Furniture, art, carpets, cutlery and lamps, plus where to live short-term, the best cleaners, and everything else you could possibly need for loving your Singapore home can be found on our website and in our magazine. Here’s what’s new, including new shops, product ranges and services. We’ll be updating this on a monthly basis, so make sure you check in regularly!
Renting in COVID-19
DEBORAH LAW of Expat Realtor updates us on the property market.
“Singapore has one of the world’s most expensive property markets and it was in vibrant shape before the start of the Circuit Breaker (CB) in April – year-on-year rental rates boosted by strong overseas demand reached a three-year high in March. Rentals then surged in March as people scurried for tenancies before the CB kicked in.
As the economy feels the effects of COVID-19, some landlords have agreed on rebates to help tenants whose livelihoods have been affected. Others are taking advantage of lower refinancing interest rates and may pass this saving to their tenants, if they wish to keep them. While most landlords aren’t under huge pressure at the moment, if Singapore sees a temporary pullback in foreign employment, there will be downward pressure on the rental market as supply outstrips demand. Current predictions by experts see a dip of three percent for the year.
As for viewings, after the CB you’ll see more use of in-depth video tours and virtual video-calls. At the same time, although technology can help with decision-making, many of us are still unwilling to sign on the electronic dotted line until we physically view the property, so we choose to delay the decision until such time as we can.”
39 Jalan Pemimpin, #04-05 Tai Lee Building 9171 3392
Magical offer!
Want to spruce up your space now that you’re spending more time at home? Arete Culture is offering 20 percent off its Magical Homes package, which includes professional interior styling, furniture sourcing, and even a kit of essential décor items such as lighting, textiles, artwork, statement accessories, a mirror and a rug. Book before 15 June 2020 to save $2,000 on your Magical Home.
Visit areteculture.com/20-off for more details.
Too Many Photo Files?
If you’ re feeling overwhelmed by your ever-increasing digital photo library, perplexed by the Cloud, or worried your precious memories aren’t safely backed up, then a great place to turn is Tekkie Help. As an expatrun IT support company (and a Gold winner in our Readers’ Choice Awards), Tekkie Help offers both online and in-person workshops to help you create a plan for better photo management, organisation and preservation – and we all need that!
For more information on available courses and to book, visit tekkiehelp.com/it-training.
Listen Up, Singapore!
If you’re over bulky black sound systems, then you need to check out the cool, luxury retro style of Ruark. The British brand has just launched here and will definitely add a touch of Mad Men glamour to your home. The Class A-B amplifiers and custom-tuned drivers are enclosed in handcrafted wood cabinets. The warm, full-bodied systems sound as good as they look. Available from $4,999 at Musica Boutique @ ION and iStudio.
Artful House
Artful House has not one but two new containers arriving from India! The new pieces covering the store’s range of consoles, tables, sideboards, mirrors and more are all largely transformed from beautifully carved Indian doors and windows.
As always, the Artful House focus is on fine craftsmanship, finishes and aesthetics, and it continues to result in exceptional pieces. These are complemented by a range of beautiful furniture with gorgeous accent chairs. If you’re looking for a boutique, fun and personalised shopping experience, then head to the store on the eighth floor of the Tan Boon Liat Building.
Designer Gifting
If you’re looking for a special gift or a wedding present, how about a piece from the 2020 Georg Jensen collection? Just launched, it includes stunning contemporary-designed vases, bowls and candleholders – the Bloom Botanica, Duo and Lumis collections.
Want more inspiration for your living spaces? See our home décor section!
This article first appeared in an 2020 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
