“I have dreamt of homeownership since childhood. I remember using Lego bricks to ‘build’ versions of homes I foresaw myself living in,” said Daniel, who currently lives in his 4-room HDB resale flat in Bukit Panjang.
Daniel, now 38 years old, is a freelance writer and content creator. He is also a bachelor. Being a single homeowner in Singapore, Daniel acknowledged that his search for a home was quite different than if he were married.
In Singapore, access to public housing between singles and married couples comes with different eligibility criteria. For starters, singles must wait until they are 35 to qualify for HDB flats.
If singles in Singapore want to buy a home before 35, they can choose other properties. Some examples include HDB resale flats, condos, and landed properties. However, these properties often come at a higher price tag.
How did Daniel navigate buying a home as a single man in Singapore? Read how he secured his 4-room HDB resale flat in Bukit Panjang – a home that ticked all his boxes.
Window Shopping for Homes Since He Was 30 Years Old
From the onset, Daniel knew that he would buy an HDB flat as they are more affordable than private properties.
To get a headstart on what was available on the market, he began browsing potential homes on PropertyGuru when he was 30 years old.
“I thought of it as window shopping,” he shared with a chuckle.
“PropertyGuru was the only platform that came to mind when I thought of buying a home in Singapore,” he added. “Their search and filter function helped me to shortlist possible neighbourhoods that I wanted to live in.”
Daniel also explored PropertyGuru Guides, which became an important resource to educate himself about being a home seeker in Singapore.
“Doing so minimised the feelings of doubts and fear of being a first-time homebuyer.”
Buying a Home Amid Singapore’s COVID-19 Circuit Breaker
In May 2020, Daniel celebrated his 35th birthday. This was a milestone he had eagerly been looking forward to: he was now finally eligible to buy an HDB flat.
Despite being caught amid the COVID-19 circuit breaker, he believed it was the right time for him to venture out of his family’s home and continue building a life for himself.
He was also planning to take part in the Great Resignation Phenomenon – where a significant number of people left their jobs in the pandemic once he had secured a home.
“I had worked for years in my previous company and built relationships in the creative industry. I felt that it was the right time to take a leap of faith and become a freelance content creator,” Daniel said.
One of the reasons why Daniel was confident in resigning while in the middle of purchasing a home was due to the PropertyGuru Finance Mortgage Calculator. This home financing tool helped him assess his expected monthly mortgage repayments and effectively plan his monthly expenses based on the homes he was considering.
“PropertyGuru Finance helped me narrow down the range of properties I could afford. It gave me the courage to resign from my job.”
Finding His Dream 4-room HDB Resale Flat in Bukit Panjang
Daniel viewed about 30 units all over Singapore before deciding on his “peaceful and quiet” 4-room HDB resale flat in Bukit Panjang.
On the heels of fulfilling his childhood dream of homeownership, he cut no corners when it came to home renovation.
“I wanted to build a home that is my sanctuary. Having everything that I need to live a balanced life, especially as I mostly work from home. I realised it’s important to have spots in my home to separate myself from work, gather my thoughts and calm myself down.”
This translated to having dedicated spaces that would allow him to indulge in his hobbies. He wanted a dedicated space for yoga and a kitchen big enough to bake and cook.
Here’s how he prioritised mental rest and recuperation: “I combined two bedrooms into one master bedroom, making my morning yoga seamless without room changes. Inside, I opted for a muted, neutral palette to help declutter my mind.”
He also created several areas throughout his home dedicated to mental “timeouts”. These spots include his reading space, couch, and breakfast bar.
“Overall, I am delighted with the space I have crafted for myself. It is the home I’ve been dreaming of and worked hard for. And I hope it shows to anyone who is intending on buying and renovating your dream home on their own, that it is very possible and extremely rewarding.”
Read stories of real people and their home journeys. Still searching for your dream home? Browse properties for sale on PropertyGuru or compare home loans on PropertyGuru Finance.
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