{"id":57489,"date":"2022-08-05T14:03:46","date_gmt":"2022-08-05T06:03:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/?p=57489"},"modified":"2022-10-14T17:27:40","modified_gmt":"2022-10-14T09:27:40","slug":"singapore-couple-covid-outbreak-bto-flat-selection-find-ready-home-sbf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/singapore-couple-covid-outbreak-bto-flat-selection-find-ready-home-sbf\/","title":{"rendered":"Singaporean couple living apart during COVID outbreak gave up BTO flat selection to find a ready home through SBF"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Twenty-seven-year-old Social Media Manager, Lynette Chang met James Neo, a 29-year-old HR consultant, in January 2020. At the time, she lived in Bukit Panjang while he was staying in Tampines. Usually, when an Eastie and a Westie fall in love, they would meet in the middle, say town, if they were to start dating at the time.<\/p>\n

However, COVID-19 struck in February, and Singapore went into DORSCON Orange (still remember that?). Most budding relationships then evolved into a series of phone calls, Zoom videos and WhatsApp messages as everyone had to stay home. It would be through face masks and social distancing once they were able to step out and meet again.<\/p>\n

\"Lynette<\/a>
(Image courtesy of James and Lynette)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Being the only child in their families and having only just started their careers (they’ve worked for 4-5 years in their respective first jobs), deciding to go into a relationship during the outbreak meant being serious about one another and forging a strong commitment to being together.<\/p>\n

“Before we met, we were at stable stages of our lives – individually, financially and in our careers. So we went into the relationship committed to building a life together someday, and it became natural for us to talk and take tangible steps to start our home journey together,” Lynette said.<\/p>\n

\"Lynette<\/a>
(Image courtesy of James and Lynette)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The BTO flat selection that never happened<\/h2>\n

In August 2020, Lynette and James applied for HDB’s August 2020 BTO exercise<\/a> under the MGPS scheme (multi-generation priority scheme)<\/a>. If you recall, HDB merged May’s exercise with August’s due to COVID-19 restrictions. In total, 7820 units across eight HDB towns were launched – making it the largest BTO sales exercise ever.<\/p>\n

But for Lynette and James, destiny had a way of changing one’s plans when it was least expected.<\/p>\n

“We got a ballot number of #12 under MGPS then. Unfortunately, we had to let go of the opportunity to pick our BTO flat (initial selection date: 9 November 2020) because of some changes. Letting go was painful, because, really, what are the odds we’d even get a number, let alone such a good one, right?<\/p>\n

“Since we only got #12 by virtue of MGPS and did not get any number by Public Scheme, letting go of this did not mean that we forwent a chance (i.e, we still have 2 first-timer chances left, thankfully)\ud83e\udd1e\ud83c\udffb\ud83d\ude2c,” Lynette shared.<\/p>\n

\"Lynette<\/a>
There’s something truly extraordinary with that curved entrance and the contrasting colours, like a time-travelling portal of sorts. (Image courtesy of interior.box)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In November 2020, instead of the BTO exercise, the couple went for the Sales of Balance flats<\/a> exercise.<\/p>\n

A month later, they got ballot number #42\/108.<\/p>\n

“When the selection process started, we began receiving daily messages about SBF units at different neighbourhoods we shortlisted being taken up by others. Fortunately, the units we shortlisted turned out to be too close to neighbouring blocks. After thinking through about convenience, cost, wind\/sun direction and neighbours (haha, but yes, really), we found a project that we really liked. And guess what, the units’ keys are already available!”<\/p>\n

In other words, instead of having to wait 4-6 years for a BTO or 2-3 years for the SBF units they previously wanted, Lynette and James can readily start planning their move-in and renovations earlier than expected.<\/p>\n

\"Lynette<\/a>
An alternative perspective. (Image courtesy of interior.box)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sale of Balance Flat selection<\/h2>\n

Since the project was already completed, the couple was able to\u00a0\u201cwalk the grounds\u201d and visit the neighbourhood.<\/p>\n

Granted, Lynette\u2019s home is in the west, while James\u2019 home is in Tampines, so they really wanted a place which makes travelling from east-west less arduous.<\/p>\n

“We saw the merits of staying near one of our parents\u2019 places (for increased ballot chances, and also the practical support of having our parents around when the kids come),” James shared.<\/p>\n

“So we selected Tampines SBF and not Bukit Panjang SBF because there were more units available (which meant a higher chance of securing a unit).”<\/p>\n

“It took a while for me to get used to the east (even till today),” Lynette added, “but thankfully, there is still a sense of familiarity, considering Tampines is a mature estate with old school shops around, rather than a completely young estate. It also helps that there are three big malls here, and home is a 30-minute drive away.”<\/p>\n

\"Lynette<\/a>
The remarkable “single tile” kitchen backsplash – initially a cause of uncertainty – was later a conversation point and crowd-puller among the Neos’ friends and families whenever they visit. (Image courtesy of interior.box)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But selecting the actual unit required some internal soul-searching for the couple:<\/p>\n

Ideally, their home should have an unblocked view, high floor, and corner unit away from the neighbours. They realised they had to also manage their expectations considering there were limited units available.<\/p>\n

“We were torn between two units: a fourth floor flat, or a top floor unit,” James said.<\/p>\n

“On paper, the top floor unit checked every box – high floor, unblocked view, almost corner unit. However, it was facing the neighbours\u2019 door (a 3Gen flat, whose door was often open), which was too close for comfort. The top unit also had direct afternoon sun and was more costly. The fourth-floor unit, however, had a large corridor – a nostalgic factor because Lynette used to play soccer with her cousins by the corridor when she was younger.”<\/p>\n

“Our neighbours were also around the same age group,” Lynette chimed in, “and there was a huge space between each unit. Strangely, even though the fourth-floor unit was not \u201cperfect\u201d on paper: near the lift, near the rubbish chute and low floor, it felt most like home.”<\/p>\n

The couple eventually settled for the fourth-floor unit – a 133-square-metre (1432 sqft) 5-room flat in Tampines<\/strong>, which cost under S$500,000.<\/p>\n

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A post shared by James + Lynette \ud83e\udd92 (@neolybuilt)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n