New slant on corporate accommodation for relocating expats

Whether your relocation to Asia is via your present company, because of a new job or you’re emigrating to start up a new business, an innovative new slant on accommodation could be just right for you.

Singapore-based MetroResidences are a striking new idea in corporate accommodation as well as an easy solution for those looking to establish themselves in a new country. Launched three years ago in Singapore, the fully-furnished, serviced apartments are at least 40 per cent cheaper than their competitors’ due to deals done with major asset management companies with empty properties up for lease as well as with private property owners.

Metro takes on setting up and styling the apartments in addition to taking care of maintenance, viewing and leasing. Apartments can be viewed and booked on their website, and a 24-hour money back guarantee applies should the reality not match the online photographs and descriptions. The company’s portfolio at present includes some 400 properties and has a history of over 100,000 bookings by more than 800 corporate clients.

The next step for the company is to open up in Tokyo with help from their latest investor, with Hong Kong a further destination for the new brand. All three locations are some of the most expensive cities in the world for accommodation, meaning the new idea should be able to make strong inroads into the sector. A recent website innovation able to give a better sensing of the size and space of each apartment is a virtual viewing function and, after arrival, guests can use an app to talk with the front desk in real time, ensuring faster service.

Metro’s CEO is now working with improving the process whereby HR managers book serviced apartments, including a scheme to simplify volume bookings. For those relocating in a hurry and needing suitable accommodation easily booked or entrepreneurs arriving in Asia to start a tech business it’s preferable to staying in a hotel whilst looking for more permanent accommodation.