Why Some Homebuyers In Singapore Hate “Efficient” Layouts

Get The Property Insights Serious Buyers Read First: Join 50,000+ readers who rely on our weekly breakdowns of Singapore’s property market.

A seasoned content strategist with over 17 years in the real estate and financial journalism sectors, Ryan has built a reputation for transforming complex industry jargon into accessible knowledge. With a track record of writing and editing for leading financial platforms and publications, Ryan's expertise has been recognised across various media outlets. His role as a former content editor for 99.co and a co-host for CNA 938's Open House programme underscores his commitment to providing valuable insights into the property market.
“There’s no way it can compete with an older condo” is a sentiment I still hear these days. This is despite moves like GFA harmonisation, and developers implementing dumbbell layouts wherever possible. Among a certain group of Singaporeans, you’ll never change the perspective that newer condos are just shinier hamster cages; no matter how much one goes on about efficiency.
Is it fair? Do they have a point?
Well…kind of. It’s easy to handwave all this as prejudice – but the truth is, that “better layouts” are always going to be subjective. Take, for example, the dumbbell layout I was just talking about: this layout tends to use the living/dining area as a connecting point between bedrooms on either side. This removes the need for a corridor connecting the two rooms.
(A corridor is wasted space, since it’s square footage that you can’t sleep in, dine in, play in, etc.)
But I’ve met several home buyers who absolutely loathe this efficient layout. It’s especially abhorrent to some believers of ‘90s style layouts, where the private spaces (bedrooms) should be separated from the communal spaces. Case in point, a show flat viewer last week who complained that his job is very stressful, and the last thing he wants is noise from the kids screaming over their Xbox to enter both bedrooms.
And I have to say, he’s got me there.
With both bedrooms flanking the living room, it’s easy to have your sleep disrupted; especially if half your family likes sleeping at 2 am while the other half, like me, thinks 2 am is the perfect time to be binge-watching The Penguin.
Then there’s the people who like corridors, which are the perfect gallery for family photos or grand mirrors; and the Feng Shui believers who hate how the front door opens straight into the living/dining room.
Then there’s the balcony, which to some is still a quintessential luxury
I don’t get it, and I know a lot of homebuyers who don’t get it either. The only people I know who like sitting outdoors in the Singapore weather are foreigners, who have had it with a lifetime of freezing winters. But for me – and I’m sure for some of you – our humid tropical climate feels as pleasant as having your head tucked under an orangutan’s armpit.
So balconies, to the likes of us, are just wasted square footage. But while we cheer on developers for not doing it, there’s a large demographic who frown at the lack of balconies. These are the types who love balconies they can put a chair (or a whole dining table) on, for alfresco dining and taking in the view. This group of homebuyers will adore ’80s-style terrace condos, where the living room opens into a balcony big enough to park a small plane. Never mind the headache of scrubbing and cleaning an outdoor area that large.
More from Stacked
Are You In Danger Of Negative Cash Sales? Here’s How Much Your HDB Has To Appreciate To Avoid It
With resale flat prices at record highs, there’s a tendency to assume negative cash sales won’t happen right now. But…
Then there’s the types who are focused on sheer square footage
Yes, they’re aware of GFA harmonisation. Yes, they’re aware planter boxes and bay windows take up space. And they may hate balconies too. But these are the people who well and truly have a lot of stuff.
Musicians who really need space for a piano, or guitars*. Photographers who use their home as a studio, or fish enthusiasts who need an aquarium that could fit a dolphin. For home buyers like this, “better layouts” and “improved efficiency” still take a backseat to sheer, raw, square footage. And however inefficient a layout from an old condo like, say, Pandan Valley or Bullion Park may be, it doesn’t matter: it’s still bigger (at a more affordable price) than newer condos today. So no amount of clever, Tetris-like repositioning of rooms will impress these buyers. As far as they’re concerned, the newer projects aren’t fit for their purpose, and will never be better.
I think the single, universally agreed-on new feature that everyone likes is only the nook kitchen. Everyone prefers a kitchen where you can have cabinets and counters on all three sides.
*Guitars are like Pringles, no one stops at having just one.
Meanwhile in other property news…
- It’s 2025 and condo prices are high; perhaps now is the time to cash in and right-size back to a flat. Here are the main considerations before doing so.
- Can a condo further from the MRT fetch better gains, than one closer to the station? The results may surprise you.
- Parktown Residences smashed records by moving 1,041 units at launch. But why, when Tampines North is still ulu?
- A pricing comparison between Union Square Residences, Canninghill Piers, and Riviere. Check it out before you buy.
- Freehold terrace houses from $3.38 million, and in the East Coast no less. Check out this enclave.
Weekly Sales Roundup (17 February – 23 February)
Top 5 Most Expensive New Sales (By Project)
PROJECT NAME | PRICE S$ | AREA (SQFT) | $PSF | TENURE |
MEYER BLUE | $6,106,000 | 1905 | $3,205 | FH |
TEMBUSU GRAND | $4,208,000 | 1711 | $2,459 | 99 yrs (2022) |
PARKTOWN RESIDENCE | $4,048,000 | 1679 | $2,411 | 99 years |
ELTA | $3,907,000 | 1776 | $2,200 | 99 years |
THE ORIE | $3,866,000 | 1453 | $2,660 | 99 yrs (2024) |
Top 5 Cheapest New Sales (By Project)
PROJECT NAME | PRICE S$ | AREA (SQFT) | $PSF | TENURE |
PARKTOWN RESIDENCE | $1,070,000 | 463 | $2,312 | 99 years |
ELTA | $1,158,000 | 506 | $2,289 | 99 years |
KASSIA | $1,160,000 | 549 | $2,113 | FH |
BAGNALL HAUS | $1,303,000 | 495 | $2,632 | FH |
THE ORIE | $1,379,000 | 517 | $2,669 | 99 yrs (2024) |
Top 5 Most Expensive Resale
PROJECT NAME | PRICE S$ | AREA (SQFT) | $PSF | TENURE |
YONG AN PARK | $15,000,000 | 6878 | $2,181 | FH |
THE DRAYCOTT | $6,350,000 | 2637 | $2,408 | FH |
HILLTOPS | $5,888,888 | 2056 | $2,864 | FH |
LEEDON RESIDENCE | $5,820,000 | 2131 | $2,731 | FH |
RIVIERE | $5,100,000 | 1711 | $2,980 | 99 yrs (2018) |
Top 5 Cheapest Resale
PROJECT NAME | PRICE S$ | AREA (SQFT) | $PSF | TENURE |
HEDGES PARK CONDOMINIUM | $680,000 | 484 | $1,404 | 99 yrs (2010) |
# 1 SUITES | $705,000 | 581 | $1,213 | FH |
PALM ISLES | $725,000 | 560 | $1,295 | 99 yrs (2011) |
EUHABITAT | $728,000 | 517 | $1,409 | 99 yrs (2010) |
KINGSFORD WATERBAY | $730,000 | 474 | $1,541 | 99 yrs (2014) |
Top 5 Biggest Winners
PROJECT NAME | PRICE S$ | AREA (SQFT) | $PSF | RETURNS | HOLDING PERIOD |
YONG AN PARK | $15,000,000 | 6878 | $2,181 | $6,500,000 | 14 Years |
THE ANCHORAGE | $2,950,000 | 1604 | $1,839 | $1,990,000 | 22 Years |
LEEDON RESIDENCE | $5,820,000 | 2131 | $2,731 | $1,984,038 | 12 Years |
WATTEN HILL | $5,000,000 | 2626 | $1,904 | $1,700,000 | 9 Years |
VERSILIA ON HAIG | $2,610,000 | 1313 | $1,987 | $1,533,340 | 16 Years |
Top 5 Biggest Losers
PROJECT NAME | PRICE S$ | AREA (SQFT) | $PSF | RETURNS | HOLDING PERIOD |
HELIOS RESIDENCES | $3,902,888 | 1668 | $2,339 | -$2,087,112 | 12 Years |
THE OCEANFRONT @ SENTOSA COVE | $2,780,000 | 1711 | $1,624 | -$864,430 | 17 Years |
HILLTOPS | $5,888,888 | 2056 | $2,864 | -$311,112 | 4 Years |
RIVIERE | $5,100,000 | 1711 | $2,980 | -$135,000 | 2 Years |
REFLECTIONS AT KEPPEL BAY | $3,300,000 | 1905 | $1,732 | -$62,335 | 6 Years |
Transaction Breakdown

For more on the Singapore property market, follow us on Stacked.
Ryan J
A seasoned content strategist with over 17 years in the real estate and financial journalism sectors, Ryan has built a reputation for transforming complex industry jargon into accessible knowledge. With a track record of writing and editing for leading financial platforms and publications, Ryan's expertise has been recognised across various media outlets. His role as a former content editor for 99.co and a co-host for CNA 938's Open House programme underscores his commitment to providing valuable insights into the property market.Read next from Singapore Property News

Singapore Property News She Lost $590,000 On A Shop Space That Didn’t Exist: The Problem With Floor Plans In Singapore

Singapore Property News 9,800 New Homes Across 11 GLS Sites In 2H 2025: What To Know About Tanjong Rhu, Dover, And Bedok

Singapore Property News Why HDB Needs To Build More 4 Bedroom Flats

Singapore Property News This West-Side GLS Plot Just Got A $608M Bid And 6 Bidders: Why Lakeside Drive Bucked The Trend
Latest Posts

On The Market This Upcoming 710-Unit Executive Condo In Pasir Ris Will Be One To Watch For Families

Landed Home Tours Where To Find Freehold Terrace & Semi-D Landed Homes From $4.85 million In The East

Property Market Commentary Which Central Singapore Condos Still Offer Long-Term Value? Here Are My Picks

On The Market 5 Cheapest Newly MOP 5 Room HDB Flats From $700k

Pro Why Rivergate Outperformed Its District 9 Rivals—Despite Being Nearly 20 Years Old

On The Market Springleaf Vs Faber Walk: Which Future GLS Residential Site Has More Potential?

Property Market Commentary I Reviewed HDB’s 2 And 3-Room Show Flats: Ideal For First-Time Buyers Or Too Small To Live In?

Editor's Pick Why Kingsford Hillview Peak Underperformed—Despite Its MRT Location And “Good” Entry Price

Editor's Pick Buying Property In Malaysia As A Singaporean: 6 Key Restrictions To Be Aware Of

Editor's Pick Why Punggol Northshore Could Be The Next Hotspot In The HDB Resale Market

Homeowner Stories “If We Sell, We’ll Never Have A Home This Big Again”: What Singaporean Parents Do After The Kids Move Out

Property Advice How Much Is Your Home Really Worth? How Property Valuations Work in Singapore

Property Investment Insights Singapore Property Data Is Transparent: But Here’s Why It Can Still Mislead You

Editor's Pick Why Marina Bay Suites May Look Like a Poor Performer—But Its 4-Bedroom Units Tell a Different Story

On The Market 5 Cheapest Convenient 1-Bedders Near Integrated Developments From $800k

So many low quality gif and ads on the page…let me doubt if I went to the wrong website.