Singapore property for rent & sale
Michael Christian Felix Schmitt
CEA Salesperson Reg. No.: R010118H
PropNex Realty Pte Ltd
Licence No: L3008022J
Tel: 9129 3404, www.drschmittproperties.com
Email: mschmitt@singnet.com.sg
Business established: 6 years
Niche: Expatriate Singapore property consultant.
After more than three decades of working for several multi-national organisations, Michael joined PropNex Realty (www.propnex.com) and ventured into the real estate business. As an Associate Branch Director, he caters to both expatriates and Singaporeans interested in renting, purchasing and selling private property.
Michael uses a three-pronged approach. Firstly, he ensures he's fully knowledgeable of his client's desires and needs, to ensure any prospective property will complement their lifestyle. Secondly, he updates clients on the latest information regarding the market segments relevant to their needs. And lastly, he provides clients with a range of relevant properties to view.
TF: What's in store for Singapore's private property market in 2011?
MS: In the third quarter of 2009, Singapore experienced the lowest rental values - in unison with plummeting property prices triggered by the Lehman Brothers' collapse. Since then rental prices have nearly fully recovered. Assuming continued growth of the economy, I expect a moderate rental price increase in 2011.
TF: What are the 2011 property market trends?
MS: For residential rental and purchases, expatriates will continue to favour the central districts of nine, 10, 11 and district 15 (East Coast), plus the newly-favoured district of 19 (Serangoon Gardens).
Small and starter businesses should consider renting Small Office Home Office (SOHO) units, or even converting a residential apartment at The Sail @ Marina Bay into an office space, if approved by the URA. This is a significantly less-expensive option than renting office space at Marina Bay.
Property tips
- Before engaging a property agent, list your needs and home preferences to make your search more focused and efficient.
- Allocate a realistic budget to allow flexibility in your choices - be it renting a landed property or a condominium with facilities.
- When choosing, consider location and the convenience of reaching your workplace, kids' schools and amenities. As such, rent first instead of buying - until you've decided you want to stay longer and have a better idea of the areas you prefer
- Look for a reliable agent through word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or colleagues. Maximise efficiency by hiring one good agent who's fully aware of your needs.
- Since January 1, 2011 all agents have to be registered with the Council for Estate Agencies (www.cea.gov.sg). So before you decide on a property agent, check the website to ensure they're registered and to find out more about the agency they represent.
- When you're ready to buy, visit www.sla.gov.sg for details of any rental or re-sale restrictions for foreign owners of property in Singapore. This could influence whether you buy an apartment,
or a landed property.
Posted Apr 2011
