GOOD news for singles who want to buy a Housing Board flat to live with their parents.
They will get a higher CPF housing grant of $20,000 - from the current $11,000 - from April 1, the HDB announced on Thursday morning.
This higher-tier singles grant will also apply to eligible singles buying flats under the Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS).
The catch is: the eligible single must commit to living together with his parents in the resale flat for at least five years.
Within the five years, the parents cannot buy or take over the ownership of another HDB flat, or invest in a private property, said the HDB.
Under the single Singapore citizen (SSC) scheme, single Singaporeans aged 35 years and above can get a CPF housing grant of $11,000 to buy a HDB resale flat if they satisfy the eligibility conditions.
Minister for Prime Minister’s Office, Mr Lim Boon Heng, announced the higher singles grant in Parliament on March 8.
‘It is a pro-family initiative to encourage children to look after their parents,’ said the HDB.
The higher-tier singles grant will apply to resale applications or booking of DBSS flats from April 1.
All other prevailing policies such as the income ceiling, minimum occupation period for resale, will apply.
March 28th, 2008
Posted by
Coldie |
Articles, Real Estate |
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Experience testifies to the low-risk nature of property investments. However, you shouldn’t naively interpret the words “low risk” to mean “no risk worth noticing.”
Tens of thousands of home buyers and property investors, often speculators, have lost vast sums of money in real estate. And these same people will continue to lose vast sums in the future too.
Why do they lose? Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons:
Ignorance. They fail to gain detailed knowledge about the markets where they are investing. In other words, they do not consider the laws of supply and demand.
Unjustified optimism. They blindly assume that the near future will mirror the immediate past. They take on more mortgage debt (or accept higher interest rates) than they can realistically pay.
Gullibility. They foolishly believe the infomercial gurus who preach “No cash, no credit? No problem!”
Unwillingness to work the numbers. They fail to anticipate the maintenance and renovation dollars that must be invested to sustain and enhance a property’s value.
Personal lack of discipline. They destructively spend and borrow to support a conspicuous lifestyle they cannot legitimately afford.
In other words . . .
People who suffer losses in property don’t lose money because property investing entails high risk. They lose money because they fail to learn and apply the principles of property investment analysis and personal financial management.
So please ignore the advice of anyone who claims that owning property itself will make you rich. Place the focus and responsibility for success on yourself.
Repeat these words: “If I educate myself, if I discipline my spending and borrowing, if I learn the art and science of investing wisely, then through property I can build as much wealth as I want or need.”
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November 9th, 2007
Posted by
Coldie |
Investments, Real Estate |
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Here are things to know and useful contact telephone numbers whereever and whenever you move around Singapore, whether you are working, living or relocating expatriate, studying student or just living in Singapore, remember some of the numbers by hard or save into your mobile phone would give you greats help in case when situations need those contacts. Call 100 for a quick directory search if you in need of other contact telephone numbers in Singapore.
Alternatively, you can check them from the following websites which offer company, product and services with full address, contact and fax information:
http://www.yellowpages.com.sg
http://www.eguide.com.sg
http://www.thegreenbook.com.sg
Things to Know about Living in Singapore
Transportation in Singapore
Health Care in Singapore
Entertainment and Night Life
Culture & Religion
Weather in Singapore
International Clubs in Singapore
International Language Institutes in Singapore
Transportation in Singapore
Public Transportation
Singapore’s transport system is regarded as one of the most efficient, clean, and wide-spread in the world. A comprehensive network of buses, inexpensive taxis, and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) provide access to every corner of the island.
Taxis are reasonably priced and generally readily available except when it rains and at shift changes over time (around 3 p.m.) Flagfall starts at Singapore Dollars S$2.40.
To view a map of all MRT stations and routes, please visit the SMRT website http://www.smrt.com.sg. To view a map of all Bus stations and routes, please visit the SMRT Bus website http://www.smrtbuses.com.sg/busguide/default.htm.
Private Transportation
If you intend to drive in Singapore you are required to obtain a Drivers Licenece within a year of your arrival, however it is reccomended that you apply as soon as you receive your employment or dependent pass.
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Health Care in Singapore
Singapore has one of the most extensive health care systems in the world.
Singapore provides the complete spectrum of medical services from primary care, to health screening, to quaternary care serves such as organ transplants. Foreign patients come to Singapore for a broad range of specialist care including Cardiology, Gynacology, Orthopaedic Surgery, Oncology, Urology, Neurosurgery, besides General Surgery and General Medicine. Singapore has the solid fundatmentals of a regional healthcare hub with its reputation for clinical excellence, highty-trained medical workers, regulated health environment, the availability of the latest medical technology and good infrastructure.
Singapore has both private and public hospitals. The private hospitals tend to have better amenities and are more expensive.
The following have twenty four hour emergency and outpatient departments.
Public Hospitals
Private Hospitals
The International Medical Clinic is popular among expatriates for family, paediatric and travel medicine services.
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Entertainment & Night Life
Since the late 1990s, the government has been striving to promote Singapore as a centre for arts and culture, including theatre and music. This fits in with Singapore’s status as a cosmopolitan and multi-racial society, often being called the “gateway between the East and West”. The highlight of this plan is the Esplanade - “Theatres on the Bay”, a centre for performing arts that opened in 2003. To attract more tourists, the government has decided to build two “Integrated Resorts” (IRs), each with a casino component built-in, at Marina South and Sentosa respectively.
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Culture and Religion
Singapore is the second most densely populated independent country in the world.
Singapore’s population, though small at 4.42 million as of July 2005, is relatively diverse compared to most other countries. The Chinese, who have constituted the majority of the island population since the colonial era, account for 76.8% of Singaporeans. Malays, who are the indigenous native group of the country, constitute 13.9 Indians are the third largest ethnic group at 7.9%. The rest are made up of smaller groups such as Arabs, Jews, Thais, Japanese, and the Eurasian community.
Singapore is a multi-religious country. More than 40% of Singaporeans profess that they adhere to Buddhism. Most Muslims are Malay. Christianity in Singapore consists of 14% of the population. Other religions include Sikhism and Hinduism followed mainly by those of Indian descent.
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Weather
Singapore is an equatorial country with relatively uniform temperature, high humidity, and abundant rainfall.
Average Daily Temperature: 25-31 Degrees Celsius
Average Daily Relative Humidity: 66%
Average Rainfall: 2,623 mm
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International Clubs in Singapore
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International Cultural/Language Institutions
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October 31st, 2007
Posted by
Coldie |
Articles, Real Estate |
no comments
Expatriate/expat relocating in Singapore could be great experience, if you do the right thing in a right way. Renowned for the ‘Garden City’ of the east, Singapore is a land of greenery amidst the cutting edge infrastructure, a great place for talent and offer equal opportunities for people who live and work here. Singapore is one the most efficient with least corruption country, if you are still in oversea and planning to make a career, study or live here.
Have an idea through our simples Needs Analysis form or Things to Know ready when you touch down in Singapore. Alternatively you can reach us by email for any enquiry while you are still in overseas.
Items to be considered prior to home search:
- Housing budget
- Size of Property & Number of Bedrooms
- Age of Property (newer properties have modern finishings and facilities but tend to be smaller)
- Location
- Aesthetic preferences
- Other requirements (garden, balcony, etc)
- Partially Furnished v. Fully Furnished
The majority of rental properties in Singapore are partially furnished. This means that they come with air conditioners, white goods (washing machine, dryer, refrigerator, stove, and oven), and blinds/curtains. Fully furnished properties are also available.
Two (2) year leases are the standard in Singapore. One (1) year or shorter leases can also be negotiated.
- Corporate or Personal Lease
Landlords in Singapore usually prefer corporate leases, however personal leases are becoming more accepted.
Viewing
Once the initial assesment is complete, agent and client will set a date for viewing properties. Agent will collect the client and begin viewing properties (plan on viewing three properties per hour).
Letter of Intent/Letter of Offer
When the ideal property is found, agent will prepare a “Letter of Intent/Offer” for their client to approve. This is a letter stating the Tenant’s intention to lease a property from the Landlord. It will outline the Tenant’s requirements for leasing the property. When the Letter of Intent is agreed upon by all parties, a finalized version, signed by the tenant(s) will be sent to the Landlord for signature, along with a good faith deposit equal to one (1) month’s rent. This will serve as half of the two (2) month’s security deposit.
Tenancy Agreement
After the Letter of Intent/Offer is signed, both parties will complete the Tenancy Agreement. This is the legal contract between Tenant and the landlord. It outlines the terms and conditions of renting the property. Upon signing of the Tenancy Agreement, the client is required to pay to the landlord the second (2nd) half of the two (2) month security deposit and the first (1st) months rent.
Security Deposit
A security deposit of two (2) months rent is required for most leases in Singapore.
Handover
The day of the handover, agent will represent their client by reviewing the inventory list/handover form and taking photographs of any flaws, defects, or damage to the rental property.
Agency Commission/Fee
In Singapore, the landlord pays the agency commission whereas the tenant/client does not, except in the following circumstances
Rentals below Singapore Dollars S$2,500 (per month)
In this case, the tenant shall pay his/her agent a minimum of one half (1/2) month’s gross rental for a lease less than twelve (12) months.
Or; the tenant shall pay his/her agent a minimum of one (1) month’s gross rental for a lease between twelve (12) months to twenty four (24) months
Government owned properties
In these properties (Black and White bungalows, some conservation homes) the tenant shall pay his/her agent a minimum of one half (1/2) month’s gross rental for a lease less than twelve (12) months.
Or; the tenant/client shall pay his/her agent a minimum of one (1) month’s gross rental for a lease between twelve (12) months to twenty four (24) months.
Tenancy Management
During the course of a tenancy, agent will assist their client with various issues (repairs, lease extension and renewal etc) that may arise.
Handback
At the end of the tenancy period, agent will assist their client(s) in either renewing their lease or handing back the property to the landlord. At the conclusion of the handback, agent will also secure the security deposit from the landlord for their client(s).
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October 26th, 2007
Posted by
Coldie |
Articles, Real Estate |
no comments
I just came across this interesting article by Donald Trump and thought it would be great to share with you.
The Importance of Beauty in Real Estate and in Life - By Donald Trump
For Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor, New York, I wanted to do something spectacular. I decided to erect a 110-foot waterfall that pumped 5,000 gallons of water per minute and cost $7 million to complete.
The engineering and landscaping challenges were astounding. We had to move countless tons of earth and granite and encountered numerous setbacks before the water flowed.
If you think that building this waterfall was easy, or that it happened overnight, think again. During construction, I often felt like I was moving the granite myself. It was brutally hard work, but I remained positive. I refused to settle for anything less than I envisioned, and my positive perseverance worked.
Surrounding Yourself with Beauty
Everyone knows how important beauty is to me. I always try to have it in my life. I hire the best people, find the most fabulous locations and use the finest materials to make sure that every project I undertake is truly exceptional. Being surrounded by beauty makes me feel great; it enhances every part of my life, and I deserve it.
Beauty and elegance are not superficial. They are products of personal style that come from deep within. No matter how hard you try, you cannot buy style. It has an intrinsic value, and for me, style and success are completely interwoven. I wouldn’t want to have one without the other.
My style is based on trying to make whatever I do breathtakingly beautiful. People react emotionally to my style; they appreciate, get pleasure from, and want more of it. My style excites me and inspires me to do bigger, better and more magnificent projects. It’s no accident that I’m so involved with beauty. It’s my signature, my brand, and I think it’s best to have it in spades.
Think about what you find to be beautiful. What really knocks you out? Bring it into your life; get involved.
When you’re exposed to beauty, you will want to bring elements of it into other parts of your life. That can help you rise to higher levels. It can elevate your understanding of excellence and the quality of the goods or services you provide. Instead of just delivering good, serviceable items, this new understanding can drive you to furnish only the very best.
When you’re planning your projects, it’s not that much more difficult or expensive to make them beautiful. If what you provide is exceptional, you can increase your price. Beauty will also enhance your reputation because it tells the world that you have excellent standards and consistently produce the most beautiful work. People will want to be associated with you and your projects because it implies that they also have great taste.
When you have beauty in your life, it can make everything better and more worthwhile. Isn’t that the reason you work so hard?
P.S. - Donald Trump gives insight of why he works so hard. Maybe if you sync your thoughts and drive like him, you will be able to achieve similar kinds of success.
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September 20th, 2007
Posted by
Coldie |
Articles, Life, Motivational, Real Estate, Thoughts |
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