You’ll likely enjoy space, privacy, and potential outdoor areas. You won’t share walls or floors with neighbors, so noise is less of an issue. It suits families, pet owners, or hobbies needing storage. In return, expect more maintenance involvement. Clarify responsibilities for gardens, drains, and exterior checks before signing the agreement.
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.
Ventilation is key. Always use the range hood when cooking and open windows if you can. In a studio, smells travel fast, so clean up right after cooking. You can also light a scented candle or simmer lemon water to help clear the air.
No private pools or gyms, but you’ll find community clubs, sports centres, and public pools nearby. Many tenants prefer the neighbourhood feel and everyday convenience.
Many 1-bedroom flats have a bathroom door off the living room. But some layouts only have an en-suite bathroom accessible through the bedroom, meaning guests must enter your bedroom. If you host often, look for a unit where the bathroom is accessible from the living area.
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.
Living alone means you bear all utility costs, so efficiency matters. Use programmable thermostats for air-conditioning, switch to LED lighting, and unplug devices when not in use. Consider your usage patterns - cook in batches, do laundry efficiently, and use appliances during off-peak hours if available. Monitor your monthly bills to identify high-consumption periods and adjust habits accordingly. Some units benefit from smart home devices to optimize energy usage.
Check the corridor and lift situation. If it’s a common corridor, people pass right by your door or window, affecting privacy. Corner units are quieter. Also see if the lift stops on your floor (some older blocks don’t), as you might need to take stairs if not.