More expats in Singapore moving to heartland as benefits shrink

The Singapore American School in Woodlands. Some expatriates have relocated to live within walking distance of such institutions. PHOTO: ST FILE
The Singapore American School in Woodlands. Some expatriates have relocated to live within walking distance of such institutions. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
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More expatriates are moving away from Singapore's prime, central districts and towards suburban, heartland areas - while still opting for private housing within pre-existing expat communities, according to property agents and online portals that Insight spoke to.

They say the trend, anecdotally observed over the past decade, can be primarily attributed to reduced - if not entirely removed - expat benefits, the relocation of international schools and the impact of Covid-19.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on October 11, 2020, with the headline More expats in S'pore moving to heartland as benefits shrink. Subscribe