Searching for a new home an ocean away can be incredibly daunting. Here are some quick tips and things to look out for, to help to make your overseas home search a little easier!
by Chang Hui Chew
1. Understand what is available in the market
Each country has slightly different property types available, with their own characteristics and prices. In Malaysia, SOHO units are popular with expats, while in other countries, condotels, (condominiums with front desk facilities) are a possible option. Most countries have websites that cater specifically to helping expats and foreign students enter the property market as well. If you’re looking for homes in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, PropertyGuru has websites in those countries that can help you.
2. Decide on a few locations to look for a home
Those looking to move overseas will look for homes within close proximity to their workplaces or schools. Most companies or schools will have a department to help foreigners find homes, and those are a good place to start to check for suitable neighbourhoods, and a fair price to pay. Look out for statistics on crime in specific locations or neighbourhoods if safety is a concern. Keep an eye out for websites as well that help to assess neighbourhoods and their conveniences, such as Walkscore in the United States.
3. Use modern technology
Thanks to modern technology, we are now able to get a good idea of what a property is like from half a world away. Google Maps Street View allows one to get a good idea of what a neighourhood looks like, while virtual tours or even 3D virtual showcases like those found on PropertyGuru’s network of sites allow homeseekers to get a sense of the space in the home. YouTube also has a wealth of user generated videos, including those individuals have made of their neighbourhood.
4. Phone a friend
Of course, there’s nothing like having a person on the ground to help you out. If you have friends or family in the country you are relocating to, reach out to them and ask for help. Even if they are unable visit the locations or properties you’ve shortlisted, they could ask their networks for opinions and advice. As Asians, we often shy away from asking people for favours. In this case, recognise that you will pay the favour forward by doing the same for another Singaporean who will come over in the future.
5. Community assistance
Several popular overseas universities have Singaporean community groups, and most campuses have an overseas students support group. These are valuable resources to help find accommodation, secondhand furniture or roommates for incoming students. For those relocating for work, many big cities will have an overseas Singaporean community. A great place to start for both students and expat workers is the Overseas Singaporean Unit, which curates communities, resources and guides for Singaporeans heading overseas.
6. Seeing is believing
Of course, there’s nothing like being there to see for oneself. In choosing where to live, it’s important to not only get the sense of the property, but also the area around it at different times of the day. Is it easy to commute from school and work, are there grocery stores, Asian food stores and other conveniences around? For those with the means, it might be worth it to live in temporary accomodation, before committing to a longer term lease. For students, this might mean living on campus for a semester, before moving off-campus to an apartment of one’s own.
7. Think about the four seasons
As Singaporeans, we are not accustomed to living in countries with four seasons. Furthermore, with relocation timings often taking place in the summer, we often do not think about or can’t even imagine how life in winter would be like when house-hunting. Check windows for possible air leaks, and for apartment buildings, ask neighbours if the units are well insulated in the winter. Avoid homes on hills or slopes as well. While they might be a picturesque stroll in good weather, it can be difficult to walk or even drive uphill in the winter, especially for those who have yet to acclimatise to colder weather.
8. Rental lingo
For countries where contracts are not executed in English, it is important to get verified English translations of the rental agreement before signing, even if it costs extra money or time. This is to avoid future conflicts with landlords, especially on issues such who pays for repairs and maintenance, as well as exit clauses. One should also try to get sample rental contracts, or ask around about what the usual rental terms are, to make sure that the landlord is not making unusual contractual demands.
9. Take the plunge
In moving to a new country, you’ve decided to take a plunge into the relative unknown. There’s a never ending variety of new places to get to know, new people to meet, new foods to eat, and even new words to learn. If one does not have a sense of adventure, it would be impossible to do this. So rather than worrying too much about housing, embrace the unknown and step into it. It’s a great chance to push one’s own boundaries and comfort zones. There’s a great big world outside of our sunny island.
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