Common rooms may cost up to 40% less than master rooms in the same property. The savings come from smaller size and shared bathroom access. However, factor in potential inconvenience costs like needing backup toiletries or adjusting your schedule around bathroom availability. For budget-conscious renters, the savings often justify the trade-offs.
Pros include spacious living, private outdoor space, parking, and quiet neighborhoods. Cons include higher costs, longer commutes to city centers, more maintenance responsibilities, and potentially fewer international amenities nearby. Consider proximity to international schools, expat communities, and whether the space justifies the premium over condos with more services.
Popular facilities like BBQ pits, function rooms, and tennis courts often require advance booking and may have peak time restrictions. Weekend slots fill up quickly, especially for BBQ areas. Some facilities have time limits or cleaning deposits. Download the condo's app or check with management about booking procedures, cancellation policies, and any additional charges for facility usage.
A studio apartment is basically one open room (with a separate bathroom). It's best for a single person or a couple who don't mind a compact space. If you prefer minimal upkeep and everything in one area, a studio could suit you.
A lot of 1-bedroom units have small bedrooms. A queen-size bed usually fits, but a king-size might be a tight squeeze. With a king, you might have little room left for bedside tables or a dresser. Always check the room dimensions beforehand to ensure you can still move around comfortably.
Corner units typically offer better ventilation, more natural light, additional windows, and sometimes larger layouts. They may also have less shared walls with neighbors, providing more privacy. However, they might be more expensive and could be noisier if facing main roads or having more external exposure.
Rooms beside the living room, corridor, or kitchen feel busier. If the room's window faces a busy street or the corridor where neighbors walk by, you might also get more outside or hallway noise. Check door seals and window frames. Soft furnishings like rugs and thicker curtains can help reduce everyday noise transfer.
Master rooms typically consume more electricity due to larger space and ensuite bathroom usage. You'll likely run air-con longer, use more lighting, and the ensuite adds water heating costs. Discuss with housemates whether utility splitting accounts for room size differences or if everyone pays equally regardless of consumption.
