House hunting can be one of the most challenging parts of being a digital nomad. It is a major decision that can determine how well you enjoy your stay and affect your productivity as a remote worker. This decision is not much easier if you're relocating to Southeast Asia (SEA). Most people end up staying in hotels and resorts for days to weeks before finding a suitable place to live.
But don't worry— we've got you covered. In this article, we'll take you through an essential checklist for house hunting in Southeast Asia.
Choosing a good apartment isn't just about the aesthetics or cost. While these factors are important, there are many other things to consider depending on your type of work.
Accommodation costs in Southeast Asia largely depends on the city, neighbourhood, and property type. The price of a studio apartment in Singapore or Bangkok will differ from what you expect from Chiang Mai or Penang. Remember to budget for additional costs like maintenance fees and utility, as some landlords might require you to pay upfront.
Also read: Seven proven hacks to slash accommodation costs while traveling
When choosing a location, you should always prioritise accessibility and safety. If you plan to use a coworking space, consider the proximity of your home to it. If you'll be staying in big cities like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, you should consider a place close to public transport as these cities sometimes experience heavy traffic.
Speak with the locals, expats and other digital nomads to determine the safety of the area . Also, spend time researching the local crime rates to keep yourself safe.
Ensure your accommodation has basic amenities like air conditioning and heating, laundry, and kitchen access. It should also be close to places you will likely visit, such as—grocery stores, cafes, schools, libraries and parks. This will greatly improve your living conditions.
Thoroughly inspect the place before accepting an offer. Make sure to check the water pressure, doors, locks, and windows. Look for any structural damages and take note of them. Also look out for moulds, pests, and rodents, which are common in tropical climates. If the apartment is furnished fully or partly, inspect the condition of the appliances.
Choose a neighbourhood that suits your lifestyle and energy. If you thrive in a lively environment , consider living in a vibrant area. Since you'll be living in the community for a while, it's important to be friendly with your neighbours to avoid being lonely in a new country. If you'll be working from home, make sure to choose a quiet neighbourhood, especially during work hours.
During your inspection, check the internet speed from the house. As digital nomads, we don't need to explain how important this for your work. While most of Southeast Asia has good internet infrastructure, speeds can vary by location.
SoutheastAsia has a tropical climate, which means high temperatures and humidity for most of the year and monsoon seasons in some parts of the region. Ensure you avoid properties in flood-prone areas. In farming communities, you may experience frequent forest fires and agricultural burning that can negatively affect air quality, especially in some towns in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. If you'll be staying in those areas, or if they have seasonal haze, you should consider getting an air purifier.
Before signing a lease, review the visa regulations, especially if you'll be staying there for a while. Look into the ownership rights or lease requirements for the country you plan to live in Southeast Asia. Read the lease terms and conditions carefully before signing any documents.
Pay attention to the cancellation policy. Ensure it is flexible enough to accommodate a change in plans if you have to move to another country or city sooner, so you'll only lose a little of your booking fee This ensures you only lose a little on your booking fee.
Now that you know what to look for, let's discuss places where you can find apartments for rent in SEA.
Checking online real estate platforms is always a good place to begin house hunting. These websites offer some of the best listings in the area. You can filter the results by price, location, and type of house, making it it relatively faster to find what you need. Some examples of real estate platforms include PropertyGuru (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand), iProperty (Malaysia), Dot Property (Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines) and FazWaz (Thailand).
Social media has been saving lives since its existence. Just input your search keyword into Facebook or X (formerly Twitter), and you will see posts and communities about housing in your choice area. However, you must be mindful of fake pages and scammers. Subreddits like r/SingaporeExpats or r/expat offer helpful experiences and recommendations, for trustworthy listings and realtors. Websites like Expat.com and InterNations have forums where members post about available rentals and share housing advice for specific cities and countries.
These agencies are familiar with the area, often locals or residents, and can be invaluable in your search for a good house. Many of them also have networks of other agents to help find a property that checks your boxes.
Apps like Airbnb and Agoda Homes provide reliable options for Short-term house rentals, temporary stays or even longer visits. ZmyHome is a Thailand-based app that helps visitors find houses in Thailand.
You can also explore other options like asking the locals and expats, checking coworking spaces for house listings or using platforms like Booking.com and Homestay for more flexible arrangements.
We understand that house hunting in Southeast Asia might be a little challenging, and we hope you find this article helpful. We also recommend talking with other digital nomads in the region to get some helpful tips about the house hunting process.
One last thing, don't forget to open a Grey account for a smooth and secure financial experience in Southeast Asia. Create your account today and good luck with house hunting!
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