Sandwich class in Singapore: a way out?

Even as prices for Housing Development Board (HDB) flats drop, some do not qualify to purchase new units because of strict guidelines. A sandwiched buyer could well be someone who has tried all options in searching for an HDB flat. Exhausted from the lack of appealing buys, he/she turns to the private market. Alas, condominiums might just be priced out of the budget.  So, what might be the other housing options to explore for the sandwich class?

Executive Condominiums (ECs) as an option for sandwich class

With the combined income ceiling of BTO HDB flats set at $12,000, some couples may not qualify as their income surpasses the cap by a small amount. Still, they are unable to afford a full-fledged private condominium unit.

While a family nucleus is still required if you are below 35 years of age, the income ceiling for ECs is a little higher at $14,000.

Don’t rule out the prospect of living in luxury. The Vales EC in Sengkang offers two-storey villa units, Channel NewsAsia reported in June. Developer SingHaiyi claims it is the first project to offer such units. At 159 square metres each, they come with private parking lots.

Shoebox apartments     

With a truckload of space-saving furniture, living in a shoebox unit could be an option for singles and young couples. These small apartments are located in private condominiums. They cost less than a private pad of a regular size – even though they cost more per square foot.

For buyers looking for a wider range of facilities than those offered with public housing, condominiums come equipped with swimming pools, gyms and club houses. Some have swanky offerings like Jacuzzis and even a herbal garden to take relaxing strolls in after a long day at work.

Renting sites as an option for sandwich class

For this group, the rental market could be the answer. According to a recent Business Times report, rents of private non-landed residential units declined 0.3 per cent in September from a month ago. They were weighed by transactions in the city fringe and suburban areas.

While renting is not a permanent situation, it could be a temporary measure to wait for property prices to soften in a weakening global economy. Prices will come under further pressure to drop as the government has indicated that it will not ease cooling measures any time soon.

Short-term: subletting

If you would like to rent a place without the hassle of furnishing, settling utilities separately and getting the basics such as phone lines up, subletting is one way to go.

Prices vary based on location and the amount of privacy. Shared rooms cost the least, for instance, followed by private rooms and the entire apartment. Most places charge a flat rate per month that can be negotiated with owners. Some have a minimum period of stay. We suggest reading reviews left by previous guests and guidelines set out by owners to manage expectations.

Longer-term: 99.co 🙂

Shameless plug? Maybe, but it’s worth a shot! Key in the area you would like to live in and a map with all available properties will be generated. A live chat function is available should potential renters be lost at any step of the way.

With a list of suggestions, we hope this piece reduces the stress on sandwiched buyers. Buzz us with your favourite one!

If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested inCompare and Contrast: BTO vs. EC vs. Private Condo and BTO vs EC vs Resale – Which is the better money maker?.

Find the home of your dreams today at Singapore’s largest property portal, 99.co!