HDB rooms often have simpler finishes and fewer shared facilities but practical layouts and solid walls. You’ll trade pools or gyms for straightforward convenience. Prioritize block condition, elevator access, and nearby amenities over lifestyle facilities you won’t use.
Yes, but requires planning. The separate bedroom allows one person to sleep while the other works or watches TV in the living area. Consider blackout curtains and sound management. Some couples prefer open-plan studios for togetherness, while others need the bedroom separation for different sleep schedules or work-from-home arrangements.
Ground floor units offer easy access without lift dependency, convenient for moving furniture or groceries, and potential for small gardens or patios. However, they may have less privacy, more noise from foot traffic, and security concerns. High floor units provide better views, more privacy, less noise, and better ventilation, but depend on lift access and may be less convenient for daily errands.
Ask whether pets are allowed, any size or breed restrictions, and cleaning expectations before move out. Disclose allergies or sensitivities early. If you need small modifications, like childproof latches, get written consent and agree on reinstatement responsibilities.
Coordinate with your roommate about quiet hours, morning routines, and shared space usage during different schedules. Consider soundproofing measures like rugs, curtains, or white noise machines. Discuss kitchen and bathroom usage during early morning or late night hours. Establish guidelines for guests and entertainment when one person is sleeping.
Save the signed agreement, inventory, payment receipts, and all maintenance chats. Store dated photos of existing defects and meter readings. Keeping a single folder prevents disputes and speeds up deposit discussions at the end.
For two roommates, equal-sized bedrooms (and ideally two bathrooms) are preferable. For a small family, a larger master and a smaller second bedroom (for a child or study) works fine. So it depends: roommates usually want a balanced layout, while families can manage with one bigger and one smaller room.
Calculate total monthly costs including rent, utilities, maintenance fees, and transport costs, then divide by usable square footage. Factor in efficiency of space usage - a well-designed 1-bedroom may offer better value than a poorly laid out larger unit. Consider included amenities, storage space, and whether the layout maximizes livable area versus wasted corridor or awkward spaces.