99.co guides: Why you should look at the developer launch site plan

The developer launch site plan can reveal a lot about your next potential home

We have previously shared our guide on how to read the URA Master Plan so you can understand how a project’s surroundings affects its potential market value. This follow-up article will teach you how to read the developer launch site plan like a professional, look out for the right things, and learn some of the secrets of successful investors.

Sometimes, people visiting a showflat concentrate only on the showflat and neglect to check out the developer launch site plan. This is one of the biggest mistakes most amateur home buyers make. We recommend that you also look out for the following things:

Unit orientation

Most Singaporean homeowners would avoid units facing the west as it can get really hot in the afternoon and an aircon working overtime will quickly rack up the electricity bill.

View

You can infer what the view from your unit would look like from the location map and developer launch site plan. This is especially relevant if you intend to get a high floor unit. Do you prefer a panoramic view of the city skyline, the sea, or a green area? Will you be looking at the swimming pool or staring directly into your neighbour’s place? The view you will be getting will also affect the market value of the unit.

Proximity to nearby units

If the developer launch site plan shows that you are just separated by the width of the pool, you are probably living too close to your neighbours. A minimum level of privacy is desired by most people. You wouldn’t want your neighbour to have a close-up view of your apartment and the feeling will probably be mutual.

Amenities and disamenities

Swimming pool views are a double edged sword. You may want to have a pool view while you are staying at a 5-star hotel for three nights, but you might want to think twice when it comes to your permanent home. Pools are noisy on weekend mornings and evenings, especially if your condominium has lots of young children. If you like to sleep in on weekends, you might wish to be in a more quiet part of development. The same applies for units directly facing tennis courts, bbq areas, playgrounds, and/or any other open amenities.

Location of bin centre and substation

The bin centres and substations are usually situated together and they are seldom indicated in the site plan. You will probably need to look at the site model in the showroom or inquire the property agents directly about this. Even if your bin centre costs as much as the NAC bin centre, it will still be a negative as there will always be worries of foul smells and creepy crawlies.

How the developer launch site plan can help get your priorities right

Get your priorities right; no unit is perfect and every unit will have its inherent pros and cons. Which unit will serve you best will depend on what matters the most to you. Gather all the information that you can get, so that you don’t get surprised by any factor you may have overlooked. The developers know which are the popular units with the desirable traits and will price the units accordingly. Instead of hunting for the perfect unit, find a unit with flaws you can accept.

One secret of seasoned investors

Seasoned property investors will look at the numbers and not the unit; they tend to go for the cheapest units, which are usually the low floor units. Why would they do that, you might ask? Won’t selling the property be difficult in the future, given the less desirable traits of low floor units? A lower purchase price has many advantages. First, it will incur a lower loan amount, which means lower interest amounts. This can add up to significant savings over a 25-year mortgage period. When the project gets its TOP (Temporary Occupation Permit), competition for tenants can get really fierce. The lowest priced units always get the most attention and viewings so these are also the most competitive units. They can even lavish on furnishings for the unit so that it stands out from other units; there are always tenants on a budget who prefer a unit that comes with existing decor and furniture.

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About Kian Khai

Looking to sell your property?

Whether your HDB apartment is reaching the end of its Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) or your condo has crossed its Seller Stamp Duty (SSD) window, it is always good to know how much you can potentially gain if you were to list and sell your property. Not only that, you’ll also need to know whether your gains would allow you to right-size to the dream home in the neighbourhood you and your family have been eyeing.

One easy way is to send us a request for a credible and trusted property consultant to reach out to you.

Alternatively, you can jump onto 99.co’s Property Value Tool to get an estimate for free.

If you’re looking for your dream home, be it as a first-time or seasoned homebuyer or seller – say, to upgrade or right-size – you will find it on Singapore’s fastest-growing property portal 99.co.

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