HDB flats in Singapore are available for rent either directly from the Housing and Development Board (HDB), or from the open market. Those who choose to rent through the HDB will have to face several eligibility conditions, and this option is only open to Singapore citizens.
Selected areas of HDB flats in Singapore
For those looking for a relaxed atmosphere, the East Coast is the place to be, with the fabulous East Coast Park providing great beaches and is a great place for anyone looking to get away from the day-to-day hassle of the city. Try the Marine Parade area for proximity to the park.
If business is your number one priority, Orchard, River Valley, Newton and Outram Park all have thriving business districts close by, but few high quality HDB flats in this area available, instead, you will easily find high quality condominium around here. Of course, the price will be much higher than HDB flats.
Holland Village is a favorite amongst the youthful and the expatriate community, with many restaurants and bars close by to provide fun and entertainment.
Keep in mind
Check for proximity to the MRT, Singapore’s train system and most popular means of public transportation. Although not really necessary, if you do happen to have a vehicle of your own, keep in mind that most of the HDB buildings have parking facilities but you need to buy the parking ticket seasonally.Many of the HDB flats in Singapore are old and there are corridors connect each unit. The privacy will be a critical concern when considering renting such flats. However, corner unit is always better choice but you need pay more for it.Another issue with these older flats is the air-conditioning. With tropical weather air-conditioning units can be the difference between pleasant or unbearable living conditions within the flat, so it’s important you make sure the air-conditioning runs smoothly.
One important aspect is the elevators of the building. Although many buildings have already received elevator upgrades through the Lift Upgrading Program (LUP), the program has yet to reach all HDB flats in Singapore. It’s a good idea to see if the elevators reach all floors and are serviced regularly. You don’t want to end up having to walk up and down several stories on a daily basis, something that can be even more troublesome for the elderly and families with children.
A final word on HDB flats in Singapore
As in all housing searches, do your homework first. Feel free to be picky about things that bother you, because after all, you are the one who is going to be living in the flat. Although the HDB rental market is limited, local newspapers have rental advertisements that can be very helpful, and there are rental flat websites that can help as well. Good luck!
Tags: Singapore Business, Singapore News, Singapore Real Estate
Orchard Road is a long stretch located to the north of the Singapore River, populated largely by a multitude of world-famous shopping malls. Thousands upon thousands of travelers and locals alike flock the Orchard Road malls, and such a frequented area naturally has a wide variety of hotels to suit the needs of its visitors.
Budget accommodations in the Orchard district come in the form of hostels and dorm-style establishments. A good example would be the YMCA International House on 1 Orchard Road, which has dorm-style rooms but also has a gym and pool. Another example is Habitat Hostels, which has breakfasts and Wi-Fi internet access.
If one wants to take his accommodations a notch higher, Orchard hosts some of the finest mid-range establishments in the country. The Elizabeth hotel is an older establishment that offers excellent value for money. The colonial-style Rendezvous Hotel offers affordable rates despite the relatively modern amenities. Other mid-range hotels include the Orchard Parade Hotel and the YWCA Fort Canning Lodge.
While budget and mid-range hotels are available options for those on tight budgets, the number of high-end luxury hotels is where Orchard truly shines. Right at the center of the district is the Marriott, with Tang’s Department Store located in the building’s basement. Other luxury establishments include the Shangri-La, the Hilton Singapore, and the Grand Hyatt Singapore. The definitive features of these hotels are being located conveniently at or near the district’s center and, of course, offering a high level of comfort, luxury, and excellent service.
Once you step outside your Orchard Road Singapore hotel, there should be one thing on your mind, and that thing is something the surrounding establishments will be reminding every person: Shopping! But shopping is not the only thing worth doing in the Orchard Road area.
The stretch is also lined with a trio of Singapore’s best museums: The National Museum of Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum, and a British-headquarters-turned-museum called the Battle Box. There are also many places for dining, drinking, and other events and activities.
Getting around the Orchard Road area should be a breeze. Hopping from mall to mall should be doable even on foot. There is also an underground walkway system that links various areas within the district, such as the MRT station in Orchard and Ion Orchard to the eastern Lucky Plaza, the western Wheelock Place, and the Marriott to the north.
Staying at a hotel in the Orchard Road district is a fun and convenient way to experience what is perhaps the densest shopping district in the whole world. With a good range of Singapore hotels that cover the entire budget and target market spectrum, visitors and tourists of all budgets can book rooms right within the district.