I guess most buy landed because they want their own space (ie garden etc) and want something different from their apartments in Singapore. For my case, my parent's own a landed property, so I know the amount of money & time needed to maintain one: Leaves fall on your garden (have to sweep daily), weeds grow (have to weed/mow), and it costs a bomb when your roof or gutter starts to leak, or when your toilet pipe leaks and you don't know where, and you have to pay to hack through the walls to find out where it's leaking, and then patching up the walls. Painting the whole house (inside & out) also costs over SGD$10k because they need to erect scaffolding, spray clean the exterior etc.
Then I realized I never utilized my garden, and most of my time spent is in the kitchen & my room, anyway. I don't need the space, that's why I'm not keen on landed.
Why condo?
It's easier to maintain (intention is buying for future retirement), and frankly the main reason is because I've never lived in one. I like the idea of just taking a lift down and viola, swimming pool/gym/tennis court right there!
Other reasons for Sky Loft:
- Location: Close to Shopping Malls (Jusco, Giant, Tesco)
- Close to CW Link Interchange (for potential future rental to those commuting to SG by bus)
- Unblock view from apartment, because the condo is surrounded by freehold landed property. (Imagine viewing all the fireworks set off during New Years!)
- Security (There's the main guard house, card at lift lobby?, and key for your apartment.)
- Surroundings maintained by condo management
- Sheltered parking (assigned lots per unit)
- 3+1 units have dual keys (ie can be converted to 2 units - rent out the 2+1, keep the 1 for weekend getaways?)
- There are not many condos - only 2 at the moment (possibly a third will be launched soon)
We picked up a 3+1 (1516sqft) unit last year when it soft launched. After rebate it's about RM427psf. The 2nd unit we just picked up. It's a 1+1 and the price has gone up quite a bit since (it's also on a higher floor).
Our main aim is future retirement home, renting it out in the meantime. When old liao, won't want to climb up and down the stairs. Cleaning up the apartment is also easier, cause lesser space to clean. And can lim kopi at the balcony, or chill at the swimming pool, exercise at the gym. Hungry or bored, can stroll over to shopping mall or to McDs opposite. Everything within easy reach.
So basically, that's why condo and not landed
certain a valid mindset coming from a fresh perspective. but if you like condo and the community lifestyle (everything within walking distance), Singapore has many condo that fit into the criteria, furthermore with a safer environment (you know how is it to walk around in Bukit Indah especially you are aged)
Furthermore, Singapore is well connected with MRT and bus. You are not prevented frm having a car too!
One thing is the condo in Singapore is much more expensive. But, if you sell off the landed I think you can still afford to buy it...no?
to add another perspective, meanwhile you would want to rent out your unit because it is near to bus interchange. Looking at the selling price, you will need RM2k per month to at least cover the installment+maintenance fee for the 1+1 unit. How many of them would pay RM2k (SGD$800+) for 1+1 unit and commute everyday via public bus? Not saying it will not happen but certainly something to be fondled on...again just my two cents.
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