Dual Citizenship / NS Obligations / HDB Flats and Migration

[livingstone]

Not to worry bro, I heard that every intake has quite a number of singaporeans who grew up in the west and other countries, don't have local accent, etc and doing quite well. That includes angmo kids whose parents are PR etc. I was told that its an interesting sight too see blonde kids doing the route march.

The world has changed.

Hahahaha, the last time I heard... Singapore changed a lot. Haven't been back for a long time, forgotten how it looks like, closest I got to is Hong Kong, last August.... my wife's a brunette and a Romanian..... so my sons both not blonde, the first looks more like me (Chinese look), and the second more like mom, and my daughter... kindda mixed...

Good to know, I think AmeriCorp may be the better option? I remember the army daze! My time wasn't as tough as the 70s, but still, it wasn't as nice... I was in Infantry.... NCO.... later they named Specialists right? But I heard life very relax in army now....

 

[Trout]

Let me say this... I'm still wondering and thinking.... he's not born in Singapore, and my wife is a Romanian.... my wife even thought of making him a citizen of Romania so that he can travel freely in Europe (European Union). I have this idea of asking him to join Americorp, to volunteer in some remote regions so to let him appreciate life more. NS is my other option... yes, he'll face culture shock. Not very sure.... still thinking. Thanks for your advice...

There's always engineers without borders. I think he'll learn more there than in the SAF.

 

[angry_one]

Thanks very much for this thread. I've been hoping to see one like this, but did not possess the knowledge to start one.

Obviously the PAP net watchdogs are very nervous, and are wrecking this thread to distract us real users.

I'm curious about a HDB issues, if anyone can answer. Let's say I'm buying a HDB flat for the 1st time, with subsidies. It means must stay for 5 years. So i can only sell after 5 years right? I read something about only a 2-year requirement if i decide to quit sickapoor.

 

[livingstone]

There's always engineers without borders. I think he'll learn more there than in the SAF.

Right! I've got a friend who started one nearby....

 

[Asychee]

I left sg for Ca 3 yrs ago, i think it is better to ask your child if he wants to do the NS rather than to make the decision for him. Let him know what is the cost of NS - the reservist reporting, etc.
recently, i received a email from CMPB to ask my son (14yrs old) to do the exit permit thingy. I sat down with him to explain to him how it is going to affect him and what are the options available. The up is - once he understand the consequences, he told me that he does not want it as he just dont see the logic of NS in a country. Where the father of the PM is still in the background, his wife is controlling the country $$ and his relatives is in charge of the various departments. The down side is - he might consider the Canadian Army.
Bascially, my take on it is - let your son decide and i certainly thinks that the peace corp would be better as he has a life skill that he can use down the road. Just my 2 cents worth of opinion

 

[scroobal]

Education in OZ

Decided to include this as well. Got a very reliable friend residing there with kids having completed to give his views.

There 3 main types of schools in OZ.
A) The public school where the cost is minimal and they range from the very best to the worst. Melbourne High and Rossmoyne/ Applecross in Perth are examples of the best having performed consistently over many years. Way better than 99.99% of private schools in term of academic achievements. Places in public schools will given to residents residing in the suburbs so many parents either buy into the suburb or rent. It best best to shortlist the suburb before moving.

B)The private school range also from the very best to basically hopeless. They are usually christian denominated or have roots in christianity with the larger ones run by Anglicans and Unitarian churches. The best are truly elite there is the old boy network that will help your kid long after he leaves. The fees for the elite school are somewhere around $15,000 a year. There are only about 2 or 3 in each state. Hale in Perth, Cranbrook in Sydney, Geelong Grammar in Melbourne and St Peters in Adelaide.

Note: The fees are good indicator. Anything below elite school fees is just a waste of money. The only reason locals send their kids there is usually because the public schools in the suburbs are really bad.

C) The Catholic Schools are major category and have schools stretched all over the country. They however are different from SJI or CHIJ or other cathlic schools in Malaysia where they are part of the elite lot. The standards are not really there with very minor exceptions (really minor). They are also popular with ethnic minorities such as Italians, Africans, Asians who have catholic background. The Italians tend to dominate the school coucils and naturally the slant is non mainstream australian.

Overall

Don't waste your money sending kids to private school during the primary years. For secondary, first aim is to send to top public school some of which require entrance exams. If you can afford it send to the top elite for the network and good academic achievements. Would avoid private and catholic schools where the lower fees are good indicator of poorer quality.

So do choose the surburb properly.

 

[Trout]

Right! I've got a friend who started one nearby....

I was a ewb member back in college, but never got to actually work in ghana or some random african country to do stuff. Got a friend now in Ghana doing some ground work actually...

http://toronto.ewb.ca/dan/

Cheers,
Trout

 

[scroobal]

Home - Buying a house in your New Country

As the views came from US, Canada, OZ etc thought I will put up something generic

1) Always rent first. Get a feel of the area, housing and planning laws and what type of houses hold the value well etc. It will take 6 to 1 year before one gets a reasonable idea of the surrounding.

2) Pick the school first, then the suburb to rent in.

3) Diligently attend open house inspections which are common in advanced countries which is something not done in Singapore. Gives you ideas, tells you what to look out for etc. Learn about things that are important and costly such as salt damp, termites in foundation, insulation, orientation of the sun (considered important for value) etc

4) Never accept the recommendations of relatives and friends who are residing there. They will invariably recommend their suburb. Its human nature. Do your homework. Talk to non-asians and professionals (whites).

5) The rule of thumb is to "buy the worst house in the best street". Its the location that over time will carry up to 80% to 95% of the value.

6) Never overcapitalise - never build or buy a luxury home in run down neighbourhood. Such houses are usually owned by ethnic minorities who have extended families or "rich man" who prefers to live near their ethnic community.

7) Never buy near marginal areas or suburbs close to known ethnic minority areas.

8) Avoid suburbs that are known for periodic events such as floods (including 100 year floods), high winds, former dump, etc.

9) Check the website for allowable plot ratios which gives a fair indication where the suburb is heading as well as planning guidles for the future.

10) Don't get stricken by analysis paralysis - unable to make a decision. The good part is that good schools attract good homeowners and the value rises.

Good Luck.

 

[Charlie9]

Home - Buying a house in your New Country

As the views came from US, Canada, OZ etc thought I will put up something generic

1) Always rent first. Get a feel of the area, housing and planning laws and what type of houses hold the value well etc. It will take 6 to 1 year before one gets a reasonable idea of the surrounding.

2) Pick the school first, then the suburb to rent in.

3) Diligently attend open house inspections which are common in advanced countries which is something not done in Singapore. Gives you ideas, tells you what to look out for etc. Learn about things that are important and costly such as salt damp, termites in foundation, insulation, orientation of the sun (considered important for value) etc

4) Never accept the recommendations of relatives and friends who are residing there. They will invariably recommend their suburb. Its human nature. Do your homework. Talk to non-asians and professionals (whites).

5) The rule of thumb is to "buy the worst house in the best street". Its the location that over time will carry up to 80% to 95% of the value.

6) Never overcapitalise - never build or buy a luxury home in run down neighbourhood. Such houses are usually owned by ethnic minorities who have extended families or "rich man" who prefers to live near their ethnic community.

7) Never buy near marginal areas or suburbs close to known ethnic minority areas.

8) Avoid suburbs that are known for periodic events such as floods (including 100 year floods), high winds, former dump, etc.

9) Check the website for allowable plot ratios which gives a fair indication where the suburb is heading as well as planning guidles for the future.

10) Don't get stricken by analysis paralysis - unable to make a decision. The good part is that good schools attract good homeowners and the value rises.

Good Luck.

Hi brother [scroobal],

You are doing a public service and favour for many potential Singapore emigrants.

Your message contained several important matters which various individuals should give due consideration.

Cheers.

 

[scroobal]

Thanks Bro. By the way while chatting with friends on this, I was told about cellars in Canada and US where people turn them into extra rooms, workshops, hobby rooms and home offices etc. Sounds interesting.

Hi brother [scroobal],

You are doing a public service and favour for many potential Singapore emigrants.

Your message contained several important matters which various individuals should give due consideration.

Cheers.

 

[axe168]

Home - Buying a house in your New Country

5) The rule of thumb is to "buy the worst house in the best street". Its the location that over time will carry up to 80% to 95% of the value.

6) Never overcapitalise - never build or buy a luxury home in run down neighbourhood. Such houses are usually owned by ethnic minorities who have extended families or "rich man" who prefers to live near their ethnic community.

7) Never buy near marginal areas or suburbs close to known ethnic minority areas.

8) Avoid suburbs that are known for periodic events such as floods (including 100 year floods), high winds, former dump, etc.

9) Check the website for allowable plot ratios which gives a fair indication where the suburb is heading as well as planning guidles for the future.

Errr.. Item 9 - is there an allowable plot ratio ?? this is SG terms.. not in OZ.. however, there is "site coverage" are you refering to this ?

Btw your comments are reasonable... I wonder if you ever adhere to the above ? Did you overcapitalise ? i.e. building 2 sty when all your neighbours along the street are single sty dwelling ? Or paying for $400-500k construction cost when the land value is only $100k ?? Pls explain... heehee..

Any advice for a old hse in Surrey Hills VIC avg 700-800m2? I lost in the Auction last week.. hopefully not in the next few weeks..

 

[Aussie Prick]

Errr.. Item 9 - is there an allowable plot ratio ?? this is SG terms.. not in OZ.. however, there is "site coverage" are you refering to this ?

Btw your comments are reasonable... I wonder if you ever adhere to the above ? Did you overcapitalise ? i.e. building 2 sty when all your neighbours along the street are single sty dwelling ? Or paying for $400-500k construction cost when the land value is only $100k ?? Pls explain... heehee..

Any advice for a old hse in Surrey Hills VIC avg 700-800m2? I lost in the Auction last week.. hopefully not in the next few weeks..

Except in OZ there is the most expensive housing in the world now. Idiot govt there like to tax so much make building impact fees so high. Yes in Oz you get nothing for you money but in Canada or the US, some very good deals can be had.

 

[axe168]

Education in OZ

The fees for the elite school are somewhere around $15,000 a year.

So do choose the surburb properly.

I think it should be $20k-25kpa for Melbourne Eastern Suburbs. From Year 7-12 is estimated about $150k.

The kiasu mummies in my son's school advised us to register for Year 7 (secondary school) when he was only Prep !! KNS, we paid $230 regstration fees for 2 schools within the area. Better to place it in Casino for a better result. hehe..

 

[axe168]

Except in OZ there is the most expensive housing in the world now. Idiot govt there like to tax so much make building impact fees so high. Yes in Oz you get nothing for you money but in Canada or the US, some very good deals can be had.

Buying a "value-for-money" hse does not mean as long as it is cheap, it will be a good buy. One has to see its "future value".. a simple "Supply and Demand" factor.. and a rebellious thought instead of herd instinct..

If "cheap" is the key.. then I suggest you invest your $$ in Alice Springs.. or North/South Pole or Africa.. for sure it is cheap-as-chips.. heehee

 

[Aussie Prick]

Buying a "value-for-money" hse does not mean as long as it is cheap, it will be a good buy. One has to see its "future value".. a simple "Supply and Demand" factor.. and a rebellious thought instead of herd instinct..

If "cheap" is the key.. then I suggest you invest your $$ in Alice Springs.. or North/South Pole or Africa.. for sure it is cheap-as-chips.. heehee

Cheap is a word not associated with Australia. Sorry, its just a very bad place to migrate to. Expensive and no value.

Also the riots going on in Australia right now, Sydney, Melbourne, who wants it?

Tsk Tsk Tsk

 

[ashjaw]

Hi brother [scroobal],

You are doing a public service and favour for many potential Singapore emigrants.

Your message contained several important matters which various individuals should give due consideration.

Cheers.

I so agree with you. I think he deserves a medal for this

 

[axe168]

Cheap is a word not associated with Australia. Sorry, its just a very bad place to migrate to. Expensive and no value.

Also the riots going on in Australia right now, Sydney, Melbourne, who wants it?

Tsk Tsk Tsk

Well, the media reported I raped a woman down the street and I'm going to be next Mr Australian of the year.. Do you believe them ?

The name and shame games are for both parties in equal rights environment particularly in Australia.. Surely, you dont wana experience what it is like in Sin ~ CCTV on your wrong filing of documents (Gomaz case).. yet but no CCTV on Mas Salamat escape :( Fear baby...

Tsk Tsk Tsk

 

[Charlie9]

Re: Cellars in Residential Real Properties

Thanks Bro. By the way while chatting with friends on this, I was told about cellars in Canada and US where people turn them into extra rooms, workshops, hobby rooms and home offices etc. Sounds interesting.

I am unable to speak about the USA, but I believe that almost all residential real properties in Toronto (and possibly Canada) have a basement (although you refer to it as cellar). In the old days, before 1960's if not earlier, most of the basements were not higher than 6 feet, and were not fully utilized. There was the furnace, electrical panel, storage space and laundry facilities.

Nowadays, most people have a family room and/or TV room, fire place or woodstove, wash room, laundry sink / tub, washer and dryer.

A basement could be very advantageous. For example, it was one of the considerations when I bought my principal residence about two decades ago. Our basement has a storage room, gas furnace, 50-gallon gas hot water tank, laundry facilities, then a hallway leads to a one bedroom apartment with several windows to allow natural light (which is one bedroom, a fireplace in the small living room [but big enough for a baby grand piano, kitchen, stove, refrigerator, a small dining area, four piece bathroom). The hallway after the entrance to the apartment, leads to a separate entrance and exit for the basement apartment. The vendor's daughter rented the basement apartment from me for many years until after I got married and had our first child. We reduced her monthly rent every year (to less than half of the market rent) as I have paid off my mortgage during the year we were married. We had to ask her to leave because I turned it into my home office.

 

[scroobal]

Plot ratios are fundamental to all form of town planning. I am aware that Aussies real estate agents tend not to mention this or use this unlike Singaporeans but its a first class indicator what the area is going to look like.

There will be tremendous pressure from developers and long term residents to increase the plot ratios to further sub-divide. Get a plan for your area and you will see an interesting picture of where sub-division takes place. Initially the value will go up and eventually when it becomes crowded, it loses it appeal.

Overcapitalisation is common among ethnic groups, Italians, Greeks, Asians especially with business people with little education. To some extent it the patrichial nature of families with the desire to have everyone including relatives under one roof.

No agent will tell you as it is not politically correct to do so but try and keep to general design and layout of the area. Thats reason why many people tend to buy land where covenants apply so that you don't have a joker that comes out with a purple roof, parks his frito lay delivery truck in his driveway and does odd repairs for all to see. Perth is an excellent example of well planned city. Melbourne and Sydney because of their higher concentration of ethnic groups and lobbying by the respective communities, councils have caved in. In such cities, pick the suburbs carefully.

If you want to build a big house, best to go to a neighbourhood that has them or people are converting to such houses in that suburbs. As long as the land cost is much much higher than construction/replacement costs in a matured suburb you would not have any problems.

However new land developments with convenants are better but typically the construction cost will be higher than land costs but overtime will reverse as it matures.

Unfortunately not familiar when it comes to individual suburbs.

Errr.. Item 9 - is there an allowable plot ratio ?? this is SG terms.. not in OZ.. however, there is "site coverage" are you refering to this ?

Btw your comments are reasonable... I wonder if you ever adhere to the above ? Did you overcapitalise ? i.e. building 2 sty when all your neighbours along the street are single sty dwelling ? Or paying for $400-500k construction cost when the land value is only $100k ?? Pls explain... heehee..

Any advice for a old hse in Surrey Hills VIC avg 700-800m2? I lost in the Auction last week.. hopefully not in the next few weeks..

 

[scroobal]

Thanks for the update

I think it should be $20k-25kpa for Melbourne Eastern Suburbs. From Year 7-12 is estimated about $150k.

The kiasu mummies in my son's school advised us to register for Year 7 (secondary school) when he was only Prep !! KNS, we paid $230 regstration fees for 2 schools within the area. Better to place it in Casino for a better result. hehe..