Please advise between this 2 properties floorplan

[Chineseguy]

Hi guys, I am Deciding between these 2 properties located side by side. Pricing is similar and am confident of negotiating same price for both. The bottom pic is a mix development at 3rd storey. The other 2 pic is an apartment at 5th storey. Both are FH, mixed D is about 2 to 3 years newer. Both are 90sqm. Which is a better buy at same price?
Which layout do u prefer and why? Would like some views here. Thanks.

[Chineseguy]

Would u prefer balcony over the so called study room?

[bgd]

Your call. Do you need the internal space or would a balcony off the living area be better?

I currently have a slightly similar setup. The balcony off the living area gets more use than the terrace off the bedroom. My second bedroom is used as a study so I wouldn't need the extra space that option 2 provides. For me it would be option 1.

[Chineseguy]

Option 1 is the apartment right? Thanks for your views.

[bgd]

Option 1 is the apartment right? Thanks for your views.

Yes.

[the lynx]

I would look at how many bedrooms you would actually need first. That is something you cannot compromise if you make up your mind about needing a study room/extra bedroom. Then I will look at the balcony/terrace and pay attention to where the sun rises/sets. I always like to be able to have sun not shining directly through the balcony/during sunrise and sunset so that it won't be too hot (unless you plan to use your balcony/terrace to hang your laundry, rather than to chill).

[Chineseguy]

I need at least 2 bedrooms. It's for a family of 3. For option 1, both bedrooms can accommodate a small writing desk, if make good use of bay window for reno. For option 2, the bedrooms can't accommodate extra table so study space may be good.
I am not sure about resale value though. If next time i want to sell, which layout is more attractive? The study is not a room imo. It's just extra indoor space. Balcony is nice to have. Extra room seems more practical. So wonder what general people think. I hope to have a general idea so your preference is valuable regardless of reasons.

[nakatago]

Layout 1 seems less walled in because the living area opens to a "balcony." The masters bedroom moreover has some primo access to that grand terrace which can be great for the couple staying in the masters. Kitchen is sectioned off with a door and has a window.

Layout 2 has that study space going for it which can be renovated into a different room (den/man cave/hobby nook). It also seems to have a bigger master bedroom which can accommodate a walk-in perhaps. Though, to get to the masters, you need to go through the kitchen (which doesn't have windows, I think). Moreover, for entertaining guests, you only have the living and dining areas unless you want to show someone the man cave. How do you get to the jacuzzi/terrace? I don't see a door.

Personally, I prefer layout 1 but I'm not the one going to live there.

What's attractive to you now may also be attractive to a potential buyer in the future.

[Chineseguy]

Hi Nakatago,

Think for layout 2, master bedroom to roof terrace is separated by a sliding door, same as that of layout one. Both have a roof terrace and jacuzzi. The main differences to me is kitchen, balcony and different storeys. The rest look similar. But layout 2 without balcony means slightly bigger living room. But not sure if the small difference in living room space is worth trading off a balcony. The extra study room in layout 2 is bonus, but how attractive it is to potential future buyer also depends. I can only say I am torn between the 2. So I am happy to know what your views and thank you guys for sharing!

[nakatago]

Hi Nakatago,

Think for layout 2, master bedroom to roof terrace is separated by a sliding door, same as that of layout one. Both have a roof terrace and jacuzzi. The main differences to me is kitchen, balcony and different storeys. The rest look similar. But layout 2 without balcony means slightly bigger living room. But not sure if the small difference in living room space is worth trading off a balcony. The extra study room in layout 2 is bonus, but how attractive it is to potential future buyer also depends. I can only say I am torn between the 2. So I am happy to know what your views and thank you guys for sharing!

That sliding door ain't in the layout and it's only implied. Moreover, you can access the balcony of layout 1 without going through the master's bedroom. Frankly, the only thing going for layout 2 is that study. Layout 1 seems more "livable." If you can't decide, use the location: parking, security, walkability, proximity to potential noise sources (main roads, highways, airfields, stadiums, etc), and not being a bigot--the socioeconomic makeup of the neighborhood, access to shops/parks/entertainment/dining to break the tie. Create lists of strengths of weaknesses, assign a weight to each; tally the points.

[Chineseguy]

Oh u are right! U can't access it without going through master room. Thanks for your insights! Both developments are side by side:)

[nakatago]

Both developments are side by side:)

Parking then? Orientation (re: the sun, the main road).

[bgd]

Is there any option to enclose the balcony, thus giving you more space? In my block a couple of places have done that, put in floor to ceiling windows which can be folded back. Can be used as a balcony or a room.

You don't have to do it but the possibility could be a selling point later on.

[Chineseguy]

Hi bgd,

It that allowed? I thought we are not supposed to enclose balcony or roof terrace.
Can u show me a sample link to an image u described? I can't quite visualise. Thanks.

[Chineseguy]

Nakatago, layout 1 is right beside a park whereas layout 2 have to pass by layout 1 to get to the park. Layout 2 is a mixed development with over 300 units hence carpark may not be ideal. Layout 1 only has 64 units.