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man and one woman legally bound with a certificate.

So, my partner and I want to buy a flat and this is the introduction to our search. Why are we embarking on this search when I've already pointed out the negatives of such a course of action? We want to have that space that is totally "ours", for the next 99 years anyway.

Now we have to decide what we want from our flat.

Footnote:
*1.1-http://www. visitsingapore.com/publish/stb portal/en/home/about_singapore /demographic_and_geographical. html
*1.2-http://www.photius.co m/wfb1999/singapore/singapore_ geography.html

Chapter Two: What do you really want from your flat?

Firstly it's gotta be affordable.

Second it's gotta be a nice size (square meters).

Third it's gotta be convenient (accessible to MRT/bus stop/shops/amenities etc).

Ok let's dissect the three points listed above.

What is affordable?
We're young, haven't been in the workforce very long but we'd like to have our own little space. We can at the moment I think comfortably afford a 30 year repayment loan to HDB for a flat that is going for around SGD$240k. We don't want to have to splurge huge sums of money on renovation or ornate furniture. We'd like it simple and cheap but lasting. Also, if you look at the market today, most owners of resale flats (flats already owned by people) are asking for cash over valuation price (*2.1).

It's gonna be abit hard because when you consider the other 2 points you'll see that this is actually not that easy to achieve.

What is a nice size (square meters)?
At the moment I'm living with my parents in a 5 room flat which probably measures around 115 square meters. That might not sound very big but if you step into the house and then compare it with a 3 room flat that is only 80+ square meters, its a very spacey place indeed.

I remember when I was studying abroad, I actually rented a house with another girl for 6 months. It was lovely. I'd never lived on landed property before so it was a very enjoyable experience. Even having to cut grass, dig and plant tomato seeds in the backyard, walk past the white picket fence (yes I really had a white picket fence), even the weekly cleaning routine of vacuuming and mopping and cooking (which I'd never done at home - I had to learn on site). It was such a pleasure. I really wish property was more affordable here. But I'm rambling. The reason why I brought this up is because the house was much bigger than my flat. I'm used to having plenty of space. So I'm looking for a place that is 95 square meters and above in order to keep from feeling claustrophobic.

Footnote:
*2.1 - The valuation price is what HDB actually thinks the flat is worth, takinbg into account the condition of the flat, the location, proximity to conveniences as well as the renovation that was previously done on the flat.

Learn more about this author, Daphne Lim.
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