Best districts for expats in Singapore

As with everywhere else on the planet, location, location, location is the most important aspect of of property purchase in Singapore.

For expatriates living and working in Singapore on a long-stay basis, buying a home is the sensible option, as rentals are expensive and there’s no capital gains kickback when leaving for another world location. Recent surveys suggest at least one in three workers intend to buy property set close to public transportation, malls and markets and offices. Five areas in the city-state fit the bill, numbered as Districts 15, 11, 12, 9 and 10.

District 15 is set close by East Coast Park, with its waterfront developments some of the most popular on the island. It’s convenient for Changi International Airport and the city’s CBD via the fast East Coast Parkway. Soon to open is the local MRT line, offering nine stations giving easy access to the commercial district. District 11 is immensely popular due to its Newton Hawker Centre, famous for its amazing selection of delicious local and international cuisine. Two MRT lines make getting around easy, and the area’s close proximity to the CBD and Orchard Road helps make it popular with expats.

District 12 is one of the city-state’s oldest HDB towns and is home to the self-contained Toa Payoh estate with its stores, clinics, schools, eateries and community centres. Convenient for expats who don’t wish to factor in travel times, it also offers lower rentals than many other districts. In addition, Balestier is well known for its charmingly Art Deco shophouses, famous Bak Kut The food stalls and the Whampoa Hawker Centre.

The Orchard area in District 9 is famed as Asia’s primary shopping destination, although residential property is expensive and sought-after. Access to the area will be improved once the Thomson/East Coast line is up and running along with its Orchard Boulevard Station. Adjacent River Valley boasts stunning new developments including luxury condos.

District 10 is the elite home of embassies, the city’s Unesco World Heritage-listed Botanic Gardens and a good number of chic restaurants and bars, but access to the rest of the city is limited. In the same district, Holland Village is popular with both expats and locals and has its own MRT station. Ambience and charm are its main attractions and its laid back yet lively vibe is perfect for millennial.