The past weekend began with a shocking message from my sister: A strong fire broke out in our hometown in the estate where my mother stays. It is government-subsidized private housing built around 15 years ago - a 5-block residential development and each block comes with 21 storeys. It is also a mixed development with one of the blocks housing a wet/dry market and a food … [Read more...]
Are shoebox apartments almost inhuman?
Yesterday, Mr. Liew Mun Leong, CapitaLand’s chief executive, urged the Singapore Government to intervene the building of shoebox apartments, on the reasons that these developers are wasting Singapore’s limited land and homes less than 50 sq m are 'almost inhuman'. "It's almost inhuman. It's not good for the welfare of the family to feel that constrained." The article says … [Read more...]
No trust, no business
One evening past 9 o'clock, I got a call from my home number. The caller read out my husband's full name. "Hey, it’s for you." "Who’s that?" "No idea, probably an agent asking you to sell the house." We get such calls at least once a week. Hubby sat still, with a 'you fix it, don't bother me' look on his face. I didn't press the 'hold' button so the caller … [Read more...]
Story of my third property (part II)
The one-bedroom unit near Clarke Quay was a good bargain. But it took months to close the deal. Every time I had a request, offer or counter-offer, it took ages for the property agent to get back to me. His excuses included (but not limited to) owner in different time zone, cannot get hold of owner, owner not replying e-mail, too expensive to use IDD, etc. For … [Read more...]
Story of my third property (part I)
Hi, I'm back with sharing my property buying stories. Right after the completion of my 2nd purchase, I resumed my flat viewing routine. Again my criteria of purchase were: 1) Good location and layout; 2) Minimum 5% net rental return; and 3) At least 15% below last transacted price. I remember it was Christmas in 2003. The property market was very quiet. Bad … [Read more...]