From Small Beginnings to Big Dreams Hello! I'm Yian. I want to share my journey from growing up in a tiny HDB flat to owning my dream landed home right here in Singapore. Imagine seven of us, including my dad who sometimes slept in the corridor because our home was so cramped. Those humble beginnings taught me a lot about dreams and determination. Learning the Ropes with My First Home My...
When it comes to real estate, deciding where to invest isn’t just about spotting a good deal—it’s about what fits your life. Even though the Core Central Region (CCR) of Singapore looks like it’s offering some great bargains these days, I’ve decided it’s not the right choice for me right now. Let me walk you through why, even though it might sound like I'm passing up a golden...
Thinking about buying a property without an agent? Try not to as there are things you might miss out because of your lack of experience. However, if you must proceed, getting your finances in order is the first critical step. Let’s walk through what you need to know to make your purchase as smooth as possible. 1. Start with a Credit Check Before you even start looking at...
When it comes to buying a home in Singapore, the debate often boils down to one question: freehold or leasehold? While many people lean towards freehold for its lasting value, my journey shows that a leasehold property can be just as rewarding, especially when you have specific family needs in mind. Family Needs: More Space, More Comfort Like many of us, my family and I started in a four-room...
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in Singapore, here’s a heads-up: prices for Executive Condominiums (ECs) are on the rise, and you might want to get in before they go even higher. Let’s dive into why now is the right time to make your move! What’s Happening with EC Prices? Recently, there was a heated bidding war for a plot of land in Tampines. Sim Lian Group...
Starting a garden right outside your home in Singapore is a great way to beautify your neighbourhood and enjoy some gardening. But before you grab your shovel, there are a few important steps you need to follow to make sure everything is set up legally and keeps looking great. 1. Get the Green Light from NEA First things first, you need to get permission from the National...
Recently, a lot of people on social media have been talking about their property tax bills—and they're not happy. Imagine paying $20,000 in taxes last year and getting hit with a $270,000 bill this year! That's a huge jump, and it's important to understand why this is happening to so many homeowners. What Determines Your Property Tax? Your property tax depends on two main things: the Annual Value...
Singaporeans often say "Heng Ong Huat Ah!" hoping for good luck and prosperity. But what if there’s a better way to "huat" (prosper) than just hoping for a win in Toto or 4D? This year, over 1,000 condo owners found that better way by cashing in on properties they invested in just a few years ago. Here's How They Did It In 2023, five condo developments in Singapore made their owners very happy by...
When it comes to building wealth through real estate in Singapore, there's more than one way to do it. While some agents might suggest selling your property to buy two others, let’s explore a variety of options that could better suit your needs and help you reach your financial goals, especially as you plan for retirement. 1. Get a Bigger Place One easy way to progress is by moving into a...
If you live in an HDB flat in Singapore, you know that regular inspections are a big deal. They check to make sure everything's up to code, especially the windows. Let’s see why my dad’s unit failed its inspection and what we did to fix it. Why Did My Dad’s Unit Fail the Inspection? HDB inspections can be tough. They look for two main things: No Illegal Changes: The inspectors make...