11 Condo Options For You To Choose

Picking the unit is now the little more difficult but still enjoyable aspect of buying a house.

This is the stage where you must truly hone in on the specific features and requirements that your lifestyle necessitates. For instance, if you intend to live there for the next ten years and anticipate having a child and a helper, you will undoubtedly need at least a two-bedroom apartment with a separate room for the latter.

Do you love to cook? You would probably place finding a place with an enclosed kitchen with adequate ventilation at the top of your list of requirements.

Kitchen enclosed in Leedon Green

Does the future of your job seem to be a WFH issue given the present Covid-19 predicament? You may need to think about purchasing an apartment with a designated study/office space.

One of the main benefits of looking at a new launch condo early is that you get to choose the best unit, depending on whether you are looking at a new launch or resale condo. But with showflats, this becomes challenging for many potential purchasers. Because they are not evident from the show flat itself, details like floor and facing can be difficult to visualize (resale units are easier, as you can walk around in the actual property and get a feel for it).

These are 11 factors to take into account while choosing the ideal tulum condos for sale for you.

1. Sun-facing unit

Check out our earlier post discussing property in relation to the location of the sun for a more thorough explanation of this. Yet, in a “fast and dirty” sense, these are the points to remember:

For the majority of Singaporean houses, a north-south orientation is the best bet. As the sun moves from East to West, this implies that the sun’s path will pass through the sides of your property rather than the front and back. Hence, you don’t receive direct sunshine the entire day. The appliances are typically cooler and dimmer.

The second most prevalent option is a south-east direction. As you are tilted closer toward the rising sun, this facing receives intense morning sunshine. The unit doesn’t become too hot because it tends to deteriorate in the afternoon. The bedroom’s location can affect whether or not you are awakened by the morning sun. Some people adore it, while others despise it.

Developers tend to steer clear of east-west facing since it exposes the property to full sunshine all day. Particularly if you have large windows and open balconies, these can get hot in the afternoon.

Other facings, such as north-west, are generally neutral. Unless you have exceptional reasons to do otherwise, generally speaking, take north-south or south-east facings into consideration first (e.g. you have renovation plans that will fix the issue).

Be aware that issues related to face can be corrected with today’s innovations. For instance, everything from switchglass to drapes made of reflecting material can reduce the effects of direct sunshine. While they are typically a little cheaper, some purchasers will purchase east-west facing apartments and refurbish and furnish them to minimize heat issues.

2. Views as the unit faces

You’ll discover that there are many various sorts of blocks and facings, particularly for larger projects. The nicest views (unblocked/greenery/sea/pool) typically come with the largest and most expensive condos.

Views of Bullion Park’s pool

In addition to just having a nice view, there can be a surcharge for apartments with the most privacy. This includes having the quietest facings or being the farthest from neighbors.

This is also another idea for choosing a unit facing. Imagine that after making the decision to get rid of the fancy things, you are torn between having an internal or external perspective. Really, it’s fairly easy. Check out the area’s growth plans depending on where the construction will be built. For future appreciation potential, it might be a good idea to stay somewhere that is situated to benefit from the Greater Southern Waterfront (GSW). But, a unit facing outward could have to put up with a lot more construction noise or even different views. You may be guaranteed of a stable view even if an inward view unit might have interior noise from, for instance, a playground or a Barbeque pit.

So, you must determine how significant the views are to you. For obvious reasons, the most expensive apartments will also offer the best beachfront or city views. Compare this to a unit without such views to see if the price difference is worthwhile to you.

3. The floor

The primary benefits of lower floors or ground floors are:

• more easily accessible
• greater potential for floor space
• Garden or pool views
• 0% chance of deadly litter (on the ground floor)
• safer for infants and toddlers

1. More straightforward access

The fact that ground level apartments do not require a lift is a major benefit. This can be a significant time issue in developments that are larger and higher.

Consider leaving your car keys at home, for instance. You might have to trek back 30 stories, stopping every other floor because everyone else is leaving for work at that hour. (This brings to mind an important issue to ask, how many lifts serve how many flats on each floor).

Straight entrance to the pool at Levelz

And keep in mind that elevators occasionally need to be upgraded. One property on Bayshore Road, for instance, had lift upgrades in December (close to Christmas) 2019, leaving only one of two lifts operating for 30 storeys. Imagine the commotion when people began to arrive for several parties.

If you reside on the bottom floor, none of these things are a problem. It is still feasible to take the stairs down to lower floors (for example, the first three stories), and it might be quicker than taking the elevator.

As a side note, ground floor units are preferred by the majority of buyers with elderly or mobility-impaired family members. This is due to the fact that the space immediately outside the entrance is a spacious lobby rather than, say, a little corridor. If somebody needs to get in a wheelchair, this might make it simpler.

2. The potential for increased floor area

It’s not always the case, but if you choose a larger floor plan, you might discover that it’s a ground floor or lower floor apartment (with the exception of penthouse units of course).

Moreover, private enclosed spaces (PES) on the ground floor are typically more opulent than those on the top floor. For instance, they might have a patio that extends onto the lawn rather than just a little balcony. If you want to organize gatherings in a semi-outdoor space, this can be intriguing.

3. Views of a pool or garden

Bottom floors may offer views of the pool or a garden, while top floors provide a general overview of the neighborhood. You might prefer this floor over a higher one if you prefer people-watching to aerial views.

Just outside your window, you may see neighbors, their adorable dogs, and local activities (like the Hari Raya or New Year shows put on by the management).

4. No risk of deadly litter (on ground floor)

Naturally, you wouldn’t do something foolish like set a flower pot on a balcony ledge, but accidents sometimes occur. On upper stories, the police will knock on your door when a tennis ball is hurled and hits the balcony (take note if you have children in the home).

Occasionally, though infrequently, disputes arise when the owner of a high floor property is charged with murder or is thought to have committed the crime. That won’t happen to you if you’re on the bottom floor.

5. Safer for children of all ages

A ground floor unit is a safer option if you have young children who enjoy climbing (there is no assurance that a child won’t get wounded if they fall out of a window on the ground level, but it’s far less serious than from a height).

Also, if you have pets like cats, which like to hang on window ledges, this is safer.

Top storeys, penthouse apartments, and high levels

The following are the key benefits of choosing higher floors:

• generally lessening noise
• Apartments at the top are frequently those with the highest ceilings.
• improved vista
• extreme security
• decreased threat of pest infestations

1. Usually quieter environments

The further away you are from traffic noises, MRT tracks, or people shouting and running around the pools and Barbeque pits, the higher up the unit you are. As a result, top story apartments offer a better sense of solitude and privacy.

There are a few exceptions to this, though. There may be a little bit more noise in developments with rooftop amenities than those without, such as tennis courts or Barbeque pits.

2. The highest-ceilinged apartments are typically found at the top

Meyer Mansion is a notable modern example of this; although this development lacks a penthouse apartment, the top floor flats have a significantly larger floor to ceiling width. It’s probably an upper floor unit if you choose the one that has enough space for a mezzanine floor or just more ventilation and light from a high roof.

Not all developments feature high ceiling units, therefore keep in mind that not all of them are on the top floors (e.g. Parkwood Residences).

Better view

You’ll have a greater view of the region from a higher-up unit. Nonetheless, there will still be differences in quality; developments in low-density areas (like Bukit Timah) or on the coast (like Costa Del Sol) would offer better views than those at a similar height.

Sea view from Mandarin Gardens

Your view can still be partially blocked, for instance, if there are several tall towers nearby.

4. Enhanced safety

Singapore has very low burglary rates. But, being higher up makes your unit more challenging to reach, just in case somebody is keeping an eye on your house.

Compared to ground-level apartments, there is an additional layer of security because you typically require the keycard to enter the lobby and then to unlock your floor in the elevator (for most condos built in 2010 or later).

Aside from thieves, your family will also be protected from other crimes like vandalism and peeping tom events.

5. A decreased danger of pest infestations

Units on higher floors are typically the last to experience problems like rodent or cockroach infestations. Even while many people can squeeze via a trash chute, this doesn’t imply they are immune, but the higher floor means less exposure.

Be aware that new devices exhibit this disparity more clearly than used ones. Any infestations “make their way up” in new construction over time, especially for ground insects like termites.

Older resale units may not get much more respite if an infestation has been present for some time because it is likely to have impacted the entire block, including the upper levels.

Middle levels

There is little distinction on the middle floors.

Even in terms of the perspective, mid-floor flats often don’t differ all that much from one another. As a result, you must carefully assess whether it is worthwhile to spend an additional $10,000, for example, on a unit that is one level higher. The final difference might not even be noticeable.

4. Unit placement

Furthermore, in larger projects with numerous blocks, choose which stack to live in might significantly affect how much time you spend traveling. For instance, a huge complex that advertises a 5-minute walk from the main entrance to the MRT station may actually just be that distance. The walk through the large development itself could add another 5 to 10 minutes to your stroll if you selected a unit near the back.

The same holds true for amenities. If you frequently go to the gym, swim, or play tennis, looking for an apartment close to these facilities would make a lot of sense.

Take careful note of what is situated outside if you have found a perfect stack that is located closer to the development’s edge. You could be thinking, “Hooray,” for convenience in the future if it’s a primary school, but keep in mind that this will come at the expense of noise in the mornings and during the day.

Everyone wants a development that is easily accessible by transportation, but keep in mind that being close to a highway entails a lot of vehicle noise. If you are accustomed to sleeping in on weekends, you may be rudely awakened by the traffic. Unless you want to leave the air conditioning on all the time, you should give this some serious thought.

Sims Urban Oasis’ highway

In general, noise and privacy levels would be drawbacks to more convenience. Finding a balance between the two is ultimately what’s important. Naturally, staying close to a main road or amenities would result in increased noise levels.

Last but not least, units located close to the substations and trash centers are typically priced the lowest for a reason. As a first-time home buyer who is more cost-conscious, you could be drawn to these units, but it might be difficult to sell to others when it comes time to sell.

5. Choose the appropriate unit type

Similarly, the abundance of options available to you will be an issue for buyers of large developments.

To start, be aware of some showflat tactics, which can help you decide whether the unit type is ideal for you.

You can choose from a variety of different unit types depending on your preferences, such as a 2 bedroom flat with a study or a 2 bedroom premium home with a private elevator. The dwindling unit sizes over time are one factor in this. The lower unit sizes have compelled developers to offer more specialized options as opposed to a generalized solution.

These days, tiny sizes make it difficult to obtain units with a balanced layout (unless you purchase in the premium section). Often, there are smaller rooms and larger living areas, or larger rooms and smaller living areas. Hence, choosing between additional living space and additional sleeping space is difficult.

Let’s go over each type of unit to give you a general idea of what to watch out for.

One bedroom/studio

In terms of layout, the scale makes it difficult to make major mistakes. It truly depends on whether or not you frequently have guests over whether a certain one bedroom unit has jack and jill bathrooms or merely has access from the bedroom itself.

Be cautious of buildings with large entrances. To truly maximize the living room, you want it to open directly into the kitchen.

The AC ledge is now a standard feature in most complexes, either as part of the balcony or just outside the master bedroom window. For me, the ones that are situated elsewhere are preferable because larger windows are possible. Having larger, open views with more light coming in is always a plus (depending on which way you are facing).

Two rooms

The options available to you if you’re looking for a two-bedroom apartment are typically pretty varied.

If you want to save money, you might choose an apartment with two bedrooms and one bathroom, particularly if you don’t mind some rigidity and inconvenience or if you want to use the shared bedroom as an office or study. But keep in mind that you will only be attractive to a narrower number of customers when it comes to the resale market in the future.

If you cook frequently, you’ll obviously want to find a larger kitchen with at least some windows. Currently, many two-bedroom apartments lack enclosed kitchens and even ventilation windows; you must open the main door and balcony instead.

Be wary of two-bedroom apartments with a dumbbell layout. As there is no longer a need for a hallway, this is typically more efficient in terms of space. However, it does provide you a stronger sense of privacy if people are residing in the second bedroom.

You could even permanently move your dining table outside, giving you a significantly larger living area, depending on the size of your balcony.

Three rooms

For first-time homebuyers seeking for their own place to stay with a longer-term view toward the future—more so if you have plans for kids—3 bedroom condos are typically the best option.

You’ll obviously want to make sure that the room sizes are adequate for at least a queen-sized bed because this is for your personal stay.

Remember to search for a helper who has a utility room or bomb shelter if you intend to have one as well, especially if you need extra privacy. The absence of a yard is something that is becoming less frequent in three-bedroom apartments today, and I do believe that this is an important characteristic that many first-time buyers tend to ignore.

Again, due to size restrictions in newer buildings, you can anticipate that the majority of three-bedroom floor plans will have a shared bathroom between the two common bedrooms, either in a jack-and-jill layout or an independent one.

6. Included components

What exactly arrives with the unit is a further aspect that you must not overlook. Developers must now clearly demonstrate the differences between the display unit and the actual unit in showflat apartments. If it is an ID feature, you will notice that it is prominently labeled and is not a part of the device that you buy.

Kitchen Appliances 3-Bedroom Sloane Residences Zug

Have a look at the flooring in the display apartment; whatever is utilized there will be the same as what is provided with your property. Keep in mind that flooring and hacking are among the more expensive restoration elements; therefore, choosing high-quality construction and materials is crucial.

Marble, compacted marble, and homogenous tiles are the usual suspects for living and eating areas. Most bedrooms are constructed of solid wood or laminate.

Get a copy of the booklet and look at the specs at the end if you want a better understanding of the precise materials utilized.

Every new product will unquestionably include appliances as well, primarily the refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, oven, and in some cases even a wine refrigerator. The names of these products vary according to the condo’s price range that you are considering. For obvious reasons, higher-end brands like Miele and V-Zug frequently appear in more expensive condos. In either case, it is worthwhile to do some research to find out whether the developer is employing a reputable brand because it gives you a little indication of how high-quality they are.

7. Identify key selling points

It’s not always true that the most costly stacks include the best units when looking at a new project and how the various stacks are priced.

3 Cuscaden’s Sky Garden

Look for units that have direct access to amenities like sky gardens on each floor of particular high-rise condos; you might find that the price difference from the floor below isn’t as great as you thought. In everyday life, you’ll typically discover that most individuals don’t pay much attention to these amenities. As a result, you can discover that you typically have nearly sole access to these capabilities.

Whether it comes to renting or selling in the future, these distinctive selling factors will undoubtedly be helpful.

8. What are the pricing in the area?

You cannot view any transaction history for newly launched units. So, your best bet is to check the costs of the nearby condos (anything within one kilometre is a reasonable point of comparison).

Google Maps can be used to find nearby developments. To determine the distance, you may alternatively write “X to Y” in the Google search bar (for example, “Leedon Green” to “Leedon Residence”).

Try to locate condo prices that are similar in leasehold / freehold status, within one kilometer, and with a difference of less than five years from the new property you’re considering for comparison.

The estimate will be more accurate the more closely the condo resembles your new project in terms of utility (for example, if the new building is close to the MRT station, try to identify an older one that is also close to the MRT).

Visit the URA website to look for any lodged caveats after you’ve narrowed down the projects to those that are most comparable. This is a solid predictor of value because it is based on the actual prices at which houses have been selling.

You should determine the median* selling price for comparable-sized condo units (or units that are as close to your intended new unit in size). This can be used to assess the cost that has been quoted to you.

9. Verify the rental yield, net.

You can calculate the net rental yield if the unit (1) has been rented out previously and you know the amount, and (2) you have the property valuation. Even if you don’t intend to rent out the unit, this can assist you choose between two or more units in the stack.

Net rental yield is calculated by dividing net rental income by the property’s value and multiplying the result by 100.

Let’s take an example where a property’s net rental income is $24,000 year (rental income less costs). The house is valued at $1.2 million. As a result, the unit has a net yield of about 2%.

In theory, even if you aren’t renting out the condo, a high net rental yield can indicate good value because it might indicate that the asking price is considerably lower than what someone might pay to live there.

It’s obviously significantly more crucial if you do intend to rent it out.

10. Calculate the cost of renovations

As this is entirely subjective, we are unable to provide you with numbers. A resale condo’s value is frequently increased by renovations, especially those completed in the last two to three years.

Yet, you must determine how important those renovations are to you personally. A walk-in closet, for instance, can make some buyers feel like it’s a great waste of space. So, a less expensive, unrenovated unit in the same development or stack can be a better option if you had to rip everything out and start again.

Several resell owners would have customized the space to fit their own way of life. Don’t be fooled by some of the designs’ outwardly fashionable appearances because they might not be practical for you, much like with new showflats. You don’t want to end up spending more for a beautifully designed space only to discover after moving in that living there is frustrating.

11. Subtractions for required upkeep

This is significant for resale apartments. You must calculate the expenditures if any maintenance or repairs are required, such as fixing cabinetry or water heaters.

Get a replacement cost estimate if the vendor is unwilling to pay for them (call some contractors for quotes if you have to). You should consider these expenses before deciding on a pricing.