Category: Housing

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New Year Home Improvement Ideas: Small Fixes, Big Difference

renovated home

New Year new me or New Year new home? This 2025, bring a sense of renewal and chance to revamp your living space. For apartment dwellers in sunny Singapore, limited space and unique challenges like high humidity or compact layouts call for creative home improvement solutions. Fortunately for you, small changes can make a big difference in enhancing your home’s aesthetics, functionality, and comfort.

Here are some New Year home improvement tips tailored for your homes.

1. Declutter and Organize Your Space

Start your New Year home improvement journey by decluttering and organizing your apartment. With smaller spaces, clutter can quickly make your home feel cramped and uninviting.

Steps to Declutter:

  • Sort and Donate: Sort items into categories: keep, donate, or discard. Donate items you no longer use but are still in good condition.
  • Invest in Storage Solutions: Use storage ottomans, wall-mounted shelves, or under-bed storage boxes to keep things tidy.
  • Adopt the One-In-One-Out Rule: For every new item you bring in, consider removing one.

An organized space not only looks better but also creates a more calming and productive environment.

choosing the right paint colour for home

2. Refresh Your Walls with Paint or Wallpaper

Give your apartment a fresh look by updating your walls. A new coat of paint or the addition of stylish wallpaper can transform your space instantly.

Tips for Apartments:

  • Choose Light Colours: Light hues like white, beige, or pastel shades make small spaces appear larger and brighter.
  • Accent Walls: Add an accent wall with bold colours or textured wallpaper to create a focal point without overwhelming the room.
  • Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: This renter-friendly option lets you experiment with patterns and designs without causing damage to the walls.

3. Upgrade Your Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the ambiance of your home. Poor lighting can make an apartment feel dull and unwelcoming.

Quick Lighting Upgrades:

  • Layered Lighting: Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and functionality.
  • LED Bulbs: Replace old bulbs with energy-efficient LED options for brighter and more eco-friendly lighting.
  • Smart Lighting Systems: Invest in smart bulbs that can change colour or intensity, controlled via an app or voice commands.
dog chilling on a sofabed

4. Maximize Space with Multi-Functional Furniture

In compact apartments, multi-functional furniture is a game-changer. These versatile pieces save space while offering additional storage or functionality.

Examples of Multi-Functional Furniture:

  • Sofa Beds: Perfect for hosting overnight guests without needing a separate guest room.
  • Drop-Leaf Tables: Use as a dining table, workspace, or fold it away when not in use.
  • Storage Beds: Beds with built-in storage compartments are ideal for apartments with limited closet space.

5. Create a Green Oasis Indoors

Indoor plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your apartment but also improve air quality and promote relaxation.

Best Plants for Apartments in Singapore:

  • Snake Plants: Require minimal care and thrive in low-light conditions.
  • Pothos: Excellent for adding greenery to small spaces with their trailing vines.
  • Succulents: Compact and perfect for tabletops or shelves.

Pro Tip: Use vertical plant stands or wall-mounted planters to add greenery without taking up valuable floor space.

6. Upgrade Your Bathroom Fixtures

Small changes in your bathroom can make a big difference in functionality and appearance.

Easy Bathroom Upgrades:

  • Install a Rain Shower: Enhance your bathing experience with a luxurious rain showerhead.
  • Add Storage: Use over-the-toilet shelves or stick-on wall organizers to keep toiletries tidy.
  • Change Faucets and Handles: Modernize the look of your bathroom with sleek, stylish fixtures.

7. Soundproof Your Apartment

Living in a bustling city like Singapore often means dealing with external noise. Soundproofing your apartment can make your home a more peaceful retreat.

Soundproofing Tips:

  • Use Thick Curtains: Heavy drapes can block out street noise and improve insulation.
  • Add Rugs and Carpets: These absorb sound and reduce echoes in your living space.
  • Seal Gaps: Use weather-stripping tape around doors and windows to block noise leaks.
image of kitchen cabinets

8. Revamp Your Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and even minor updates can enhance its functionality and style.

Simple Kitchen Improvements:

  • Install Backsplash: Peel-and-stick tiles are a renter-friendly option to add character to your kitchen.
  • Upgrade Cabinet Handles: Replace old handles with sleek, modern designs.
  • Declutter Countertops: Use wall-mounted racks or magnetic strips for knives and utensils to free up workspace.

9. Embrace Smart Home Technology

Incorporating smart devices into your apartment can simplify daily tasks and improve energy efficiency.

Smart Devices for Apartments:

  • Smart Thermostats: Optimize cooling to save on electricity bills.
  • Voice-Activated Assistants: Control lighting, music, or appliances hands-free.
  • Smart Doorbells or Cameras: Enhance security with modern surveillance solutions.

10. Add Personal Touches with Décor

Finally, personalize your apartment with décor that reflects your style and personality.

Décor Ideas:

  • Art and Photographs: Hang framed art or create a gallery wall with personal photos.
  • Throw Pillows and Rugs: Use textiles to add colour, texture, and warmth to your space.
  • Mirrors: Strategically place mirrors to create an illusion of more space and reflect light.

Final Thoughts

Transforming your apartment doesn’t require major renovations. By making small yet impactful changes, you can create a space that’s functional, stylish, and uniquely yours. Whether it’s investing in multi-functional furniture, upgrading your lighting, or adding a touch of greenery, these New Year home improvement ideas will help you start the year on a fresh, rejuvenated note.

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BTO News: Is Tengah’s Centralised Cooling System a Good Idea?

Tengah's CCS

Singapore’s first car-free town, Tengah, has been making waves for its green initiatives and smart technologies. Among its innovative features is the Centralised Cooling System (CCS), designed to provide energy-efficient and cost-effective cooling to residents. While the idea of an eco-friendly aircon system sounds great, potential BTO homeowners are asking: Is Tengah’s Centralised Cooling System truly a good idea, or are there hidden pitfalls? Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and key considerations.

What Is Tengah’s Centralised Cooling System?

The CCS is a shared air-conditioning infrastructure introduced in Tengah. Unlike traditional individual split-unit aircons, the CCS connects multiple homes to a centralized cooling plant. This system aims to reduce energy consumption, cut costs, and minimize environmental impact.

The cooling system leverages advanced technology to regulate temperatures efficiently. Residents can enjoy cooler homes with fewer emissions while contributing to Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 goals.

The Pros of Tengah’s Centralised Cooling System

Energy Efficiency

The CCS is designed to consume less energy than traditional air-conditioning units. It achieves this by optimizing cooling production and distribution through its centralized plant. This efficiency aligns with Tengah’s vision of a sustainable and eco-friendly town.

Cost Savings

With lower energy consumption, residents can expect reduced electricity bills. The system is also maintained by SP Group, eliminating the need for individual servicing and reducing maintenance costs over time.

Eco-Friendliness

The system reduces carbon emissions by centralizing cooling and contributes to Singapore’s fight against climate change. The system fits Tengah’s car-free, green town concept, helping residents adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.

Reduced Noise Pollution

Traditional air-conditioning units generate outdoor condenser noise, which can be bothersome, especially in densely packed BTO estates. The CCS eliminates this issue, providing a quieter environment for all residents.

Space-Saving Design

Since the system doesn’t require individual outdoor units, residents gain extra balcony or service yard space—an attractive feature for compact BTO layouts.

The Cons of Tengah’s Centralised Cooling System

Upfront Costs

While energy savings are touted as a long-term benefit, residents may need to pay a higher upfront installation cost. Questions remain about whether these savings will offset the initial expense within a reasonable timeframe.

Dependency on a Single Provider

Being tied to a centralized system means residents rely solely on SP Group for their cooling needs. Any downtime, system failure, or maintenance delays could leave households without cooling for extended periods.

Limited Control and Customization

Unlike individual air-conditioning units, the CCS may offer limited temperature control or scheduling flexibility. Families with varying cooling preferences might find this aspect less convenient.

Concerns About Long-Term Costs

Some residents are wary about potential cost increases over time. While current rates appear competitive, fluctuations in energy prices or unforeseen maintenance fees could affect affordability.

Suitability for Diverse Needs

Households that prefer intermittent air-conditioning use may find the system less cost-effective than those that use cooling consistently. Residents need to assess their usage habits before committing to the CCS.

woman adjusting the temperature of an aircon in living room

How Does It Compare to Traditional Air-Conditioning?

FeatureCentralised Cooling SystemTraditional Aircon
Energy EfficiencyHigh (optimized for efficiency)Moderate (depends on model)
Initial Installation CostHigherLower
MaintenanceManaged by SP GroupHomeowners bear responsibility
Noise LevelsLowModerate (due to outdoor units)
FlexibilityLimitedHigh

Should You Opt for Tengah’s Centralised Cooling System?

Your Usage Patterns

If you regularly use air-conditioning to combat Singapore’s humid weather, the CCS may be a cost-effective solution. However, occasional users might not see the same value.

Your Budget

Weigh the upfront costs against the long-term savings. While SP Group offers transparent pricing models, potential homeowners should evaluate their financial readiness for the system.

Your Environmental Goals

If living sustainably is a priority, Tengah’s CCS aligns with green principles. It offers a tangible way to reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort.

Your Risk Tolerance

Consider your comfort level with depending on a centralized system for a key household need. Are you okay with occasional outages or limited control?

Final Thoughts

Tengah’s Centralised Cooling System represents a step forward in sustainable urban living. For those committed to reducing their environmental impact while enjoying efficient cooling, it’s a compelling choice. However, it’s not without challenges, and potential BTO homeowners must carefully evaluate their lifestyle, budget, and needs.

As Tengah continues to pioneer green living in Singapore, the success of its CCS could pave the way for similar systems in future towns. The question remains: Are you ready to embrace this innovation and make Tengah’s green promise part of your everyday life?

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Should we invest on a Condominium or an HDB?

Property Agent

When it comes to buying a property, Singapore is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Nevertheless, everyone desires to be the owner of a property. In this regard, there is another concern of the residents of Singapore. People here are always in the dilemma between buying an HDB (Public Housing Apartments) and a Condominium.

Various factors controls our decision whether to choose an HDB or a Condo. These factors include our eligibility, our lifestyle, legal matters etc.

The following are some of the reasons to choose a Condominium over an HDB.

  • Better facilities – A condo is well planned for its resident’s comfort. It comes not only with comfortable latest design interiors but pool, gym, barbeque, play stations for children, badminton courts, community halls etc. All these facilities help us to decide on taking a condo. The convenience of having all these facilities at our doorstep is a big advantage for sure.
Singapore's property market
Singapore’s property market – most likely to slow down in 2019.
  • Condominiums are open to all types of buyers including the foreigners –There are no restrictions on foreign ownership when it comes to buying a condominium.
  • No restrictions on ownership of other properties – When we own a condominium, we can still go ahead and purchase other properties at the same time.
  • Condominiums give us privacy – Singapore is a high-density city. If you are a person who prefers privacy then living in a condo is all what you would want. Privacy that comes along with a condo is something you do not get in an HDB.
  • If we go for a condominium, then we can opt for a progressive payment scheme as well.
  • Condominiums are more pet-friendly- In HDBs, usually certain breeds of dogs and cats are restricted from ownership. However, this is not the case in a condo.

The following are some of the reasons to choose an HDB (Public Housing Apartments) over a Condominium.  

  • It’s safe – Though HDBs are public housings, but it is quite safe for the residents even at late night. People do not encounter any problems.
  • Prices of HDBs are made affordable for the public – Keeping commoners in mind, prices of HDBs have been made quite affordable and decent which helps us to decide to buy HDBs.
  • HDBs have good resale value – When we think of re sale, HDBs have good re-sale value.
  • HDB conservancy fees are lesser than even condo maintenance fees. 

However whether it is a Condominium or an HDB, we always need a property agent to help us find the perfect house. In this context it is also worthy of mention that sometimes it gets a bit difficult and tiring to get a good agent.

No need to stress out anymore!

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Property Agent
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Landlord vs. Tenant Responsibilities and Maintenance

Property agents - solution to issues between landlords and tenants

In case of house renting, both the parties the Landlord and the Tenant are always in question that who is responsible for what work. That is why, a well done rental agreement with the help of a property agent is very important so that there can be proper understanding of each one’s contractual obligation to maintain the property.

Landlord and Tenant facing issues regarding maintenance of the property.
Landlord and Tenant arguing over contractual obligations

The following are some of the Tenant’s Maintenance Responsibilities – 

  • Tenants in general are expected to keep the property clean and avoid any damages to the property deliberately.
  • As per contract, the Tenants might need to replace batteries of smoke detectors and fire alarms in order to make sure they are working properly.
  • Disposing the trash is a very important daily work of the Tenants.
  • When it comes to Pest control, it is tenant’s responsibility to properly maintain the sanitation of the house so that there are no insecticides or infestation. If the tenant does not keep a clean home, the landlord may deduct some amount from the tenant’s security deposit as per the lease.
  • Waste management is a very important matter for good hygiene. It definitely falls under tenant’s responsibility to properly dispose of any garbage which otherwise could contribute to pest infestations and diseases.
  • When it comes to plumbing or air conditioning, it is Tenant’s responsibility to use these fixtures properly. He should keep the pipes clear and replace the air filters too. He should report any issues to the landlord quickly to prevent further damages without any delay so that the landlord can take care of the issue accordingly.
  • At the time of the signing of contract, if Landscaping maintenance is already mentioned as a clause, then the tenant has to take care of it accordingly as otherwise, he can be fined for violating the contract.
  • Tenant should return the property in the same condition as it was at the time of the lease term. If there are any damages then the tenant needs to fix it before the handover or the landlord has the right to deduct the expenses from the tenant’s security deposit.
Rental Agreement
Rental agreement between the Landlord and the Tenant – for proper understanding of each one’s contractual obligation to maintain the property.

The following are some of the Landlord’s Maintenance Responsibilities – 

  • When it comes to plumbing or air conditioning, it is the landlord’s responsibility to keep these systems in working condition and fixing any kind of problems with regards to these.
  • It is owner’s responsibility to do the pest control if there is an infestation.
  • The common areas like the elevators and other common-use areas also fall under landlord’s responsibility to keep them properly safe and clean.
  • It is the landlord’s responsibility to keep the premises of the house in a reasonable state and in compliance with the safety laws.
  • All the mentioned appliances, in the contract should be kept in working order by the landlord.
  • The landlord is responsible for most of the repairs of the home like the interior and exterior of the house, doors and windows, stairs, roof, electrical wiring, chimneys, pipes and drains, gas appliances etc

Intervention of the Property Agents – 

Throughout the period of the tenancy, either parties of the contract, i.e. the landlord and tenant might face some issues that are difficult to resolve alone all by themselves. In such cases, both the parties look for a third party to mediate and resolve the problem. Here comes in the role of one of the property agents who handled the rental transaction. In many cases the respective agent steps into the matter and tries to bring a solution to the problem.

However, it is true that it is not a mandatory responsibility of the Agent to resolve such issues but some agents does step in to help and solve landlord-tenant problems simply out of goodwill. Again in some cases, the parties formally engage their agent to manage their property.

Property Agents are professionals with adequate knowledge in their field and hence can easily resolve difficult issues. Hence it is always better to bring in our Agents so that the solution can be surfaced at ease.

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Property agents - solution to issues between landlords and tenants
A good property agent can work up a sound lease agreement!
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Why do we need a Property Agent to buy or rent or sale a house

Property agents validates documentations on the client's behalf.

The entire process of house hunting, renting or selling can be quite tedious and confusing. Dealing with decisions related to real estate is never easy. When making a decision on a real estate sale, purchase or rent advice from an expert is very useful. Here comes the role of an experienced and trustworthy property agent. He is the best person to look up to in such situations.

There are broadly the following types of Property Agents –

  • Landlord’s Property Agent or the Seller’s Agent

This agent is appointed by the landlord. The interest of the landlord is their interest too. This agent advises the landlord on how to promote their property. If the owner wants to rent it out, then the agent works out the best rental price for them. On the other hand, if the landlord is looking at selling a property, then the property agent arranges for possible buyers, arranges for viewing and works out a deal in favor of the landlord.

  • Tenant’s Agent or the Buyer’s Agent

The Tenant’s property agent is appointed by the tenant or the buyer. He works on behalf of the tenant and helps him to search his home. He arranges for viewings, helps his client to negotiate and closes a deal for the Tenant. In short, the Agent protects the interests of the tenant

Property agents are the best person to rely on while we plan to buy rent or sale a house.
A property agent works on behalf of the client and helps the later to close a deal at their benefit as much a as possible.

Some of the many reasons of why we need a property agent are as follows –

  • Our Agent works on our behalf – Understand our criteria, research and identify the available properties accordingly, schedule viewings, advises the tenants or the buyer on rental rates or purchase price respectively, negotiates with the landlord and/or landlord’s agent and thus finally helps his client to close a deal at their benefit as much a as possible.
  • Validates documentations – The paper works and documentations when it comes to property dealings are very important and needs to be thoroughly validated. Our property agent is the life savor in this regard. He assists us with all the necessary paper works, deals with different types of payments at different levels of the process like Stamp Duty etc.
Property agents validates documentations on the client's behalf.
Property agent helping their clients through the complicated procedure of documentation.
  • In case we want an above-market rate then, an exclusive agreement does help – If the seller or the owner of the property wants to get a price that is more than the current market rate, then, it needs an exclusive type of pitching and selling. This requires much higher level of selling skills. He needs to do higher level of research, take more pictures of the house and post more frequent listings. It is to be noted that, mostly the non-exclusive agents do not spend the same time and required amount of effort for this. Hence going for an exclusive agreement in such cases is by far the better option in the long run.
  • A property agent’s negotiation skills works at our benefit – Whether he is an agent of the buyer or the seller, in each case his negotiation power adds to the party’s advantage. Often there is a drop in property price which means it is possible to negotiate for a fair price for the property. However we being unaware of the current market trends might end up paying more. The role of a property agent here is that, with his specialized skills and knowledge, he can help us to get the best possible value of the house.
  • Our property agent helps us a lot during home inspection – The house might have defects but invisible to the untrained eyes i.e. our lame eyes might fail to catch it when we go for viewing of the house. The property agent here can play an important role. He has the experienced eye to inspect and calculate the cost of rectification. Later, if the buyer wants to go ahead with the house, then, the agent can help the former to negotiate for a price of the house that would reflect the cost of the rectification.
Property agents helps us to negotiate for a price that reflects the cost of the rectification of the property if there are any.
Property agent during property viewing with his clients or home inspection.

Hence from the above discussion, it is quite evident that a reputable and professional property agent can help to save our time and money. Thus it is always safer to hire a property agent or real estate agent who knows the market well, has good list of properties to offer and understands our requirements and all criteria well. He is the best person to rely on for the purpose.

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Tips to maximise your profit while buying a Real Estate or Housing

Property Agent closing deal

It is very common and natural to worry or feel anxious when we decide to buy a house or property. The fear related to this is never-ending – whether to go for a loan, will we have enough cash for the down payment, are the papers of the property all legal, what if there is sudden decline in the property value after our purchase. Since a lot of cash goes at stake, of course we want to make sure that we get the best deal. Hence it is always safer to hire a property agent or real estate agent who knows the market well, has good list of properties to offer and understands our requirements and all criteria well.

However following are some of the very basic tips that we should consider when we plan to buy a property –  

  • We need to thoroughly understand how much exactly we can borrow – It is very important to know how much we can actually afford on home. A pre-approval letter from the banker is always a pre-requisite for house hunting. In fact, most of the property agents or real estate agents need a pre-approval letter before showing the property to their clients. Moreover, knowing our budget also helps to save time on house hunting.
First know the amount you can borrow to buy your house
Important to know how much we can actually afford on a house.
  • Either be the first or the last – It’s a trick! If we are serious and understand that it is a great deal, then one trick is to quickly make an offer to the owner or to the agent who would pass it to the seller of the property. This way we can win a good deal.

On the other hand, another situation where the owner is tired of holding on to a particular property or he wants to sell it off for personal reasons on great discounts, then the trick is to make an offer for it. In most of such cases, the seller will entertain almost any offer made.

  • We should buy property when it is a buyer’s market and avoid during seller’s market – A buyer’s market is one in which, there is a decline in the home prices due to reduction in demand. On the contrary, in seller’s market, the property price is very high due to increasing demand for homes. So here the tip is to invest when the price is low i.e. during buyer’s market to benefit ourselves.
  • We should always remember the amount we need for the down payment when we purchase a house – Usually, the national average for down payments is 11%. So we must check the hands on availability of this amount the moment we to plan to buy the property.
  • It is worthy to note that a pre-approval for a mortgage indicates that we are a serious buyer – Both our real estate agent and the seller of the house or property feels more focused seeing that we are serious about the deal.
Mortgage pre-approval form
A pre- approval for a mortgage makes the seller understand that the buyer is a serious one.
  • For the buyers of their second home, it remains a question whether or not to sell their current home before buying a new one – To answer this, it totally varies from case to case. If the current home’s built-up equity will be applied on to the down payment on the new home, for sure, the previous house has to be sold prior to the new purchase. In other cases, if the client decides to rent out their current home as an investment, then the house does not need to be sold. However whatever the situation is, it is the loan advisor who does the preliminary examination and evaluates the risk of our profile. He checks the credit history too in order to determine whether taking a loan for the new home is feasible while retaining the title to the old home at the same time and accordingly will guide the buyer.
  • It is advisable that to view at least some number of houses physically even in today’s’ online convenience before buying our new property – Today online we can search, see pictures and even see a 360degree view of the house/rooms. However, when we are going for a lifetime investment, visiting at least a few houses to actually see how it looks and feels is worthwhile.
  • If the buyer’s offer is not accepted by the seller but another counteroffer is proposed by the seller, then it is better to look at it if we are really keen for that particular property – The current owner of the house might flat-out accept or reject an initial offer or he might also initiate a counteroffer. If this be the case, then all we need to do is with our property agent, we need to review it and determine whether the counteroffer is acceptable or not. Let’s say, it looks all good then without any delay we should go ahead to close the deal.

Saying all these, it still remains quite a hectic procedure and many stay in dilemma in this respect. Hence the best way to go ahead with such dealings is to have our own property agent or real estate agent to help and guide us in the process. He is the person who will understand the whole picture, send email alerts to notifying us of any new property listings and close our deal in a lesser complicated way.

Get a property agent – https://www.stringssg.com/property-agent-singapore

Property Agent closing deal
Property Agents have the solution to our house hunting!