Property Stories

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
• 2

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

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

Touring Jalan Seaview Landed Estate: Large Freehold Landed Houses Near The MRT In The East

Today’s tour is a rather belated walkabout of the landed estate at Jalan Seaview. It was requested by a reader some time ago and I’ve been putting it off – not because I wanted to procrastinate but rather because the…

• 20 Aug 2023
• 13 min read
• 0

Touring Katong Estate: Freehold Landed Living Near 4 Malls Starting From $4 Million

As you can see, that’s City Plaza right next to the landed houses. If you prefer a more modern mall. PLQ Mall is just a few steps away! (There’s also Grandlink Square and KINEX Mall!) Today, we’re headed back East…

• 13 Aug 2023
• 15 min read
• 1

I Regret Buying A Mega-Development: 7 Homeowners Share Their Biggest Regrets

Singaporeans’ love for mega-developments is unmistakable. Recent sales figures consistently demonstrate their popularity, and it’s easy to see why. It could be a blend of attractive pricing, cost-effective monthly maintenance, or the irresistible array of amenities – be it 80m…

• 12 Aug 2023
• 2 min read
• 2

Touring Happy Estate: More Affordable Freehold Landed Living Near An MRT From $3.48 Million

I have a confession. I was somewhat prejudiced against Happy Gardens estate before I visited. You see, I’d previously toured Macpherson Garden estate, which is across the road, and was, shall we say, not very impressed by it. So I…

• 6 Aug 2023
• 11 min read
• 3

Touring Kew Estate: Cheap Landed Living From $2 Million In 2023 In A Sprawling Estate (Yes, It’s Leasehold)

Today’s tour brings us almost to the edge of Singapore: We’re visiting Kew landed estate, which is all the way over at Bedok. I must admit, it felt pretty far removed from urban life when I was driving over.  However,…

• 30 Jul 2023
• 11 min read
• 0

Touring Mayflower Landed Estate: Affordable Freehold Landed Living From $2.83m In Ang Mo Kio

I was browsing the map for a landed enclave to feature in this series when I came across Mayflower estate and noticed that it was pretty much right next to an MRT and hawker centre. As many landed estates are…

• 23 Jul 2023
• 12 min read
• 0

Touring Goodlink Park: Freehold Landed Living From $3.26 Million (Friendliest Estate I’ve Visited)

A while back, a reader asked for a review of the Goodlink Park landed estate, near Chong Pang Hawker Centre. I’m sorry it took me so long to get around to it, but this brings me to the first point…

• 16 Jul 2023
• 11 min read
• 0

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Touring Mount Emily: Freehold Landed Conservation Shophouses And Terrace Homes On Top Of A Hill In District 9

A month ago, I saw a notice advertising the sale of a freehold residential conservation shophouse at Niven Road. As I mentioned in my Blair Road walkabout, I’ve always loved heritage homes, so I thought I’d check out the area…

• 9 Jul 2023
• 14 min read
• 0

Touring Highgate Park Estate: Rare Freehold Terrace Houses In District 21 Near Beauty World

D21 has been the talk of the town with the launch of Reserve Residences, which sold over 70% of its units during its launch. Moreover, given the previous request for tours around the Toh Tuck area, I decided it was…

• 2 Jul 2023
• 9 min read
• 1

Touring Lorong 101-108 Changi: Affordable Freehold Landed Homes From $3.38 Million (Can Build Up To 5 Stories)

When I first heard of Lorong 101–108 Changi, I thought the area would be in a super “ulu”, semi-industrial area. However, I was pleasantly surprised after visiting the neighbourhood as it is right next to Joo Chiat and, as such,…

• 25 Jun 2023
• 12 min read
• 0

“We Calculated Our Interest Payment Alone To Be $110k In 10 Years” Why We Chose To Pay Off Our Home Loan Early

Most Singaporeans resign themselves to paying off a home loan for 25 to 30 years. In most cases, the home loan is the last loan to be repaid, due to the lower interest rate (and maybe because CPF can be…

• 23 Jun 2023
• 7 min read
• 2

Touring University Walk Landed Estate: Freehold Terraces And Leasehold Semi-D’s Near Botanic Gardens & MRT

I recently toured conservation houses, which appear to appeal to only a very niche segment of property buyers. Today, I’ll be exploring another niche property type: 99-year leasehold landed housing! For freehold lovers, don’t worry, there are freehold houses nearby…

• 18 Jun 2023
• 11 min read
• 2

I Bought My First Condo At 30 And Renovated It For Just $14k: Here’s How I Did It As A Single

The simple truth about home ownership in Singapore is that for most, it takes two parties. Barring shoebox units and the smallest flat, most Singaporeans would struggle with the cost if they had to bear it alone. This is, like…

• 17 Jun 2023
• 6 min read
• 0

Touring Tai Hwan Estate: Affordable Freehold Landed Living From $3.6 Million In District 19

A few articles back, I did a tour of the Li Hwan Estate. Whilst touring the area, I noticed that the neighbouring Tai Hwan estate actually looked better! So, today, I thought I’d head back to see if that impression…

• 11 Jun 2023
• 9 min read
• 3

5 Biggest Regrets After Renting In Singapore: Real-Life Experiences Shared By Tenants

It goes without saying that most landlords in Singapore are a happy bunch right now. Rental rates have been soaring, and the demand is still seemingly going strong (although yes, mortgage rates are at a high too). But as the…

• 7 Jun 2023
• 6 min read
• 0