This week, we look at 5 of the most affordable freehold 3-bedroom condo apartments priced under the $2M budget. But while they are freehold, the downside is that these projects are boutique condos located quite a distance from the nearest…
Units Of The Week
The private housing market has been tough on home buyers as the post-Covid era is one of the priciest times to buy a private property. Singles, in particular, face unique difficulties. They can only buy a resale HDB after turning…
Buying
The most obvious difference between 3-room and 4-room flats is size: the former tends to be around 700 sq. ft., while the latter is usually around 960 sq. ft. (sometimes a bit bigger, especially for older flats). But there are…
Editors' Pick
Colonial homes hold a special allure in Singapore, evoking a sense of history and timeless elegance. These architectural gems, often characterised by black-and-white bungalows, were originally built for British expatriates in the early 20th century. Their distinct style combines elements…
Design
While regulations on property agents have been tightened, there are a lot of players in this industry – from mortgage brokers down to the developers themselves. Everyone has a vested interest in something, and some of the deals between them…
Commentary
Some property buyers swear by family-sized units (i.e., three-bedders or bigger), whereas others believe in low quantum one and two-bedders. But as far as returns go, which of these unit sizes is actually better for investment? It’s worth a look…
Analysis
Most Singaporeans would be quite put off by small spaces; it is not surprising to hear negative sentiments and complaints about our tightened spaces in newer developments, both public and private. So to the surprise of many Singaporean friends who…
Editors' Pick
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26 May 2024
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10 min read
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In this week’s episode, the focus is on Sine Pop, an independent cinema located in Manila. Created in 2020, this space aims to support independent filmmakers and provide a contemplative environment for visitors. The cinema is intentionally discreet, situated behind…
Editors' Pick
HDB seems locked in a constant battle with what Singaporeans call “the rich people areas.” HDB seems to view enclaves – be it ethnic enclaves, or areas defined by a certain socioeconomic strata – as areas that need to be…
News
Bought The Vales EC two bedder in 2017 at $650k. Outstanding loan of $400k at 1.5% interest rate at five year fixed which ends 2025 sep. We now have a four year old daughter. So thinking of our options and…
Advice
Most HDB flats tend to look a bit same-ish, but there are some unique ones out there – such as maisonette types, those that come with a balcony, and even landed HDB units. But one of the most striking among…
Resale HDB
Continuing our search for affordable and centrally located HDB units in Singapore, this week we zero in on the most popular flat type – 4-room HDB flats. These units are located in more central estates like Bishan, Toa Payoh and…
Units Of The Week
An ongoing assumption about condos is that, it is all about location location, and location. And while no one is really going to argue about the importance of that, it does make you wonder about the more obscure and less…
Analysis
There’s an old saying that your holding power determines your gains, when it comes to real estate. And while that’s true in the conventional sense, there are some exceptions – within the prime central region, high-end condos were once flipped…
Commentary
The Singapore Science Park is not the kind of place most people would think of as a place to live. Not that it’s unpleasant, mind you – it’s great as a tech hub. It’s just that the area is all business…
Commentary
The EC scheme is the most successful and long-lived of the “sandwich housing” solutions; and has done much better than attempts like the DBSS. In 2024, with million-dollar flats becoming increasingly more common, buyers often question whether purchasing an EC…
Analysis
If I were a good property agent, I’d be pretty happy with the HDB resale portal. In fact, I’d want it to be bigger and have all the listings. Far from a threat of being “cut out”, the resale portal…
News
In my previous article, I discussed the future living arrangements of older adults who do not fit the traditional Singaporean model. For example, people who do not have children to live with or do not want to live with their…
Editors' Pick
