Homeowner Stories

Tour This 1,292 Sqft DBSS Home Transformation: How A Couple Converted Bay Windows & Planters Into Lovely Usable Spaces

When Sarah and Gareth (*not their real names) (@hownowbrownhouse) purchased their 5-room DBSS resale unit at Ang Mo Kio, they knew they had the right canvas to realise their dream home. “We purchased it as we wanted a larger unit…

• 18 Jul 2022
• 8 min read
• 0

From EC To District 10 Condo: How A Couple’s Property Investment Decision Evolved

Would you pay off an Executive Condominium (EC) in full, or buy a District 10 condo on loan? They’re vastly different approaches to real estate, and you might think we’re talking about two different buyer profiles. However, that’s the journey…

• 11 Jul 2022
• 5 min read
• 0

10 Old Iconic Private Apartments In Singapore In The 1970s/80s: A Conversation With Finbarr & Samantha

Did you know that high-rise apartments have actually been accused of many unpleasant outcomes? Chief of these are themes like fear, dissatisfaction, stress, behaviour problems, suicide, poor social relations, reduced helpfulness, and hindered child development. (Adapted from Robert Gifford, The…

• 11 Jul 2022
• 8 min read
• 0

Tour This Minimalist Korean Aesthetic Home In Telok Blangah Towers Built At A Cost Of $70k

Telok Blangah is an ideal place for those who want to reside in a peaceful area that’s not too far from Singapore’s urban landscape. Not only does it have amazing views of both lush greenery and the sea, but it’s…

• 9 Jul 2022
• 7 min read
• 0

Inside A New York Loft-Inspired 1,369 Sqft Home That Is Vibrant & Homely

A New York loft is something like living in a shophouse here in Singapore. Both are prevalent historic building types that are now very much part of the built identity of the cities.  Traditionally, a loft is an apartment within…

• 6 Jul 2022
• 7 min read
• 0

How This Old Maisonette In Paya Lebar Was Transformed With A $110k Renovation Budget

Did you know that the HDB stopped building maisonettes in 1995? And so owning this type of home nowadays means having to purchase an old one and renovating it to suit your preferences. But herein lies the challenge. As they…

• 2 Jul 2022
• 9 min read
• 0

Single, Under 30 And Renting: Why And How These 2 Young Singaporeans Are Making It Sustainable

In a previous piece, I explored why we seemed so averse to renting and it was really interesting to see the widely differing opinions on Facebook and Instagram. It was the clearest indication of the different age groups on these…

• 27 Jun 2022
• 7 min read
• 5

How This Couple Overhauled Their HDB Flat After Living There For 9 Years Into A Raw Minimalist Home

It’s not often that you hear of someone renovating their existing home. For most people, it only makes sense to renovate if they’ve moved to a new home. It’s often too comfortable (and disruptive), to think about renovating the current…

• 26 Jun 2022
• 9 min read
• 0

Buying An HDB At 24: The Inspiring Story Of Lisa And Her Struggle To Provide For Her Family

Adulting is never easy, especially when circumstances don’t give you much choice. Today’s story is a really special one as we’ll be touching on a Singaporean’s journey and the challenges she faced when she bought her first HDB flat at…

• 25 Jun 2022
• 11 min read
• 1

An $80,000 HDB Renovation Breakdown: How This Couple Achieved A Cosy Dark Modern Theme At Home

It is often said that paint is the most affordable way to make a drastic change to a space. Especially when you convert to a dark mode, the vibe that you create is one of incredible cosiness (with the right…

• 22 Jun 2022
• 10 min read
• 0

My 2 Year House Hunt Journey: Here Are 6 Key Tips I’ve Learned To Help Avoid Buyer’s Remorse

If you’re looking for a home and not an investment asset (and have a strict budget) the property hunt can be a looooong and slow process. I know, because my search is edging on 2 years now! In fact, I…

• 19 Jun 2022
• 8 min read
• 10

Inside A 1960s Old Walk-Up Apartment Transformed Into A Charming Playful Home

Unlike shophouses, walk-up apartments generally don’t have the advantage of a pretty facade. And it’s often a great example of don’t judge a book by its cover as what’s on the inside can often be a whole new world altogether. …

• 19 Jun 2022
• 9 min read
• 0

Why I Bought A 3Gen HDB Flat Instead Of An Executive Maisonette For My Family

In a perfect world, everyone will have a generously-sized home, affordable, and maybe even the capacity to practice filial piety, all while planning to grow our family within budget. It’s every Singaporean’s dream, right?  But here’s the reality: big homes…

• 17 Jun 2022
• 6 min read
• 0

Why I Chose To Rent Instead Of Buying A Home In Singapore

Growing up, I lived in a HDB flat my parents owned. During all the social studies lessons we had (you can probably tell my age from this!), I was taught that a home you owned was always an asset to…

• 13 Jun 2022
• 6 min read
• 0

An Old 1,560 Sqft Executive Maisonette In The East Gets A Dreamy Refresh Into A Laidback Retreat

Singaporean’s have always had a continued fascination with Executive Maisonettes. Perhaps it’s because of the extra space, or maybe even the high ceilings. One thing’s for sure though, that unique layout certainly plays a part in giving you a more…

• 11 Jun 2022
• 11 min read
• 1

My Journey As A Single Homebuyer In Singapore At 35: How I Bought Selegie House

For singles to buy a home in Singapore, it is frankly a bit of an arduous process. As a quick summary, you aren’t able to buy a BTO flat unless it’s a 2-bedder, and in a non-mature location. Even if…

• 8 Jun 2022
• 9 min read
• 0

How To Handle Renovation Problems: An Introvert Renovates (Part 5)

Renovation problems can be complex and expensive to rectify. And because they often involve multiple parties and perhaps even an element of confrontation, they can be the stuff of nightmares for conflict-averse introverts. I was wincing so hard reading Stacked’s…

• 6 Jun 2022
• 6 min read
• 0

Tour This Beautifully Chic 1,500 Sq ft Duplex Home Designed For Hosting Friday-Night Dinners

In a world where a fridge can play YouTube videos for easy-to-follow recipes as you cook, or even send you a note to remind you to buy milk as supply is running low – it’s hard to imagine life without…

• 4 Jun 2022
• 10 min read
• 0