Living alone means being prepared for emergencies like power outages, water leaks, or medical issues. Keep emergency contacts readily available, know your building's security and maintenance procedures, maintain a basic first aid kit, and establish check-in routines with family or friends. Know your neighbors and building management for urgent situations when you can't reach your landlord.
Compare total costs including utilities, factor in privacy benefits and not having to share common areas with housemates. Consider whether the studio's location, amenities, and independence justify potentially higher costs than a room rental. Think about your lifestyle preferences and need for personal space.
Consider your long-term needs and budget carefully. 4-bedroom units cost significantly more in rent and utilities, but offer future flexibility as families grow. The extra space can serve as home offices, guest rooms, or hobby areas. However, if you won't use the space effectively, a 3-bedroom might be more economical. Factor in the cost per square foot and your actual space utilization.
Landed houses have different safety profiles with multiple entry points, windows at various levels, and potential outdoor access. Ensure proper locks on your room and understand emergency evacuation routes from upper floors. Consider personal security measures and understand neighborhood safety patterns, especially if your room has ground-level access.
Sharing with 3+ roommates requires clear agreements about shared spaces, cleaning schedules, utility splits, and house rules. Consider personality compatibility, lifestyle habits, and how to handle conflicts. Establish guidelines for common areas, guest policies, and what happens if someone moves out mid-lease.
Students and young professionals often prefer HDB rooms for affordability and convenience. Expat families typically choose condos for amenities and international community. Established families might opt for landed houses for space and privacy. Consider your lifestyle priorities: budget-conscious renters suit HDB, amenity-seekers prefer condos, and space-needing families benefit from landed properties.
2-bedroom units typically cost 60-80% more than 1-bedroom units, but when shared between two people, can be more economical per person than individual studios. Factor in additional costs like higher utility bills with more space to cool and light. Consider whether the extra space and privacy justify the higher cost for your lifestyle and budget.
Ask about work schedules, sleep schedules, social habits, cleanliness, and how issues are handled. If one of you is very neat and the other more casual, it could cause friction. Observe fridge organization, sink state, and bathroom tidiness during viewing. Look for someone whose daily routine and approach to shared living align well with yours. Trust your instincts – feeling comfortable with their personality is a good sign.