Posted by Are you looking to come down to Singapore anytime soon? If so, you’ll naturally want to take a look at your accommodation options here. For instance, if you wish to rent luxury apartments in Singapore, there’s a need to understand this category carefully. This is one rental market that’s been performing fabulously in Singapore, with massive demand for large penthouses, bungalows, and a lot more in prime zones like Districts 9, 10, and 11.
Of course, with increasing interest from business and corporate guests, long-stay travellers, and expats, this is one category that’s picking up swiftly and you’ll find plenty of options throughout the city and beyond. However, before you rent a luxury apartment in Singapore, it’s important to check a few expert tips to help you choose the right property for a more enjoyable experience.
Let’s take a look at some of the top tips in this case along with insider insights, neighbourhood recommendations, and other pitfalls worth avoiding. This will help you get the best apartment for your needs in Singapore without a doubt.
10 Insider Tips for Renting Luxury Apartments in Singapore
There are several handy tips for renting luxury serviced apartments in Singapore that will come in handy during your trip. These include the following:
1. Know the Top Luxury Neighbourhoods
It’s important to pick the best areas to stay in Singapore for renting luxury apartments. Here are a few suggestions:
- Orchard Road– This stands out as a fabulous dining and shopping district, with plenty of luxury properties and easy access to the CBD and other business hubs like Marina Bay.
- Marina Bay– You will find this centrally-located district really convenient with its abundance of luxury rentals and proximity to the CBD River Valley and Marina Bay Sands, among other major landmarks.
- River Valley– It is an area with a distinct recreational and residential vibe, while also offering easy proximity to the CBD and several museums, gardens, and more. You’ll find several dining and entertainment choices here as well.
- Sentosa Cove– Sentosa Cove is more family-friendly with a calmer vibe and a focus on leisure and relaxation. You’ll discover multiple entertainment options in this locality and multiple transportation options for easy access to business hubs.
2. Choose Between Serviced vs. Non-Serviced Apartments
You can choose between non-serviced and serviced apartments for your stay in Singapore. The latter is ideal for those who want hotel-like services and comfort while enjoying home-like comfort during their stay. The former is more suitable for those who are more hands-on in terms of their day-to-day needs and do not require services during their time in Singapore. Serviced apartments often come with several amenities like concierge, hotel-like receptions, room service, maid services, and more.
3. Understand Lease Terms and Deposit Requirements
Before signing the deal for luxury accommodation in Singapore, it’s vital to understand the deposit requirements and lease terms carefully. For instance, the typical deposit needed is usually for 1-2 year lease agreements, equivalent mostly to a month or two months’ rent.
You should also check various aspects like the lease duration, i.e. whether it’s a long or short term rental in Singapore, security deposit amount and return conditions, early termination or other clauses, renewal, payment method and rent amount, maintenance responsibilities, contract breach, etc.
4. Use Trusted Rental Platforms or Agencies
Make sure you use only trusted rental agencies or platforms to finalise your luxury apartments in Singapore. This will help you avoid any fraudulent practices or future shocks once you land at your apartment in the city-state. For instance, go for only verified providers or apartment providers like TheSquare, which have a solid track record over the years.
5. Check What’s Included in the Price
Don’t go by just the price that is set for any particular luxury rental. Know what is included in the price, since some rentals also include utilities like internet, water, and electricity in the same, while others do not. The best way to go about it is to ask for an estimated breakdown of monthly costs to avoid any future surprises when you start living in your apartment down the line.
6. Evaluate Building Amenities and Security
Most luxury apartments in Singapore come with multiple amenities that you should compare carefully before making a final decision. For example, many units offer access to onsite gymnasiums, swimming pools, sauna and Jacuzzi facilities, wellness amenities, communal lounges, concierge services and receptions, business centres and meeting rooms, car parking, etc.
Another thing to check is the security features that are provided at your apartment, including 24/7 security, CCTV surveillance, key card access, and so on. Go for an apartment that ticks all the boxes in terms of the amenities that you desire.
7. Prioritise Locations with Good Connectivity
The next step is to focus on locations that offer good connectivity to several parts of the city, including business zones, tourist landmarks, shopping hubs, and so on. This depends on your needs and what you’re looking to get out of the trip. Choose an apartment with seamless MRT access and proximity to other transit points, in addition to those that are within a short walk of supermarkets and F&B outlets for your daily needs.
8. Check Noise Levels and Surroundings
Another thing to do is visiting the luxury apartment at different times of the day, in order to gauge the neighbourhood noise levels and overall surroundings that you can expect. If that’s not possible, read tenant reviews carefully to understand whether you can safely live in the area without any hassles or disturbances to bother about. Often, proximity to major construction zones or projects may impact comfort due to noise and dust. At the same time, many apartments are near bustling nightlife zones, which may lead to traffic congestion, noise, crowds, and so on.
9. Clarify the Maintenance Policy
Get a full clarification regarding the maintenance policy of the apartment, i.e. who holds responsibility for taking care of repairs and renovations, and understand the timeline within which issues are fixed (whether it’s speedy or not). This will help immensely if you’re staying for the long haul.
10. Be Aware Of Cultural Etiquette and Local Rules
Understanding cultural etiquette in Singapore and the local regulations goes a long way towards ensuring a hassle-free stay for the long term. For example, adhere to the desired noise levels in your rental without any breaches and also keep visitor policies (whether guests are allowed, visitor parking, and other rules) in mind. Remember that smoking may be prohibited in certain rentals and other common areas in and around the building.
Always greet people respectfully at the apartment and use Uncle or Auntie, while talking to elderly citizens. Remove your shoes before entering other homes and religious sites, while refraining from public displays of affection. Do not speak brashly or loudly and maintain punctuality which is revered highly in Singapore. Note that spitting, littering, and chewing rum are not allowed, along with eating/drinking while taking public transportation. You cannot buy alcohol in public after 10:30 PM or cross roads at spots other than designated crossing points.
Conclusion
Adequate preparation matters immensely when you’re looking to rent luxury apartments in Singapore since you should ensure a comfortable and hassle-free stay without future hassles to worry about. Use the above-mentioned tips to find the ideal luxury rental in Singapore and enjoy a memorable stay in the nation.