Units Of The Week Issue #34

Maple Woods may be 23 years old by now, but it is still very much a firm favourite in the District 21 area. And why not? It features big sprawling grounds, good mix of facilities (4 tennis courts), it is near the MRT, and close to renowned Methodist Girls School.

This 3 bedroom unit comes in at 1,141 square feet, which by old condo standards isn't super generous, and some might find the layout quite odd shaped.

But what you do get here is a reasonably well renovated unit (I particularly like the white marbled bathrooms).

If there's one thing you had to know about Pandan Valley - it is old. And when I say old, I mean it is now 41 years of age. Thankfully, for those concerned about lease decay, it is actually a freehold property.

It's hard to put a finger to what makes Pandan Valley so special. Perhaps you could attribute it to its undulating hilly environment. Or the fact that each block is so different. Or just how there are so many different layouts.

Because if you were to look objectively at it, it does have many inconveniences as well. Crazy tight indoor multi-storey parking. A swimming pool that is way too small considering the scale of the development. Lifts that don't go to every floor.

But yet, the units are just so unique. Take this one for example, it's a 5 bedroom 3,531 square feet unit - huge by today's standards. Admittedly, a big part goes to the open roof top patio. But this one here is done up really nicely, and you can see it as a space that will be utilised a lot.

While the interior design may not be cutting edge, I do think that it will be adequate for most people.

The Beverly is a really interesting development to me. For one, every unit here is pretty massive - the 2 bedroom starts from 1,130 square feet - which is the equivalent of some 4 bedder new launches out there today.

This one here is a 3 bedroom 2,982 square feet penthouse. So yes, there is definitely "wasted" space because of the staircase, the huge balcony as well as open rooftop patio. Couple that with the private lift foyer, and bay windows in every room, interior space isn't as expansive as you might think.

Still, if you're the sort that loves to have outdoor space in your unit, this could be one to consider with lifestyle elements like the private lift and rooftop pool (don't expect too much of the size of it).

At 1,302 square feet for a 3 bedroom unit, it is definitely on the larger side of things. Not to mention, there isn't any balcony to speak of - it is all interior space. So for those looking at a more spacious living space, this unit at the Summerhill should merit some consideration.

Other than that, the interior design is relatively simple, with the colours pleasantly easy to go with so all you really have to do is to get the right furniture in to make it a homely space.

With regards to transport, the availability of Hillview MRT on the Downtown Line has definitely revitalised the area, so you do have a straight train to the CBD from here.

If you thought that Summerhill was big for a 3 bedroom unit, this one at Clementi Park takes the cake, coming in at 1,658 square feet. If you are thinking that a big chunk will be eaten up by a massive outdoor patio, well, this one here features an indoor balcony instead.

I would say that staying at Clementi Park attracts a certain type of buyer only. If you are heavily reliant on public transport, this development should be dropped right about now. But if you have a car, love peacefulness, quiet surroundings and relative privacy, Clementi Park has that in spades.