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Hi,

I think both apartments have their merits, and the better choice really depends on your lifestyle and priorities.

The $200 difference works out to $2,400 a year. Whether that is worthwhile depends on what you are getting in return.

Personally, I would consider a few things.

1. **Location:** How much time will you save commuting to work or travelling to places you visit regularly? A more convenient location can make a big difference to your daily routine.

2. **Living environment:** If you spend considerable time at home, especially working from home, the larger windows and open view may be worth paying more for.

3. **Appliances:** Newer appliances are a plus, but I wouldn't make them the deciding factor. More importantly, check that everything is functioning properly before moving in.

4. **Convenience:** You mentioned that the first apartment has no supermarket nearby. How frequently do you buy groceries, and would this become inconvenient?

5. **Rental value:** Compare both asking rents against similar units nearby to establish whether you are paying a reasonable price.

My suggestion is to revisit both apartments and imagine your normal weekday and weekend routines.

Sometimes, a unit looks attractive during a 15-minute viewing but may not be the most practical home for everyday living.

Also, remember that rental terms are negotiable. If you prefer the second apartment, why not try negotiating the rental before ruling it out because of the additional $200?

May I know whether you are renting alone or sharing, and how long you intend to stay?

Also, are you working with a property agent? If so, has your agent helped you compare the rental rates and explore whether there is room for negotiation?

Ultimately, I would choose the apartment that best suits your daily lifestyle, provided the rental remains comfortably within your budget.

Geryl Lim
 9278 7772  Read More

Hi, the $200 monthly difference is $2,400 a year, so compare it with the daily benefit rather than the viewing impression alone.

Test the commute from both homes and add any extra transport or grocery-delivery costs. Then consider how much time you spend at home, whether the open view and daylight matter to you, and whether the larger windows create heat or privacy issues. Newer appliances are useful only if they work and suit your needs.

Check the lease terms, included items and maintenance responsibilities too. I would choose the home whose compromises you can comfortably live with, within a sustainable budget. How often do you work from home, and how much longer is the journey from the second place?

Silas Tan | Huttons | TRIBE
Free property guides and calculators: https://tribesg.com Read More

**Go with the first apartment (SGD 200/month cheaper, better location) unless you spend the majority of your day working from home.**

In Tiong Bahru, paying an extra **SGD 2,400 a year** (and likely higher utility bills) for a better view rarely outweighs daily walkability and transit convenience.

---

### 1. The Real Cost vs. Benefit Comparison

| Factor | Option 1: Better Location (-SGD 200/mo) | Option 2: Further Out (+SGD 200/mo) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Annual Rent Impact** | **Saves SGD 2,400 / yr** | Costs SGD 2,400 / yr more |
| **Hidden Utility Cost** | Lower cooling load | **Higher aircon bills** (huge windows = heat gain) |
| **Daily Commute** | Shorter walk to MRT / eateries | Longer daily walk or feeder bus |
| **Grocery Friction** | Solved via RedMart / FairPrice online delivery | Likely closer to a physical supermarket |

---

### 2. Why Option 1 Usually Wins in Tiong Bahru

* **Supermarket Absence Is Easily Solved:** Tiong Bahru Market and wet markets/provision shops cover fresh produce, while bulk groceries (heavy drinks, detergent, pantry staples) are routinely delivered free via FairPrice Online, RedMart, or Amazon Fresh—costing far less than SGD 200/month in extra rent.
* **The "View" Novelty Fades Quickly:** Most tenants admire an open view for the first two weeks, after which blinds stay drawn during bright afternoons or evening work hours.
* **Hidden Cost of Huge Windows:** Floor-to-ceiling or oversized windows in Singapore trap significant radiant heat—especially if west- or east-facing—easily adding **SGD 40–SGD 80/month** to your SP Group electricity bill.

---

### 3. When Option 2 Makes Sense

Choose the pricier, brighter apartment **only if**:

* **You Work From Home Full-Time:** If you spend 40+ hours a week at a desk inside the apartment, natural daylight and an unblocked view directly protect your mood and productivity—making the extra ~SGD 6.60/day worthwhile.
* **Option 1 Has Severe Physical Flaws:** If Option 1’s facing block is so close that neighbors look straight into your bedroom, or the older appliances look prone to breakdowns (causing maintenance headaches), Option 2 becomes the safer quality-of-life choice.

---

Gan Eng Joo Onassis 颜荣裕, REALTOR®

MSc BIT (Middlesex, UK); BBA (UniSA)

CEA Reg No: R021244C | Mobile: (+65) 8889 9918 

Email: onassis@sgagent.com

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