Job Discussion Forums

astro · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 12:34 pm Post subject: Brunei Housing

Can anyone advise me on a good area for housing in Brunei as I am heading there in Jan 09. I need a place for a family of 4. More importantly is it better to go with housing provided by cfbt or is it better to find your own? What kind of rents can I expect? Sorry for all the questions! Thanks Confused

celtica · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 137

Now that is a hard one to answer. Everyone has different likes and dislikes ...especially in housing. Then there is the question of if you would rather live in a cheaper house and keep the difference, or if you want to live in comparative luxury and hang the extra cash.

Then : do you want concrete all around, or a yard for the kids? (if any) Do you want to live near your school or near the kids school? So many imponderables.

People who come to stay a while usually start with the house CfBT give them, then move later- after 12 mths. This gives you a good length of time to find out what is really out there and what you really want the most.

Rents vary hugely - some $900 a month, some 3,000 (not usually rented by CfBT!!!!). Generally a family of four is put into a four bedroom 2 b'room plus amah quarters (own bath/bedroom). No change from your allowance.

Many CfBT are now renting at $1000 per month. These are nice houses and not so huge as the over $1000 lot. Most are two storied, though there are bungalows around.

A large number of CfBT are renting along Jalan Muara. It is a very long road and goes through many Kampongs with many varied choices of housing. The road starts at the airport and goes ...as the name implies ...all the way to (the port of) Muara

gajackson1 · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 210

I'm sure you saw this already at the CfBT website - but if not, here is a gallery:

http://brunei.cfbt.org/bn/content/Teacher_Recruitment/house_Gallery.asp?page=House_Gallery&section=Teacher_Recruitment&ID=1

For a couple of those pics, they didn't make sense to me (14 & 17, I think).

Almost all of those in the gallery look nicer than my place currently - mine looks almost like #13. ***I am NOT a CfBT teacher! I have just rented my own place here.***

But as it so happens, I am on Kota Batu, 1/2 way between BSB & Muara, in Kampong Sungai Besar, and close to the Golf & Yacht clubs. There was no deposit on my place, the cost is $700/month, which includes water & elec. It is a 3br, 2 bath place - you can see it here, and what I am doing with it (pics not updated for this last week yet):

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=46476&id=635061749

And also I would expect no house provided by CfBT/the MoE to be such a 'do-it-yourself' project - but again, if you are looking into securing your own place, this might help some.

For the actual process, I would agree w/ cel - take whatever they give you (or choose from the choices available) for your 1st year. Then consider what is important to you after that. There are LOTS of places for rent, that isn't an issue!

As for me, I am here until at least the end of December/begin of January. Given a choice, I would like a house almost the same, but overlooking the water, pref with more of a yard & less concrete. Boat dock would be nice, as well. I can definitely say it will be much easier to find a place like that n the ground or with the help of a local, but you could always start w/ the online copies of Borneo Bulletin, Brunei Times, and/or Bobwhatson to get some ideas of what is available.

G.

astro

I would preferably be wanting a 4/5 bedroom house with a backyard of some sort. Fenced and 1 or 2 storey, not fussed. What kind of rent would I be looking at in say Jln Muara areas within a reasonable distance of ISB for schooling? By the way what is the general opinion of ISB for reception aged kids? Thanks for looking!! Sad

celtica · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 137

Rental prices here don't go by areas as such. They go by what the landlord wants to charge. Possibly some are motivated by the idea that it is better to have a tenant that none at all, and are therefore willing to 'bargain' but others are very definitely not. Places stay empty for years because the landlord wants more than tenants are willing to pay ....or perhaps they are waiting to get a govt rental contract.

What you are describing can be anything from $1000 to $3000 depending on the age of the building, popularity of the house , kind of landlord you are dealing with.

I know some houses that sound like they would suit you, but they were not less than $1800 when I asked four - five years ago and none are empty at the moment. So they are probably popular or govt rentals, and the landlord can ask what he likes.

I know that doesn't really help much ...you do need to be here to understand it .....very Bruneian!

ISB is generally well regarded here. As with all schools the world over, there are good teachers and not so good. ISB is no different. It is a very LARGE school population in a VERY SMALL physical space.

It will also cost you $3000 nonrefundable, one off payment per child, to begin schooling with ISB and fees are on the increase... another 15% rise to come I believe. They wanted to raise them by 25% this year, but there was an uproar, so it has been spread over a longer period. They do allow you to pay the $3000 over time now ...when we came it was all at once thank you very much!

JIS, the other international school in Jerudong, is the alternative. Currently twice the annual school fees, $1100 deposit - refundable I think!-JIS fees remain the same throughout the school years, but ISB increase as the children get older.

JIS is a wonderfully HUGE physical space in comparison to ISB. Fabulously resourced, with thriving music and drama departments. It puts ISB to shame in the resourcing area.

Many more people are moving their children to JIS as the fees increase at ISB. Some have said they feel the difference is becoming smaller financially and JIS offers a far better learning environment . The teachers work very hard there and a lot is expected of them. The environment for reception is far superior at JIS. They have room to run and play in and around trees, adventure playground etc. ISB reception is limited to a very small enclosed area.

You can probably tell, I prefer JIS! More expensive, but worth it for the superior aspects.

gajackson1 · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 210

Celt handled the school much better than I could have - but I had maybe suspected something along those lines, from what I have seen/heard, both before coming here & in the weeks since?

Ok, for the housing, again, try Bobwhatson. A fair number of real estate agents list up properties there; you can always try there, or even post up an ad of what you are looking for in the 'wanted' section (that is what I wound up doing, and it got me into the place I am in right now).

http://bobwhatson.com/bob/index.asp?Tree=2&Cat_ID=2&SubCat_ID=15&SubCat=Homes

I also see stuff every day listed in the Borneo Bulletin and the Brunei Times; I just don't know if they put their classified online as well.

You have time, and there are properties available. Just keep with it; it will work out, if you aren't happy w/ what they offer you.

(Speaking of which, have you tried contacting your handling agent? There may be a number of properties available; as long as you have the green light, you may as well let them know what your housing preferences are.)

Regards,

G.

jsteventon · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 191

Hi

In answer to the query about whether to opt for CfBT housing or not upon arrival...

As you have a family of 4 you will be very busy fixing up the children as well as adjusting to new job and environment. If you opt for the CfBT housing, you will be given a spacious family home, which probably will amply suit your needs...I met a new teacher this week with 3 children and she was very happy with the housing provided...

However, you would be tied to this housing for your first year and would not be able to make any 'profit' on the rent. It would be the 'easiest' option though initially...

I recently met a new teacher who had opted for temporary accommodation. He was here with his wife, no children, and upon arrival was put in a serviced apartment (2 rooms) in a hotel - fine for a couple, but a bit more stressful with 4 children in tow....! They spent the first few weeks looking for a house, although in the end did not find one on which they were able to pocket any money - however, the house is near the school and they really like it....

Each to his own- but I would advise taking the CfBT house as you have the children....I think house hunting would be less stressful after one year, when you know the 'ropes' and are all settled well...

As far as the schooling goes, I agree with Celtica - JIS is far superior in all aspects - but, of course, is more expensive...although, you need to consider the non-refundable fee at ISB, which will be a lot if you have 4 children attending...

It is a great place to live, particularly for a family - I am sure you will enjoy it!

jsteventon · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 191

Just to add regarding schools for dependents- there are also very cheap and academically excellent local private schools - one is PDS International School, also St George's School....they are an option which is worth investigating. ....

roamingteacher · Joined: 16 Apr 2009 Posts: 106

Are there nursery schools for 4-year-olds?

If not, can anyone give advice on how much amahs cost full or part-time?

Thanks

celtica · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 137

Yes there are. Many! Locals send their kids to nursery too so there are a number of nursery/kindergarten establishments.

A few years ago there was a well-run kindergarten held at the British Army base in Berakas...not sure if it is still going... think so. ISB and JIS also accept children from nursery up.

Filipina amah (full-time live-in ) rates usually begin at $350 per month and go on up from there depending on the employer/duties/type of employment.

Part time/live out generally cost more...$20 - 30+ per day.... hours negotiated at time of employment.

Oficially you need a 'quota' (licence) to employ an amah. Obtainable through Immigration...get ready for lots of paper work.

jsteventon · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 191

Just to update the housing on arrival. It seems all new teachers are now intially put into serviced apartments (very pleasant) for a set period, while they are able to find their own houses - there are agents who will do this at no cost. This is to enable teachers to find housing at a lower rate than their allowance - by popular demand from previous teachers who expressed a preference for this, rather than being obliged to stay in the house provided for the first year.

JS

chetnasaini · Joined: 01 Sep 2009 Posts: 1

I have got job in brunei, BAG network ...I know the forum is for teacer but my question in general ...so thot of taking ur advice..as i m totally new, I am from indai...Can anyone tell me how much does fully furnsihed 2 bedroom or 1 bedroom cost if wanna take it on rent ....

And please advice me ..i am being offered 3000BND i would be alone with my mom can u sugst will it be enuf ???
Will i be able to save anything ..??? Urgent please give me suggestions

celtica · Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 137

Have a look at bobwhatson.com

It is a good site for seeing whats for sale in brunei and has a few agents who advertise rentals. Maybe you could email them and ask prices.

Go through the thread 'Thumbs up for Brunei'. There is a lot of information there about all things for expats coming to Brunei.

I would think $3000 would be enough if you had rent included in your package. If you were paying your own..... not really that good for saving.... again that depends if you wish to travel a bit, how frugal you are etc.

Javaggall · Joined: 07 Mar 2009 Posts: 41 Location: Tees Valley, UK

Hi - been missing a while as have finally made it to Brunei! yes, we're here, we're happy and we're looking forward to our new lives here!
As to the housing question - we have found that there are not as many affordable houses to rent privately as we had thought and are really glad that we have CfBT behind us as we would now be out of our temporary accommodation already. Opting for the CfBT housing is by far the best option in your first year especially as there is a significant number of new teachers arriving all the time and very few seem to be leaving! (A good thing, me thinks!) If you go for a CfBT house you won't make extra money but this is so insignificant in the bigger scheme of things - time is precious, as is relaxing!!! Once you're settled into your school, have made CfBT and local contacts, then is the time to look for a house.
Hope this helps