Discussion About Single & Hdb Flat Ownership + Hdb Loan (Compiled)

[Guest guest]

8 hours ago, Sweetie Pie said:

Best is to buy a unit which is not shared with something else.  Lift is a small cubicle for moving various "things" 24/7.  You don't want to share the wall or face the lift directly, even your neighbour door facing directly towards yours is also not really ideal.

 

Talking about singles.  Newspaper has been reporting about single passing alone, in their own flat with no one knowing for weeks.  It can happen to anyone in any age between 40 and 90 living alone (no friends, no family, no visitors).   When purchasing a HDB apartment, do think about why you are buying it, how you want to live alone, and what essentials you will need. Don't worry about which HDB is more profitable, newer, closer to the MRT, more pretty looking,  has better views, or anything else—just focus on your health and well-being because the moment your eyes is closed, your six-figures savings and penthouse with oceanic view became meaningless.

 

HDB design usually main door is facing directly your neighbour main door, only depends how far the distance. Or main door is side by side. I also think it is best that your unit wall is not shared with the lift shaft, i find it quite weird that behind your unit wall is the lift shaft which the lift is moving up and down 24/7 even you cannot hear any noise.

[Guest guest]

Planning to rent a whole unit flat, may i know how much should i cut the price that is advertised by the agent? Example if it advertised asking price is $3,500, how much should i cut the price to seal the deal?

[Guest Guest]

On 11/22/2023 at 2:14 PM, Sweetie Pie said:

Best is to buy a unit which is not shared with something else.  Lift is a small cubicle for moving various "things" 24/7.  You don't want to share the wall or face the lift directly, even your neighbour door facing directly towards yours is also not really ideal.

 

Talking about singles.  Newspaper has been reporting about single passing alone, in their own flat with no one knowing for weeks.  It can happen to anyone in any age between 40 and 90 living alone (no friends, no family, no visitors).   When purchasing a HDB apartment, do think about why you are buying it, how you want to live alone, and what essentials you will need. Don't worry about which HDB is more profitable, newer, closer to the MRT, more pretty looking,  has better views, or anything else—just focus on your health and well-being because the moment your eyes is closed, your six-figures savings and penthouse with oceanic view became meaningless.

 

Staying alone and passing alone in their own flat can happens to anyone, even the person is married but their spouse passed on first and left then staying alone. If the person is living alone, can go join activities in RC and CC, make some friends and so won't be left living alone. 

[swim87]

On 11/23/2023 at 7:53 PM, Guest Guest said:

Staying alone and passing alone in their own flat can happens to anyone, even the person is married but their spouse passed on first and left then staying alone. If the person is living alone, can go join activities in RC and CC, make some friends and so won't be left living alone. 

Agree. A neighbour of mine fell at her home and she is married but her spouse was overseas. She came out and asked for help to bandage the back of her head which was bleeding. I think it is also important to at least know your neighbours and at least have some connection with them so that in times of emergency, you can always call out for help. 

[Guest guest]

1 hour ago, swim87 said:

Agree. A neighbour of mine fell at her home and she is married but her spouse was overseas. She came out and asked for help to bandage the back of her head which was bleeding. I think it is also important to at least know your neighbours and at least have some connection with them so that in times of emergency, you can always call out for help. 

If no one to help, the one thing to do is call ambulance, no choice. Esp if you fell down or hurt yourself something.

 

Nowadays many people would not bother to know their neighbours, esp in those newly HDB estate. Since most families are young families with kids, they are already busy with their own family and work, where got time to connect with their neighbours. Many people mindset now is, if anything happen, call ambulance if still conscious. And if sick until cannot go down buy food and stuff, just call Grab food and buy online supermarket, no need scare would die of hunger. This is quite a sad reality now.

[Guest guest]

I noticed the resale price in the new bt batok area as compared to corporation drive area, bt batok is higher, even it is same floor and 5 year old flat.

 

What do you guys think which area is better?

[Guest Travel Limit]

2 hours ago, Guest guest said:

I noticed the resale price in the new bt batok area as compared to corporation drive area, bt batok is higher, even it is same floor and 5 year old flat.

 

What do you guys think which area is better?

Clementi is the furthest I can accept. Beyond that towards the west is ulu town and I don't care if it is Jurong East regional hub or new Jurong in the making. 

[Guest ffffffff]

10 hours ago, Guest guest said:

I noticed the resale price in the new bt batok area as compared to corporation drive area, bt batok is higher, even it is same floor and 5 year old flat.

 

What do you guys think which area is better?

Do you drive?

[Guest Guest]

3 hours ago, Guest ffffffff said:

Do you drive?

Sometimes drive, sometimes take public transport.

[Guest guest]

10 hours ago, Guest Travel Limit said:

Clementi is the furthest I can accept. Beyond that towards the west is ulu town and I don't care if it is Jurong East regional hub or new Jurong in the making. 

Clementi is quite a good location, this is why the HDB there is very expensive, whether it is a new resale or 40 year old plus resale. So if want a cheaper and newer resale, no choice but have to go beyond Clementi.

[Guest ffffffff]

16 minutes ago, Guest Guest said:

Sometimes drive, sometimes take public transport.

Bukit batok and corporation dr got many areas not near mrt.  Need feeder bus.

 

Might want to consider these factors.

[Guest ffffffff]

26 minutes ago, Guest guest said:

Clementi is quite a good location, this is why the HDB there is very expensive, whether it is a new resale or 40 year old plus resale. So if want a cheaper and newer resale, no choice but have to go beyond Clementi.

Yes pricier. Hawker, coffeeshop meals $5 onwards quite standard 

[Guest guest]

7 hours ago, Guest ffffffff said:

Bukit batok and corporation dr got many areas not near mrt.  Need feeder bus.

 

Might want to consider these factors.

Near mrt at these areas mostly are older flats. If want newer flats, then would not near mrt. Take buses to mrt must see how far. If less than 5 bus stop to mrt should be ok.

[Guest Guest]

18 hours ago, Guest Travel Limit said:

Clementi is the furthest I can accept. Beyond that towards the west is ulu town and I don't care if it is Jurong East regional hub or new Jurong in the making. 

Also must see where you work. If you work in Tuas and Jurong area, staying in Jurong and Bt Batok is not ulu lah.

[Guest guest]

8 hours ago, Guest ffffffff said:

Yes pricier. Hawker, coffeeshop meals $5 onwards quite standard 

If you can afford to buy a $470k hdb resale, will you choose a 5 year old 3 room in bt batok or a 45 year old 4 room flat in west coast?

[Guest Drilla]

Visit to million $ maisonette

 

 

[Guest guest]

2 hours ago, Guest Drilla said:

Visit to million $ maisonette

 

 

150k for a maisonette not say very expensive. I see some 4 room can also easily reno $100k plus.

[Guest Drilla]

11 hours ago, Guest guest said:

150k for a maisonette not say very expensive. I see some 4 room can also easily reno $100k plus.

There's a lot of cabinetry works, hidden storage and other custom made stuff,  hence the amount.🙂

[Guest guest]

12 hours ago, Guest Drilla said:

There's a lot of cabinetry works, hidden storage and other custom made stuff,  hence the amount.🙂

Cabinetry works always very costly. If you do a lot of cabinetry works, prepare to pay a high reno cost.

[Guest My viewpoint]

On 11/27/2023 at 7:12 PM, Guest Drilla said:

Visit to million $ maisonette

 

 

It is aesthetically pleasing to a lot of people, but I was stressed out by the amount of maintenance required to keep the house. I also thought there were too many things hidden away or stored away in the house.  Perhaps since I am a free-spirited, breezy person, I don't want to feel like I am hiding anything in the house.  Despite being a maisonette, the area will get smaller if they have children in the future because the carpentry has taken up a lot of real estate in this instance.  If some minor damage happen, do they need to tear down the whole carpentry to redo it?  Furthermore, other inhabitants, such as lizards, spiders, ants, cockroaches, and so on, will coexist with you in Singapore's humid environment, and all those carpentries may offer them a good place that escape your notice and catching those creatures requires effort around the house.  

[Guest Drilla]

11 hours ago, Guest guest said:

Cabinetry works always very costly. If you do a lot of cabinetry works, prepare to pay a high reno cost.

 

10 hours ago, Guest My viewpoint said:

It is aesthetically pleasing to a lot of people, but I was stressed out by the amount of maintenance required to keep the house. I also thought there were too many things hidden away or stored away in the house.  Perhaps since I am a free-spirited, breezy person, I don't want to feel like I am hiding anything in the house.  Despite being a maisonette, the area will get smaller if they have children in the future because the carpentry has taken up a lot of real estate in this instance.  If some minor damage happen, do they need to tear down the whole carpentry to redo it?  Furthermore, other inhabitants, such as lizards, spiders, ants, cockroaches, and so on, will coexist with you in Singapore's humid environment, and all those carpentries may offer them a good place that escape your notice and catching those creatures requires effort around the house.  

 

I myself wondered why those Home Reno videos are so full of cabinetry and hidden storage, reconfiguration of space, eg dining become bedroom..

 

It is to sell the services of the ID (Interior Designer).

 

Rarely doo I see a house reno video that just buy and put in loose furniture.

[Guest Blah Blah Blah]

4 hours ago, Guest Drilla said:

 

 

I myself wondered why those Home Reno videos are so full of cabinetry and hidden storage, reconfiguration of space, eg dining become bedroom..

 

If carpentry is timeless that do not get tired or old with trend and that do not require high maintenane then it is probably a wise investment.  In the case of Maisonette, spending $150K is to justify the $1mil home. Like a wealthy person spending more on jewelleries to justify the status, whether it looks goods only time will tell.  

 

On the other hand, most ID designers wanted to create an instagram friendly photo as starter selling point to fetch high profit margin, and often not necessarily needed by the customer in the long run.  They sell a concept for you and then get you to work around it to appear like win-win situation.

 

Another trend I observed, people are following the design of other people in other countries.  Japandi style has its purpose, wood keeps the resident warm and cozy during winter season.  Japanese also live in a smaller house and thus they wanted objects out of their way and Zen became accidental.   Those staying in bigger house love to hoard items too, thus Zakka concept came to mind in nJapanese living......blah blah blah,,,

 

I have better stop hyjacking this topic and it is all about buying HDB not interior design.

 

 

 

 

[Guest Drilla]

56 minutes ago, Guest Blah Blah Blah said:

If carpentry is timeless that do not get tired or old with trend and that do not require high maintenane then it is probably a wise investment.  In the case of Maisonette, spending $150K is to justify the $1mil home. Like a wealthy person spending more on jewelleries to justify the status, whether it looks goods only time will tell.  

 

On the other hand, most ID designers wanted to create an instagram friendly photo as starter selling point to fetch high profit margin, and often not necessarily needed by the customer in the long run.  They sell a concept for you and then get you to work around it to appear like win-win situation.

 

Another trend I observed, people are following the design of other people in other countries.  Japandi style has its purpose, wood keeps the resident warm and cozy during winter season.  Japanese also live in a smaller house and thus they wanted objects out of their way and Zen became accidental.   Those staying in bigger house love to hoard items too, thus Zakka concept came to mind in nJapanese living......blah blah blah,,,

 

I have better stop hyjacking this topic and it is all about buying HDB not interior design.

 

 

 

 

Japanese minimalist because Japan got earthquakes.

 

HDB maisonette so in demand because they are like a semi D high rise Apt. 😄

 

Wonder if HDB will consider building 3 story apartments?

[Guest Ya Ya Ya]

8 hours ago, Guest Blah Blah Blah said:

If carpentry is timeless that do not get tired or old with trend and that do not require high maintenane then it is probably a wise investment.  In the case of Maisonette, spending $150K is to justify the $1mil home. Like a wealthy person spending more on jewelleries to justify the status, whether it looks goods only time will tell.  

 

On the other hand, most ID designers wanted to create an instagram friendly photo as starter selling point to fetch high profit margin, and often not necessarily needed by the customer in the long run.  They sell a concept for you and then get you to work around it to appear like win-win situation.

 

Another trend I observed, people are following the design of other people in other countries.  Japandi style has its purpose, wood keeps the resident warm and cozy during winter season.  Japanese also live in a smaller house and thus they wanted objects out of their way and Zen became accidental.   Those staying in bigger house love to hoard items too, thus Zakka concept came to mind in nJapanese living......blah blah blah,,,

 

I have better stop hyjacking this topic and it is all about buying HDB not interior design.

 

 

 

 

Chill la, sista. Get so irritated for what?

 

Have you tasted your own clit? Is it salty and sour?

[Guest guest]

13 hours ago, Guest Drilla said:

 

 

I myself wondered why those Home Reno videos are so full of cabinetry and hidden storage, reconfiguration of space, eg dining become bedroom..

 

It is to sell the services of the ID (Interior Designer).

 

Rarely doo I see a house reno video that just buy and put in loose furniture.

Nothing special if they show reno video of loose furniture. As if like anyone tom, dick and harry also can design such flat. 

[Guest Drilla]

7 hours ago, Guest guest said:

Nothing special if they show reno video of loose furniture. As if like anyone tom, dick and harry also can design such flat. 

Actually, true. Can just DIY.

But interior mags will feature homes of PLUs. Like this guy did basic Reno, bought furniture from taobao. The whole maisonette very nicely furnished and decorated.🙂

[Guest Drilla]

There's a horse in this  maisonette.

 

 

[Guest Drilla]

 

[Guest Drilla]

An Indian home that don't look like HDB...

 

 

[Guest Drilla]

3 room flat in clementi for single man

 

 

[Guest guest]

6 minutes ago, Guest Drilla said:

3 room flat in clementi for single man

 

 

Got say how much is the reno for this house? This house reno until so nice but too bad it is an old HDB and a corridor unit. Only one thing good is the good location of the house.

[Sweetie Pie]

1 hour ago, Guest guest said:

Got say how much is the reno for this house? This house reno until so nice but too bad it is an old HDB and a corridor unit.

Staying along the corridor is fine as long as you know how to properly treat the windows. Are you aware that curtains don't always have to reach all the way from the ceiling to the floor? It can begin in a chabi-chic manner at the bottom of the window to allows natural light and not compromising on privacy too. To see who is at your door, you don't need a doorbell or doorviewers. Pull the curtain back just a little bit to see who's at the door. That is one benefit of having corridors.  I rather spend on doing a proper windows than on constructing kitchen cabinet I don't need.  It is also very easy to clean and elderly friendly, no ladder needed. 

 

Edited November 30, 2023 by Sweetie Pie

[Guest guest]

24 minutes ago, Sweetie Pie said:

Staying along the corridor is fine as long as you know how to properly treat the windows. Are you aware that curtains don't always have to reach all the way from the ceiling to the floor? It can begin in a chabi-chic manner at the bottom of the window to allows natural light and not compromising on privacy too. To see who is at your door, you don't need a doorbell or doorviewers. Pull the curtain back just a little bit to see who's at the door. That is one benefit of having corridors.  I rather spend on doing a proper windows than on constructing kitchen cabinet I don't need.  It is also very easy to clean and elderly friendly, no ladder needed. 

 

Such curtains seems like not common, people default hang curtains all the way from the ceiling to the floor. Anyway, no matter what curtain or what reason, unit along corridor still do not have any privacy which is not ideal and perfect, no matter how nice and cosy you have reno inside your house, plus if the flat already more than 40 year old.

[Guest Guest]

New serviced apartments may plug gap for those with short-term housing needs: Analysts

 

New serviced apartments may plug gap for those with short-term housing needs: Analysts

Singapore will pilot a new class of serviced apartment, which come with a minimum stay of three months.

 

 

SINGAPORE: A new class of serviced apartments with a minimum stay of three months will help plug gaps in the market for those who have short-term housing needs, such as those waiting for their renovations to be completed, said property analysts.

Minister for National Development Desmond Lee said on Wednesday (Nov 29) that Singapore will pilot a new class of serviced apartments, with tenants having to stay at least three months.

 

Currently, tenants in serviced apartments are required to stay for at least seven days. This means potential tenants - Singaporeans and foreigners - are up against those in Singapore for short stays, such as tourists and business travellers, said Mr Desmond Lee.

ERA Singapore's key executive officer Eugene Lim said these new serviced apartments will cater to those with short-term housing needs, such as exchange students, those on short-term work assignments or those waiting for their renovations to be completed.

"These longer-term stay serviced apartments offer an alternative for those facing challenges renting short term from the open market," said Mr Lim.

His sentiments were echoed by Huttons Asia's senior director for data analytics Lee Sze Teck and OrangeTee and Tie's senior vice president of research and analytics Christine Sun.

"Most, if not all, private landlords prefer a two-year lease," said Mr Lee Sze Teck.

 

 

"This new serviced apartment with a stay may address a gap in the market. Besides addressing local demand for short stays, it can also cater to medical tourists, working professionals on short-term contracts and even students on internships."

There are "not many options available" currently for people who need a few months of rental, said Ms Sun, adding that these new serviced apartments will offer more flexibility.

She said: "It may be necessary to provide more flexibility for tenants if they require a longer stay. Some people who need short-term rentals may not be able to commit to a fixed timeline or may have more uncertainties in their plans."

The pilot will start with two sites at Upper Thomson Road and Zion Road under the Confirmed List of the Government Land Sales (GLS) Programme for the second half of 2023.

The sites will be launched in early December, with a total potential yield of about 535 serviced apartments. Both sites are located next to existing MRT stations.

 

 

ERA's Mr Lim said tenants who choose the Zion Road site are likely to be foreigners or single professionals working in the central business district. This is because it sits on the edge of the core central region. 

"Serviced apartments also cater to those who prefer housekeeping services and ensuite amenities that condominiums may not provide," he added.

The two sites will likely draw bids from developers with the relevant expertise or have subsidiaries that are in the business of managing such properties, Mr Lim said.

 

 

IMPACT ON RENTAL MARKET

Some of the demand for short-term rentals may shift towards serviced apartments, which could ease some pressure on overall private rental prices, said Ms Sun.

But this will still depend on the rental prices of such apartments, which will affect the take up rate.

 

Mr Mohan Sandrasegeran, head of research and data analytics at Singapore Realtors Inc (SRI) said the pilot programme "aims to alleviate some form of the strain on the rental market caused by any potential future construction delays".

Rents of private homes and Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats surged last year but have since slowed.

Mr Sandrasegeran said the pilot programme serves as an "immediate response" to current challenges. It should be seen as part of a broader strategy to achieve a "more balanced and affordable rental market". 

"It is important to note that while these new serviced apartments serve as an alternative option, achieving a sustained reduction in rents requires a multifaceted approach," he added.

"Factors such as timely completion of private developments and Build-to-Order flats are critical contributors to the overall housing landscape.

"When these developments are completed on schedule, they increase the overall housing supply, potentially mitigating the imbalance between supply and demand that often gives landlords leverage in setting rental rates."

[Guest Guest]

Maybe the government think that the current prices will stay high and the route going forward will be for citizen to rent.  

[Guest Whatever]

2 hours ago, Guest guest said:

Such curtains seems like not common, people default hang curtains all the way from the ceiling to the floor. Anyway, no matter what curtain or what reason, unit along corridor still do not have any privacy which is not ideal and perfect, no matter how nice and cosy you have reno inside your house, plus if the flat already more than 40 year old.

Then don't stay corridor and go  rent from someone with nice house if you cannot even afford a decent home to begin with. Good luck!

[Guest Guest]

Planning to rent a room ?

 

More room rentals have 'no WFH' policy; landlords cite high utility bills, privacy issues

[Guest Guest]

More room rentals have 'no WFH' policy; landlords cite high utility bills, privacy issues

 

 

• More rental listings have a requirement that tenants do not work from home
• Landlords TODAY spoke to cited rising utility costs and privacy issues for having this policy
• Tenants see the “no WFH” requirement as an issue, as they are still on hybrid work arrangements
• One property agent said that such clear restrictions actually help tenants narrow down their choices

 

 

NICOLE LAM

Published November 19, 2023

Updated November 19, 2023

 

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SINGAPORE — It looked like a typical property listing: A common room for rent at S$950 a month in the northern part of Singapore that comes with a super single bed, standing fan, wifi, laundry services...

Until one comes to this line: “Prefer tenant who does not work from home (WFH)”

A quick scan of rental room advertisements on Carousell and PropertyGuru revealed that this requirement is not unique – quite a number of rooms available for lease specify that the landlord would prefer tenants who do not work from home.

Two property agents told TODAY that they have received more of such stipulations from landlords in recent months.

It is especially common for single-room rentals, as landlords apparently do not want to go through the hassle of splitting the utility bill, especially if tenants are home all day.

 

Another reason landlords would prefer tenants not to work from home is the issue of privacy, said Ms Jeanette Goh, a property agent who listed a single common room for rent in the west of Singapore.

“(The landlords) don’t like it; they feel a little stifled at home. Even though it’s their own unit and their own place, they feel like they are being invaded,” she said of landlords having this requirement.

 

 

This could be due to their experience during the height of the Covid-19 restrictions in late 2020, when people were told to stay home and landlords found that their privacy was being invaded while their utility bills went up.

TODAY spoke with several landlords who listed this requirement, and also to renters to find out how they feel about it.

HOW TO SPLIT UTILITY BILLS?

Ms Tham, who declined to give her full name, has a listing for a common room on Carousell for S$950 per month, which is inclusive of utilities.

It is cumbersome having to split utility bills between landlord and renters, added Ms Tham, who posted the listing on behalf of the landlord.

 

Having a “no WFH” requirement safeguards landlords who would have to fork out the extra cost if utility bills were to exceed the threshold for that month, she explained.

 

She said that there have been cases where tenants “might not use the utilities responsibly”, especially if they are home all day, which is why this safeguard is in place.

“There must be some form of measures taken to take control of all this. All these expenses are extra costs that shouldn't be charged to the landlord,” said Ms Tham.

Another landlord, who prefers to be known as Mdm Ang, has a different reason for having a no-WFH policy: She takes care of five grandchildren, aged between three and 18, during the day.

She is renting out a single room in northeast Singapore.

Mdm Ang, who is in her 50s, said that the house would be “very noisy” if a tenant were to work from home and he would not be able to concentrate on work.

 

She also does not accept tenants who do shift work, as it would be difficult for them to sleep during the day.

NO WFH AN ISSUE

Several tenants TODAY spoke to said that the no-WFH criterion is an issue for them, and they would rather look for other places instead.

Sales manager Ms Lynnette Gan, 33, said she does not think that the requirement is justified if tenants pay their share of electricity and water consumption.

Ms Gan, who is on a hybrid work arrangement, has to work from home two days a week.

“It’s quite an unreasonable rule,” she said. 

Recalling that she has come across such listings during her search for rooms, she said she usually “would not bother” to negotiate even if the unit is in an ideal location.

 

“The landlord might be agreeable at the point of negotiation, but what if halfway through, they change their mind or make it difficult for me to stay? It would cause unnecessary issues for me,” she said. 

Similarly, 27-year-old Jasline Cheng found the no-WFH policy as unreasonable as the “no cooking” rule that some landlords impose on their tenants.

The communications representative, who is a local renting a room, said it can be frustrating to see a slew of restrictions when the monthly rental is more than S$1,000. 

She would rather look for another listing that allows her more freedom. 

“With the increase in rent and cost of living, do you really expect me to eat out every day?” Ms Cheng said.

Likewise, freelancer Bernard Boey, 26, values the flexibility to work from home offered by his current landlord. 

 

He said it is important as he, too, has hybrid working arrangements.

“Even if I currently do not work from home, it is risky because circumstances may change quickly,” Mr Boey said.

CLEAR RESTRICTIONS HELP TENANTS NARROW DOWN CHOICES

While such listings with clear limitations may appear unattractive to tenants, property agent Karine Lee, 31, said the good thing is that tenants can narrow down their choices further to rent an ideal unit.

She pointed out that the rental market has slowed down due to excessive supply, so tenants have more choices these days despite skyrocketing rental prices.

“Most tenants do not want to stay with problematic landlords. So if the requirements and restrictions are clear, it’s good for the tenants, too,” she said. 

Conversely, slower demand for rental units may force landlords to change their criteria or lower their rental fees. 

If landlords have many unreasonable requests, Ms Lee said it would take them longer to rent out the room. 

“Some landlords don’t mind waiting for the ‘perfect’ tenant, but some will not. They will try to make adjustments to rent out the unit as soon as possible to minimise the losses incurred during this empty period,” she said.

 

 

 

 

[Guest Guest]

Very soon we will be paying 9% GST.  I have already placed order and paid for my more expensive electrical appliances with a future delivery date.  Every little savings matter in today's inflationary environment.

[Guest Guest]

On 11/29/2023 at 10:41 PM, Guest guest said:

Nothing special if they show reno video of loose furniture. As if like anyone tom, dick and harry also can design such flat. 

No need to watch video if you wanted renovation ideas with stand alone furniture. Just visit City Square or the 3 branches of IKEA as all have very distinct designs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[Guest Guest]

Just to add...............

 

 

The shop at City Square is called Insideworks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest Drilla]

12 hours ago, Guest guest said:

Got say how much is the reno for this house? This house reno until so nice but too bad it is an old HDB and a corridor unit. Only one thing good is the good location of the house.

Whole place was redone until inside out. Stuff looks like high quality.  Probably cost a bomb.

[Sweetie Pie]

14 hours ago, Guest guest said:

Such curtains seems like not common, people default hang curtains all the way from the ceiling to the floor.

Because  I'm not afflicted with stockhome syndrome.  I don't like to follow others just because theirs look nice but mine is timeless 😁

 

Edited December 1, 2023 by Sweetie Pie

[Guest Guest]

Property taxes for most homes to rise in 2024; Govt to give one-off rebate to cushion impact

 

 

SINGAPORE - Property taxes for most home owners will go up in 2024 because of higher market rents and annual values for most residential properties, as well as an increase in property tax rates for higher-value private homes.

But the Government will provide a one-off rebate of up to 100 per cent for all owner-occupied homes to help cushion the impact of the tax increase amid cost-of-living concerns, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (Iras) said in a statement on Nov 30.

The annual value of Housing Board flats and most private residential properties will be raised from Jan 1, as part of Iras’ yearly review of properties to calculate how much taxes should be paid, the authorities said. 

A property’s annual value is its estimated yearly rent if it were to be rented out, and is determined based on market rents of comparable properties and other factors. 

The annual value is assessed for the purpose of property taxes, which are Singapore’s primary means of taxing wealth and are paid yearly.

Iras monitors market rental trends to determine the annual value of properties. Since the last revision of annual values on Jan 1, 2023, market rents have increased by about 20 per cent for HDB and private residential properties, said MOF.

 

 

As announced in Budget 2022, the second and final step of property tax rate increases will also take effect from Jan 1, with steeper hikes for higher-end properties. 

 

 

Those who own expensive private property will feel the brunt of the revision, particularly owners of properties bought for investment.

The property tax rate increase will affect only residential properties not occupied by their owners and owner-occupied homes with an annual value of more than $30,000. All owner-occupied HDB flats are not affected. 

The authorities said property tax rates for residential properties not occupied by their owners, including investment properties, will be increased to 12 per cent to 36 per cent by 2024. This compares with the current 11 per cent to 27 per cent tax levied on such properties.

 

With the property tax rebates announced on Nov 30, all one- and two-room HDB owner-occupiers will continue paying no property tax in 2024.

For owner-occupiers of other flat types, the rebate will be automatically offset against any property tax payable. 

On average, they will face a tax increase of less than $3 a month in 2024, with the increases ranging from $1.50 for a three-room flat to $6.30 for an executive flat monthly after rebates. 

The rebates, said MOF and Iras, are tiered to ensure that those with greater means pay their fair share of taxes and that Singapore’s property tax regime remains progressive. 

For example, owner-occupiers of one- and two-room flats will get a 100 per cent rebate, while those with four-room units will get a 50 per cent rebate. Executive flat owner-occupiers will receive a 30 per cent rebate, while those with private properties will get a 15 per cent rebate, capped at $1,000.

For private property owner-occupiers, the increase in property taxes will be steeper for higher-end homes, while the bottom half of this group will see a property tax increase of less than $15 a month in 2024.

 

 

Property tax payable in 2024

Table with 3 columns and 5 rows.

HDB flat type	Average property tax payable (per month after rebate)	Average increase in property tax payable (per month after rebate)
Three-room	$4.10	$1.50
Four-room	$12.80	$2.40
Five-room	$17.90	$4.30
Executive	$22.30	$6.30

Table: STRAITS TIMES GRAPHICS  Source: MINISTRY OF FINANCE

Dr Lee Nai Jia, head of real estate intelligence, data and software solutions at the PropertyGuru portal, said that “without the one-off rebate, HDB flat owners and owner-occupiers of (lower-value) private homes will likely see a steep increase in property tax”.

Mr Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics at property firm Huttons, said a moderation in rents in 2024 could make it harder for landlords to pass the increase in property taxes to tenants.

Mr Song Seng Wun, Singapore economic adviser at financial service company CGS-CIMB, said the upcoming property tax increase is not a huge surprise, based on property trends in the past 12 months. 

“The only question was what the quantum of increase is and what rebates are available. For the coming 12 months, however, with labour market conditions stabilising and more rental housing supply available, the rental market has stabilised. Assuming there are no external shocks to the economy, the annual property tax for 2025 may also stabilise,” he said.

 

Higher annual value thresholds for social support schemes 

From 2024, the Government will also raise the annual value thresholds that are used to determine eligibility for social support schemes. 

This is to ensure continued help for Singaporeans with greater needs amid the rise in annual property values. 

These schemes include the GST Voucher scheme and MediShield Life premium subsidies.

From Jan 1, 2024, the authorities will crank up the annual value threshold from $13,000 to $21,000 for the first tier, which provides a higher quantum of benefits. The revised threshold will cover all HDB flats, said MOF. 

The second tier, which results in a lower quantum of benefits, will see a higher annual value threshold too. 

The revised annual value threshold of $25,000, up from $21,000, will span about 75 per cent of residential properties, including some lower-value private homes.

MOF said a total of more than one million residential properties remain covered under the revised thresholds. 

For example, an eligible owner-occupier of a five-room HDB flat with an annual value of $11,000 in 2022 would have received $700 in GST cash vouchers in 2023. 

Annual value (AV) thresholds for social support schemes

Table with 3 columns and 3 rows.

	Existing	New (from Jan 1, 2024)
First AV tier	Up to $13,000	Up to $21,000
Second AV tier	More than $13,000 and up to $21,000	More than $21,000 and up to $25,000

Table: STRAITS TIMES GRAPHICS  Source: MINISTRY OF FINANCE

If the annual value of this person’s property rose to $14,000 in 2023, and assuming other eligibility criteria are met, he or she will receive $850 in GST cash vouchers in 2024.

Had the annual value thresholds not been revised, this individual would have received the lower-tier quantum of $450, MOF said. 

A property’s annual value in the preceding year determines an individual or a household’s eligibility for social support schemes in a given year. 

Mr Song from CGS-CIMB said the Government is being inclusive in ensuring that not just one segment of society – those who live in smaller flats and are low-income earners – would benefit from these schemes. 

“While the middle- to higher-income families pay more GST (goods and services tax) and income taxes, there is still something given back to them,” he said. 

 

[Guest Guest]

On 11/28/2023 at 9:12 PM, Guest guest said:

Cabinetry works always very costly. If you do a lot of cabinetry works, prepare to pay a high reno cost.

Yes it looks good but if leaks were discovered, the rectifications work will cost a bomb. 

[Guest Guest]

I found out that besides the Lease Buyback Scheme there are also assisted living flats by HDB.

 

250 assisted living HDB flats in Bedok for seniors to be offered during December BTO exercise

[sayfirst]

A cautionary tale for HDB homeowners (unfortunately it's behind a paywall and requires a free ST account):

 

One homeowner had his flat repossessed by HDB as he had illegally rented out the entire flat during the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).

 

In a separate incident, a couple was fined $45,000 because they bought private residential property during the MOP.

 

It's a good reminder to always do the necessary checks before making decisions on big-ticket items such as property.

[Sweetie Pie]

1 hour ago, sayfirst said:

A cautionary tale for HDB homeowners (unfortunately it's behind a paywall and requires a free ST account):

 

One homeowner had his flat repossessed by HDB as he had illegally rented out the entire flat during the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).

 

In a separate incident, a couple was fined $45,000 because they bought private residential property during the MOP.

 

It's a good reminder to always do the necessary checks before making decisions on big-ticket items such as property.

As you remain the renter and HDB is still the primary landlord, they have the right to reclaim your apartment for a variety of reasons.  If you rented out your apartment, the tenant is referred to as a sub-tenant on the HDB website. This created a lot of controversy in the past, but HDB swiftly changed and covered it up in the following years (in 2018 onwards I think).    Repossession of your apartment may also occur as a result of unlawful activity, whether on the part of the landlord or their tenants, your actions endangering other people...etc.  Nonetheless, you are still the tenant of HDB regardless BTO, resale or community apartment.  The price you paid for all HDB flat, is merely advance rentals and you have to abide by HDB stringent guidelines to live in your current house.

In this regard, the topic "HDB ownership" above, is not entirely true.

Edited December 3, 2023 by Sweetie Pie

[Guest guest]

1 hour ago, sayfirst said:

A cautionary tale for HDB homeowners (unfortunately it's behind a paywall and requires a free ST account):

 

One homeowner had his flat repossessed by HDB as he had illegally rented out the entire flat during the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).

 

In a separate incident, a couple was fined $45,000 because they bought private residential property during the MOP.

 

It's a good reminder to always do the necessary checks before making decisions on big-ticket items such as property.

The owner who rented out his entire flat during the MOP, his tenant should be too loud and creating nuisance to their neighbours, or the flat owner has offended his neighbours, this is why HDB got informed of this. I always believe there are many people doing such 'illegal' things but never get caught. I believe the authority would not be so free to knock on every HDB flat door to see if there is any illegal renting etc, usually HDB should get tip off by residents.

[Guest guest]

52 minutes ago, Sweetie Pie said:

As you remain the renter and HDB is still the primary landlord, they have the right to reclaim your apartment for a variety of reasons.  If you rented out your apartment, the tenant is referred to as a sub-tenant on the HDB website. This created a lot of controversy in the past, but HDB swiftly changed and covered it up in the following years (in 2018 onwards I think).    Repossession of your apartment may also occur as a result of unlawful activity, whether on the part of the landlord or their tenants, your actions endangering other people...etc.  Nonetheless, you are still the tenant of HDB regardless BTO, resale or community apartment.  The price you paid for all HDB flat, is merely advance rentals and you have to abide by HDB stringent guidelines to live in your current house.

In this regard, the topic "HDB ownership" above, is not entirely true.

So best is to buy private or rent private and they are no abide from such rules.