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Hi all, current staying in a 4 room bto and looking for a place with 4 rooms (for my parents, me and my wife and 2 kids), hopping for space bigger then 115sqm2 in the east.

Understand that most 5 room/Executive apartment with 4 rooms will be old with depreciating leases thereafter or young but expensive.

Few questions:

1) What recommend age/model of flat would you recommend?
2) What price range should I be looking at in the east?
3) An alternative solution will be to buy a resale 4 room (Budgeting 200k cpf and 50k down payment) and a 2 room flexi Short lease (Budgeting 80k cash inclusive or levy) for my parents. But I hope location to be near. What are the chances of getting both flats in the same area so that we can stay near? Would you recommend this idea.
4) We would actually like to get a condo as an investment but we will not be able afford one that has sufficient space for us all.

Thank you!
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5 Answers

Dear sir/madam,

I can understand your situation described, as I have encountered a number of clients with similar priorities. The sad part on this is that there is no perfect solution especially if we are looking at some budget constraints.

I am unsure about your existing financial situation, however, if large space is something you are looking at the Executive Maisonette or Apartments. The options are likely in Tampines or Pasir Ris where the flats can be about 25 years old range, with 5 room flats coming with 4 physical bedrooms also available. I am unable to recall any 2room flats in the resale market available within the east therefore I'd say that this is a very remote option to explore.

I have been in the real estate business since 2009, with more than 10years of experience serving the Singapore real estate market.

I am very active in the residential segment of Singapore real estate market, having transacted hundreds of deals from HDBs to private condominiums and landed properties in Singapore, and have handled many unique cases in sales and purchases as well as rental deals.

Over the years, I have also established a network reaching out to more than 9,400 expatriates, bringing my market presence to both in and outside of Singapore. This has created an additional exposure when I manage my client's portfolios, on top of the conventional on and offline platforms, where other estate agents are relying on. This has allowed me to consistently convert leads into results.

With an evolving market, where change is the only constant, I have also been investing in upgrading of my knowledge and skills sets to improve myself and meet the demands of current and future market.

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Robbie Chen Chee Howe
Hi Sir,

I can totally understand your family's needs at this point in time. Your current 4RM HDB flat will not be able to accommodate your big multi-generation family.

Based on your describe scenario, I think there are a few options which you may consider. Perhaps if you could share with me further on your financials, so that I can give you a more appropriate recommendation?

I am experienced and well-versed in both HDB and private transactions, and have helped many families in their upgrading and downgrading plans. I will be able to assist you in your family's property plans too.

Should you need require further assistance in matters relating to property, please contact me at my mobile 9748 6305  . I will be happy to assess and share with you the possibilities for you in the current market.

Thank you.

Best regards,
Robbie Chen
 9748 6305 
PropNex Realty Read More
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Hi,

Thanks for your enquiry. I can totally understand the need to have all the loved ones under one roof as the bonding moments are special and there will be mutual support for each other. Was just wondering if you have done the full financial plan calculation before concluding the private property option is not feasible? Happy to do so for you if its not done prior.

For a 3 generation family, yes an older 5-room HDB or executive apartment would be a better fit in terms of size and livability. The trade-off unfortunately, yes is the age of the HDB, which in the long run may not be the best way for wealth building through property. One option could be to consider the Pasir Ris Resale EAs or EMs, as they are bigger and relatively newer than ones in Tampines.

Definitely buying a 4-room and a 2-room is more comfortable financially, the challenge could be to find the blocks that are close to each other and HDB does not always have available supply of 2-room flexi in the areas desired. May I know which part of the east you are more inclined to?

I have walked through various clients in similar situations and analyzed the full pros & cons of each approach for them. Look forward to do the same for you as well!

May I have more info and requirements about your plans so to make better recommendations? Thanks and look forward to value-add to your housing plans.

Warm Regards,

Ivan Ng Realtor
ERA Senior Marketing Director
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Dear Sir,

As your family size is quite big, you may want to consider a EA or a EM flat for HDB. EA will have an additional study room whereas EM in some location will an additional bedroom to house your family.

It will be quite hard to purchase a 4 room and a 2 room flexi in the same location and the timing may also be challenging as both units may not be ready at the same time. Logistically, it may be challenging as well and therefore I will not recommend this option.

Larger condo or a dual key condo is another option. Please feel free to contact me so that I can work out a financial plan for you and advise you whether the condo option will be too stretched for you.

Regards,
Nick Tan
(M) +65 9644 4854 
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Hi Sir

I fully understand your concern on this. HDB has stopped building EM unit since 1995 and if you are looking at an EM in the East, 1996 seems to be the latest batch of EM/EA. As for EA, there are units built in the early 2000s but most of it is located at Sengkang area. Budget wise, an EM/EA in the east will cost around $600k to $800k while it is possible for you to get an EA in Sengkang starting from $550k onwards. As for your question of your parent getting a 2 room flexi for themselves while you get a resale nearby, proper planning on this need to be made. My suggestion is for your parents to apply for a 2 room flexi first through BTO/Sales of balance since it is more challenging to secure a 2 room flexi rather than finding a suitable resale at a nearby location. While I cannot guarantee I could provide an advise that will suit all your needs, I will try my best to find the best solution in accordance to your situation. Do contact me at 93375051  for a free and non obligatory discussion on this.

Regards
Taufik Hussein
ERA Realty Nerwork Pte Ltd Read More
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