At your service

Looking for an interim home after receiving a great en bloc deal? Serviced apartments are the answer

 SITI ROHANI

EN-BLOC fever is heating up once again — news of older developments selling for increasingly higher prices dominated the headlines at the end of 2017.

If you just landed a great en bloc deal, congratulations! You will likely be walking away with a nice payoff. However, you might also be worrying about where to stay next. Until you find your dream home, one attractive option is a serviced apartment that accommodates longer-term stays of a month or more.

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

“Serviced apartment” is a catch-all term for fully furnished apartments that are available for short- or long-term stay. Most places offer amenities similar to those available at a hotel, such as housekeeping services, 24- hour security, a fitness centre and a swimming pool.

But unlike a small hotel room, a serviced apartment gives you the benefit of a larger and more comfortable space, and the convenience of a kitchen, dining area and white goods.

Serviced apartments are a good option because while renting a Housing & Development Board (HDB) flat or condo unit might be cheaper in terms of monthly rental, you need to also take into account the set-up cost. Another immediate benefit: You do not need to deal with the hassle of setting up a new home.

Serviced apartments are move-in ready. All you have to do is turn up with your luggage. Expect all the conveniences of home — furniture, kitchen appliances, wireless broadband and even cutlery are ready for your use. You will also have access to amenities such as a gym and a pool, plus the convenience of regular housekeeping and round-the-clock maintenance.

Other perks including laundry and daily breakfast may also be offered at an extra cost. In contrast, renting an apartment puts you at the mercy of a landlord who may not be able to deal with problems in a timely manner.

Moreover, you want to have the flexibility to act immediately when the right property comes along. You don’t want to tie yourself down to a year-long lease, which is the standard in regular rentals. If you break your lease early, having to forfeit a month’s rent will cost a pretty penny.

A WEALTH OF OPTIONS

Finding an apartment that suits your location and budget needs is easier than you may expect. Opt for a branded name like Orchard Scotts Residences, which offers many choices of living spaces, from a one-bedroom loft to a four bedroom penthouse. Click here to find out more.

For more wallet-friendly options, consider individual condominium units managed by accommodation specialists. These include MetroResidences, which has more than 400 listings in 150 locations islandwide — studios, four-bedroom apartments and everything in between.

For example, a two-bedroom unit in Greenopolis Breeze near One North is available for rental from $7,090 a month. Click here for more listings.