blog | Cove

discover our insider lifestyle features covering Singapore’s co-living scene, well-being, things to do, places to visit, trendy eateries and beyond.

A condensed insight on how Shawn the intern managed his mandatory quarantine ordeal. Good news for those of you flying in to Singapore, SHN has been reduced back to 14 days!

If you give me 21 days I will share with you what I did over my SHN

For those of you who are curious about the Stay-Home-Notice (SHN) experience at a dedicated facility, fret not! Earlier last month, I had taken it upon myself to live through the full 21-days (at its P2HA peak), and document my journeys in keeping sane/warding off boredom!


Earlier this year at the start of March, I received an email offer for an internship as a video creative at Cove Singapore -- to which I gladly accepted! After getting the billion and one documents ready (including my flight tickets, an approval letter from the Malaysian government to exit Malaysia, an approval letter from the Singaporean government to enter Singapore, a negative test result for a Covid-19 swab test, a health declaration form for Changi Airport, and the official internship offer email), I was set to embark on my 14(+7) day journey to Singapore.


I left on a late-night flight from East Malaysia, and landed at Changi Airport at about 11pm; but despite my checking in at about 6ish in the evening, the normally 3-hour long process (from entering one airport to leaving the other) took about 7 hours in total with (much appreciated) additional health and safety protocols as well as (less appreciated) flight delays. 


Thankfully, the flight was moderately empty as was the airport and moving through immigration and all was relatively smooth. Up till when I left Changi airport, where I would be spending the next 14(+7) days was a mystery -- I actually only found out on the drive out from Changi by eavesdropping on the driver’s phone call with the administration team. After the whole immigration checkpoint, post-flight swab test, and SHN facility designation ordeals at Changi, I had finally checked in to the Conrad Centennial at 1am in the morning. 



When I came to in the morning to actually take in my surroundings, the room turned out to be more spacious than what I would normally be used to. This was especially so with the mini ‘living room’ space between the bed and the television -- it seemed like one could easily fit two whole yoga mats with room to spare! I say that like someone who religiously does that when instead, I just moved the in-room couch to the front of my bed for a better television experience.


Other than that, it was really great to have a whole king-size bed to myself with the poofiest pillows and a super luxurious duvet (for those ice-cold mornings that follow waking up in a hotel room)! 


Sharing the generous length of the bedroom, was the bathroom which included a full-sized bathtub, a separate rain shower, a toilet, and a very long countertop that had two sinks for some reason (not complaining though!)


Thankfully the room came with a small table, a padded chair, and really fast wifi that I coupled together into a makeshift workspace to manage my work-from-home endeavours. Having almost full-sized windows on the adjacent wall with a captivating view of the bay area made it distracting at times but in the best way possible.


In terms of amenities, the bathroom came with a healthy stockpile of the usual toiletries, but also a small sponge and a mini-bottle of dishwashing liquid to match because the Conrad Centennial opted in to greener initiatives by providing a set of metal cutlery pieces in place of separate disposable ones for every meal (major bravo!). 


Aside from the weekly towel/linen refresh, the hotel would send up extra toiletries and all at no extra charge -- however that stopped there as anything beyond that such as laundry cost were not included.


I also drink a bit more water per day than that of my peers so I made use of the in-room electric kettle and a water pitcher (that I had to make a special request for) to forego receiving countless measly bottles of water -- and subsequently chip in towards sustainable environmental practices too. 


Because housekeeping services were off the table, I took extra care to keep things nice and clean overall -- including making sure not to spill any liquids/sauces over the carpet, carefully consolidating/minimising dry trash, doing regular wipedowns across the bathroom surfaces, and religiously making my bed every morning. At the very least, keeping to routines like that did help keep my sanity in check at times, if not just my personal hygiene in general!


I don’t think this is the same for all of the SHN facilities across Singapore but the Conrad Centennial had subscribed to this online food menu system with about 3 options per meal. Namely 1 normal-vegetarian option, 1 with meat-based protein, and 1 also-vegetarian-but-with-specifically-vege-based-meat-alternative-proteins option (i.e. tofu-meat) to help coordinate SHN meals. 


I occasionally strayed from my usual preference for meat-based protein options out of sheer curiosity, but overall the meals were really very quite decent with little to complain about! Imagine the kind of meals you’d put together at a cai fan store you frequent regularly out of sheer laziness to cook a meal after work and you’d get pretty close to what I had for 21 days. 


From the food catering styled labels on the food packets it seems like all of this must have been the work of Shiok Kitchen’s catering services so shoutout to them for the yummy experience! 😊



Some recurring meal elements included pasta/spaghetti, steamed rice, chickpeas in a tomato-ey sauce, cheese croquettes/begedils, steamed vegetables, and a lot of coriander (which I didn’t mind, but that might just separate me from most). More often than not, these meals would also include lovely little tidbits and snacks like mini packs of twisties and oreos, cut fruit, and even delicious Malay kuihs on Eid! 


Overtime, I had my own little stockpile of snacks and bites that I accrued over meals and through deliveries from friends near and dear. 😊


Funny enough, just a couple of days into my initially 14-day SHN, Singapore went into a Phase Two Heightened Alert state which extended my SHN by about another week at an additional S$1000. Thankfully I had rationed my snack pile pretty well, and also brought over a small container of laundry detergent to hand-wash some laundry for the unanticipated extension. 


Aside from snacking and working-from-home, I resorted to playing a bit of HIdeo Kojima’s Death Stranding (which I had earlier saved for SHN consumption), as well as binging (but in short bursts) the Netflix’s Narcos series to kill time -- both of which I’d recommend to any fellow gamer or tv-phile stuck in quarantine! 


It is rare to have this much time on your hands to really indulge in time-consuming titles that would normally set off your inner guilt alarms left right and centre so overall I definitely enjoyed being able to unwind as such.


Altogether I feel like I had a sustained amount of social interactions from the daily check-ins by staff at the Ministry of Manpower/Health, occasional calls from friends and family, and frequent Zoom meetings with the colleagues which negated the ‘isolation’ to a degree. 


If I had to give any additional advice to prospective SHN-ers, I would suggest to have a variety of things to do/keep occupied over the quarantine period -- I personally took to movies and video games but you do you pal, be it working out (bring a yoga mat), reading (pack a small variety of genres perhaps), or even sewing-knitting (but bring enough thread/have your local friends send you some) whatever floats your boat!


At the end of it, I’d say that it was nice to have a good amount of alone time with my thoughts and self, but also I packed up really quickly on the last day and rushed home as quickly as the cab driver could go so maybe more of a one-and-done experience for me on hindsight. 


Thankfully, SHN has now been reduced back to 14 days! To keep updated with the latest border restrictions, visit the MOM website to find out more.

Here are some tips to make remote work way convenient than it already has been!

The ideal work from home situation

We’re back to working from home for more than a month now and it seems like it’s gonna be the default for a few weeks’ time before the government eases Covid-19 restrictions.


We can all agree that WFH sure has its perks but let’s admit, we do get demotivated to start work or get a little too tired in the middle of the day. But not to worry! Here are some tips on how you can keep on going and press on during WFH season.


Sitting on the office chair, sofa or on your bed while working from home can be quite tiring and bad for you back. Remember to get out of the chair to move around!


You can simply look out at the window to rest your eyes, walk to the nearest eatery to get lunch instead of ordering in or just walk around your house just to keep yourself a little bit active.


Talking about being active, one of the best ways to perk yourself up during a long office day is by keeping yourself fit!


Set aside 10 minutes in the afternoon to not do any work, and just re-energise yourself by doing a short 10 minutes workout.


It can be a relaxing yoga, a simple stretch, a quick tabata or anything that you love. 


I’m pretty sure you’ll feel hyped to continue your work right after the quick workout.

If you're new to working out, be sure to get your yoga mats, dry-fit shirts or weights at Decathlon at affordable prices.

Get an indoor plant


If you haven’t got an indoor plant, you should definitely get one now.


Besides being aesthetically pleasing and Instagram-worthy, these plants actually do help us with feeling relaxed.


With plants in your room, it’ll benefit your mental and spiritual health too. To learn more about indoor plants, read up on our indoor plants article.


Aren’t we all guilty of that? Well, don’t be.


According to Forbes, a solid 10-minute power nap helps to boost one’s focus and productivity almost immediately. But, do not nap for too long as the longer you nap, the longer it takes for the effects to kick in.


It is also recommended to nap in the late morning or early afternoon so as to not disturb your normal sleeping schedule.


We all groove to different types of music. So make sure you find the right playlist to listen to while you’re working to keep you motivated.


If you don’t already have a playlist to listen to while working from home, here’s a playlist we’ve curated especially for you!


It’s important to let your family members know that you’re working from home and you need some peace and quiet during office hours for your remote work.


Do let them know so they won’t bother you to get lunch, wash the toilet or run errands while you’re busy rushing for deadlines.


It’s also crucial that you have a designated space to carry out your WFH tasks, and let your family members know that this space is your home office. So that they won’t disturb this area!


Alternatively, you can move with Cove where you can have your own room! You can enjoy the utmost privacy in your room where you have your own desk for your WFH needs, an extension plug to charge all your devices such as laptops, tablets and phones - basically all your work from home essentials - making telecommuting so convenient.


Not to forget a very comfortable bed to nap on.


Click here to browse WFH-friendly Cove homes.

Not too sure where you should start your shopping adventure on this iconic road? Here are some useful tips for you!

Your local guide to Orchard Road shopping

To most of us, Orchard Road is such a familiar sight. But if you’re new to Singapore, Orchard Road shopping has to be in your ‘MUST SEE’ list right? 😃


This is where the busiest shopping district in Singapore is located. You can find almost everything here - luxury brands, department stores and even delicious local cuisines at affordable prices!


Did you know that there are more than 10 shopping malls located along this famous road which stretches about 2.2 kilometres long? 


If you’re wondering where you should start your retail therapy at Orchard Road, I suggest you drop off at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station and start your shopping experience at Plaza Singapura, which was once the biggest shopping mall in Southeast Asia during its inception in 1974.


If you wish to take a break after spending some time at Plaza Singapura (or Plaza Sing, like how the locals call it), just head over to The Cathay, located just across the street, to enjoy some snacks or even watch a movie. 🎬


Even though 2.2km is a little bit too long and it stretches along 3 MRT stations namely Dhoby Ghaut, Somerset and Orchard station, I don’t recommend you to take the bus nor train so you can really explore this area. 🚌


If you were to take the train, you don’t really get to see anything as you’ll be travelling underground, so you can’t see the beautiful shopping mall facades. And if you were to ride the bus, you might not have the best view. You can’t even enjoy the view at your own pace.


So… should you walk 2.2km long? YES. I promise you that you won’t regret it and you’ll thank me for the calories you’ll be burning as you shop!


On top of that, you’ll get to see amazing little hidden gems.


If you’re starting your walk from Plaza Sing, walk towards this huge forest-like entrance that will bring you to the rest of the bustling Orchard Road.


You may ask, “what’s this grand entrance, guarded by the police and army?” as you walk past it. Well, that’s The Istana! In Malay, it literally translates to ‘The Palace’, that’s where the office of the President of the Republic of Singapore is. It is used to receive and entertain state guests.


After walking past The Istana and Concorde Hotel Singapore, you’ll definitely be in a dilemma. That’s because you’ll get to see plenty of shopping malls right in front of you.


On the right side, you can find Orchard Plaza, Orchard Point, Cuppage Plaza, The Centre Point and Midpoint Orchard. 


And if you were to cross the road (or to travel via the underpass through The Centre Point) , you’ll be inside Orchard Gateway, Orchard Central and 313@Somerset which sits on top of Somerset MRT station. 


I hope you won’t get lost in those 3 malls because they’re all linked together!


Just beside 313@Somerset, you can find a 4-storey H&M store. Yup, 4 storeys high, I know right?!

After this pit-stop, you can see multiple luxury brands greeting you along Orchard Road as you go further up. So if you’re the type of person who loves luxury brands, the next few minutes of walk will surely excite you!


Brands such as Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Prada, Givenchy, Fendi, Mont Blanc, Louis Vuitton and many more can be found in this stretch of road which was once home to gambier and pepper plantations in the 1800s! Who knew?


For a one-stop luxury shopping experience, head over to Ngee Ann City. There’s even the Japanese department store, Takashimaya, in the mall.


End your shopping experience with a bang!


Complete your shopping adventure by going for a massage, a hair treatment, a mani-pedi session or simply good affordable food.


Located right beside Grand Hyatt Singapore, Far East Plaza offers a myriad of options for you to pamper yourself after a day of retail therapy.


You will be shocked at how affordable these services are, as compared to the other salons you can find within the main area of Orchard Road. 


If you’re looking for authentic Asian dishes, you can find it in this underrated mall too. From Thai, Filipino, Indonesian and local delights.


This mall is only 5 minutes away from Orchard MRT!


If you think you might miss some shops in Orchard Road, I suggest you stroll back to Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. It’s quite a long walk but I can assure you that you’ll see new things that you didn’t realise in the first place.


Or you can always come again another day to continue your walk. But, if you live within the vicinity and Orchard Road is literally your neighbourhood, then you can visit it anytime you like!


So, why not make Orchard your neighbourhood? Browse these available homes located at Orchard & River Valley now and contact us to book a virtual viewing. Quote 'CSS2021' when you move in before 30th June to enjoy $200 off* this Great Singapore Sale season!


Don’t miss out on our other lifestyle reads:

Difference between co-living and traditional home rentals

Cove makes leasing easy for both private and institutional landlords in Singapore; make the most of your properties today with our expert help. Learn more now.

Make the most of your properties with the help of Cove

When it comes to making your possessions work for you, property is a great way to complement sources of income. That is, if you are willing to put in the hard work of sourcing the right tenants, keeping your properties in good and attractive shape, and dealing with all kinds of red tape and fees. 


In case you are put off by all of that, we hear you. This is why Cove is ready to lend private and institutional landlords a hand when it comes to leasing out your property!


Whether you are a private owner or institutional landlord, we all can agree that leasing out your property can be a hassle. That is certainly not the case if you partner up with Cove. 


Our objective is to boost your property’s revenue without you stressing out; Cove is here to do the heavy lifting when it comes to leasing details.


Get in touch with our friendly team of experts and get started. Together, we will review your property and help you understand just what to expect with this partnership. More importantly, you will have a more precise projection of your potential returns.


Once you have decided to join us on our incredible platform, our team will begin working our magic. Your properties will be furnished and spruced up with style, thanks to the signature interior design made possible only by Cove. 


With all of that settled, you will find your properties up for rent/leasing on our state-of-the-art marketplace platform. 


All that is left is to wait for interested tenants. To keep things even more smooth, all of our tenants are verified and responsible users. This way, you can have peace of mind even when your property is leased out under Cove.


Cove will also be taking care of all the housekeeping and maintenance needs of your property. Cove helps ensure you have a stable recurring income without vacancy risk and a win-win for all of us!


Cove is the right partner for private/institutional landlords


With an outstanding real-estate track record that has been growing with momentum, Cove is the perfect way to enhance your efforts when it comes to property leasing. Excellent customer feedback also keeps us at the forefront of tenants’ options, which will be perfect for anyone looking to enter the market.


Cove provides you with tailored revenue structures, beautiful interior design, efficient and careful management, and ensures your property is in good hands with vetter and verified tenants of the highest quality. 


Get in touch with Cove today and partner up with a fast-growing platform that puts property owners and tenants as our top priorities in every way.

Make the most of your properties with the help of Cove 

Here's how you can live in this heritage-rich and historic property commonly found in Tanjong Pagar, Joo Chiat and Chinatown.

Fancy living in a shophouse? With Cove, anything is possible!

One of our favourite pastimes living in this bustling city is of course eating! Most of the common activities we Millennials love to do is to go cafe hopping and try new hipster food, which may cost quite a little bit too much but really worth a try. 😊


And of course, what is a trip to a chic cafe or restaurant if we don’t snap some photos to post on our social media? You know how the saying goes, ‘pics or it didn’t happen!’


We don’t only go to a certain cafe just for the food, but also to soak in the atmosphere and ambience of the eatery. And also to appreciate the modern yet rustic interior and boho furnishings.


It is a known fact that we just love how most of these cafes are located in commercial shophouses in areas such as Bugis, Tanjong Pagar, Chinatown, Tiong Bahru and many more. Sometimes, we catch ourselves thinking, “I wish I could live in a shophouse!”


Well do you know that with Cove, you can make this very wish come true?


Yes, you heard that right! Here at Cove we provide multiple types of homes for rent, and this includes shophouse rental too!


What’s great about living in shophouses is it's like living in a time capsule! 


Typically a set of narrow buildings clustered along streets, these terraced buildings have intricate carvings and latticed windows and doors which give them a distinct aesthetic. Shophouses pull together inspiration from multiple ethno-religious cultures, playing with Malay fretwork, Peranakan tiling, Corinthian pilasters and Art Deco-inspired façades.

Fully furnished living room in a shophouse at Emerald Hill.


But when you step into the insides of these traditional buildings, it’s as though you’ve brought back to the present time. Especially when you’re in Cove homes as we have refurbished the home where the deco is simply minimalistic to suit the need of the modern Millennial. 


Another plus point of living in a residential shophouse for rent is that you’ll be connected to the city very easily. 


Our 2-storey shophouse for rent at Jalan Besar is literally opposite the MRT station exit! All you have to do is cross the street to get home once you exit the station. 


If you prefer somewhere more hidden, we do have Emerald Hill shophouse for rent tucked away from the bustling of Orchard Road. Despite it being only 10 minutes away from Somerset MRT station, the area there is pretty serene as it is located away from the busy shopping district.


If you’re an East sider, this Joo Chiat shophouse for rent is perfect for you! There’s a total of 4 floors to this beautiful shophouse and the best part of it all? It’s only 6 minutes drive from East Coast Park. 🌲


Another shophouse for rent in the East is located at Geylang Road, which is nearby Paya Lebar Quarter, dubbed as CBD of the East!

This shophouse room at Geylang comes with an ensuite bathroom.


You’ll never run out of food choices living in a shophouse neighbourhood. Besides the popular and more well-known hipster cafes you can find in shophouses, traditional local eateries are also thriving in shophouse enclaves!


From old-school shops selling tropical fruits to multi-generational breakfast places, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to local Singaporean delicacies.

Zam Zam Restaurant has been in the exact same location for more than a century!


If you’re lucky, you can also bump into a traditional convenience store that sells your basic grocery needs and evergreen local snacks! To Singaporeans, these shops are called ‘Mama shop’. It’s basically a very compact supermarket. 


Due to the size of shophouses that can accommodate more individuals, you are more likely to meet more like-minded Coveys when staying in shophouses.


If you feel that staying in a co-living space is a great opportunity to network and make new friends, you should totally consider living in a shophouse.


There’s ample space for you to get together with your flatmates (as compared to living in a condominium or a walk-up apartment). You can organise movie nights in the living room, have a nice dinner under the sky at the patio or chill by the bar. You can also bring your friends over to have a little party in the shophouse! 


To find out more about the shophouse available at Cove, why not drop us a WhatsApp message? We’ll be more than happy to help. 😃


Don’t miss out on our lifestyle reads!

Differences between co-living and traditional home rentals

Around the world in 8 food places
Top 4 bargain malls in Singapore

Staying with in-laws? You wouldn't want that, I promise you! Why not opt for co-living?

Where should you stay while waiting for your delayed BTO?

For newly-weds, having a place to call their own is one of the most important things they look forward to once they have tied the knot.


Sadly, according to the recent statistics released in the news, renovation for Build-To-Order (BTO) houses are delayed up to two months. And if you’re looking to renovate your BTO home, that will mean you’ll move into your new home even later as renovation works will take up a few more months.


According to Business Times, a total of 85% of ongoing BTO projects are delayed, affecting 43,000 households due to construction delays owing to manpower shortages and supply chain disruptions. 😞


As a result, a number of young couples have no choice but to look for a temporary place to call home while waiting for the BTO to be completed. So, what are the options that are available?


I’m pretty sure one of the reasons why you applied for BTO is to move away from your in-laws or parents and enjoy privacy with your spouse. 


But do you really want to share the common space with your elderly relatives while you and your spouse are still in the honeymoon phase, being chummy and clingy with your spouse? 


While staying with your in-laws may seem like a convenient choice, this is not the only option. If you haven’t heard of co-living, then continue on reading this article. Trust me, it’s your solution to finding an alternative stay while waiting for your BTO!


Do you remember those times when we could go on holidays and book an apartment to spend a few nights resting and sleeping there while we explore the city in a foreign land during the day? Well, co-living is something like that! 


Just like Airbnb, the homes that Cove offers are fully furnished with the most comfortable beds and sofa, equipped with a smart TV for you to be entertained. You can also cook in the kitchen as all pots and pans are readily available. 🍳

A fully equipped kitchen in a walk-up apartment at Havelock Rd


At Cove, you can book a room for yourself and your spouse for a minimum of 3 months. Isn’t that an ideal timeframe while you wait for your BTO? Unlike HDB rental which is a minimum of 6 months! 😔


And if your BTO is delayed even longer (let’s hope not!), you can always extend your stay with us. Just let us know 30 days in advance when you’re planning to move out.


Like what I've mentioned earlier, Cove homes are fully equipped, so you don’t have to worry about buying any essentials to carry out with your daily chores while at home. Think about all the money you save on hiring movers! All you have to do is just move in.


This also means you can continue saving up some money to buy the furniture set that you’ve always wanted for your new BTO home. Yay!


You don’t even have to worry about finding the perfect wifi network service as wifi is included in your monthly invoice when you stay with Cove. 


If you choose to stay in one of Cove’s condominiums then make sure you make full use of the amenities before you leave for your BTO. 😏

Enjoy a dip in the pool at Tre Residences


Yes, you read that right. Feel free to utilise the swimming pool, gym, tennis court and all the other facilities that can be found at the condo you’re staying at. You can even have a little pool party or a BBQ get-together with your friends (when the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) restrictions are lifted up)! Cool, isn’t it? 🏊


Some of you might associate co-living with sharing the home with other tenants, and as such, you and your spouse may not get the full privacy that both of you wanted. Don’t worry, we have something just for you!


If you need more privacy and prefer to live in a home with your spouse, we have studio apartments for you to rent too!


Renting a studio apartment from Cove will definitely be an excellent short-term option for you and your spouse. 


North, South, East, West or Central. You name it! You can find your ideal temporary home at Cove in any of these locations. Just let us know the ideal location and your budget, our bookings team will suggest the perfect homes that meet your needs.


We even have homes in the CBD area if you wish to live near your workplace.


So what are you waiting for? Hurry book a virtual viewing with us by clicking this link.

Moving to Singapore as a foreigner can be scary, but it is much easier than you think, get the lowdown on how housing and renting works with Cove! 

Moving to Singapore — what you need to know

You have secured yourself a move to Singapore for a different living experience, and a new adventure awaits. However, before you get too excited, there is still the small matter settling your housing needs. 


You do not want to be worrying about if you have a place to head home to after working hard or partying late. You need a home that is made for your every need, and that is where renting becomes an important tool for foreigners looking to relocate to Singapore.


Unless you are absolutely sure about spending much of your life in Singapore, you are not likely to be looking at buying property in Singapore. That can be very expensive, and not ideal for short-term stays. 


Instead, there are other options to consider when it comes to your housing in Singapore.


Chances are, if you already have experience renting a place in your home country, you are already familiar with the process here in Singapore as well. Certain locations are high in demand as they provide easy access to the attractions in the country or close to workplaces like the CBD, or have a suite of amenities. As such, they can be quite costly. 


Rent depends on where you want to stay. It can go as high as a few thousand dollars, or as low as a few hundred. The pricing for HDB apartments, serviced apartments, condos or landed property are also wildly different. 


We offer places to stay with a starting price from $1,000. So consider your budget before you decide on a location. 


A relocation to Singapore may not be easy to get your furniture over. You might want to consider fully furnished apartments for rent to save yourself some hassle. However, if you are up for a furnishing project, there are other options available as well. 

A fully furnished dining room in a shophouse located at Geylang


The weather in Singapore is also hot and humid all year round. So if you are not a big fan of the sun, you might want to consider areas closer to the city, where there are more locations with air conditioning to stave off the heat. Of course, do make sure your new rental home has air conditioning as well. 


Moving to a different country like Singapore will be a new experience for most foreigners, and finding the perfect place can be difficult on your own. 


To address that, you may hire an agent to help settle things on your behalf, or better yet, you can depend on our bookings team who provide all the advice you’ll need with no agent fees. 


Flexibility can be important to some consumers, and we totally understand. Cove offers a  minimum 3-months stay for those looking for a temporary solution, so you can make your plans with more freedom. Do not get tied down, enjoy your freedom instead!


No matter where you are from, Cove has all the necessary information and knowledge to help ease your move to Singapore when it comes to a home or room for rental. We take away all the hassle so all you need to do is decide where you want to live, view apartments, and complete the booking process through an easy digital process. 


A wide variety of homes are located in multiple neighbourhoods islandwide so you can find a place to stay whether it is in the CBD, Pasir Panjang, or Novena. All Coveys have access to an instant community so you get to meet new people and make friends from day one, you will never feel alone with Cove!


A leading flatmate compatibility report developed with Mogeo and their team of data scientists and psychologists also helps ensure you will not go crazy with the wrong housemate. Best of all, all of the most useful information you will need is in the palm of your hand, through an app that you can access anytime.


Move in with Cove and enjoy flexibility, stylish furnishings, inclusion of utilities, housekeeping services, dedicated maintenance with round the clock support and the all-important Wi-Fi. Renting a home with us is the best decision you can make when moving to Singapore.


Sit back, and let Cove take care of the rest. Contact us today and let us help you find the dream home that you will love on the sunny island of Singapore today! In the meantime, here are some useful dos and don’ts to take note of when in Singapore:

Do check out the public transport systems

Do get some packets of tissue, it will be a lifesaver.

Don’t litter. Seriously, do not try it.

Don’t vandalise. Just do not even think about it.

Don’t smoke anywhere you like. There are places for that.

Having a home in Singapore is not always about the buying, renting can be a viable option too, especially with the changing market. Learn how today! 

A Singapore house — rent or buy?

For many of the locals living in Singapore, the idea of renting a home or a room is almost an entirely foreign concept. Having to fork out part of your income every month for rent is not the preferred living arrangement. That is perhaps why millennials and those who are single continue to stay with their parents. Moving out only becomes an option when we have the means to get our own property, such as after graduation, having a stable job, or heading towards marriage.


However, with a little research, it can be clear that renting in Singapore is no longer an expensive alternative to housing. With the rental landscape nowadays, you may actually find options that suit your needs without the need to break the bank.


In fact, when housing prices are still relatively high, especially with the more popular areas in Singapore, you will need to be either extremely cash rich or be willing to wait for prices to drop to get your dream home. This is why focusing on the rental market in Singapore tends to make more sense. 


Before we go further, it is important to understand some of the key differences between buying property in Singapore and renting a home/room.


Renting can give you more freedom with your money, as arrangements can be short-term to suit your needs. Buying, on the other hand, is a long-term investment, with a loan that may need taken care of down the road.


The availability of homes in the areas you want may not always be there, resale prices can be high, and new properties will take time to build. Renting a home in Singapore is much more immediate, with ready units available to move into depending on your budget.


Owning your own property may be nice, but when you are looking to move, it can be a hassle just trying to sell off the property, and get your new place arranged as well. 


Renting, however, gives you the freedom to find another place more easily and in the popular locations you want, such as Tiong Bahru or even Marina Bay.  This can cut down commuting times if you are staying near your workplace or the CBD. Plus, you can have all the alone time you want, hold parties, and host your friends whenever you feel like it.

Central Green condominium, located at Tanjong Pagar


The only tough part is the packing and unpacking.


As the homeowner, everything is under your care. So if any maintenance issues come up, you will have to take care of it. For those renting a home or a room, such matters may come under your rent. In such cases, your landlord is the one responsible for keeping things in working order.


While it varies from home to home, renters are more likely to find places that are already fully furnished and equipped with amenities.  You can save on such costs, and more often than not, the house already looks great and perfect for anyone to move in. Homeowners will have to do it themselves, which can be another headache altogether.


At the end of the day, the choice is for you to make. Buying a property offers its own benefits, but requires a much more invested commitment  overall. However, as the market has shifted, renting is no longer as inaccessible or daunting as before. If you are not the type to get attached to a property and are much more into convenient living arrangements, renting a home or a room in Singapore might just be your best option.


 Let Cove be your guide to renting a home


To help make your whole rental experience a hassle free and easy affair, let us do all the heavy lifting. We can help discover the best places for you, get a free and non-obligated viewing of the property, get everything in order digitally, and enjoy all of the perks and community events we provide when renting a home. 


When it comes to renting a home in Singapore, Cove is your best choice. Contact us today!

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