{"id":60905,"date":"2022-10-18T17:36:50","date_gmt":"2022-10-18T09:36:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/?p=60905"},"modified":"2022-10-26T10:21:56","modified_gmt":"2022-10-26T02:21:56","slug":"couple-key-selling-points-5-room-belvia-bedok-reservoir-dbss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/couple-key-selling-points-5-room-belvia-bedok-reservoir-dbss\/","title":{"rendered":"House-hunting couple shares key selling points that sealed the deal when they viewed a 5-room Belvia DBSS flat at Bedok Reservoir"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When Shauna (27) and Rainer, her naval officer husband (31), decided to look for their matrimonial home more than two years ago, they did not realise how challenging getting a flat near the central regions would be.<\/p>\n

“We initially wanted to stay in a more central location like Redhill or Telok Blangah because of proximity to town (and hope that it would hold its value in time),” Shauna said, “but for the price range that we were looking at, the flats were either older developments or on lower levels, which were not what we had in mind.”<\/p>\n

\"Living<\/a>
The couple saw what was initially a blank slate with an arresting view. They then went with a coastal chic decor to bring home the chill vibes atmosphere reminiscent of Bedok and Katong into their home. (Image courtesy of Rainer and Shauna)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The couple also contemplated going to a private condominium; many have shared that it was a far better investment. However, the funds required to make the downpayment were beyond what they could afford at the time.<\/p>\n

Also, Shauna was on a career path to becoming a doctor, so they made compromises during their search.<\/p>\n

“I had only worked for about a year, so based on our finances, HDB was our only choice,” she said. “Of course, cost-wise, a BTO would have been best! But we were looking to move in soon, so waiting for a BTO was not aligned with our timeline, so we went ahead for a resale flat instead.”<\/p>\n

Finding a less-centralised HDB resale apartment with a view<\/h2>\n

When considering the HDB options, with such a wide variety nowadays, the couple shared that it was quite difficult to choose.<\/p>\n

They were initially drawn to the idea of HDB maisonettes, and even HDB landed homes – which had huge potential for design exploration.<\/p>\n

“But a major drawback is that these were often in older blocks and thus making it tricky to sell in the future! Furthermore, renovation costs for older flats also tended to be higher based on our research, so we gave up that idea.”<\/p>\n

\"Interior<\/a>
Their kitchen island countertop came with a terrazzo top and fluted stand design. (Image courtesy of Rainer and Shauna)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Showcase<\/a>
The countertop area and display showcase have become the couple’s most inspired spots. (Image courtesy of Rainer and Shauna)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The search for a home eventually saw the couple venturing to places nearer to their workplaces in the East.<\/p>\n

Initially, they were quite hesitant. One flat they viewed was a fairly new unit with a nice modern exterior, but it seemed small, with a small dining and living space.<\/p>\n

“However, one thing that struck me was how the previous owners had knocked down one wall and combined a bedroom and the living room to form a larger living area. That transformed the space – we were able to envision how we could potentially live there and make it our home. The previous owners had two children, which gave us even more confidence that we could do the same for our family planning.<\/p>\n

“Another big plus is the balcony that offers views of the reservoir – that really sealed the deal for us!”<\/p>\n

The full-length balcony spans the apartment’s living and dining space. According to Shauna, finding such a large balcony in public housing is not easy.<\/p>\n

\"Fresh<\/a>
A number of furniture, lighting and accessories were purchased from the Danish brand Fritz Hansen. The couple wanted to invest in long-lasting furniture that not only complements the interiors but can be transported to their next home in the future. (Image courtesy of Rainer and Shauna)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“We also liked the “chill vibe” in Bedok. Being near Katong – we knew we were close to good food! There’s a small shopping complex opposite, with a food centre, two grocery stores, a great Japanese Soba restaurant, fast food options, ice cream stores and cafes. Easy walking access to the reservoir is also another plus point.”<\/p>\n

Fast-forward two years later, Shauna and Rainer (and their Shiba Spitz mix dog, Tofu) have nothing but praise for their 1,100-sqft DBSS HDB<\/a> resale flat in Belvia<\/a> at Bedok Reservoir Crescent. For the 5-room unit, they paid S$810k (S$736 psf).<\/p>\n