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There are many properties for sale recently, such as properties for sale in UE Square. Are you also planning to buy your first own property in Singapore? Or are you planning to be a property investor? Regardless of which answer you choose, you would definitely want your money to be put to good use and want to get the best property for your money. After all, it is a huge sum and a long term investment plan. Being a first timer in the property field would often cause confusions that leads to many mistakes and tedious procedures. Therefore you start reading many guides to buying property in Singapore. Fret not, this article will guide you through some useful tips in getting the best property for your money.

First of all, you have to be clear on the purpose of buying a property. Is it for investment purpose? Or is it for own stay? This is the very first question that you need to consider when you decide to get the best property. Property for investment purpose would normally be easier to decide, not saying that you should care less, but because property for investment purpose will bring fewer concerns to you in terms of size, amenities or facilities. This is because your main concern of property for investment purpose will be mainly about getting a number of tenants to bring you a handsome return of investment. Hence, all the factors such as size, facilities, amenities, accessibility will bother you lesser as compared to buying a property for own stay, especially if you are a parent yourself because you pay more attention to details such as safety.

Next, ever wonder to yourself what a freehold title is? Or what a leasehold title is? After deciding the purpose of buying a property, it is time to decide the type of property title you are looking to purchase. A unit with freehold title allows the property buyer to purchase with no restrictions whereas a unit with a leasehold title requires renewal, which can be quite costly.

Public transportations can be quite an important factor when it comes to buying your best property. Proximity to public transportation plays a very important role when it comes to deciding the location of the property. Most people are concerned with the availability of public transportation around their properties. With the massive jam that you get in big cities, easy accessibility to public transportation will be of a good help in helping owners to prevent being stuck in a jam, whether or not if you are an investor or a homeowner. Staying near to public transportation, however, do have its cons as well, as the noise or the shakiness from the public transportations, such as MRT will depreciate the value of the property. Therefore, properties that are within minutes proximity, say 10 minutes to public transportation would be an ideal choice.

Level of unit plays an important role too when it comes to buying a condominium unit. Higher floor or lower floor? Residents staying in a unit on higher floors will get to enjoy better views and privacy but will need to wait longer for elevators whereas residents staying in a unit on the lower floors will have easier accessibility to windows or doors in case of any emergencies such as fire. To make things easier, if you are buying for own stay, it is solely based on your personal preference whereas if you are buying for investment purpose, this should not be much of a big concern.

If you are a believer of Feng Shui, the direction of your house would be a big concern. Whether the house should face the north, south, east, or west plays a major role when it comes to deciding a property. If you are a believer of Feng Shui, you could always go with your beliefs an choose a unit that satisfies your Feng Shui placement to bring you more pleasant earnings.

Lastly, Singaporeans can be superstitious at times. Different cultures and races have different superstitious beliefs. When it comes to choosing the right property, it is said that units that are facing T-junctions are considered bad, house number or unit floor with the number 4 or 13 will bring bad luck, units facing cemeteries, nearby cemeteries, places that are said to be haunted or scene of death or suicide are said to be bad, therefore, most people will avoid them as the resale value will be low. Well, it is always better to be safe than sorry but it is still up to you to believe or not.

The above are just some tips to help you decide on how to choose the best property for your money. Follow this guide in buying property in Singapore. Take some time to weigh out the pros and cons when it comes to choosing the best property for your money. Do not rush into things as this will be a long-term investment and it involves a huge sum. You certainly do not want to make the wrong choice only to regret later on.

The epitome of modern design is in the details, or rather, the lack of details. Modern design embraces straight lines, streamlined furniture, clean and clutter-free décor and a neutral palette. Bought a house for sale in Bintulu that is decorated in the austere and traditional? Throw the ornateness out the window and embrace the minimalism that comes with the modern design style.

1. The antidote to overdone

Modern design is an antithesis movement to traditional design. Replace the overdone with clean lines and a simple neutral color palette. Keep decorating pared-down and to a minimum. Embrace open floor plans with a single focal point, such as a large black mantle that contrasts dramatically against the bright grey walls of your space.

2. Pay attention to shape

Modern design values strong geometric shapes. Think of squares and rectangles. Bold, straight lines are the hallmark of modern design. Think of a cube-shaped house, or rectangular space. The minimalist look of a bright white palette has brought the four-walled white box look back into fashion.

3. Styled in simplicity

Minimalism equals modernism. They go hand in hand together. Look for furniture pieces that lack ornamentation. Think of the bare necessities and embrace function over form. Sometimes, the barest essential is all that is to it to a modern design. Think of a hardwood floors combined with low, neutral furniture and clean white walls to emulate a Sparta space.

4. High contrast, high style

Restraint is the key towards successful modern design. However, this does not mean your space has to be boring. Pick a couple of high contrast colors and stick to it. For example, pair the white walls of your kitchen with black cabinetry and countertops. Incorporate a sleek black island clad with a white waterfall countertop. Restrained palettes and repeated materials can be utilized well to create a modern space that not only high in contrast but also high in style.

5. Keep it classic

Modern style does not have to equal futuristic and trendy. Although modern design is the polar opposite of traditional style, it can be equally as timeless. Straight lines, a neural palette and iconic pieces can be characteristics that are easily adaptable. Thus, modern design is more than just a flash in the pan. In essence, it stays true to its roots and does not change with the times.

6. Fashionable finishes

Glass and stainless steel go hand in hand as must-have materials when going for a modern design aesthetic. Think about pairing sleek black cabinets with white countertops. Incorporate this bare canvas with stainless steel fixtures and hardware.

7. Purposeful design

If simplicity is right up your alley, then modern design is the design style that is truly for you. Modern design is all about making deliberate choices for design with a purpose. Keep an eye out for furniture pieces that really stand on their own and make a major impact.

8. Seamless integration

Modern design eschews any unnecessary detailing. Think about polished and clutter-free surfaces, straight edges and sharp angles. For example, have the rigid lines of your sleek white kitchen cabinets meet a square or rectangle stainless steel range hood. Play around with details within the boundaries of a streamlined concept. A waterfall countertop is a quirky and elegant detail that adds flow to the space while maintaining the style.

9. Keep only the essentials

Modern design is minimal in essence. Keep design and décor spare and streamlined. Get rid of any of the flourishes as it only interferes with the sense of calm and peace your minimal design emits. For example, think of simple deep-seated furniture made of luxurious materials. Make it all about function over form.

10. Serene nature-inspired styling

Just because modern design embraces clean and clutter-free, doesn’t mean it always has to be industrial looking. Bring in a touch of nature into your space. Materials such as wood are good for modern design. Ground your white neutral walls with hardwood floors. Add sleek walnut furniture to add a touch of warmth to your space.

11. Polished metals bring shine

Reflective surfaces are hallmarks of modern design. However, in contrast to warmer metals such as copper, bronze or gold that are often used in traditional design, go for cooler metals such as stainless steel or chrome. Incorporate it as a chic backsplash, or as cabinet pulls and storage canisters. Repetition is an often-used method of tying in a modern space.

12. Throw a curve

While rectangle and squares are shapes that usually dominate modern design, throw your space a curve and add in other simple shapes. A cool grouping of spherical pendant lights can also add an asymmetrical balance to your space. Just remember to keep the shapes simple and fuss-free.

13. Clutter-free living

Clean and unadorned are the décor keywords in any modern space. Allow the focus of the room to be on the furniture. Keep your walls unadorned, or if you must, hang only singular pieces of artwork. Keep your color palette neutral and add in pops of color here and there to up the punch factor.

14. Less is more

The less is more mentality works very well with modern design. The use of a neutral palette, an uncluttered space and sleek materials open up the space. Sleek lines and straight surfaces guide the eye further. It allows the eye to move throughout the room without interruption, bringing a sense of peace and calm to the eyes of the beholder.

15. Keep it simple

Whenever you choose something for your space, think about whether it is the simplest thing you can choose. For example, instead of a row of balustrades, incorporate glass dividers as stair rails.

If you are thinking about buying a new property, it can be very tempting to dive straight in and rush the entire process. After all, it’s exciting, and it’s very easy to get carried away when all you want to do is be inside your new home. However, it’s important to take a step back and take the time to assess your options properly. Read on to discover some of the things you absolutely must consider when buying a new house.

• Find out if you are eligible for any government assistance – Before you start your home search, do some research to find out if you are eligible for any government assistance. Depending on where in the world you are based, you may be entitled to financial assistance. In some places, you will lock in better deposit offers if you go for a house that is available as part of a new property launch. You may also be entitled to assistance if you are a first-time buyer.   

• Can you afford to buy a property right now? This is undoubtedly the most important question you need to ask yourself. Simply having the money for the deposit and the monthly mortgage payments is not enough. You need to make sure you can cover all of the costs, including everything from legal fees to on-going property maintenance. If you don’t have the money for this at present, it may be a good idea to rent a property for a year or two until you have the money you need. After all, the worst thing you can do is buy a new property and not have the money to afford it.

• Check out the area – When you buy a home, you aren’t merely purchasing the bricks and mortar; you are investing in the area. It is important to find out what the neighborhood is like. Can you walk to the shops to get your basic groceries or do you need to drive? Are you near a bar or pub? Is it easy to get to public transport? What are crime rates like in the area? How about the local schools?

• Get to know your potential new neighbors – It is a good idea to get to know your new neighbors before you purchase the house you are considering. They will know the area better than anyone else. They will be able to alert you to the benefits and pitfalls of the area. Plus, you will be able to find if there are any nightmare tenants nearby, which could make you want to reconsider. After all, do you really want to live on a street where the police are called around every weekend?

• Make sure the plumbing is up to scratch – When you are viewing the property, you should run the taps to check the water pressure. How old is the boiler? Do the radiators actually work? You also need to ensure that any insulated pipes are made from lead, as this would need to be replaced. Where is the hot water tank located? If it is situated in the roof, this is a good indication that it is old, which means it will probably need to be replaced soon.

• How old is the roof? – This is one question a lot of homeowners overlook. However, replacing a roof is expensive business. Depending on the materials used, most roofs only have a life expectancy of between 15 and 20 years, so it’s important to find out how long the current roof has been in place. Moreover, if the property has a roof that is flat or nearly flat, take a look at the material that has been used to seal it. Gravel and asphalt can both leave edges and seams unsealed, which again may need to be replaced.

• Don’t let the staging fool you – Fresh licks of paint, cosy fires, delicious smells, strategic lighting, and cleverly placed mirrors are all tricks that sellers use to make their property more appealing. Don’t let these staging tactics fool you – look beneath them.

• Find out what is happening to prices in your chosen neighborhood – When entering the fraught house-buying process, you need to research carefully to stay calm. One important step is to assess as many properties in your particular price bracket as you can. This will help you to understand the prices that have been achieved for comparable properties. You can be sure you are paying a fair price, and you can also ensure you are not entering into an area whereby house prices are rapidly falling.

• Get the sizing right –Some sellers place smaller furniture in their home to make it look bigger. It is important that the sizing is right for your needs. Get room measurements if necessary.

• Which way does the house face? – At night, during a cloudy day, or in winter, it can be tough to tell the difference between a house that is facing south or north. However, in the summer, it can be the difference between a home that is frustratingly dark and one that is full of warmth and light. This is a lot more important than you may realise – you will really notice the difference once you move in. Don’t be afraid to take a compass with you to the house viewing. You may even have one on your smartphone.

• Assess the storage space – Storage space is one asset that is often overlooked, but it is very important. Where are you going to keep your boxes of junk, spare linen, towels, and vacuum cleaner? Is there room for shelves and cupboards to be built in? Storage space can be scarce in new builds especially.

• Consider your future plans – One of the biggest mistakes new homeowners make is buying a property that fulfills their needs now, rather than considering their future plans. There is no point in buying a studio apartment if you think you are going to start trying for children within the next few years. Also, if your job is on uncertain grounds at the moment, ask yourself whether now really is the right time to be making such a huge financial commitment. You can always buy a property at a later date, but you cannot get out of your mortgage if things start to turn sour.

• Is the building structurally sound? – You should anticipate some hairline cracks, but there should not be any big cracks. Places where you need to pay careful attention to include bay windows, end-of-terrace walls, and where extensions join. If you have any doubts or you see any major cracks, it could be a good idea to get a surveyor to check it out.

• Check for damp – The giveaway signs of damp are watermarked ceilings or walls, flaky plaster, and a moldy smell. It may sound obvious, but make sure you look around the skirting boards and closely near the ceiling. If a room has recently been repainted, don’t simply assume that the homeowner has done this to freshen up the property. Could it be that they are attempting to cover up damp?

As you can see, there is a lot that needs to be considered when buying a property. Nevertheless, if you consider the factors mentioned above, you will have a much greater chance of finding a property that is right for you. From checking for damp to assessing the storage place, don’t overlook any of the crucial steps. No matter how significant they may seem right now, they can turn out to be very important later down the line.