Condo living often attracts young professionals and expatriates, creating diverse, international housemate communities. Expect higher living standards and potentially more transient housemates who may move frequently for work. The facilities create natural social opportunities - you might meet neighbors at the pool or gym. However, this can also mean more temporary relationships compared to HDB community living.
Know your landlord's emergency contact and preferred repair service providers. For urgent issues like water leaks or electrical problems, act quickly to prevent damage and notify your landlord immediately. Keep receipts for emergency repairs - some landlords reimburse reasonable emergency costs. Understand what constitutes an emergency versus routine maintenance that can wait.
Common arrangements include parents' master bedroom, children's shared room, and a guest/study room. Some families give each child their own room, while others use one as a home office or playroom. Consider your family's current and future needs, including whether children will want separate rooms as they grow.
Address excessive utility usage diplomatically but firmly. Document patterns with photos of meter readings or bills showing spikes. Propose individual monitoring solutions like smart plugs for high-energy appliances or separate air-con timers. Consider splitting bills proportionally based on actual usage rather than equally. If direct conversation fails, involve the landlord to mediate or implement individual metering systems.
Small spaces can impact mental health through feelings of claustrophobia, lack of privacy, and difficulty separating work and personal life. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent stuffiness and mold. Prioritize natural light and consider full-spectrum lighting for mood regulation. Make time for outdoor activities and social interaction to counteract potential isolation from compact living.
HDB flats open onto a common corridor. If your unit is along a corridor with neighbors walking by, you might need to keep your gates or curtains closed at times for privacy. Corner or end units offer a bit more seclusion since fewer people pass your door. When viewing a flat, notice the corridor layout – if the windows or door face a busy walkway, plan on using curtains/blinds for privacy. It’s a different feel from a private condo, but most residents get used to it.
With more people and activities, noise management becomes important for family harmony and neighbor relations. Check sound insulation between rooms, whether bedrooms are clustered together, and if living areas are separated from sleeping areas. Consider carpet or rugs for sound dampening.
HDB 2-bedroom units offer more space and value but fewer amenities. Condo 2-bedrooms cost more but include facilities like pools and gyms. Landed 2-bedroom units (rare) provide maximum privacy and space but highest costs. Consider your priorities: budget and space (HDB), amenities and lifestyle (condo), or privacy and outdoor space (landed).
