Home Base SG

In land-scarce Singapore, having a home to call our own is especially important to us. Regardless of our reasons for moving, we all wish to have space where we can relax and relieve the stresses of daily life. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for every homeowner because we all have differing preferences for our homes.

However, what drives us to move remains largely the same. After all, if we were living comfortably in our current homes, there would be little need for us to move out!

Here are the most common reasons that Singaporeans move:

It’s common practise to move out from our parents’ houses once we’ve started a family. This is especially so in the case of BTO flats. Oftentimes, our first home is restricted by budget (and ballot result). However, as time passes and our family grows, the need for more space and nearby amenities increases.

One such scenario is when welcoming a new addition to the family. The other is when young children are of age to enter primary schools. Under these conditions, parents are driven to provide a home with more personal space or closer proximity to popular primary schools.

The quest for a better life never stops. Whether you’re single or married with kids, there’s always the pursuit for larger rooms, more connectivity, full condo facilities, or a more centralized location.

Just like one of our previous clients, many homeowners eventually move on from their first homes to give their lifestyle a well-deserved boost.

Nobody would say no to having more cash in hand. Whichever stage of life we’re in, cash is always king. This is why on top of being a roof over your heads, the right property can also be an asset that helps you grow your wealth.

Whether it’s to fund your children’s education, invest or even buy a family car, cashing out on your property is one way to safely get some cash on hand.

Retirement is a big worry for many Singaporean. At times, it seems so difficult to retire comfortably in Singapore, much less early. This is why we are always searching for low-risk ways to grow or generate income.

It isn’t necessary to buy a home solely for investment purposes, however, if you are shopping for one anyway, it will be good to look at its potential as an investment. The right property could save you a lot of effort in the future.

As a first-time homeowner, it is common to have the urge to stretch The Budget for your ideal home. 

However, restraint is key. Although it is exciting to finally be able to own your own space and tailor it to your preferences, it is important to also note that it does not have to be your final home.

As your income increases over the years and your family conditions change, you may find yourself shopping once again for a more suitable home.

If you’re looking for your first home, book a consultation with us here and we’ll help you assess your affordability and available options within budget!

The debate over what makes a dream home has sparked many conversations, discussions, and even arguments. However, ultimately there is no right answer. Each homeowner has differing preferences for their ideal home, not to mention the different needs and requirements that they will have at the various stages of their lives.

Instead of preferences though, we’ve created a list of factors that we believe homeowners should prioritize when shopping for a home:

There’s no dispute that the most important consideration behind any purchase is Budget. Before we start shortlisting units to view, having a clear idea of how much we can spend is essential to having a fruitful search.

This not only includes the price of the house itself, but also other pre-purchase and post-purchase costs like the remaining mortgage balance or accrued CPF interest. You’ll also need to factor in the amount of cash you can comfortably spend as well as the available CPF monies you have in your OA to get a much more accurate estimation.

For any parent, your child’s growing environment is definitely a top concern. This not only includes the proximity to popular primary schools but also the safety of your neighborhood and how child-friendly it is. Whether there are other children whom they can mingle with as well as if it is safe for them to play outside without adult supervision will play a great part in their upbringing.

On top of that, the average homeowner would (and should) probably avoid these neighborhoods or units that have a loan shark problem regardless of how attractive the price is!

A better life may not necessarily be solely dependent on having access to full condo facilities. Following the previous point about neighbourhood safety, another advantage of condo living is having a secured community. Living in a gated community could go a long way to giving homeowners living with young children or elderly parents peace of mind.

On the other hand, despite the ‘MRT effect’, proximity to public transport may not be a huge concern for those who drive. Similarly, condo facilities will only make a big difference to those who make use of them often!

Another benefit of picking your property carefully is the potential capital upside that could help your money grow. While it is important to choose your home according to your personal preferences and needs, you may also want to consider your decision based on its potential as an investment.

Through analysing the historical data and trends of the local area, we can help you find a dream home that also helps secure your future.

Another factor that goes hand-in-hand with potential capital appreciation. Property investors who are looking to create a stream of passive income through real estate would definitely factor in its potential (or existing) rental yield.

Whether you intend to rent out a spare bedroom or an entire apartment to supplement your income, your rates will depend on both your competition and the available tenant pool in the vicinity. If the property you have bought has a healthy demand and competitive rate, this would definitely be an avenue for you to consider.

Mr. and Mrs. Tan* were looking for their first home to settle down in together. They wanted an affordable home that would not stretch their budget too much. Being first-time homeowners, their initial budget was quite small, however, their requirements were as such:

1. Newer (not more than 10 years old)
2. Convenient (close to MRT and amenities)
3. Renovated (fully fitted/move-in ready)
4. More space (at least 2 spare bedrooms)

Home Base was able to assist them to purchase a 5-room resale HDB flat in Punggol Central that was within walking distance to Punggol MRT Station and Waterway Point. We conducted the financial calculations and shortlisted several units within their budget for them to view. From the start of their journey with us to the signing of the sale agreement, it took a total of three weeks to complete. Mr. and Mrs. Tan are now enjoying their new home and planning to start a family in the next few years.

*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.