for a more updated, comprehensive listing, visit the link below

UrbaneSpaces

Conservation shophouses
Shophouses represent the appealing combination of the charm of old world Singapore and modern interiors and living facilities. I'm opting to categorise colonial townhouses along with the shophouses for easier categorisation.

The Townerville colonial bungalows present an affordable option for those seeking some of that rustic charm. Situated in a quiet neighbourhood( a little bit too quiet at night for me- I prefer some nocturnal activity), it is conveniently located whilst retaining loads of charm and character, a rarity in overdeveloped Singapore.

The shophouses in Petain Road, meanwhile, are beautiful and exhibit the usual characteristics of presenting viewers with a deceptive facade of a colourful, almost tacky Peranakan exterior with the cool contemporary living space and facilites inside. Take a look at some of the houses there- they were done with a minimalist zen outlook in mind. A contrast that's forgiveable(and even expected of) in a shophouse.
Petain road is conveniently located and public transport is accessible with many buses going to town as well as the upcoming MRT line. Situated two streets away from desker Road, you could actually boast to your friends that you're living in a red light district in Singapore(tongue firmly in cheek). Although of course, if you choose not to explore that area, rest assure that there are no fallover effects from two streets away.

Serviced Apartments
A hybrid between hotels and apartments, serviced apartments offer the best of both worlds- more homely and personalised than hotels while offering the convenience of cleaning services.

Serviced apartments have characteristically smaller numbers of units and staff to tenant ratio is consequently lower. The latter often leads to staff knowing your general whims, quirks and fancies.

There are several serviced apartment operators in Singapore, amongst the largest being Far East Organisation and The Ascott Group. The high-end service apartments include Treetops, Shangri-La apartments and Orchard Parksuites.

Generally, the serviced apartments located away from Orchard area are more affordable, like the ones in Bugis and River Valley.

The niche market serviced apartments serve is currently being eroded and the clear line differentiating between serviced apartments, hotels and apartments increasingly blurred with the appearance of a new breed of 'apartments with services'. These are basically apartments that comes with the option of maid's services.

Condominiums
Various condominiums according to your needs.

In the aggressive condo sales market, some apartments come with Philippe Starck bathroom fittings. The new condo development on Cairnhill road is designed by Moshe Safdie. You have to pass by it to appreciate how modern and edgy the apartment is. Strictly for fans of the ultra-modern look who don't mind running up air-conditioning bills to combat the glasshouse effect.

There are choices aplenty and condos are increasingly becoming a lifestyle option-a personal statement of who you are. Hip, edgy and on the cutting edge? Opt for the aptly-named, 'The Edge' on Cairnhill. Other options include 'The Loft' on Nassim Hill( with bathroom fittings from Philippe Starck, sanitary fittings from Duravit,designer wardrobes by Hoffen and Gaggenau kitchen appliances) and Scotts 28(less edgy but still very modern in its design).

Sporty and love being near the sea? The normal options include the Makena, Costa Rhu and Pebble Bay. Other choices include Water Place(Tanjong Rhu) and the very popular River Place.

Old,moneyed and staid? The Claymore, Ardmore Park and Leonie Condotel amongst others.

Cosmopolitan, urban yuppie? The excellent Trevose apartments, St Martin Residence and lots of other more affordably=priced new developments.

The way I arrange a viewing schedule starts with the client giving me basic information as per their needs, requirements, preference, priorities and budget. That allows me to shortlist properties more efficiently.
Typical questions that need answering would be:
1)Particular kind of house you are looking for
-Is a large square footage a priority?
-A pool?
-Elevated land?
-Space for number of cars to be parked?
-Number of bedrooms?
-Architectural design
-Which districts

2)Where do you work and where do your children(if any) go to school?
That way, i would be better able to suggest places other than the prscribed and much vaunted 9/10/11. Families with children going to United World College are usually fine with District 21-Sunset area as well. Some, who work in town and have kids schooling in the Overseas Family School, will be more receptive to living in the Braddell Heights area. Both Sunset and Braddell Heights are pleasant residential areas with plenty of beautiful houses that give you better value for your money.

3)Do you entertain frequently? Any pets?
Families with dogs typically need a large yard for the dog to roam. Some landlords are also particular about not having pets on their grounds, especially if substantial landscaping has been done.
Couples/families who entertain frequently also need an impressive, or at least presentable place for their residence. Therefore, if entertaining is a priority, a suitably impressive house with the requisite space for entertaining will be kept in mind when shortlisting properties for viewing.

4)Other special requests:
eg. wheelchair friendly (more common request for condominiums)
a child safe place
nothing above 2 storeys(as in the case of young mothers with infant children-going above two storeys with an infant would almost literally be a backbreaking task).

5)If you have gone on viewing trips with other agents, would appreciate it if you could brief me on the properties you have seen so it would not result in a replication of viewing schedules.

6)Corporate/personal lease? When is the commencement date?

Essentially, would greatly appreciate any feedback re: the houses viewed at the end of the day so I can create a more efficient shortlist for future viewings or arrange for a second viewing if necessary. Honesty with regards to the budget would also be very much appreciated. Agents tend to know the extent by which the asking price can be negotiated, especially if we've had previous dealings with the landlord. While most landlords have factored in a buffer for the asking price of their property, expecting some bargaining to be done, there are also some landlords who ask for a nett, non-negotiable price.

While I try my best to accommodate last minute requests for viewings, 1 day's notice is desirable, especially if we're going to view more than 2 houses. I am contactable @92389709. Best time to contact me would be after lunchtime.