So, ling and I are currently looking for new houses cos it would only be completed like 4 or 5 years later. Might as well start now. Yesterday, we decided to go to Natura Loft's showroom, the new Design, Build and Sell Scheme Flat under HDB that looks like a condominium. It is located at Bishan and is one of the most expensive flat.
I must say I was super disappointed. A 5 room flat could cost about $600,000 and it is only 120 sqm! Yes, there were gorgeous windows and balconies. Sadly, all the full length windows in the bedrooms and bath room (yes, bathroom!) are bay windows, where 1/5 of the length of the windows is covered by a cushioned bench (trying to describe in layman's terms).
When I view the 5 room, i was so shocked at how tiny the apartment is!!! It's like the new kitchen is smaller than my house (can u believe that!), the common toilet is smaller than my sister's house and they say that there is a so called study area which is bullshit cos ultimately u have to convert it to dining area cos the allocated dining area is like super tiny and it cuts into ur living room area.
What amazes further, the income ceiling to get that house is $8k! I was like asking ling, they expect people of that combined household income to purchase that house?!! How can they afford it unless they take up a huge loan????
But den ah, even if I have a lot of money, I would definitely think twice before getting that apartment. Just getting that apartment, doesnt mean to show that u r rich and can afford it. but it shows that u dun tink wisely before getting it. It is not a condo for goodness sake. they boast about the facilities that they might build such as playgrounds and stuffs. But those facilities can also be used by other people who live in other flats that cost like onli $400,000. Not exclusive at all! If I can afford $600,000, I'd rather buy a real condominium with swimming pool facility.
Perhaps it is partly expensive cos it is so near to everywhere but I'd rather buy a much cheaper flat and get myself a car to get myself to everywhere.
So now, my dream of getting full length windows houses is crushed! Ling said that new houses are that tiny. They are unlike the resale flats. So now, most probably I might just get a resale flat cos it is much bigger and dump the idea of having full length windows.
Our budget for a flat now that we can afford comfortably is $370, 000. Perhaps it might increase a little bit after proper calculations. We are now looking at big 5-rooms or executive flats which are about 130 to 145sqm. Most likely after our proposed wedding in late 2010/early 2011, we will start hunting for a house cos we need tos ave money for our renovation which, according to ling, would be a lot cos my standard is high. haha! well, i have been living in an under renovated house for the past 15 yrs of my life, naturally i would want something much better.
I am determined to buy a perfect house for myself cos dats where I am going to live for the next ten years or so.