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I am new in Singapore.

I am about to start looking for an apartment.

Can you please tell me how it works with agents and their fees.

I read online that if the tenancy is for SGD 3500 or more per month and the tenancy is for 2 years or longer – then the owner pays the 100% of the agent’s fee, and the tenant pays nothing to the agent.

I also read that if the tenancy is for SGD 3500 but only for 1 year then the owner pays 50% of the agent’s fee and the tenant pays 50% of the agent’s fee.

Separately I read that if a tenant replies to an agent’s advertisement of an apartment then the owner pays the agent’s fee. But if a tenant contacts an agent and asks the agent to find them an apartment, or show them what they have on their books, then it is the tenant who has to pay the agent’s fees.

Can you pls tell me if each of the above statements is true.

Can you please advise me further how the system works in Singapore, and what else I should be aware of when searching for an apartment.

Thank you.

Dustin Kirkpatrick
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2 Answers

Robbie Chen Chee Howe
Replied
Hi Dustin,

Welcome to Singapore! I hope you enjoy your stay here!

I understand that you're looking to rent an apartment here, and thought I may be able to assist you. Do get in touch with me for further discussion.

Should you need require further assistance in matters relating to property, please contact me at my mobile 9748 6305  .

Thank you.

Best regards,
Robbie Chen
 9748 6305 
PropNex Realty Read More
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Hazel Wong You Er
Replied
Hello Mr Dustin,

Welcome to Sg, With regards to your question, actually it really depends very much on each unit you view. The golden rule of thumb is - An agent is not allowed to dual represent. such that if he or she collects commission from 1 side of the deal, he or she is not allowed to collect commission from the other party (landlord / tenant)

Typically, when you approach any agents on this portal, the agents usually are represent.ed by the owners. However even as an agent represent an owner, it does not automatically mean that the owner is paying him / her commission especially in the recent 14 to 15 months since it is now a very strong "landlord's market" due to pretty strong undersupply in housing throughout sg. This means the agent can be advertising the unit for the landlord, representing the landlord, but collecting rental from tenant. In such case there is no conflict of interest.

the easiest way to find out if u need to pay commission is to simply ask. (though i think in this climate, you will find a lot of agents not replying since the property may be out of the market before they have time to even react.

Alternatively you can engage an agent directly and determine your commission to be payable, let the agent do all the legwork for you.

Hope this helps :)

Hazel wong
Huttons Asia PL
 91506723  Read More
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