Red

New PR. Lengkok Bahru, Redhill for abt 505K. Abt 5 min from Redhil MRT. Condition of the 5rm is move-in condition. Currently renting for 1.5K a month. I could have opted to pay for rental but for the same amount of monthly payment, my thoughts is better buy a place. Even with renewal of lease, not sure if I can get 1.5K rental anymore, it would been easily 2K. Even JTC rental is now 1660 per month now. As you can see, my dilemma would be either to pay rental or buy a place. I could wait for 6 months or 12 months. This mean I will continue to pay 9K or 18K for rental and possibly more. Would the price of HDB 5rm drop significantly i.e. 10 - 15%. May be, may be not as well. From the way I see, 505K for a place in Central aint too bad, considering all other places in Redhill that I have seen is 580K and above. I hope I am not giving ignorant impression that I am screwing up the market but for those whom have been renting property for 1.5K and above a month, on top of that we are aspiring new PR, we have to thinking abt value of renting versus buying our own nest. Hence, backing my initial post that there is demand from new Citizens. Yes, we can also argue, why cant I wait until I become a Citizen and apply for HDB flat. Yes, this is possible but this means 24 mths of waiting period before becoming Citizens then only we can buy from HDB. On top of that, HDB queue is too long and even aspiring new couples are having difficulties getting one after 8 ballots. It will be tough chance for me and kids. The best way, is still resale housing. My other views is also that HDB market and resale pricing may not have significant changes (i.e. 15% and above). The pricing of new HDB is so much toward the market pricing that even new 4rms are already going toward 300K brackets, hence 5rm would be more. Not forgetting BTO prices are even higher. Hence, the prices of HDB is not going be dropping significantly like flies.

What I find useful would be average COV per blk location and condition of the house. And I dont meant median over a large area i.e Area. For example, Median statistics of COV in Queenstown for 5 rm is abt 35K. But Queenstown is a huge area from Hot places like Queenstown right up to Dover and etc. Different blks and different condition would demands high or lower COVs. The portion of COV can be subjected to many aspects of negotiation and possible consideration of the apartment. On another note, why I think 12 or 24 months is useful, as a buyer, I can analyze the value increase of the location in demand versus to the economic conditions. If it has gone up way too high from last 12 mths, then I should not buy the place as it was subject 12 months speculation hence over priced.

What puzzles me is why only 4 months of resale data? Why not 12 or 24 mths? Probably HDB doesn't want us to compare the data too much or know too much.

Richman, If you are referring to Kim Tian, then it probably true as it is this area was was speculated highly and has gone up to the roof. If you are referring to new flats, I dont think so, the high cost material, location and BTO by HDB, the prices has gone up. It is still possible to own a flat if you are earning 8K, the only thing, makesure you dont have commitment -i.e. car, other loans or CC debt. If you are in a good financial health why not. To some of us, i.e. new citizens or newly married couples, there is a demand.

Hi everyone, What model of Fujioh would be best - looking for recycled air type?

Hi Maxden, Good posting. Learn a lot from yr post. I will be moving to a lower flr 22yrs HDB. Would expect that there is a probability hopper problems. Need your advice on the following: - What if I decide not to use the hopper to throw my rubbish, can I seal it up permanently? Probably thinking to use a external enclosed rubbish box. - How can I seal the hopper? - We are worried abt stench since we are going to live in lower floors, can you part tips on how we can improve and prevent the strench or whenever there is routine chute maintenance? Thanks, Red