Your search results

Beware! Spot These Warning Signs Before Making a Home Purchase!

Posted by Jayson Ang on December 21, 2022
| 0


TLDR

When purchasing a property in Singapore, it is crucial to thoroughly assess various aspects of the home to avoid potential issues. Check the overall condition of the building, built-in appliances, plumbing system, built-in carpentry, pest infestation, ownership history, and selling price. Be cautious of unusually low selling prices and complicated ownership histories. Consider engaging a real estate agent to help identify red flags and ensure a smooth buying process.

It is important to thoroughly check the condition of the home you are considering purchasing to ensure it is not in disrepair. Look for any potential issues during the property viewing to make a well-informed decision and avoid buying a home that is not in good condition.

Overall Condition

When viewing a flat or condo unit, it is essential to evaluate the overall condition of the building and its shared amenities. Start taking notes as soon as you arrive on the property. Observe the condition of the elevators, flooring and walkways, drop-off and pick-up areas, and other facilities that you may frequently use. The overall condition of the property can potentially affect the resale value of your unit when you are ready to sell in the future.

Built-In Appliances with Custom-Fit Carpentry

While it may be convenient to have some home appliances included with the unit, it is important to ensure that they are in proper working order. Additionally, be aware that some homes may have custom-fit carpentry for their appliances, which could cause issues if the appliance breaks down and cannot be replaced. This may result in additional expenses to remove the carpentry in order to accommodate a new appliance.

Poor Plumbing System

Having a poor drainage system can be a major source of problems over time. Water leakage can lead to various issues in your home, such as water damage, poor water quality, mold, and even flooding. To assess the drainage system, test the water pressure in the kitchen and every bathroom in the unit. Look for signs of slow drainage, low water pressure, water leaks, moisture-stained walls and ceilings, and sewer odors.

Condition of Built-In Carpentry

If the built-in carpentry of the unit is in poor condition, it may not be worth considering unless you are willing to pay extra to repair or replace it. This typically requires the assistance of a professional. If there is a significant amount of wood carpentry, it is important to check for termites. Termites may also infest walls and ceilings, so be sure to look for holes in these areas as well.

Pest Infestation

In addition to termites, it is common for homes to be infested with pests such as rats and cockroaches. You can check for possible infestation by looking for small holes, droppings, muddy debris in door and window corners, and any unusual odors. These may be signs of a pest problem.

Complicated Ownership History

If a unit has gone through multiple owners in a short period of time, it may be a sign that the quality of life in the unit is not satisfactory to its residents. This could be due to factors such as a lack of accessible public transportation or high noise levels. The history of property ownership can be obtained through the Integrated Land Information Service (INLIS) provided by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA).

Unusually Low Selling Price

Beware of units that are being sold at significantly lower prices than comparable properties. While it may seem like a great deal, it could indicate hidden problems with the property. It is important to thoroughly investigate the unit before making a purchase to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Conclusion

Be sure to pay attention to these potential issues when searching for a property. It is often helpful to have an experienced real estate agent assist you in identifying these red flags, as they have the expertise to know what to look for. You may also want to read more about the benefits of working with a real estate agent in this article

 

You May Also Like …


How to Maximise Your Home Value Before Selling : 6 Simple Steps
All Blog Posts Opinion

How to Maximise Your Home Value Before Selling : 6 Simple Steps

TLDR When looking to sell your home, consider simple ways to boost its value without costly renovations. Organize living spaces,...
Read More
The Quick Guide For Buying Landed Property In Singapore
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

The Quick Guide For Buying Landed Property In Singapore

TLDR When it comes to purchasing a landed property in Singapore, there are three main types to consider: terrace houses,...
Read More
Top 5 Things to Do in Singapore on a Rainy Day
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Things to Do in Singapore on a Rainy Day

Singapore, the beautiful island city-state, is known for its sunny weather and stunning attractions. However, even in this tropical paradise,...
Read More
The Top 5 Reasons To Invest In Singapore Property
Mandarin Top 5

The Top 5 Reasons To Invest In Singapore Property

Singapore, a small island nation with a thriving economy, has long been considered an attractive destination for property investment. The...
Read More
Singapore Property Investing: Is It Better To Flip Or Hold?
Mandarin Top 5

Singapore Property Investing: Is It Better To Flip Or Hold?

Investing in Singapore property can be a profitable venture, but investors must choose the right strategy to maximize their returns....
Read More
Finding Your Dream Home In The Near Future. Exciting Upcoming Property Launches In The First Half Of 2024
All Reports

Finding Your Dream Home In The Near Future. Exciting Upcoming Property Launches In The First Half Of 2024

TLDR The real estate sector in 2023 saw significant policy shifts affecting both private and public housing, with various changes...
Read More
Essential Steps for Safely Purchasing Your First Home in Singapore
All Buying Tips

Essential Steps for Safely Purchasing Your First Home in Singapore

TLDR When considering buying your first property in Singapore, start by assessing your budget and qualifying for a permissible loan....
Read More
6 Indicators and Measures to Determine if Your Home Has Unrecognized Profits
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

6 Indicators and Measures to Determine if Your Home Has Unrecognized Profits

TLDR The booming real estate market presents opportunities for homeowners to profit from selling their properties. Two key signs that...
Read More
6 Essential Tips for Singaporean New Homebuyers
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

6 Essential Tips for Singaporean New Homebuyers

TLDR Best practices for first-time homebuyers, the key points include setting clear and detailed goals, planning a realistic housing budget,...
Read More
Should You Splash Your Cash on a Condo Despite the Sky-High PSF?
All Buying Tips Opinion

Should You Splash Your Cash on a Condo Despite the Sky-High PSF?

TLDR The blog post discusses various aspects of investing in condos in Singapore, covering topics such as leasehold versus freehold...
Read More
Why Can’t More People Own Private Property?
All Opinion

Why Can’t More People Own Private Property?

TLDR The blog post discusses the aspirations of individuals like Siti and Mr. Tan regarding property ownership in Singapore. Siti...
Read More
What Type of Properties Can a Permanent Resident PR Buy in Singapore?
All Buying Tips

What Type of Properties Can a Permanent Resident PR Buy in Singapore?

TLDR When it comes to purchasing property in Singapore as a Permanent Resident or Foreign National, there are specific restrictions...
Read More
Is the Dream of Homeownership Becoming a Steeper Climb?
All Opinion Reports

Is the Dream of Homeownership Becoming a Steeper Climb?

TLDR The article discusses the evolving trends in the Singaporean real estate market, focusing on the affordability and accessibility of...
Read More
Beware! Spot These Warning Signs Before Making a Home Purchase!
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Beware! Spot These Warning Signs Before Making a Home Purchase!

TLDR When purchasing a property in Singapore, it is crucial to thoroughly assess various aspects of the home to avoid...
Read More
Avoid The Possibility Of Negative Cash Sales: Find Out How Much Your HDB Has To Appreciate To Steer Clear Of It!
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Avoid The Possibility Of Negative Cash Sales: Find Out How Much Your HDB Has To Appreciate To Steer Clear Of It!

TLDR When selling your property, watch out for negative cash sales that could leave you with no money after CPF...
Read More
Top 5 Best Alternative Music Venues in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Best Alternative Music Venues in Singapore

Singapore, a vibrant and bustling city-state, is known for its diverse culture and thriving arts scene. The city's love for...
Read More
Top 5 Hawker Centres in Singapore for Local Food
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Hawker Centres in Singapore for Local Food

Singapore, a melting pot of diverse cultures and rich culinary heritage, is home to some of the most delectable local...
Read More
Top 5 Tips How to Find Your Dream Home in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tips How to Find Your Dream Home in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide

Singapore, a vibrant and dynamic city-state, offers a diverse range of housing options for prospective homebuyers. From condominiums and HDB...
Read More
Unveiling the Truth: Why Freehold is Not Always the Optimal Choice for Property Investment
All Blog Posts Opinion

Unveiling the Truth: Why Freehold is Not Always the Optimal Choice for Property Investment

TLDR When it comes to investing in real estate in Singapore, traditional beliefs may not always hold true in today's...
Read More
5 Insider Tips From Real Estate Experts On How To Get The Best Deal On Property In Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

5 Insider Tips From Real Estate Experts On How To Get The Best Deal On Property In Singapore

Investing in property can be a great way to build wealth and secure your financial future. However, with Singapore's highly...
Read More

Compare Listings