Singapore is a fast nation; it’s always busy and always moving. Also, it’s only here that you can sell your old home, buy a new one, and move in the very same day. Such a move is possible under HDB’s (Housing & Development Board) “Enhanced Contra Facility”.
You can just hire a moving service in Singapore to keep them on standby till the house ownership is transferred, and they can just start packing. A same-day move with complete home possession is only possible in Singapore.
Read this blog to know more about the scheme and when you can hire a cheap house mover in Singapore for a seamless transition.
What Exactly Is The HDB Contra Scheme?
It’s a simultaneous property and financial settlement scheme initiated by the Singaporean government. Contra allows you to sell your current flat and buy a new one concurrently using the same funds.
The scheme channels cash proceeds from your sale directly to fund your upcoming home purchase. No need for monthly transfers or waiting for the payments to be processed to make the down payment.
However, your buyer, seller and you must coordinate the legal timelines with the HDB for a flawless transfer of ownership. But you can only utilise the Contra path if you are using HDB financial loans, not private bank loans.
It will also help save you months of temporary rental expenses. The gap between HDB dwellers giving up ownership and getting their new homes is now bridged. By syncing transaction dates, you avoid finding short-term housing between flat moves.
How Do I Plan The Timeline For A Contra Move?
Align your HDB appointment perfectly for a smooth transaction. Ensure that your legal representative schedules both the sale and purchase completion on the (exact) same day. Book your moving truck for early morning.
Schedule packers to arrive at 7 am so that the old flat can be fully emptied out by legal handover time. Keep buffer cash at hand for the waiting fee of the same-day moving service in Singapore. They will charge hourly fees until the keys are retrieved.
Carry a specialised legal document folder and keep all original HDB approval letters and transaction receipts in your personal bag. Also, submit your SP Utilities application early so water and power run the minute you get keys.
What Packing Strategy Works Best For Same-Day Moves?
For faster yet more organised packing, adopt a strict colour-coded box system. Label boxes with bright stickers matching your new room layouts to speed up the unpacking phase. Keep an essentials box or survival kit aside.
Pack an essential 48-hour kit in a suitcase for survival and easy wind-down post-move. Keep clothes, essential chargers, and daily toiletries with you so you can survive day one. Also, pack some frozen foods and dry snacks to cook a quick meal for dinner.
When you move, remember to leave large furniture pieces dismantled early. Strip down beds and wardrobes the night before to shave hours off moving day loading times. Use heavy-duty plastic storage tubs to shield valuables better than cardboard boxes.
Also, if some of the belongings are to be put in storage for some time, clearly mark items heading there. Separate goods meant for immediate use from things staying sealed to clear walkways fast and pack accordingly.
What Are The Top Risks Of A Same-Day Contra Move?
Lastly, hiring a cheap house mover in Singapore is a great option, as you have to consider waiting and other surcharges. The new flat might not be clear of debris. The previous owner may leave trash behind, forcing you to clean while movers unload boxes.
Moreover, sudden vehicle breakdowns can ruin your pre-planned move timelines. A flat truck tyre can cause you to miss your strict HDB key collection slot at the hub. Moreover, if the HDB queues run long, you might get your new keys late in the evening, inflating mover fees.
Also, during peak or late summers, you can expect severe afternoon rain delays. Heavy tropical downpours can slow down outdoor loading paths, pushing your move into the night. Besides, even though you have managed to arrive on time, discovering broken pipelines during handover causes delays, especially because your truck is already waiting.
FAQs
How to pack for moving house on short notice in Singapore?
For moving on short notice or on the same day, hire same-day movers, or book an on-demand move van service.
What is a cost-effective way to move homes?
A DIY move or a hybrid move are the cheapest options to move home on a limited budget.
How much to pay for 1 move for 3 hours?
For a small-scale move with fewer items to move, you may be charged SGD100 to 150.
What are the hidden costs of moving?
Loss of routine, fear of the unknown, and anxiety of an unfamiliar environment can be very stressful for some.
What fees do you pay when moving?
For the same-day move using the HDB contra system, you would need to pay for the legal costs, cleaning and removal fees, and moving service fees.
To Summarise
In hindsight, this scheme may seem way too complicated to be true, but that’s Singapore’s system efficiency for you. Also, you can book with a moving service in Singapore in advance to get a good price bargain on the quote, as you’d have to pay significant surcharges later.
If you have the desire for such a transaction, the government can make it happen. Just ensure that you read the related documents to understand the details of the scheme properly before proceeding.
