Getting a condo. Objective advice appreciated

[birmingham123]

If u need just space, then just stay HDB 5room bah.. if not, condo with size over 1200sf is quite ex. If not u can try ec ? 1200sf maybe can cost less than 1.5millon ?

 

[ralphlauren]

Bro can share some with me? Pm me if not convenient.

How about slightly older resale unit? There are some which aren't bad.

 

[yoongf]

Regent grove next to yew tee MRT looks attractive at 670 - 700 psf.

Bro can share some with me? Pm me if not convenient.

 

[Passerboy]

Bro can share some with me? Pm me if not convenient.

Grandeur 8 near AMK mrt.
About $10xx psf-$11xx psf.
TOP in 2005.

 

[Polar Bear King]

Was planning to upgrade from my 5 room HDB at hougang to a condo. Worked for 7 years, saved quite a bit, and thought I was ready. Instead, I was surprised and disappointed to be actually priced out of getting one.

Downpayment too much, have to pay ABSD first also. Actually, I have fine remaining at current place. But of course the Singaporean dream. Worked hard saved hard to aspire for a lifestyle upgrade, but in the end, actually it is still out of reach.

On the other hand, I cannot get around the fact paying 3 times more for a place half the size of my current place. The stamp duty, agent fee, lawyer fees etc. I feel money can be better spent elsewhere.

What are your thoughts?

If you’re determined like aunty polar,go to move out to a rented flat first
Clean up your HDB to sell off
Then buy the condo which suit your family needs
Upgrade can,don’t think of invest

 

[MrCoconut]

What are some of the reasons you guys upgraded from HDB to condo?

 

[1993newbie]

Maybe lowering down your budget might help?

If you don’t mind location, there are some areas like Yew tee, Sembawang, Woodlands ,Yishun within your $1.5mil Budget which gives you above 1200sqft of space.

If for own stay is fine. In Woodlands , you could even get a penthouse for $1.5mil and below.

 

[seanyboydad]

Most will buy near where they currently stays unless they dun like the area.

 

[tanjiakpeng]

I noticed keyword is TS wants an upgraded lifestyle.

Why not rent out your 5rm HDB and use the proceeds to rent a condo? Then when u feel that is worth it then sell the HDB and really shop for a condo

Also renting a condo, you won't need to pay the costly maintenance fee. Tax wise, your rental income can offset your rental expense.

Having to top up for the rent of the condo, treat it as an expense to 'validate' your wants. You don't want to regret on such a big purchase

 

[birmingham123]

What are some of the reasons you guys upgraded from HDB to condo?

Wanted a condo lifestyle like what u say. Can bring kids to swimming pool when I am free. And basement carpark for convenience. Plus my purchase price is 800k plus for 99sm unit cause is an EC which I find some hdb in mature estate like amk also cost 800k for 90sm already..

 

[tanjiakpeng]

Wanted a condo lifestyle like what u say. Can bring kids to swimming pool when I am free. And basement carpark for convenience. Plus my purchase price is 800k plus for 99sm unit cause is an EC which I find some hdb in mature estate like amk also cost 800k for 90sm already..

I agree. I am looking at EC too due to the points you raised

 

[petetherock]

To go from a 5 room HDB to a condo on a 1.5 million budget is tough
IMO it’s a downgrade .. you need 2 million to get an equivalent size with a good location in the OCR area.
Think carefully about it before committing.
How often will you use the pool or other amenities?
Prestige? Sure if you have the budget .. 1.5 million isn’t a lot these days sadly.

 

[Passerboy]

If Hougang, noticed 3 bedroom at Florence Residence a could be within reach, 1.4mil for the larger 3 bedroom layouts.

 

[Polar Bear King]

What are some of the reasons you guys upgraded from HDB to condo?

bigger area
better facility
nearer to MRT
more comfortable living
enhance confidence for aunty polar and 3 cubs(as they're still laymen....)

 

[MrCoconut]

Maybe lowering down your budget might help?

If you don’t mind location, there are some areas like Yew tee, Sembawang, Woodlands ,Yishun within your $1.5mil Budget which gives you above 1200sqft of space.

If for own stay is fine. In Woodlands , you could even get a penthouse for $1.5mil and below.

Nice.. but the ABSD and downpayment already out of reach for me..

 

[MrCoconut]

To go from a 5 room HDB to a condo on a 1.5 million budget is tough
IMO it’s a downgrade .. you need 2 million to get an equivalent size with a good location in the OCR area.
Think carefully about it before committing.
How often will you use the pool or other amenities?
Prestige? Sure if you have the budget .. 1.5 million isn’t a lot these days sadly.

Agree. I feel it is silly to move from a bigger space to a smaller one, and paying 3 times the money. Of course there are other benefits which are listed here already

 

[MrCoconut]

bigger area
better facility
nearer to MRT
more comfortable living
enhance confidence for aunty polar and 3 cubs(as they're still laymen....)

Sounds like yours is a literally upgrade. But not so for others

 

[Polar Bear King]

Sounds like yours is a literally upgrade. But not so for others

others are motivated by pure greed
think HDB 99YL will turn to 0 1 day
sell off while profitable then buy condo wait for price to rise sell off jump to the next new launch condo rinse and repeat
during the gear change actually would be downgrade from 5rm HDB to 2BR condo

 

[Polar Bear King]

TS you should ask yourself why exactly you want to upgrade.....
is it for live in?
is it practical?
is it worth the effort?
is it worth the risk?
many families have to consider kids school area when choosing flat to stay in too

 

[tanjiakpeng]

If Hougang, noticed 3 bedroom at Florence Residence a could be within reach, 1.4mil for the larger 3 bedroom layouts.

2nd this.

Florence residences or riverfront residences don't even need 1.4m, mid floor (5-8th floor) 1.3m can get alr