Pitfalls of Owning a Boutique Condo: 5 Insider Insights You’ll Wish You Knew Earlier
TLDR When considering boutique condos, be mindful of potential drawbacks such as dominating families influencing rules, lack of privacy due...
Read More
TLDR
When considering purchasing an older resale condo, ensure you investigate potential en-bloc bids, lift conditions, parking conveniences, playground safety, unit size and design flexibility, leaks, plumbing, gate accessibility, useful facilities, resident makeup, renovation timelines, and more. These factors play a crucial role in making an informed decision regarding the purchase of an older condominium. Additionally, seek professional advice and conduct thorough inspections to avoid any unpleasant surprises post-purchase.
By 2023, the high prices of newly launched properties at an average of $2,000 psf had priced out many aspiring homeowners, even those looking to upgrade their HDB flats.
Even though we may have left the worst of the pandemic behind us (let’s keep our fingers crossed!), the demand for larger homes remained undiminished.
Thus, the logical solution was to purchase an older resale condo, where buyers can still find homes with bigger floor areas, as well as more spacious grounds.
When buying an old resale condo, there are certain risks to consider beyond the obvious maintenance issues.
When looking at the long-term prospects of your potential retirement home, use this checklist of things to watch out for:
1. Perform A Thorough Investigation To Determine If An En-Bloc Bid Has Been Made On The Project, As Well As Its Surrounding Locality
You should also keep an eye out for en bloc attempts nearby – such as another old apartment building across the street. Old projects tend to join together (although this is not always the case).
This is one of the first things to look out for, as the worst nightmare is often to experience an en bloc action after moving into an apartment and renovating it. If the last en bloc attempt was almost successful, then you should.
No matter where you live, nearby redevelopment can come with a few years of noise and air pollution. Even if the builders take all possible precautions, you’ll likely still experience this unpleasantness when the construction is just across the road.
What’s more, redevelopment usually brings with it larger and taller structures which can have the potential to obstruct your view.
2. Check Out The Lifts
If you can, take a peek at the lift logs or consult with residents of the block regarding the elevator. In older condos, especially those about to undergo an en-bloc sale, management tends to overlook replacing ageing elevators; this can lead to more frequent malfunctions.
It’s best to ensure the block has a minimum of two or three lifts. When management is eventually obliged to get new lifts after a while, it might cause the maintenance fee to skyrocket.
3. Walk From The Car Park To The Unit
To get a better idea of the area’s amenities, we must take into account the reviews from purchasers of previous condos, who often reported a lack of underground parking and covered pathways to the parking lot.
If your car is parked in the open, it can be quite a hassle to drive in heavy rain; and if you forget to keep an umbrella in the trunk, you’ll either have to stay in your car until the downpour passes or brave the wet weather to get back home.
But the rain isn’t the only issue – getting into an overheated car on a scorching day is no picnic either, and anyone who’s picky about their car’s condition might not appreciate it sitting out in the elements all day.
4. If You Are A Parent, Take A Look At The Play Area To Make Sure The Equipment Is Safe And Secure For Your Kids
Glide your hands along metal structures like monkey bars to determine the extent of rust.
Older condos, especially those with no youngsters, can often cause playgrounds to become worn out – leading to rust-covered surfaces.
Furthermore, inspect the playground surface; aged condos may not be equipped with the same bouncy materials you find in newer condos, or the ground may not have been spruced up in a long time.
5. Assess The Room’s Actual Size And How Flexible The Design Is
If you desire a modern, open-concept kitchen, you’ll likely need to break down a wall in an older condo; while older layouts often contain multiple corridors or hallways, and even an cabinet – typically used for shoe storage and umbrellas – which might not be as space-efficient as modern “dumbbell” designs.
It’s important to bear in mind that the livable space of a unit may appear to be larger on paper than it actually is in reality – due to areas like balconies, planter boxes, or hallways taking up extra space.
Nevertheless, this is less likely to be a concern when it comes to very old condos as they didn’t tend to feature planter boxes or bay windows.
6. Thoroughly Investigate For Any Potential Leaks That Might Be Originating From The Units Above
Be sure to keep an eye out for any bulging paint on the ceiling (it’s often a sign of water seeping underneath), or discoloured streaks on walls or floors.
If you live in an older building, these issues can be a headache – as they may require your contractor to gain access to your neighbour’s unit in order to fix the leak, something which condo management may not be keen on doing.
7. Give The Toilets A Few Good Flushes And Ensure That The Water Is Draining Down The Sink As It Should
In older properties, the water pressure can be weak when flushing the toilet, or it might take a while before it can be flushed again.
This could point to leaks or plumbing issues which might not be immediately noticeable. When running the faucets for a while, it is also important to check that water doesn’t collect in the sink – as this could be a sign of blocked pipes or other plumbing problems.
It is important to remember that plumbing issues may not always be resolvable, even if a professional is called. In some cases, aging infrastructure could be the culprit; thus, making it very important to inspect the property before making a purchase.
8. Check Out Whether The Side-Gates Are Still Viable
At certain stacks, the side gate is closer than the main entry; however, there have been some aged condominiums where taking the route from the side gate is no longer useful, for example, the wall of a more recent condominium may have blocked the way or the bus stop may have been moved over time.
This could lead to the necessity of travelling all the way to the front of the condominium to get in or out, which consequently can influence the selection of a stack. It is also important to ensure that the gate is secure, for many older condominiums do not really bother to lock it up.
9. Take Note Of Which Facilities Are Actually Useful
Although squash courts may be a selling point for some older condos, the reality is that fewer people play squash nowadays; hence, many buyers find that the courts are merely taking up space and adding to maintenance fees.
To appease a wider range of buyers, some condos have chosen to replace the squash courts with gyms or table tennis tables, allowing the space to be more usable and practical. No disrespect to squash players – we just need to keep up with the times!
Although some facilities in older condos may no longer be operational, like the sauna, other areas like the clubhouse, playground, and landscaped areas may have been blocked off.
Take Parc Oasis for instance, which has been unable to provide its very unique golf driving range, a feature that only older condos have the space to offer, for quite some time now.
Before visiting a gym, make sure to check it out to ensure it is well-equipped and in good condition. It can be a surprise when you arrive at an older condo complex and find broken machines, missing free weights, etc.
In fact, we once encountered an issue where the air-conditioner at the gym frequently leaked, requiring it to be switched off – certainly an unpleasant experience for anyone trying to exercise.
10. Get A Sense Of The Overall Resident Make-Up
When the majority of inhabitants are tenants, an old condominium is more likely to undergo an en-bloc sale; its owners having no personal attachment to the units, likely desiring to only sell.
However, an aging condo of owner-residents presents a challenge for an en-bloc sale, as those settled in it may not be willing to suffer the hassle of relocating and applying for new mortgages.
The number of units also plays a role here, as condos with a larger number of units tend to be more difficult to en-bloc. Older condos, however, tend to have a smaller number of units compared to newer ones.
Avoid condos where the majority of units are held by a single family or corporate body. They will tend to dominate general meetings and control the overall direction of the property. This is what happened to the former owners of Gillman Heights, where the National University of Singapore held 46.86% of them.
11. Ask When The Last Renovations Were Done
If the renovations on the unit you’re considering are more than a decade old, you may need to spend a bit more, as you’ll probably have to tear down the existing work and redo it.
For an older project, we’d recommend looking for a unit that has been renovated in the last five years – this will ensure that any obvious problems, such as malfunctioning outlets or sagging doors, have already been taken care of.
If you’re still feeling unsure or see any warning signs, don’t hesitate to contact me. I also have reviews of some older condos on the resale market, so be sure to have a look – one of them might just be what you’re after!
Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?
If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?
It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.
I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.
I can help you by:
- Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
- Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.
You May Also Like …
Beware of These 7 Deceptive Tricks In Showflat Condo Sales
TLDR When navigating the complexities of the real estate market, it's crucial to be wary of hidden marketing tricks when...
Read More
Navigating Singapore’s Real Estate Market: The Truth Behind 5 Common Misconceptions
The real estate market in Singapore is known for its stability and attractiveness to investors both locally and internationally. However,...
Read More
6 Compelling Reasons Why 3-Bedroom Condos Might Shrink Further
TLDR Three-bedroom units in Singapore have significantly downsized from 1,700-1,800 sq. ft. in the 1980s to around 1,000 sq. ft....
Read More
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
Are Early Bird Discounts At New Launches Genuine Or A Marketing Gimmick?
TLDR When considering investing in new property projects, understanding developers' pricing strategies is crucial. Early bird discounts are not just...
Read More
5 Cons of Buying a New Development
Luxury properties in Districts 9 and 10 of Singapore are highly coveted, and for good reason. From stunning views and...
Read More
Discover 5 Reasons Executive Condominiums Could Prove To Be A Smart Investment Despite Growing Inflation
TLDR An overview of the article discussing the benefits of Executive Condominiums (ECs) over private condos in the current real...
Read More
Where to Find the Most Affordable New Launches in 2023 – Starting at $1.31 Million
TLDR When looking for an affordable new launch condo in Singapore as of January 2023, consider projects like 10 Evelyn,...
Read More
Don’t Get Scammed: The Top 5 Red Flags To Watch Out For In Singapore’s Property Market
Don't Get Scammed: The Top 5 Red Flags To Watch Out For In Singapore's Property Market When it comes to...
Read More
5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Singapore Property: Insights and Advice from Experts
Investing in Singapore property can be a lucrative venture for investors, but it's important to avoid common mistakes that can...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons : Why Do Singaporeans Still Flood The Property Market?
Singapore's property market has been a hot topic of discussion for many years, with its resilience and growth attracting both...
Read More
Singapore’s Property Market: Will the Newly Proposed 2023 Cooling Measures, Including a 60% Foreigner ABSD, Make Waves or Mere Ripples?
TLDR The recent surge in Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) rates in Singapore targets mainly foreigners and entities, with rates...
Read More
A Step-by-Step Guide To Upgrading From an HDB Flat To Your a Private Property
TLDR Understanding the complexities of upgrading from an HDB flat to a private property in Singapore involves selling your HDB...
Read More
Top 5 Differences Between OCR, RCR And CCR In Terms Of Lifestyle And Culture
Singapore, a vibrant and diverse city-state, is known for its unique blend of cultures, modern architecture, and thriving economy. The...
Read More
Top 5 Tips: Gain an Edge in the Singapore Property Market: Steps to Boost Your Investment Returns
The Singapore property market has always been a hotbed for investors looking to make substantial returns on their investments. As...
Read More
5 Factors : Why Singapore’s Prime District Properties Are Still In Demand
Singapore's prime district properties continue to be in high demand due to a combination of factors that make them attractive...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons : Why Investing in Singapore’s Property Market Is a Smart Move for Millennials – Expert Analysis!
In recent years, Singapore has emerged as a global financial hub and a prime destination for property investments. The city-state's...
Read More
5 Disastrous Property Transaction Nightmares (and How to Avoid Them)!
TLDR When attempting to sell your property, various worst-case scenarios can hinder the sale process significantly. These scenarios include buyers...
Read More
Top 5 : Best Laser Tag Arenas in Singapore
Laser tag has become an increasingly popular activity in Singapore, offering adrenaline-pumping experiences for people of all ages. This exciting...
Read More
