well, not a secret anymore, xxx and i have applied for a BTO on the last day of 2008.
I am very "anything" one if you know me, but i am not "anything" for my own nest in future. i want nice nice nice one hokayz?
i'm wondering which one will you choose assuming private house is out.
BTO, new flat, new design, it will be better than old design flat. cheaper, but need to wait
reno will cost more coz it's "raw".
Resale, may be able to pick and choose, more ex etc etc.
oh man, i am not sure what i wanna ask also coz i am noob in this area. haha
shall let you guys talk about about your dream house (realistic ok?) till i share my que no here. if no is terrible, may consider resale, if que no is good, ho seh liao. my own house by 2013.
BTO or resale?
BTO or resale?
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build to order.
meaning hdb propose.
all apply
book flat
if enough demand then they will build.
meaning hdb propose.
all apply
book flat
if enough demand then they will build.
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resale la..
Why the hurry, economy is crashing liao haven't hit rock bottom..
By end of this year you'll see alot of people swimming in their debts.
soon you'll have more options.. new flats now cannot beat old ones..
My 4A is like some 5NG/I.. but 3/4 the price - the price and convience of having a four 24 hour kopitiam, 1 ntuc fair price across the road and a market down the street is priceless man.
Why the hurry, economy is crashing liao haven't hit rock bottom..
By end of this year you'll see alot of people swimming in their debts.
soon you'll have more options.. new flats now cannot beat old ones..
My 4A is like some 5NG/I.. but 3/4 the price - the price and convience of having a four 24 hour kopitiam, 1 ntuc fair price across the road and a market down the street is priceless man.
Last edited by Weib on Mon Jan 05, 2009 11:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
pros and cons in big and small flat.
2 person dont need very big flat, small ish cosy.
will look at my que no before deciding more.
old flats can be quite sian 1. the window along the corridor, exposing a lot of things
2 person dont need very big flat, small ish cosy.
will look at my que no before deciding more.
old flats can be quite sian 1. the window along the corridor, exposing a lot of things
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now you say 2.. later you got chewren you headache.
Unless you're an old man who cannot walk to clean the house then don't say la..
go big or go home, got more rooms to "enjoy" together.
You don't have to buy corridor one what.. my flat is 4 units to 1 lift landing.. almost like private house lol.
Unless you're an old man who cannot walk to clean the house then don't say la..
go big or go home, got more rooms to "enjoy" together.
You don't have to buy corridor one what.. my flat is 4 units to 1 lift landing.. almost like private house lol.
Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
my current house also 4 houses to 1 lift, serving 13 levels.
you are very adventerous ah, need so many area to play.
you are very adventerous ah, need so many area to play.
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your own house mah..
moreover resale you will know who stays beside you and how are they.
imagine you more into new flat get one couple always fighting also headache..
Can scout the area first and see how things develop..
I like resale flat because i can choose a place where has alot of amenities, easy to go to work via public transport(easier for kids next time) and i can buy groceries and makan.
moreover resale you will know who stays beside you and how are they.
imagine you more into new flat get one couple always fighting also headache..
Can scout the area first and see how things develop..
I like resale flat because i can choose a place where has alot of amenities, easy to go to work via public transport(easier for kids next time) and i can buy groceries and makan.
Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
My house is a masionette. Size 148metre-square.
5 mins walk to Gombak MRT.
5 mins walk to market. Wet market, and Shop-and-Save.
5 mins walk to Alif Kopitiam.
5 mins walk to Gombak Stadium.
Can hang rings in the house. Hang at staircase.
Can do staircase cardio at home, no need for cardio equipment.
2 person stay.
View is not bad. A lot of greenery.
$278k.
BUT, I was lucky in getting the house.
I understand your ordeal.
Since u are looking for a house, I share with u some things u need to consider.
1) What is your house budget?
I am govt servant with CPF. CPF pays for my monthly house loan.
If u choose to buy a house which u need to top-up with cash every month, u must consider whether u have savings.
2) Get the house, still must renovate. Again, what is your budget?
Minimal renovation is about $13k. Minimal.
3) Still must buy furniture and stuffs. Need to budget for this also.
4) After considering all these, then u can look for a house. Main thing to look for....
location. Easy access to work, market, public transport. Not only for u, but also for wife and future kids.
Hope it helped.
I have seen friends getting stuck with financial difficulties after getting their "dream" home at "dream" location. Then also get "dream" car. Power.
5 mins walk to Gombak MRT.
5 mins walk to market. Wet market, and Shop-and-Save.
5 mins walk to Alif Kopitiam.
5 mins walk to Gombak Stadium.
Can hang rings in the house. Hang at staircase.
Can do staircase cardio at home, no need for cardio equipment.
2 person stay.
View is not bad. A lot of greenery.
$278k.
BUT, I was lucky in getting the house.
I understand your ordeal.
Since u are looking for a house, I share with u some things u need to consider.
1) What is your house budget?
I am govt servant with CPF. CPF pays for my monthly house loan.
If u choose to buy a house which u need to top-up with cash every month, u must consider whether u have savings.
2) Get the house, still must renovate. Again, what is your budget?
Minimal renovation is about $13k. Minimal.
3) Still must buy furniture and stuffs. Need to budget for this also.
4) After considering all these, then u can look for a house. Main thing to look for....
location. Easy access to work, market, public transport. Not only for u, but also for wife and future kids.
Hope it helped.
I have seen friends getting stuck with financial difficulties after getting their "dream" home at "dream" location. Then also get "dream" car. Power.
"the more u sweat in training, the less u bleed in battle"
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fairly practical advice from the homeowner...
Given my homelessness and the fact that my SIL mentioned yesterday they may be back sooner than expected, I'm also in a similar predicament of having to look for a place though there is more urgency in my case.
you will have to take a serious look at what you consider your needs and wants to be. You haven't mentioned location, since that above all else will drive cost and whatever emotional attachments you have with certain locations or proximities to whatever.
On the topic of neighbours, I think here especially it is a huge deal, well for me anyways. Back home, we used to have good neighbours on our street until this slob of a family moved in. Besides the gross misadvertising of the vanity plate "VIXEN", they were fairly messy (the double garage was so full of crap cars were never parked inside) but the luxury of space affords you a certain isolation. Here, you don't have as much of that luxury with whatever bizarre habits the neighbours might have, as I found out on NYE. I also find it disturbing how people abuse common space in the hallways.
But anyways, enough of me:
1) Location?
2) Needs vs. wants?
3) Financing. Leave some in the bank for rainy days, reno, yada, yada, yada, then see what you can afford.
4) Though I suppose it's not as big of a deal to you as it is me, find a list of distressed sellers whose units are about to TOP and they can't afford to service the mortgage and prey on their greed. Also hope the market tanks a little.
Given my homelessness and the fact that my SIL mentioned yesterday they may be back sooner than expected, I'm also in a similar predicament of having to look for a place though there is more urgency in my case.
you will have to take a serious look at what you consider your needs and wants to be. You haven't mentioned location, since that above all else will drive cost and whatever emotional attachments you have with certain locations or proximities to whatever.
On the topic of neighbours, I think here especially it is a huge deal, well for me anyways. Back home, we used to have good neighbours on our street until this slob of a family moved in. Besides the gross misadvertising of the vanity plate "VIXEN", they were fairly messy (the double garage was so full of crap cars were never parked inside) but the luxury of space affords you a certain isolation. Here, you don't have as much of that luxury with whatever bizarre habits the neighbours might have, as I found out on NYE. I also find it disturbing how people abuse common space in the hallways.
But anyways, enough of me:
1) Location?
2) Needs vs. wants?
3) Financing. Leave some in the bank for rainy days, reno, yada, yada, yada, then see what you can afford.
4) Though I suppose it's not as big of a deal to you as it is me, find a list of distressed sellers whose units are about to TOP and they can't afford to service the mortgage and prey on their greed. Also hope the market tanks a little.
The new flats are puny.
You might be saying it's small and cosy, wait till you put in a king sized bed for the bedroom and you will see if you have any walking space
Importantly, it is your finances that matters.
Sufian has stated most of the things you should be looking out for.
And don't place your bets on having better resale prices for some BTOs.
Punggol was a classic example and perhaps CCK.
You might be saying it's small and cosy, wait till you put in a king sized bed for the bedroom and you will see if you have any walking space
Importantly, it is your finances that matters.
Sufian has stated most of the things you should be looking out for.
And don't place your bets on having better resale prices for some BTOs.
Punggol was a classic example and perhaps CCK.
Nothing posted by this fat bastard should be taken seriously. SOME are for entertainment purposes only.
swee advices.
the bto i applied cost 120-149k, so it is definitely a lot cheaper than most of the available unit out there.
will be getting a car, or drive the current car when i move there.
as for reno + furniture, i have added in a generous 50k because i really want (not need) a very nice place to stay in.
Furniture will be basic, as little as possible so that the place will be even lower maintenance (lazy kev and wife at work now). I don't have to worry about this coz there will be meetings with interior designers in the future.
The location of the bto i applied isnt good in many people's senses. It's more than 1km but less than 2km away from khabit and yishun mrt. It's ok if i were to drive though.
Bus transport is terrible during peak hours here.
148m square, that's more than twice the place i applied.
I have 0 liability atm and i'm glad that i actually save 75% of my earning in 2008. Put ALL of them in a shop that is setting up by this month.
huat ah.
guess i will need to wait for end of this month before i can see what's my next step is.
the bto i applied cost 120-149k, so it is definitely a lot cheaper than most of the available unit out there.
will be getting a car, or drive the current car when i move there.
as for reno + furniture, i have added in a generous 50k because i really want (not need) a very nice place to stay in.
Furniture will be basic, as little as possible so that the place will be even lower maintenance (lazy kev and wife at work now). I don't have to worry about this coz there will be meetings with interior designers in the future.
The location of the bto i applied isnt good in many people's senses. It's more than 1km but less than 2km away from khabit and yishun mrt. It's ok if i were to drive though.
Bus transport is terrible during peak hours here.
148m square, that's more than twice the place i applied.
I have 0 liability atm and i'm glad that i actually save 75% of my earning in 2008. Put ALL of them in a shop that is setting up by this month.
huat ah.
guess i will need to wait for end of this month before i can see what's my next step is.
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we dont need fat loss atm, queen size should be enough.nakorius wrote:The new flats are puny.
You might be saying it's small and cosy, wait till you put in a king sized bed for the bedroom and you will see if you have any walking space
Importantly, it is your finances that matters.
Sufian has stated most of the things you should be looking out for.
And don't place your bets on having better resale prices for some BTOs.
Punggol was a classic example and perhaps CCK.
but the new flats are really small if there's 1-2 kids. for their normal rooms, it will be quite full after putting a bed, no space for table, aka desktop area also.
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Having looked at HDB's before I discarded the possibility, I have one question, I understand that they are meant to be accessible the masses, but could it have hurt them to pay for an architect of average intelligence?
Some things noted:
- bedrooms have so many odd angles, you can really fit beds or tables against the sides of the wall without leaving gaps
- as mentioned already, the shoe closet they call the master bedroom would have difficulty in fitting a queen size bed and anything else. Maybe they expect you to get a bunk and store all your clothes and stuff underneath? In some cases, I noted they were about the same size as non-master bedrooms.
- the location of certain electrical outlets and drainpipes, makes you wonder if they played pin-the-tail to place them in the unit.
- some of the corners and edges don't meet at right angles
You mentioned Interior Design. Based on my SIL's place and some other of my wife's friend's places:
- get a guarantee on the workmanship (for what it's worth here). My SIL's place is probably less than 5 years old (post reno) and paint is already cracking and stuff. If there's any way to do so (not sure how things work here) leave the bulk of your payments to the end once the work is completed, inspected and items that you are unsatisfied with addressed.
- as much as you want the place to look pretty, make sure the design you're presented with makes practical sense and do they overcome the mental ineptitude of the aforementioned HDB architect. Ex. my SIL's master bath has the drain in the middle of the room, directly underneath where the faucet fairings were placed. I suppose that she asked for a partitioned shower and storage space and she got that. In doing so, the moron of a designer more or less blocked access to the drain so that unless you are a midget, double jointed or otherwise willing to contort yourself, you can't access the drain cover to clean it. Forget about seeing it, you kind of have to feel your way around it.
- don't, don't, don't elevate the dish rack! Seriously, who the hell thinks it a smart idea that you need to let water run down your arms as you set the dishes, bowls.
- make sure all faucets run smoothly once they are installed. My SIL's kitchen faucet flows unevenly (you kind of have to see it, hard to explain) so that a stupid amount of splashing occurs.
- bad location, bad transit... you are doing a good job of advertising the attributes of your future (prospective) home . Oh, one last thing, if you're place costs what you've mentioned, don't throw another 33% (I'm assuming the max of what you've already indicated is extremely generous) into it, unless you see yourself there for a long time. You could end up putting up and establishing a greater worth into your place than your surrounding neighbours' units making it difficult to sell unless the buyer really likes your renos and plans to do little to change (which is always a matter of taste or preference).
Keep us in the loop about this shop of yours. Good luck.
Some things noted:
- bedrooms have so many odd angles, you can really fit beds or tables against the sides of the wall without leaving gaps
- as mentioned already, the shoe closet they call the master bedroom would have difficulty in fitting a queen size bed and anything else. Maybe they expect you to get a bunk and store all your clothes and stuff underneath? In some cases, I noted they were about the same size as non-master bedrooms.
- the location of certain electrical outlets and drainpipes, makes you wonder if they played pin-the-tail to place them in the unit.
- some of the corners and edges don't meet at right angles
You mentioned Interior Design. Based on my SIL's place and some other of my wife's friend's places:
- get a guarantee on the workmanship (for what it's worth here). My SIL's place is probably less than 5 years old (post reno) and paint is already cracking and stuff. If there's any way to do so (not sure how things work here) leave the bulk of your payments to the end once the work is completed, inspected and items that you are unsatisfied with addressed.
- as much as you want the place to look pretty, make sure the design you're presented with makes practical sense and do they overcome the mental ineptitude of the aforementioned HDB architect. Ex. my SIL's master bath has the drain in the middle of the room, directly underneath where the faucet fairings were placed. I suppose that she asked for a partitioned shower and storage space and she got that. In doing so, the moron of a designer more or less blocked access to the drain so that unless you are a midget, double jointed or otherwise willing to contort yourself, you can't access the drain cover to clean it. Forget about seeing it, you kind of have to feel your way around it.
- don't, don't, don't elevate the dish rack! Seriously, who the hell thinks it a smart idea that you need to let water run down your arms as you set the dishes, bowls.
- make sure all faucets run smoothly once they are installed. My SIL's kitchen faucet flows unevenly (you kind of have to see it, hard to explain) so that a stupid amount of splashing occurs.
- bad location, bad transit... you are doing a good job of advertising the attributes of your future (prospective) home
. Oh, one last thing, if you're place costs what you've mentioned, don't throw another 33% (I'm assuming the max of what you've already indicated is extremely generous) into it, unless you see yourself there for a long time. You could end up putting up and establishing a greater worth into your place than your surrounding neighbours' units making it difficult to sell unless the buyer really likes your renos and plans to do little to change (which is always a matter of taste or preference).Keep us in the loop about this shop of yours. Good luck.
swee frenchman:shock: , i like to hear more negative stuff, that's where we learn.
too much positive is crap.
too much positive is crap.
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Good for u lah bro. If u get a good number, then u can really consider the place.
As what Keith mentioned, look at the floorplan of the units, and then have a rough idea and plan of how u want it to be. I have been to a friend's new 3 room flat. It was very cosy due to his renovations, but I soon realise that space is a very big problem. How u design the kithen, given its very very small space, is another thing. Thats why my friend don't eat at home. Does not have space to cook. Its a trade off of cooking or laundry, which he chose the latter.
And, as Bryan mentioned, ride on people's downfall. That's how I got my unit for $278k. All because I saw an eviction notice on the door of the flat. For 3 months straight. As comparison, my neighbour (same floor, but further away from the lift) who moved in a few weeks after me, paid $480k for his unit, and proudly kept on saying that he had a bargain. I couldn't bear to break the news of my unit's price to him ever since.
Give yourself choices. But, realistically, many of my Chinese friends who are married are still living with their parents, because they could not find a unit that is affordable. Thus, weigh your options.
As a friend, I wish u good luck and all the best in finding a place to call home. Once u sign, never regret your decision. Instead its time to save up and make good on your commitment to your wife.
As what Keith mentioned, look at the floorplan of the units, and then have a rough idea and plan of how u want it to be. I have been to a friend's new 3 room flat. It was very cosy due to his renovations, but I soon realise that space is a very big problem. How u design the kithen, given its very very small space, is another thing. Thats why my friend don't eat at home. Does not have space to cook. Its a trade off of cooking or laundry, which he chose the latter.
And, as Bryan mentioned, ride on people's downfall. That's how I got my unit for $278k. All because I saw an eviction notice on the door of the flat. For 3 months straight. As comparison, my neighbour (same floor, but further away from the lift) who moved in a few weeks after me, paid $480k for his unit, and proudly kept on saying that he had a bargain. I couldn't bear to break the news of my unit's price to him ever since.
Give yourself choices. But, realistically, many of my Chinese friends who are married are still living with their parents, because they could not find a unit that is affordable. Thus, weigh your options.
As a friend, I wish u good luck and all the best in finding a place to call home. Once u sign, never regret your decision. Instead its time to save up and make good on your commitment to your wife.
"the more u sweat in training, the less u bleed in battle"
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shirl
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Down the road, you will find king size bed important.
For flat size, it is a trade off really. Bigger unit flats are in older estates while newer ones are small in comparison. However a condo unit is even smaller going by the price you have to pay. Have lived in condo, older and bigger hdb and now newer smaller unit flat. Basically space is important but if flat is old even if you do up the interior, there is a difference in the feel.
One very important factor, make sure your flat is airy and bright. I made the mistake of getting one before which has a dark interior.
If you look for interior designer, don't go overboard and go for what is currently in trend. Think of practicality first.
I like my current flat very much. Small but cozy but just nice for me and my half.
For flat size, it is a trade off really. Bigger unit flats are in older estates while newer ones are small in comparison. However a condo unit is even smaller going by the price you have to pay. Have lived in condo, older and bigger hdb and now newer smaller unit flat. Basically space is important but if flat is old even if you do up the interior, there is a difference in the feel.
One very important factor, make sure your flat is airy and bright. I made the mistake of getting one before which has a dark interior.
If you look for interior designer, don't go overboard and go for what is currently in trend. Think of practicality first.
I like my current flat very much. Small but cozy but just nice for me and my half.
Bryan wrote:Most imptly check ur ROM cert...Make sure it has an expiry date...Dun end up like the few of us who didnt check properly..Now we r stuck infinitely...
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Well if you are prepared for a long term financial burden and both of you are financially stable, it is up to you guys!
But do keep it mind that BTO flats may not take off if the uptake is poor.
You should definitely look at resale value as it does affect your next possible home if you need to move. This is something that alot of people overlook.
I got my place, a 3 1/2 room for 7k below evaluation @ 173k. The resale value of my place at the present moment is around 280k. And the lift is not even up yet
Some of the stuff you will be paying off when you have your own place:
1) Utility Bills
2) Internet Bill
3) Cable TV Bill (if any)
4) Town Council C&C Charges
5) Season Parking Fees
6) Property Tax & TV Licence (annual)
7) Monthly Loan Installments
Household needs
9) Personal Finances (Insurance etc)
So you need to be very sure that the both of you can sustain it in the long run. It is not a one time thing.
And HDB is pretty damn stringent now about loans as well, I hope your CPF contribution or income tax looks good
But do keep it mind that BTO flats may not take off if the uptake is poor.
You should definitely look at resale value as it does affect your next possible home if you need to move. This is something that alot of people overlook.
I got my place, a 3 1/2 room for 7k below evaluation @ 173k. The resale value of my place at the present moment is around 280k. And the lift is not even up yet
Some of the stuff you will be paying off when you have your own place:
1) Utility Bills
2) Internet Bill
3) Cable TV Bill (if any)
4) Town Council C&C Charges
5) Season Parking Fees
6) Property Tax & TV Licence (annual)
7) Monthly Loan Installments
Household needs 9) Personal Finances (Insurance etc)
So you need to be very sure that the both of you can sustain it in the long run. It is not a one time thing.
And HDB is pretty damn stringent now about loans as well, I hope your CPF contribution or income tax looks good
Nothing posted by this fat bastard should be taken seriously. SOME are for entertainment purposes only.
Lee, what is 3 and a half room?
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They call them 3 NG I believe.Sufian wrote:Lee, what is 3 and a half room?
It is bigger than a regular 3 room flat that's about it. And almost as big as new 4 room flats
We enjoy the same rebates and savings as all other 3 room flats.
I was eyeing Jumbo flats... but decided against it after living in an almost 2,000 sq ft pte apartment for a decade
Household work can kill
Nothing posted by this fat bastard should be taken seriously. SOME are for entertainment purposes only.
definitely agree on this partnakorius wrote:
Household work can kill
"the more u sweat in training, the less u bleed in battle"
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