Reality of Expat’s Life in Singapore.. Would You Live in This Apartment??

[@badmondaywang]

U don’t have to sharing toilet with others and u have ur own kitchen and laundry. Shut the door u get everything u need. 1100 for tat privacy is actually not bad. Those who saying u can get better room is ignoring the fact u need to sharing a flat with others or staying with landlord for that. Clearly it’s a conscious choice made by James who value privacy over “fancy”. Room can be tidy up and organised to look a lot nicer or ppl say instalgramable? With flowers and ikea furnitures. But James is practical. Respect his choice .and if u are saying u get a studio apartment under 2k ? U r dreaming ...even at lakeside far west it’s more expensive than tat. Come on guys...

[@beakermeepmeep]

Yup. $800-$1100 is the market rental rate for such landed accommodation in bustling neighbourhoods like Katong, Geylang & Little India. If anything, the likes of Balestier, Lavender & Chinatown ($1200-$1450) are even more expensive. Relatively cheaper (starting from $650) would be more outlying areas like Sembawang Hills.

[@footytube9500]

Not to mention, in Katong!

[@Dita_Utomo]

For everyone saying SGD1,100 is expensive for the room, I can tell you that it's actually an average price for a landed house room in 2021. I'm currently living in a very similar situation as James, and I found my room after an extensive research. There were many more expensive options, but far less cheaper ones. Additionally, I feel like we're paying for flexibility with landed house: With HDB there's a 6-month minimum rent rule, and with condos it's 3-month. Which would be no problem if you're renting long-term. I was allowed to rent for just 2 months (I'm in transition phase as my EP is expiring soon), which I am very grateful for.

[@HM-ox6yv]

意外と庶民的？な物件に住んで、仕事、勉強、ゲーム？に励むジェームズくんの好感度がむしろ爆上がりしましたw

[@lizwg4098]

that is such an oddly set up landed property, almost like an illegal dormitory for expats

[@manofthehour_]

It's more common than you think. I've seen a semi d with more than 10 rooms carved out.

[@sixfiend]

hmm there are quite a few of these around. there are some near devonshire road, near orchard. a friend of mine used to rent a room there.

[@skysohigh844]

Nothing wrong bro. No need to feel shameful. I am a Singaporean. I used to stay in such rental for 6-8years before getting my own flat. Privacy is my top priority for rental choice. Prime location and good amenities... What else to ask for...

[@IZTheOne]

Prime location. electricity, water and wifi included. Decent studio. If you're solo that's good enough to survive in Singapore. The Shopback is great too. I'll sign up just because I might use it someday lol!

[@Frostea]

Seemed like the room was really tall. I think you could comfortably fit a bed on elevated frames, and have a much more spacious "ground floor"

[@sktokyo9457]

Lol man cave is such a right word to describe James’ room

[@IsSheRG710]

Bro, all utilities included and it's in a prime location! It's a good deal if you're still new to country or not sure if you're staying long-term.

[@colynxfang]

I think a lot of pple commenting don’t really know how expensive it can get to rent a place here in Singapore, especially in a studio in a good location.

[@iawarenow658]

the beach is affordable but they not like us doing that is not fair..

[@kennethwong3857]

true, a decent studio/1-room is like 3000 SGD.

[@TheCardClubSG]

This is 14 mins of Ghib roasting James's crib

[@sizanix]

Especially the vacuum part

[@おい小池-k7y]

こういう動画好きですね。現地の人の暮らしの様子がとても興味深いです。私も街の環境やロケーションで部屋を選ぶので非常に共感しました。逆に今は子どももできてこういう部屋で暮らすこともできなくったので、若い頃を思い出してうらやましくなっちゃったよ。良い部屋だ。ジェームス君ありがとう。apexで会えますように！

[@natori_jinrou]

こういう外国に滞在しているような気分になれる動画すごい好きです！

[@Kanon_かのん]

Thank you for showing your room James!! I like how you’re being authentic. Don’t worry I can’t even afford living in Singapore.

[@kaori8441]

普通の家とか、そこに暮らす人の生活が見られる動画、面白くて大好きです！なかなか見られませんし✨

[@yoyoma3572]

Love the honest and real feel of this video. Have a safe trip home James.

[@hentie5371]

1.1k for that room.. wow... Though Katong is located quite close to central, I still wouldn't pay that much for this room... But whatever that makes you happy.

[@paecpc]

Thanks James for showing us your rental room. Looks a little narrow but you have all the privacy, 👍

[@MM-zn9hi]

思ったんだけどさ、ジェームズくんイケメンだよね笑

[@kkbaskekasumi]

めちゃくちゃいい人だしな こんないい人中々いないよ

[@montecarlo4857]

日本でもモテそうだよね

[@agnestan4105]

Thanks for sharing another part of Singapore! As long as there’s nearby hawker center food; it’s consider good location.

[@two2hills]

I know someone renting a room (living with a family, thus no privacy) in an old HDB for $1000 ( aircon, utilities incl) located in Tanjong pagar, even the same arrangement in further out suburbs cost $700-$900. Hence I would said for the privacy gain he paid an ok price plus it is a heritage house in good location.

[@arielleilagan]

I can see why Ghib would be friends with James, they both send out good vibes

[@naeled]

Is $1.1k for a space like that expensive? Rented a room (without my own bathroom) in a black and white walk-up in Newton for $1.6k-and that was 10 years ago. Sure you can get cheaper for that size or bigger for that price, but not everybody’s looking for the HDB life. I paid 3 times more for a Chinatown shophouse and you can’t replicate the kung fu and lion dance training on the neighbouring rooftop, the nights of mahjong under the stars on your own rooftop terrace, the smells from the Korean restaurant three floors down, the friendly Burmese waiter who’d greet me every morning, the Chinese musical notes from the old society club next door, and the weary but expectant buzz in the air. I’ll always miss the place.

[@ji1511]

$250 a week is pretty reasonable with all bills included. The room is long n space is fine, just needs to be better organised n neat.

[@rollie206]

OMG! Are you kidding? I love the place 😮❤️ It has everything you need in a home, and is conveniently located in a wonderful neighbourhood. Katomg has always been my childhood hangout 😀

[@xuanxuan3497]

Thank you for this video. It shows more of the realistic rooms/apartments people actually rent. And also how expensive Singapore is. Space is luxury. Privacy is luxury.

[@eamesho7723]

James room looks liek a typical bachelor pad with dust around corners and non-functional clocks and a giant gaming space lol.

[@kujuakusg]

Thanks for sharing more on James life 🤗

[@ckxy7681]

The rental is reasonable. It’s like a studio flat. You got good location, you have privacy, utilities included, no landlord to monitor you, u can cook in your own room too. very basic furnishing but like most rental flats/room, it’s always basic. He could have added a nice touch to the room and make it more homely. No need to spend much. Probably he just heck care because he knows he won’t be here for long. He didn’t even bother to buy bedsheets for the mattress. It’s not expensive.

[@ClandyCane]

The best kind of space saver is to get a bunk bed for his bed at the top and his computer under! (only a suggestion because his ceiling looks high)

[@cheehiong]

To be fair, 1.1k SGD got me a worse room in Hong Kong when I was working there as a Singaporean. AND I still think this is a little expensive for the location and the amenities that came with it unless its a super short term lease.

[@ckxy7681]

@Nemesis Little India and Katong area prices are different. Not everyone likes to live in Little India.

[@foxyJpn]

めちゃめちゃ面白かったです！APEXやってるとはｗ　９万だからと想像したら予想と全然違いました。ジェームス君はここで暮らしてたのか〜ってなんかしみじみ思いました。（掃除とかきっちりやるイメージがありました　内緒ねｗ）部屋暑そうだなあと感じたけど平気なのかな？　これからも元気でいてほしいです。 Hi James-san, Thank you to show us your room. Please be careful your body condition at everywhere. (let's take over his channel do not forget it. :) Have a nice trip someday wanna meet you at Japan! see ya!

[@y_nueve]

駐在員のイメージていうか、ジェームス君の雰囲気が穏やかで清潔感のあるインテリって感じだったからいい意味で裏切られた（ギャップ萌え）😄。缶詰工場とかにいなそうだし笑。計画を立てるのが苦手とか見た目よりかなり自由人だね👍 ていうかジェームス君の話す英語がアジア人として一番真似したいかも。

[@unkniwdead3516]

If u want to shop for home furnishings and appliances, u can shop at Tampines Hyper Ikea and Courts, two buildings opposite each other. Two ways free shuttle coach is available at pickup points from Bedok Mall bus stop or Tampines Central.

[@dawnho7744]

This is the first time I've ever seen an expat living in a shophouse in Katong. It's very squeezy. Rather claustrophobic to live in but if you go for the minimal, $1500 for this in Katong is quite a good deal. You don't always get to live in a Peranakan architectural structure with that amount a month, everything all-in. Ghib, try getting furniture at HipVan through Shopback. It's even cheaper than IKEA to some extent.

[@helenpham6152]

Shophouse converted to residential..A lot of these in geylang... centralised.... all amenities are just at your door steps.... It's a gd experience. James can always take time to try out other places to rent.

[@Kiki-ni5dz]

I really like how he enjoys local life!

[@RiverDanube]

It's great for one person and although small, the high walls make it more roomy.

[@diverau8055]

元一軒家を改造して各部屋にキッチンとトイレを付けたんでしょうかね？洗濯機がシャワーブースの中ってのは斬新です。家賃はすごく高いのに、ホーカーズの食事は異様に安いのがシンガポールの面白いとこですね。

[@chuckyinges]

Don't leave us James bro!

[@JaswantSingh-ym9zo]

His room will be available when he leaves. Any takers?

[@Dhdjksjsnsnsnnsnsna]

why does it look (illegally) sectioned?

[@chocolate_jerry]

シェアのワンルームでコンロとか流しがあるのは初めて見ました。風呂はシャワーがあっても台所は共用が多いと思います。コミコミで1100ならお得ですね。それにしても細長い部屋だなぁ。

[@PlutoPlanetPower]

We'll miss James! Did he ever list James's social media info anywhere?

[@audreyang902]

Omg.. He pick the wrong shophouse unit.

[@jachinoy1565]

Very good price, good location and its all in and he doesn't need to share with anyone. That is a steal! :)

[@SeanJunYanLiew]

Sad to say it's locations vs comfort... that area is really prime so... the price for the area is reasonable during this period. I can see he can do better, but otherwise great to see how he deals with it. Hopefully when he comes back to SG again he gets to choose the area he stays. Maybe a better one.

[@diecast4556]

james you're awesome keep on keeping on buddy ✊

[@ordinaryobserver897]

Staying in Katong u get to enjoy the vibe and different environment that elsewhere couldn't offer. The rental is about there. If one is looking for a nice condo room, there are some condo rooms with cheaper rental near mrt stations but probably far from town. Can search out on property websites like srx.

[@showtm96]

その辺り観光で行きました‼️peranakanにしばらくハマってましたもん。素敵ですよね。Jamesさんのセンスの良さと堅実さ大好きです。

[@tomyammee9228]

もうすぐジェームズ君は台湾へ帰国するって　寂しいですね😢

[@miyazakihiroshi2548]

確かに部屋は狭いけどなんかクラシカルな感じで個人的には悪くは無いと思うのと🇯🇵でも神戸の北野や元町、阪急神戸沿線の山の手、塩屋と言った古い洋館が残ってる界隈なんかにありそうな家やと思うよ。

[@user-hz6yg6mf3o]

Is the location that's suit James ...dine at nearby inexpensive hawker centre "delicious food" and he enjoys cycling to east coast park for leisure...take care James

[@miwitchJ]

Can u make video of you following your MIL to the supermarket/wet Market doing marketing and understanding how to say/buy the ingredients? 😁 Love to watch more videos of your cute MIL!

[@TheWalf999]

I really did not expect him to live like that. Sorry to be rude, even though it's cozy but it is narrow and cramped. Quite sad that he's even paying S$1.1k monthly to live in that condition.

[@tamarazi]

The reason it's price pike that because landed property in sg cost like 2.3 mil, thats expensive tho

[@daryld357]

That area is like really prime tho, 10mins drive to cbd, n its somewhere i wouldnt even dream of living at. In fact i was surprised when he said its only 1.1k. But of course seeing how oddly shaped his room is, can understand why.

[@ftj8279]

@@daryld357 Nah bro my friend paid $1100 for a master bedroom in that new Kallang HDB (5 years old) and only 3 mins walk to Kallang MRT and

[@sho9214]

@@ftj8279 u didn’t count in the price of freedom and privacy , HDB means u share kitchen, washing machine and living room with others

[@leoem4nuel]

@@ftj8279 Aside from what other says about privacy (not sharing toilets and kitchen, it is more peaceful staying in landed property. You will always hear noises from your neighbors when you stay in HDB.

[@nathanchang7713]

I really love your Jewel videos, please go to Jewel more often!

[@tamafuku3289]

カトン地区に99000円なら良いよ💕 ジェームズ君もっと頻繁に出て欲しいです。

[@munster1404]

I love videos of apartment tours. Shows another angle of accommodation apart from the ubiquitous HDB flats.

[@Rei-cd6mw]

ジェームス君の家アンティークな感じで良さそう。部屋も思ったほど狭くないですね。 あとジブおじさんの英語がすごく勉強になり、聞き取れました。ありがとう！

[@gotmyonu1027]

Whoa...I didn't know what SG has rooms like that. Lovely place for single person to stay. Toilet included in the room. Although, James could rent an HDB apt for a little more.

[@MichaelGGarry]

No way, not at today's prices. A common room in an HDB near the area is 880, a whole one bedroom hdb is 2,000+

[@gotmyonu1027]

@@MichaelGGarry depending on size?

[@meiltoo]

Either single bed with frame or queen mattress. James chose the latter hehe

[@rainingwords5775]

I like it that he feeds the homeless cats ❤️🙏 hope there will b some others helping to take over the feeding n that the cats not go hungry after he leaves here..

[@minmin11211]

Marie kondo wants to know James’ location

[@tokkiebunnies]

@7:49 Ah, I found another man of culture... Yakuza diehard fans here !

[@wendelynlee8544]

It’s considered a ROOM Rental .

[@MaharshiRay]

The story is so similar to mine. Moved into a studio flat last year during CB. Its quiet and around the Macritchie forest. Size wise its more than double of though but slightly more rent of course.. And also, I will am moving to Japan soon, so trying to learn a bit of Japanese.

[@ahyi9350]

I rented at central area last year and although it’s more expensive by $400 more, the facility and convenience over there is definitely a much better trade off than this, omg

[@cosybosy2574]

actually 1100 can get a much better place with better conditions. But then again, depends on what you can get when you are looking.

[@mp-yy2lj]

かなりお得物件では？こういうところがあるなら移住してみたいなという気持ちになりました。 立地は良いし、家はアンティークでおしゃれだし、面積広くないけど天井高くて解放感あるし、生活機能揃ってるし、すべてコミコミでそのお値段😳 生活費おさえて他に投資したい独身者にとってはベストな選択肢だなと思います。

[@夢のゴムタイヤ]

ジブおじさん、久々にコメントします。 ジェームズくんのお部屋、トイレとシャワールームは３階の住人で共同ですか？ 通信費、光熱費込みで９万は良い意味でビックリ😊 シンガポールは家賃がめっちゃ高いというイメージを持っていたので拍子抜けしました。 この佇まいで部屋のスペースもそこそこ、キッチンと家具もついていて、十分ありだと思いました👍

[@AndiChg]

Thats what i called crash site bed. crash, sleep and go. Touch n Go

[@petrapandukot529]

jizz.. in the Philippines with that money.. you can already get a Condo Unit with 2-3 bedrooms or a Studio in Luxury places

[@flyingfox3766]

Wow singapore seems super expensive... just for comparison you will probably get a luxuriously fully furnished 1 bedroom condo next to the twin tower in KL for that price

[@flyingfox3766]

@@kageyamareijikun yeah so i dont live in one of those developed countries, maybe you can make the more useful comparison

[@brandenongkp]

KL not as safe and convenient compare to Singapore.

[@So_So]

Housing takes up a significant share of our expenses... I am curious, which condo in KL are you referring to?

[@mountainguy4710]

When you say "that price" you mean $1100 concerted to RM. No way you can get what you described in KL for RM1100.

[@flyingfox3766]

@@mountainguy4710 why would anyone compare it with rm1100?

[@zzzmzzz4466]

no one: ghib: "beautiful"

[@meiltoo]

I see why James want to live in Katong, cycle to Ecp... $1100 is very expensive! U pay for location. I’m surprised he has a fridge in his room, which is so impt to me, and a sink and cooking area. Those made a big diff. Only thing he need thats outside his room is the toilet.

[@malibumondsg74]

James is staying just opposite of Jimmy’s old Peranakan house...

[@dn-hjd]

Hi Ghib, has James left Singapore? Any news from Alaska of him? He has a great determination to move to unknown land. Make me curious. Thank you.

[@ゆかり-n4b]

ジェームズくんはガトンに住んでいたのですね！友人が住んでいる街です。 いかにも外国の住居って感じでいいなあ。 シンガポールに行った気になれます。 しかし、もうシンガポールからいなくなってしまうのかあ……、寂しいです😢。

[@GagandeepSingh-vi1um]

Simple living. I respect that.

[@Aoshimaro]

Not a rich expat but I think I'd rather my condo in Serangoon compared to this. But cost alone isn't a factor, location and amenities are also important to consider. And once you're locked into a tenancy agreement, ending it early can mean you end up with penalties.

[@MikeONatty]

What does James do for a living?

[@cjohnpaz]

Does James have a vlog too? :)

[@princessyuuka777]

古そうだけど雰囲気のある🏡ですね✨ カトンってところが良き！大好きなエリアです💕

[@enjoyinglifeish]

The $1.1k is mainly due to the prime location. Extremely extremely convenient and central. Very convenient for him if he works in CBD. Con is that it's not exactly very well maintained and the room is narrowly long. Hence, $1.1k rent is reasonable.

[@naeled]

The east is a lovely, eclectic area but I wouldn’t say it’s anywhere near the CBD. 20 minutes by cab, an hour by bus.

[@rach_t_]

Uhh no katong is not extremely convenient nor central. 🧐 It doesnt even have its own train station. It’s pretty obvious $1.1K is a bad deal even for this location. There are so many better options. But hey, good for him who doesnt mind living there all this time.

[@anna_wong]

At $1100 per month rental, I would expect the room to be en-suite with a toilet. I guess it's expensive because of the location, as it's near to East Coast Park. Never mind lah, James staying for a few more months only. Ghib Ojisan can consider buying over his bike.

[@MF-iz5zc]

ジェームズさんの回すき😊😊😊

[@NoOnyon]

For those with negative comments, have you rented any unit or are you even a Singaporean? This is a really common sight, I don't see anything out of the blue in the video.

[@alexsolosm]

He threw away the bed frame? 😂 I think for 1.1k he could get a master bedroom tenancy at a HDB, and pretty accessible location. Probably not prime location though.

[@singaporekako]

SGD1,100 for a small studio in Katong?😲. Singapore is too expensive to live unless your company pays for the rent. When I was living in Singapore in 2000-2003, my rent was SGD2,100 per month for spacious 3 bed rooms, near Sommerset MRT station. I suppose it was a pretty good deal compared to the current market. 🤔 I thought it was not so long ago, but it’s been 20 years....Time really flies, doesn’t it? 😱. No wonder it wasn’t that expensive!

[@joshuatan5841]

Haha the can drink is not nice at all I tried during cny maybe because there where some alcohol, pretty sure he was trying to hold a straight face 4:45

[@jeeezah]

It's actually really nice.

[@sassww]

Not Worth to stay such @ 1.1k Seriously

[@MichaelGGarry]

What choice does a foreigner have? Single rooms in shared hdbs start at the $800 range. You have to live somewhere....

[@sassww]

@@MichaelGGarry It's a choice between left or right.

[@Twertyuu]

@@MichaelGGarry Some do start from $600 with all utilities, wifi included but it depends on which area you're in.

[@tanchaiyong8630]

It so expensive. You can live in a condominium near MRT for about half the price

[@snoopy13946]

FYI there’s no such word as furnitures. It’s furniture. It’s already pluralised.

[@haneul8057]

This is interesting to see although I would've also liked to know what he does for a living, as I'm not familiar with SG so I can't judge whether these standards of living are adequate.

[@IwanTamimi]

I think he mentioned on other video

[@ryomakino6525]

ジェームスくん最高

[@leemagdalene2173]

Is it scdf approve unit? Govt authorities allow to have so many rooms in 1 semi D?

[@Vitruvian1.618]

I wouldn't choose this narrow, dark room for $1,100. At approximately $1,200 he can get a HDB master bedroom with all these plus a bathroom.

[@ニートポケカ]

Hello, James This room tour video is so interesting! I had a lot of fun :)

[@44jwong]

Can imagine the squakeling noise (floor)

[@MeowMaster176]

Shoes in the house? :O