More holding on to their HDB flats

(18-02-2013, 11:08 AM)CityFarmer Wrote:

(18-02-2013, 10:58 AM)yeokiwi Wrote:

(14-02-2013, 01:10 AM)sgd Wrote: yes, privacy is one added value. One example is shoes kept outside without any concern, even for my new Nike. It is a real concern to do the same when i stayed in the previous HDB unit

I am more concerned whether my neighbours are good and my neighbours had not given me any troubles ever since I moved in. My neighbours for the same floor have not changed for the last 12 years and since they stay put, I also stay put.

In fact, the block is so well maintained with little abuse from the block's dwellers. The lift looks as good as it was 12 years ago.

I reckon I will regret if I move to a new flat and unluckily got myself some troublesome neighbours.

The important of good neighbours stays the same either in condo or in HDB. The chance of meeting "bad" neighbours does not reduce in condo versus HDB IMO

I am lucky that no "bad" neighbours so far, both in HDB or condo

I agree everything being equal except stopping "Tom Dick & Harry" at the gate by security personnels, there are not much advantages staying in private condo. In fact, usually established HDB towns have better "conveniences" & "facilities" nearby.

> HDBs these days have improved a lot as well. Convenience, transport, amenities, space.

I beg to differ.

1. New estates - now market / hawker centre. Until lost GE 2011 1 GRC, decide to change 25 year old policy. Build 10 in 10 years, now 5 years.

2. Sengkang main road - 2 lanes. Bishan & Toa Payoh, also 2 lanes. How many more sengkang residents than bishan?

3. No. of shops and areas for commercial shopping - significantly less in new towns.

4. Void deck - all gone. Even wake and marriage, few blocks share 1...

(18-02-2013, 11:28 PM)Contrarian Wrote: > HDBs these days have improved a lot as well. Convenience, transport, amenities, space.

I beg to differ.

1. New estates - now market / hawker centre. Until lost GE 2011 1 GRC, decide to change 25 year old policy. Build 10 in 10 years, now 5 years.

2. Sengkang main road - 2 lanes. Bishan & Toa Payoh, also 2 lanes. How many more sengkang residents than bishan?

3. No. of shops and areas for commercial shopping - significantly less in new towns.

4. Void deck - all gone. Even wake and marriage, few blocks share 1...

My hastily and weakly formed view was based on a few examples I see like the towering new block over Clementi mall - I think mrt beside me, shopping mall under, Clementi town a stone's throw away, I cant think of very many private developments that looks this good to me.

No where else in the world is "public housing" NOT deemed as a "bad" word.

I think operationally HDB did a very good job past 50 years, taking aside the accounting issue which I have problem with. Credit where it is due.

Anyone who has dealt with MCST may also agree that HDB mgt is easier and not less efficient.

But policy such as less void deck space and "squeezier" flat proximity has far reaching consequences. Historically if we study the concept of 5-foot walkway in the founding of Singapore is that it provides better ventilation and less crowded feel. There are consequences to policies.

I regretted not keeping the hdb flat for rental income. That was some years ago. I bought a 3 rm flat for only $83K, rented out 1 room for $800. Subsequently left it vacant for awhile due to neighbour's complaint about tenant, and finally sold off for abt $120K.
The price has since increase to more than $250K.

Now I can't buy back due to all the new policies!

Somehow I much prefer the old estates like AMK & TP, they are spaced out farther apart,bigger built-up, better orientation/layout and also many coffeeshops/wet markets/retail shops around.

Currently I have a HDB and a condo. If I need to sell one, I will sell the condo. Having the HDB is like having an insurance.

The thing I like about condo is that the maintenance fee takes care of everything such garbage clearing, car park and facilities. They all added up are not much higher than HDB that most are paying for. In HDB, a MSCP lot alone will cost $90 per month! It's not value since mostly MSCP are poorly maintained if it is done at all. They only thing that is tip top is the electronic gantry.

I would do the same as you if I can get hold of a flat, afterall, just need a 2x6 to sleep on...hahaha!
But I guess no chance lah unless hdb reversed policy (when they realised they have overbuilt).

(19-02-2013, 01:04 PM)Share Investor Wrote: Currently I have a HDB and a condo. If I need to sell one, I will sell the condo. Having the HDB is like having an insurance.

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I am paying abt $425 pm for maintenance fee. It's quite high actually.
$425x12mths=5,100 x 10 yrs=51,000. I can easily get back this money (probably in multiples?) if it gets enbloc say 10 to 20 yrs down the road.

(19-02-2013, 01:20 PM)zhangwuji Wrote: The thing I like about condo is that the maintenance fee takes care of everything such garbage clearing, car park and facilities. They all added up are not much higher than HDB that most are paying for. In HDB, a MSCP lot alone will cost $90 per month! It's not value since mostly MSCP are poorly maintained if it is done at all. They only thing that is tip top is the electronic gantry.

(19-02-2013, 02:12 PM)etan Wrote: I would do the same as you if I can get hold of a flat, afterall, just need a 2x6 to sleep on...hahaha!
But I guess no chance lah unless hdb reversed policy (when they realised they have overbuilt).

(19-02-2013, 01:04 PM)Share Investor Wrote: Currently I have a HDB and a condo. If I need to sell one, I will sell the condo. Having the HDB is like having an insurance.

What if your condo is a FH? Is it still better to sell the condo? i know now you can't buy a HDB flat even from the resale market if you own a condo.

I guess I would pass on the FH condo to my son. I may choose to live in hdb.

Oh btw, I think I read it somewhere that says an unemployed person cannot apply new flat because there is no income to service the loan?
So what if I pay up in cash? Or maybe I should apply for a flat while still employed?

All these rules are making me sick! I thought I still have 2 chances to apply for a flat direct from hdb. No?

(19-02-2013, 02:27 PM)Temperament Wrote:

(19-02-2013, 02:12 PM)etan Wrote: I would do the same as you if I can get hold of a flat, afterall, just need a 2x6 to sleep on...hahaha!
But I guess no chance lah unless hdb reversed policy (when they realised they have overbuilt).

(19-02-2013, 01:04 PM)Share Investor Wrote: Currently I have a HDB and a condo. If I need to sell one, I will sell the condo. Having the HDB is like having an insurance.

What if your condo is a FH? Is it still better to sell the condo? i know now you can't buy a HDB flat even from the resale market if you own a condo.