Singapore's diverse rental market means you'll likely live with people from different cultures. Be open-minded about different cooking styles, religious practices, and lifestyle habits. Establish ground rules early about shared spaces, food storage, and cultural celebrations. Respect dietary restrictions and prayer times. This diversity can be enriching if approached with understanding and clear communication.
Decide early on how to keep the place clean. Many housemates create a rotating chore schedule so each person takes turns cleaning common areas (like kitchen, bathroom) each week. Alternatively, some households chip in to hire a part-time cleaner for a couple of hours weekly or bi-weekly. The key is to ensure everyone is on board with the plan. Also, basic etiquette helps – everyone should clean up after themselves (wash your dishes, don’t leave personal stuff all over common spaces) so the home stays tidy day-to-day.
Condos regularly conduct fogging for mosquito control, especially during dengue seasons. You'll receive advance notice to close windows and stay indoors during fogging. Remove or cover food, drinks, and personal items that might be affected. Understand the schedule and duration of these activities, and plan your day accordingly. Some buildings also do regular pest control that may require temporary room access.
Sharing with 3+ roommates requires clear agreements about shared spaces, cleaning schedules, utility splits, and house rules. Consider personality compatibility, lifestyle habits, and how to handle conflicts. Establish guidelines for common areas, guest policies, and what happens if someone moves out mid-lease.
Landed houses often have higher utility consumption due to larger spaces and multiple floors. Air-conditioning costs can be significant with bigger rooms and common areas. Water usage may be higher with garden watering. Discuss how utilities are split among housemates and whether there are caps or guidelines for usage to avoid bill shock.
HDB flats typically offer more space and functional layouts for the price. You’ll likely appreciate everyday conveniences nearby. Focus on block condition, lift reliability, and airflow. If you value community feel and straightforward living, HDB can be a comfortable fit.
Ask about work schedules, sleep schedules, social habits, cleanliness, and how issues are handled. If one of you is very neat and the other more casual, it could cause friction. Observe fridge organization, sink state, and bathroom tidiness during viewing. Look for someone whose daily routine and approach to shared living align well with yours. Trust your instincts – feeling comfortable with their personality is a good sign.
Ventilation and sunlight can make a small room feel more comfortable and livable. Natural light makes the space feel more open and pleasant, and it can even improve your mood. See if it has a window that opens to outdoors (and not just into a corridor or airwell). Good ventilation and light are key for your daily comfort in that space.
