Case study: Factors making a good Singapore property investments: Expatriate enclave & subway. 

To: First Time Investors

For best rental returns, always buy Districts 9, 10, 11, 21 and the condos within a 5-minute walk to the subway. 

Expatriate enclave. Almost certain you will attract newcomers to rent such units because expats feel more comfortable not living with locals. Many Caucasians are given the wrong impression of locals living in HDB (Housing Development Board) apartments and do not want to be near Housing & Development Board apartments. Noises, loss of
privacy, urine in elevators and other frightful stories spread by their colleagues sometimes! No condo facilities may be one reason but since rentals are much lower, many Caucasians with "local pay" find the Housing & Development Board apartments
attractive.

Condos next to Housing & Development Board apartments are not preferred by expats. Many Caucasians tend to avoid such condos e.g. The Oleander Towers in Toa Payoh as
they feel a great loss of privacy and the high density. 

High floors are favoured by most Japanese. Unblocked views preferably with green tree leaves, sea or water. Caucasians do take low floors but usually above 2nd floor. Many Caucasians are afraid of heights (over 10th floor) unless they have lived in high rises in New York and Hongkong. Families with small children love ground floor units and rents can be higher as demand exceeds supply in certain condos like Duchess Crest.

Proximity. A 5-min walk to the subway makes a condo very rentable, provided the ride is less than 30 minutes to downtown.
 

TIPS for Investors buying Singapore condos for rentals to Caucasian expatriates. Single Caucasian ladies will seldom take up ground floor units owing to worries about security. Many are bankers and professionals in their fields. 

Most Caucasian families dislike ground floors unless they have dogs and toddlers. Caucasians from Europe and the USA prefer balconies as they like to sun-bathe since the sunny days are very few in those countries like Holland.  

Condos facing the West and the sun are actually in favour for many Caucasians. Sun-block curtains will help to block out sunlight if necessary. Light for the house. Bright kitchens, floor-to-wall windows bringing in daylight are popular with expatriates. Landscaped garden and/or swimming pool attract Caucasian Tenants. 

A koi-pond sometimes help but may be considered an expense. However, the decor and pastel marble tiles (not black granite) help closing. Older houses like bungalows with renovated flooring, baths and kitchen cabinets and wardrobes and with big garden space and landscaping get many offers.

Waterfront Condos like those in Costa Rhu and Pebble Bay attract Tenants with no children studying in Clementi areas, otherwise bus-rides take over an hour. Some Caucasian expats do not mind if the spouse works in Changi. 

Most units do not have waterfront units, so be careful. By waterfront, we mean living and master bedroom have panoramic view of the water, not the pool. Sea views usually found in high floors (above 15^th) such as those in The Bayshore attract Japanese and Caucasians. Pool views. 

Many Singaporeans think pool view is a premium. Caucasians living on high floors do not see the pool especially if there are other buildings opposite.  

Vacant piece of land nearby. Avoid investing in housing adjacent or near vacant pieces of land. Expats are nowadays more sophisticated and have more choices, not to stay near the pounding noises and dust of construction sites. Singaporean Landlords prefer the Caucasian and Japanese Tenants in general. Indonesian Nationals are increasing in numbers nowadays but usually ask for short leases. Indian Nationals are gaining acceptance and many are professionals in computer field or finances.

Singaporean Landlords dislike Singapore Citizens as Tenants. Singaporeans want cheap and good and are not perceived not to look after the residence well. There are exceptions. Rentals nowadays have plummeted. 2-bedroom condos in suburban areas, such as The Symphony Heights rent for less than S$2000 fully furnished. Bungalows with pool in prime Raffles Park areas rent for around $10,000 - $20,000 but much depends on the budget of the expatriate.

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