Rebasing in Johor Bahru with a Family: Challenges and Opportunities

In recent years, an increasing number of Singaporeans have been exploring the possibility of moving to Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia, attracted by lower living costs and the promise of a different lifestyle.

Among them is Shamir, a real estate consultant and father of three, who recently made the bold decision to rebase his family in JB while maintaining strong ties to Singapore. His experience offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that come with such a move.

The Decision-Making Process

Shamir's journey to JB began long before the actual move. As residents of Woodlands, Singapore, Shamir and his family were already familiar with JB through regular visits for petrol runs, grocery shopping, and date nights. These trips planted the seed of an idea: what if they could actually live there?

"I always joked with my wife about moving to JB," Shamir recalls. "But it wasn't until we fulfilled our Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) for our HDB flat that we started seriously considering it."

The family's decision-making process was gradual and involved numerous property viewings across JB. Shamir explains, "We would schedule weekend family outings to view properties. My kids even enjoyed it, treating it like visiting relatives' houses with refreshments."

After exploring various areas in JB, including the Iskandar region, East Ledang, Horizon Hills, and Sunwayside, the family finally found a property that resonated with them both in terms of location and price point.

The Chosen Property and Lifestyle

Shamir's family ultimately settled on a semi-detached house that offered a stark contrast to their living situation in Singapore. "We got a 4,000 square foot land with a built-up area of 4,000 square feet, three stories, for 4,000 ringgit per month," Shamir shares. This rental arrangement allows the family to experience landed living, something that would be financially challenging in Singapore.

The move to a landed property has been an eye-opening experience for the family. Shamir notes, "I grew up in an HDB, and now I understand why my friends who lived in landed houses in Singapore had to call their parents to bring things up. It's all part of experiencing a different way of life."

Balancing Work and Life Between Singapore and JB

One of the most significant challenges of rebasing in JB is managing work commitments in Singapore. Shamir's flexible schedule as a real estate agent has been crucial in making this arrangement work. He explains his strategy: "I pack my schedule usually on the weekends. When people are going back into Johor, I actually come back into Singapore."

Shamir typically spends Thursday to Sunday in Singapore, conducting property viewings and attending to his other commitments, including his role as treasurer with the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He then returns to JB on Sunday evenings when the traffic is less congested.

This arrangement allows Shamir to maintain his professional life in Singapore while enjoying the benefits of living in JB. However, he acknowledges that this level of flexibility might not be possible for everyone. "There are people who come into Singapore every day to work and spend weekends in Johor. With the move towards flexi-work, some are able to work 3 days in Singapore and 2 days in Johor," he observes.

Challenges and Considerations

The decision to rebase in JB wasn't without its challenges. Shamir's wife was initially resistant, citing concerns about safety and the impact on their children. Additionally, adapting to a new lifestyle and managing time effectively between two countries requires careful planning and adjustment.

Shamir also notes that productivity can be a challenge when in JB. "Once I'm in Johor, I'm least productive," he admits. This observation underscores the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to work and time management when living across borders.

Financial Aspects

The financial benefits of living in JB are significant, particularly in terms of housing costs. The family's 4,000 square foot semi-detached house in JB costs significantly less than what a similar property would in Singapore. However, Shamir has chosen to retain their HDB flat in Singapore, which serves as a base for his work commitments and a long-term investment.

This strategy of maintaining a property in both countries allows the family to enjoy the best of both worlds while potentially benefiting from future property value appreciation in Singapore.

Impact on Family Life

The move to JB has had a profound impact on the family's lifestyle. With three children aged 10, 6, and 4, the additional space provided by their landed property has been a significant benefit. The children have more room to play and grow, and the family can enjoy amenities that would be costly luxuries in Singapore, such as a private swimming pool.

Moreover, living in JB exposes the family to a different cultural environment, broadening their perspectives and experiences. Shamir sees this as an opportunity for his children to adapt to diverse settings from a young age.

Conclusion

Shamir's experience of rebasing in JB with his family highlights both the challenges and opportunities that come with such a move. While it requires careful planning, flexibility, and adaptation, it can offer a unique lifestyle that combines the best of both Singapore and Malaysia.

For those considering a similar move, Shamir's journey provides valuable insights. It demonstrates that with the right strategy and mindset, it's possible to maintain strong professional ties in Singapore while enjoying a different pace of life in JB. However, it's crucial to consider individual circumstances, work flexibility, and long-term goals before making such a significant life change.

As more Singaporeans explore the possibility of living in JB, stories like Shamir's will become increasingly relevant, offering a roadmap for those looking to redefine their living arrangements in this interconnected region.

You can check their full interview on Chills with TFC, Episode 185 on Spotify, YouTube, Apple podcast for insights into one of Singapore’s most talked-about retirement schemes.