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HBD Flat Life

Posted: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:36 am
by MattV
Some very basic questions here on HBD flats and the quality of life.

I've heard you have to be careful renting, but say all goes well.

The flat would be for a single person. Would need bath/kitchen. I hear the price is about 1000 to 2000.

Assuming I get a semi decent place. What is the living like? Is travelling into the center of the City difficult? Are they notoriosly unclean or are they well kept. Can you expect a pool or access to a pool?

What's the quality of 1000 to 1500 HDB flats?

Is there any locations you recommend me checking out to see an average apartment. I hpoe to be moving to Singapore shortly, but I will be there in a few days for a couple of interviews. I'd like to brwose around and figure out where are some possible places to stay.

Posted: Fri, 14 Nov 2008 4:30 pm
by boffenl
There are thousands of kinds of HDB units (o.K., maybe a bit of an exaggeration) Mine was renovated about two years ago--beautiful new bathrooms and tile in the living room. Your neighbors will be local, so expect quite a few stares until they become familiar with you. Now we can't imagine living anywhere else, the convenience is so nice.

Just have a look at lots of different units and areas--you'll find something that works for you!

Posted: Fri, 14 Nov 2008 5:37 pm
by Hithnar
MattV, i would reconsider HDB in favor of appartment, because HDB are generally really really big (unless you need at least 100 sq m for your own needs ignore that comment :P), and AFAIK it is not even legal for a foreigner to rent anything smaller than 2+1, and the government rarely lets out 1+1 or smaller HDB out on the market, so even lesser chances.

And if the HDB is not freshly renovated and well maintained, they tend to look... not so good. That is my personal opinion. And a lot of your comfort of living depends on the neighborhood. I once checked a HDB unit in a Indian neighborhood and it was quite messy (garbage pilling on the grass beneath the building) and loud.

Posted: Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:32 pm
by sundaymorningstaple
What you say is true but a grand a month makes 12 grand a year - that's a pretty nice vacation. Decent chunk of change by any standard.