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by RobSg » Sun, 12 Feb 2012 9:38 am
Hi all-
I'm only on here occasionally, but would welcome your opinion. I'm a semi-retired (wish I were retired)Singapore PR from the States. I live in a very nice apartment (1450 sq feet) even considering the noise from the CTE and some construction. Every floor in my building has only one apartment. My rent is about $2,400/month, and it's the end of the lease. The landlord wants to increase the rent to $2,500/month for a 2 year lease, or $2,450 for a one year lease. It's a 3 bedroom and completely furnished, and in the Novena and Owen Road area. I live with a Canadian friend I've known many years. He's like family. The landlord likes the fact that we keep the place in good shape, so the rent is very reasonable. She says she could rent the place easily for $3,000/month.
We are considering downsizing a lot to a small 3 room HDB flat (600-700 sg feet). The rent would be about $1,800/month, maybe a little more. I'd spend about $400-$500/month less on my share of the rent. That might allow me the opportunity to travel more, less part-time work, and make life simpler.
Here's my concern- a lot of my friends seems to think that the amount I'm currently paying for rent is a good deal. Moving to a 3-room HDB flat will result in a lower quality of life. The noise level in HDB units, particularly along the shared corridor, is something you need to get used to. Also, saving $400-$500/month is not that big a deal for the change is the quality of life you need to get used to.
Are any of you in 3-room HDB flats, and has it been a good experience for you? I'm a bit frustrated on my inability to make a decision like this, so I'm sorry if I turn to this forum and seek your input.
Thank you.
RobSg