Opinion

5 Lesser-Known Freehold 3-Bedroom Condos Under $1.6M

In Singapore, freehold properties are often favoured due to the widespread belief that they offer a solid foundation for preserving generational wealth. However, this advantage typically comes with a higher price tag. This week, we’ve found 5 under-the-radar freehold 3-bedroom…

• 14 Sep 2023
• 8 min read
• 0

We Lived In A 2,000 Sqft SLA-Managed “Penthouse”: The Surprising Reality Of Living In One

We’re aware that any mention of SLA today immediately starts arguments about Ridout Road; but there’s more to SLA rentals than those bungalows. SLA actually has a number of different properties, not all of which are as obvious or famous…

• 12 Sep 2023
• 7 min read
• 0

“I Waited 7 Years For My HDB Maisonette” 5 Homeowners Share Their Regrets

HDB Maisonettes are relics of a different era: a time when HDB flats were truly spacious, when many upgraders were happy to upgrade to a bigger flat (not even a condo), and when our ageing problem didn’t yet preclude stairs….

• 11 Sep 2023
• 6 min read
• 8

Touring Luxus Hills: A 999-Year Landed Estate That Overlooks Ang Mo Kio Linear Park

I was talking to a new acquaintance the other day, who shared with me her decision to move from a landed house to a condo because the stairs were becoming too much as she got older. As I live with…

• 10 Sep 2023
• 10 min read
• 0

We Own A Normanton Park Condo & Make $285k Per Year: Should We Sell To Invest In Stocks And Rent Or Buy A Resale

Hi stacked homes, My husband and I have been avid readers of your content, and we notice your team has been very detailed in analysing situations to provide sound choices. I hope you can help us as we are quite…

• 9 Sep 2023
• 12 min read
• 1

The Hidden Downsides Of Living In A Boutique Condo: 5 Things Owners Wish They Knew Before Buying

Boutique condos – commonly thought of as projects with 50 units or less – offer a lot of privacy. But these tiny developments also mean smaller land space, fewer facilities, and maybe even cliquish management committees; so are they really…

• 7 Sep 2023
• 5 min read
• 4

5 Spacious 4-Bedroom Units Under 5-Min Walk To An MRT (Below $3M)

As requested by one of our readers (thank you for writing to us!), this week’s issue focuses on finding apartments that are within walking distance of an MRT Station.  Apart from that, some other requirements include having four bedrooms and…

• 7 Sep 2023
• 9 min read
• 0

How We Sold Our Forest City Unit Before The Worst Happened: Here’s What It Was Like To Stay In A $100 Billion Ghost Town

Forest City, a colossal development project situated in Johor, Malaysia, was initially conceived in 2006 with an estimated budget of $100 billion. Originally marketed as a ’20-year project,’ the development is now increasingly believed to be falling short of expectations….

• 6 Sep 2023
• 6 min read
• 3

Touring Yio Chu Kang Gardens: Affordable Freehold & Leasehold Landed Homes Near Lentor MRT From $2.8m

Yio Chu Kang Gardens is a small landed enclave in Ang Mo Kio, close to Lentor MRT and within 1 km of Anderson Primary, CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School and Mayflower Primary School. As it’s close to several HDB estates,…

• 3 Sep 2023
• 10 min read
• 1

Our Landlord Will Likely Raise Our Rent Soon: Should We Buy A Forever Home Now Or Invest In A Condo First While Renting?

Hi there,  I’ve really enjoyed reading your real estate advice column and hope you can help us to think through our options.  We are currently renting a 3 bedroom condo for $2800 and it’s about 1300 sqft. We have reason…

• 2 Sep 2023
• 12 min read
• 5

5 Cheapest 5-Room HDB Flats Below $550K Near An MRT

In our ongoing quest to find budget-friendly homes in Singapore, we’ve zeroed in on 5-room HDB flats this week, designed for families who need more living space and easy access to public transportation. So if you’re bound by a tight…

• 31 Aug 2023
• 8 min read
• 0

I Regret Buying A DBSS: 5 Homeowners Share Their Biggest Regrets

Introduced in 2005 but discontinued in 2011, Singapore’s Design, Build & Sell Scheme (DBSS) remains a topic of conversation, even if it’s for its relatively short lifespan. This unique housing scheme aimed to elevate public housing by bringing in private…

• 30 Aug 2023
• 6 min read
• 3

Touring Goldhill Landed Estate: A Surprising Hidden Freehold Oasis Near ACS With Terrace/Semi-D’s From $5.5m

I have passed the Goldhill landed estate many, many times in my life and, I must confess, sometimes rather patronisingly thought, “It must be so noisy for the people living here!” Perhaps because it’s located right next to ACS and…

• 27 Aug 2023
• 11 min read
• 0

We Are In Our 20s Making $11.5k Per Month: Should We Buy An EC Or BTO?

Hi Team, I’m writing in to ask for some objective advise. My partner and I are below 30 yo, with a combined monthly income of $11.5k excluding bonuses. But as we are starting out in our careers, we both combined…

• 25 Aug 2023
• 11 min read
• 0

I’m An Ex-Property Agent That Only Ever Made One Sale: A $9 Million Bungalow. Here’s My Story.

What would you think of a realtor who, as his very first deal, managed to transact a $9 million bungalow? Impressive right? But this week I spoke about the incident to this very same (former) realtor, who has an odd…

• 25 Aug 2023
• 7 min read
• 2

5 Cheapest 3-Bedroom Condo Units (Starts From $999,000)

Everyone wants to find the cheapest home, but naturally, the more affordable price will often come with limitations. This could be in the form of the location, the age of the property, or maybe even the size of the unit….

• 24 Aug 2023
• 8 min read
• 0

10 New Launch Dual Key Units Still Available In 2023 (To “Avoid” ABSD)

With ABSD rates as high as it is (recently increased to 20 per cent from 17), some Singaporeans have started to look for various other options. While going overseas is one possible route, not everyone wants to deal with learning…

• 23 Aug 2023
• 3 min read
• 0

“Freehold Condos Had More Losses Than Leasehold” 7 Surprising Lessons From Unprofitable Condos Transactions Since 2011

Stories about sky-high profits are common in the property market – but fewer people talk about losing transactions. The fact is, some people do lose money when selling their homes, or make so little that they’d have been better off…

• 22 Aug 2023
• 8 min read
• 0