Happy news for everyone who’s looking to buy a flat! There will be approximately 17,000 Built-to-Order (BTO) flats launching in February 2018. Before you celebrate too early, and aside from financing and learning how to apply for the flat, you should also take these things into consideration:
-
Which is the best floor to stay on?
That’s a difficult question to answer because there are pros and cons for whichever floor you decide.
If you choose to stay on a lower floor, prepare to deal with pests (yes, cockroaches, mosquitoes and ants!) – especially if your unit is near the rubbish chute. In addition, you’ll also be exposed to more noise from functions held at the void deck, playgrounds and even sports courts.
Typically, higher floors mean higher prices: expect approximately 0.5 percent increase in unit price per additional floor. You’ll enjoy better unblocked views and wind the higher up you live. That being said, your place may get dusty faster as well. You’ll probably still be exposed to noise from traffic too, especially if you’re facing the main road or expressway.
Ultimately, whichever floor you choose to stay on, just be wary of these potential problems.
-
Sun Orientation
Yes, we’re being serious. Avoid units facing the west, as temperatures may get crazy – especially in the afternoon. Try securing a unit facing north-south to get a great breeze. Alternatively, you could also refer to the Sun Calculator. This website shows the sun’s movement and phases and how it could affect your potential flat’s location.
-
Future Developments
Refer to the URA masterplan to keep track of the government’s plans for the surrounding area of your flat, in the next 10 to 15 years.
-
Privacy from Neighbours
Check out your floor plan to ensure that the arrangement of the different units give you a little more privacy from your neighbours. Ensure that your neighbours won’t be able to look into your flat when they walk past. If you have already decided on a unit with less privacy, have curtains or blinds installed.
Choosing a HDB flat is exciting, but it is essential for research to be done on your part too. With these things to take into consideration, we hope that house hunting will be a slightly easier feat for you.