Some Singaporeans have come under fire by HDB, for illegally adding mezzanine floors to their flats. But what are the exact rules behind these, and what should you know before you tell an Interior Designer to go ahead? What’s a mezzanine floor? Mezzanine is an Italian word that means “middle”. A mezzanine floor is so…

Most of us suspected it would happen as far back as 2015, but this year it’s pretty much confirmed: co-working spaces have begun to dominate the office property scene. We expect it to continue, with co-working spaces rushing for a piece of our lucrative SME scene: What’s happening with co-working spaces? According to Colliers International,…

Expatriate families often end up choosing between condos or landed properties. There are subtle differences between the two, that can make a big impact on your overall comfort. Here’s what many people don’t tell you: 1. Condos can provide more lifestyle spaces, even if the units are smaller Expats often assume that landed properties mean having more…

If you’re studying in Singapore, you’re probably choosing between a student dorm a flat / condo rental. Here’s how to decide which works for you: 1. Decide on which facilities are really important to you Note that, despite being cheaper, HDB flats don’t always have fewer facilities. Some flats are located near public access facilities,…

The debate about leasehold versus freehold will never die! But for the most part, the majority are on the side of freehold units. We see the appeal, but consider the following before you buy: Over the past 10 years, leasehold condos have appreciated faster overall Across Singapore in general, leasehold condos have appreciated by an…

Aspiring to own a condo is common these days. True ambition, however, lies in wanting to own a condo before the age of 30. Is it even possible? We spoke to some people who managed it…and about what it takes: Special thanks to Mr. Albert Tin and his wife, and “Penny” for their help in…

By this May, you could be able to use your CPF to pay for even the oldest flats in Singapore. This is a subtle but significant move, with some far-reaching consequences: 1. An emphasis shift, to assuage fears of the 99-year time bomb An ongoing fear in Singapore’s property market is that of expiring leases….

The late Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, in California, is up for sale. Now they say it’s a prime piece of real estate – but we wonder what you could get in Singapore for that price: What’s the Neverland Ranch? It’s the monstrously huge home of 1980’s king of pop, Michael Jackson. Neverland Ranch is one…

HDB now has a dedicated team to help families in rental-flats. The aim is to help 1,000 of these families own their flats, by 2023 or 2024. Here is what’s in store: New Home Ownership Support Team (HST) to help families in rental units The HST consists of five to seven members, and will be…

One common complaint, if you rent out your house, is tenants who leave their stuff behind. Sometimes it’s huge piles of junk; other times it’s questionable materials (weird white powders, or obscene DVDs). Before you have it carted to the garbage though, here are some of the rules landlords must know: Special thanks to Mr….