methods

Mega Listing Sites

Mega listing sites are the main digital marketplaces where registered salespersons/agents list properties; the two leading mega sites for Singapore are PropertyGuru and 99.co.

Who is it for?
Mega listing sites are a great option for highly-savvy renters. You are good with research and take calculated risks to avoid price manipulation tactics. These sites are also a good way to explore the various district styles and price points.

Registered Salespersons

Registered Real Estate Salespersons (RES)–commonly called real estate 'agents'–are certified real estate conveyors with extensive knowledge on property taxations, land laws, and ideally keep up-to-date with property market cycles.
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Who is it for?
Property investors and buyers should definitely seek help from a registered agent. The relevant property regulations and market knowledge a RES possesses is practically impossible to replace with self-research.

Renters may also employ the aid of a capable agent to streamline the entire process of 'house-hunting' and to avoid unnecessary 'haggling' and 'undercutting' tricks. An agent will also be able to access information about your unit(s) of interest which you will not be able to obtain on your own.
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Renters are welcome to browse mega listing sites on your own. But, in any case, the respective landlords would have conveyed their preferences via the liaising agent; and you'll be required to submit some basic information (listed below) for every listing enquiry you make.

If this is your first move to Singapore, you may be surprised by the request of your 'occupation' and other private information. Singapore is a highly pragmatic nation, and this information is mainly collected to give landlords the assurance that you hold a stable source of income and will not default on rent. If you're uncomfortable with disclosing such (or other) information, it's fully in the landlord's purview to ignore/reject your enquiry through his/her liaising agent.

A typical request of basic information is as follows (this list is non-exhaustive):
- Your Name
- Nationality
- Age
- Gender
- Occupation
- No. of occupants
- Move in date
- Smoker/Non-smoker

Lease Periods:
- Private Residential Units: Minimum 3 Months Lease
- HDB Apartments: Minimum 6 Months Lease

The Moving Process (An Immigrant's Renter's Guide)

Pre-move Checks

1) Perform Inspections

You'll be given a 30-day grace period from the date you move in to find and highlight defects; and bring them up to your agent's or landlord's attention. But you're encouraged to do your own pre-inspections before commiting to a unit of your choice. These defects should be compiled in a list and serves to protect your deposit for when you want it claim it back at the end of your lease.

2) Hire Professional Cleaners

If your landlord hasn't proactively done this, you are encouraged to find and hire a professional cleaning company (since 'the situation'); this includes the dry cleaning of curtains and cover sheets. Many such services can be found online, or through word-of-mouth recommendations.

3) Diplomatic Clause

If you're immigrating for work (on a work visa), ensure that your landlord/registered agent includes a Diplomatic Clause attached to your Tenancy Agreement (TA). The Diplomatic Clause will exempt you from rent payments for the months where you do not occupy the unit due to sudden retrenchment or transfer out of the country.

Moving Preparations & Approvals

1) Plan for Delays

Do plan at least 14 days in advance for your move. This is so that you may evade delays such as unexpected Public Holiday celebrations (we have many), human resource delays, etc.

2) Obtain Management Approval

You will have to check with your respective condo management office, and seek approval for allowable move-in dates.

3) Prepare a Deposit Amount

Some condominiums may require you to put down a deposit in the case of any unforeseen breakage/damages caused to the common property while moving.

Moving Logistics & General Matters

1) hire A Mover

While I'm not able to publicly refer movers, there are plenty of easily searchable (and reliable) moving companies in Singapore. You're encouraged to begin your search early and collaborate with your intended movers and condo management to align move-in dates.

2) Update Your WoRk Visa

For those of you who are on a valid work visa, you'll now have 5 days to update your new address with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). You may do so online using your Singpass login.

3) Download the SPGroup App

If your utilities are not included in your monthly rental fee, you may want to download the SPgroup App to track this expense. SP Group is the core government-owned electricity and gas distribution company in Singapore.
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