If you’re wondering how to become a house sitter in Singapore, this guide will take you through everything you need to know. House sitting in Singapore offers a unique opportunity to live like a local in one of the world’s most exciting cities.
During my time there, I completed three back-to-back house sits, caring for pets and some lovely homes while exploring this incredible destination for the first time, all without worrying about any accommodation costs.
What is a House Sitter?
A house sitter is someone who takes care of a homeowner’s property while they’re away. Responsibilities typically include feeding and caring for pets, watering plants, collecting mail, and maintaining the home’s general security and cleanliness.
In return, house sitters enjoy free accommodation – an especially enticing perk in an expensive city like Singapore. For homeowners, the arrangement provides peace of mind knowing their home is secure, and their pets are well cared for in their absence.
For house sitters, it’s an incredible opportunity to save on accommodation costs while enjoying a deeper connection with a destination. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved and something that I use for around 95% of my travel arrangements.
How to Become a House Sitter in Singapore
Becoming a house sitter in Singapore is easier than you might think. Start by creating a profile on a reputable house-sitting platform, highlighting your experience, reliability, and of course your love for, and experiences with pets.
A well-written profile with references from past sits or personal character references can make all the difference. Keep things updated and utilize functions such as setting alerts for house sits in Singapore or highlighting your available dates.
There are a host of great options out there and many tools to help you become a house sitter in Singapore. Here are five of the best house sitting platforms to kick-start your journey:
1. Trusted Housesitters
Trusted Housesitters sets the gold standard for house sitting websites and is my go-to when it comes to seeking new accommodation opportunities. I use it more than any other travel site – including all my back-to-back sits in Singapore. I’ll rave about it to anyone who will listen.
It has an extensive global network of homeowners and sitters, making it ideal for those seeking house sits in popular cities like Singapore. At a glance today, over 6000 listings are accepting applications globally!
The platform operates on a membership basis, where both homeowners and sitters pay a modest annual fee, which ensures commitment and trust from all involved. For more information read Everything You Need to Know About Trusted Housesitters.
Goats On The Road readers get a special 25% discount by clicking this link and you can find out more about joining this leading site by reading this post.
2. HouseCarers
HouseCarers is a pioneer in the house-sitting world, operating since 2000. It has a simple interface but a broad reach, offering opportunities in regions that don’t always appear on larger platforms.
For anyone wondering how to become a house sitter in Singapore online, HouseCarers offers a great service and provides a smaller but diverse range of listings. I always recommend having a secondary source for house sitting and this is a good one.
What sets HouseCarers apart is its focus on accessibility and affordability. The platform offers a free membership option, allowing new sitters to test the waters before committing to the premium tier. The annual fee of $50 is well worth it.
3. Nomador
Nomador is popular in Europe but has been gaining traction in Asia, including Singapore. It’s a fantastic choice for sitters who value cultural exchange, as the platform emphasizes building trust and relationships between sitters and homeowners.
Nomador offers a “Stopovers” feature, which is a unique house sitting aspect that I like a lot. It allows travelers to connect with locals for short stays and is a useful tool if you’re transitioning between house sits.
While the number of listings in Singapore may be more limited compared to Trusted Housesitters, Nomador attracts a community of open-minded homeowners who often prefer sitters with an interest in local culture.
4. MindMyHouse
MindMyHouse is a budget-friendly platform that’s ideal for sitters contemplating how to get started as a house sitter in Singapore. Its annual membership fee is among the most affordable around at just $29/year!
Though the platform doesn’t have the same volume of listings as larger sites, there’s still a good variety of options. The platform’s emphasis on clear communication between homeowners and sitters makes it easy to find and apply for assignments.
For those seeking to learn how to become a house sitter in Singapore without any experience, this is a great place to start. The customer service is top drawer and will give confidence to those just testing the waters.
5. Facebook Groups
If you’re looking to become a freelance house sitter in Singapore without spending on membership fees, Facebook groups can be a great resource. Groups including House Sitters Asia or Singapore Pet Sitters feature listings preferring informal arrangements.
These groups are free to join and provide access to house sitting opportunities without any middleman. However, unlike other platforms, Facebook groups have limited information on the listings and don’t offer background checks or reviews.
While these groups are an excellent way to start house sitting in Singapore without any experience, they require more diligence. Take time to build trust with homeowners – a little effort goes a long way.
Personal Experience House Sitting in Singapore
I looked after three very different homes and some adorable pets during my time house sitting in Singapore. My first sit was in a rejuvenated apartment block within walking distance of Chinatown. The house rabbit called Papook was no issue at all.
The second sit was just a short bus ride away in the quiet suburb of Queenstown. The luxury complex felt like a resort with its private pool, gym, and tennis courts. The two pups, Reuben and Mowgli were both easygoing and loved their food and daily stroll.
The third house sit took me to one of the busiest areas called Bugis. The home was wonderful and it was amazing to be based right in the heart of the city. I cared for a dog called Ramen, she was more complex than the others but I still enjoyed my time with her.
I was able to secure back-to-back house sits in Singapore, meaning I left one and was straight onto the next. It’s not always possible or easy to do so, but when it works out, it’s my favorite way to travel. Read my article – How to Navigate Back-to-Back House Sitting for my top advice and tips.
Is Singapore Safe?
Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world – it has incredibly low crime rates. The city’s well-lit streets, efficient public transport system, and strict laws create an environment where safety is rarely a concern. I always felt comfortable, day and night.
It’s easy to navigate Singapore and feel secure in your surroundings. CCTV cameras operate throughout the city and I even saw a police robot rolling down a street keeping an eye on things!
However, like anywhere in the world, you should always take basic precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings, particularly when traveling late at night or in busy areas.
Pros and Cons of Being a House Sitter in Singapore
Like any city, there are always positives and negatives, and Singapore is no different. Here are the main pros and cons I experienced as a house sitter in Singapore:
Pros of Being a House Sitter in Singapore
- Free accommodation in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
- Unique cultural immersion through the variety of local neighborhoods.
- The joy of caring for pets and a homey environment while in a new country far from home.
- Access to luxury accommodation and amenities way out of the average traveler’s budget for Singapore.
- A flexible way to explore Singapore at your own pace, house sitting provides a secure base to operate from.
- It’s an excellent addition to a digital nomad lifestyle. Learn more from this Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Singapore.
- The chance to live in one of the world’s most luxurious cities.
- Endless recreational activities, from incredible hiking to a fantastic nightlife scene.
Cons of Being a House Sitter in Singapore
- Responsibilities with homes and pets that can limit your free time and flexibility.
- Managing expectations with homeowners can vary considerably from sit to sit.
- There’s high competition for popular sits, and Singapore is a popular area for house sitters and digital nomads.
- The cost of living beyond accommodation. Dining out and drinking can be very expensive in Singapore.
- Singapore’s tropical rainforest climate means high average temperatures and spells of intense rain year-round.
- Singapore is known for its strict laws, from chewing gum bans to hefty fines for jaywalking.
- The lack of green spaces centrally made walking one of the dogs in my care a challenge and not as enjoyable.
Tips for House Sitting in Singapore
I’ve been house sitting around the world for years, and every country comes with new exciting challenges. From my own experiences, here are some top tips to help you become a freelance house sitter in Singapore:
- Create a standout profile and build excellent references.
- Set alerts and apply straightaway for house sits with a personalized message.
- Research and budget accordingly for Singapore’s high living costs.
- Be clear on homeowner expectations and house rules and ask questions to ensure a smooth and successful exchange.
- Familiarize yourself with local cultural norms and the laws of Singapore.
- Find places where locals and other like-minded people, shop, eat, and drink.
- Make use of Singapore’s public transport system – it’s one of the cleanest, safest, and most efficient I have ever seen.
- Communicate regularly with homeowners before and during the sit. Check how often they would like to be updated.
- Respect the homeowner’s space and privacy – but settle in and make yourself at home too.
- Learn to be a house sitter in Singapore by reading blogs and reviews from others.
SEE ALSO: House Sitting: Frequently Asked Questions
In Conclusion
I loved my time house sitting in Singapore, it’s a place I intend to travel back to again and again. The city has an electric vibe unlike anywhere else I’ve visited so far. It’s also the gateway to Southeast Asia making it great for exploring further afield.
You too can become a house sitter in Singapore. You’ll save a fortune on accommodation, freeing up your budget to explore more of the finer things Singapore has to offer – and trust me there’s plenty to enjoy!
