Real Upgrade Journeys – Episode 3
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
In the previous two episodes, I shared why my brother decided to wait another five years after reaching his MOP, and why planning early matters.
Eventually, the day came. His HDB was sold.
The next question was…
“Which condominium should we buy?”
For many buyers, this is where the biggest decisions begin.
Buying a property isn’t simply about choosing the nicest unit.
It’s about choosing the right one for your family’s lifestyle, finances and long-term plans.
We Started With Lifestyle, Not The Property
One mistake I often see buyers make is falling in love with a project before asking themselves what they actually need.
Instead of browsing hundreds of listings immediately, I sat down with my brother and asked a few simple questions.
- What is most important to your family?
- Which locations do you enjoy living in?
- How long do you intend to stay?
- What budget are you comfortable with?
Only after understanding these priorities did we begin looking at projects.
Convenience Was A Priority
After discussing their lifestyle, one thing became very clear.
Convenience mattered.
We shortlisted projects that were close to amenities, public transport and everyday necessities.
Eventually, we found a condominium that ticked many of the boxes.
It is located directly above a major shopping mall, with an MRT station just beside it.
For a busy family, that level of convenience makes a real difference.
Daily errands become easier.
Commuting becomes simpler.
And everything they need is within walking distance.
It wasn’t just about buying a condominium.
It was about improving their everyday lifestyle.
Price Matters Just As Much As The Property
Finding the right project was only half the job.
The next question was…
Were we paying a fair price?
Before making any offer, I compared recent transactions within the same development.
One particular transaction caught my attention.
A unit with the same stack and facing had been sold earlier at a noticeably higher price.
At first glance, many buyers might think our purchase was an incredible bargain.
However, there was one important difference.
The earlier transaction was a top-floor loft unit, which naturally commands a premium because of its additional air space.
Looking Beyond The Headline Price
After taking those differences into account, I was confident that my brother’s purchase still represented excellent value.
Compared to the earlier transaction, he secured his unit for approximately $140,000 less.
| Comparison | Previous Sale | My Brother’s Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Stack/Facing | Same | Same |
| Floor | Top-floor loft | High Floor |
| Layout | Loft with air space | Standard bedroom |
| Price | Higher | ~$140,000 lower |
Of course, every transaction is different. No two units are exactly alike.
However, careful research gave us the confidence that we were making an informed decision rather than simply reacting to the asking price.
It’s Not About Finding The Cheapest Unit
Some buyers think negotiating means trying to buy the cheapest property available.
I see it differently.
My goal has never been to buy the cheapest property.
My goal is to help buyers purchase the right property at a fair price.
Sometimes paying slightly more for the right unit makes perfect sense.
Sometimes walking away from an overpriced unit is the smartest decision.
Every purchase should be evaluated on its own merits.
What This Journey Reminded Me
Helping my own brother reminded me that buying a home isn’t just a financial decision.
It’s also an emotional one.
As his brother, I wanted him to be happy with the purchase.
As his property agent, I wanted to make sure he was making an informed decision.
Fortunately, we achieved both.
Today, they’re enjoying a home that suits their lifestyle, and we have no regrets about the final purchase.
My Thoughts
One question I often ask buyers is this:
“Would you still be happy with this property five or ten years from now?”
If the answer is yes, then we’re usually looking at the right property.
Buying a home isn’t about chasing the lowest price or the newest launch.
It’s about finding a property that fits your family’s lifestyle while remaining financially comfortable.
When those two things come together, you’re far more likely to enjoy both the journey and the destination.
Thinking About Your Next Move?
Buying the right property isn’t just about finding a unit you like. It’s about understanding whether it suits your lifestyle, your finances and your long-term plans.
If you’re planning to upgrade and would like a second opinion before making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, I’d be happy to have a no-obligation discussion with you.
📖 Continue the Journey
Episode 1 – Should You Wait After Your 5-Year MOP?
Episode 2 – The Hidden Cost of Waiting After Your 5-Year MOP
Episode 3 – How I Helped My Brother Choose the Right Condo (Current Article)
Episode 4 – What Should You Do With Your Property Profits?
Episode 5 – 5 Lessons Every HDB Homeowner Can Learn