“3R” Principles of maximum Retention, sensitive Restoration and careful Repair
There are not many remarkable historical buildings in Singapore. If there are, Urban Redevelopment of Singapore will not hesitate to stipulate them under conservation status to preserve the historical and architectural significance of the buildings. As quoted from URA website: “The thing about the conservation house is its facade and history. The conservation house is usually a shophouse with finely carved motifs and a fresh coat of paint. The conservation house layout and structure seldom changes, retaining the conservation house’s uniqueness …

If you are confused why there is a Kim Keat Avenue in Toa Payoh, and Kim Keat Road in Balestier and Whampoa area, the reason being that the Kim Keat area is divided up by the construction of Pan Island Expressway in early time. However one is still able to walk over from Kim Keat Road toward Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastry in Kim Keat Avenue using the overhead bridge. Kim Keat Area consist of Kim Keat Road/Lane/Close, and Kim Keat Avenue. It is off Balestier Road. It was named …

Whampoa food market is really packed on the Christmas morning. Imagine after days of big feasts, people go back to simple and authentic traditional breakfast one is able to find from local market. There are many food stalls from the Whampoa food market. It is apparent that block 91 is more buzzling and busy than block 90 in the morning. It is especially so with housewives patronizing the wet market just adjacent to it.
After the revamp, the food market is much more ventilated and bright. We bought the glutinous rice …

A 3 bedroom unit of 1335 sqft from Kim Keat Garden is calling for $755,000, working out to be $565 psf is quite a steal. Though it is a 99 year tenure development with only basic provision of carpark and security, it is quite a good bargain with surrounding resale prices fetched from $800 psf to $1000psf. Bliss Loft located next to Kim Keat Garden, a new launched freehold apartment with condo facilities, is fetching close to $1000 psf.
The unit is located at 5th level, and is well kept. If …

My clients have been discussing with me lately on the option on buying private resale units or purchasing newly launched project from the developer. More and more buyers are perceptive to private resale as private resale has been more attractive in comparison to new launched and the HDB flats in prime area. Buying resale seems to be a more feasible alternative to many house buyers now.
1. Great demand from HDB upgraders:
HDB resale flat prices raises, narrowing the price gap with private housing. It has also made it easier for HDB dwellers to upgrade to a …

My car broke down. I had to send it for the gearbox overhaul. It costs $2000!!! The repair is going to take a week. Hmm…It is really not easy to maintain a car in Singapore.
And this afternoon I needed to attend to several viewing appoints at Balestier area: Papillon & De Royale. Therefore I decided to WALK. I have been hearing that my clients and friends staying in Balestier near to the Jalan Ah Hood, Jalan Rajoh and Jalan Rama Rama. They have been walking down to Toa Payoh Central …

Scotts is a friendly man. He is very proud to show me his penthouse unit located at the 35th level. Of course, I will be home-proud too for owning such a gorgeous unit in this well-kept De Royale project in Balestier. If you are not familiar with De Royale, it is located at Jln Rama Rama, just off the main Balestier Road. If you are driving by PIE, you are able to see this development of 2 towers located on a sprawling site just opposite Toa Payoh.  They are the Duke & the …

1. Check your Financial Status
It is always important to check out your financial status on loan limit and loan servicing before confirming on the purchase. It is a shame to miss out on a fantastic property because you are short of cash on initial downpayment or have bad credit. However it is even more hurtful to the pocket for forfeiting the 10% deposit for the ignorance of your personal financial power. Make sure you fully understand your financial status. Just approach any bankers on home loans, and they are more …

The new build-to-order HDB projects at Dawson, SkyVille & Sky Terrace have drifted from the conventional framework of the public housing. Indeed, they appear so exciting and contemporary that one tend to refer it as private condominium projects.

During the building nation, provision of shelter as social concern was the top priority under the authority’s aim. Policies were formulated and implemented in line with the public housing provision, as to provide the people with a basic shelter. With the progressive economic development of the nation, there are shifts in the policy …

As mentioned in my earlier blog, Balestier is going to be an up and coming new gem to many with its unique cultural background and proximity to city. I append herewith the extract from URA website. I believe many people are feeling the buzz that the new construction sites are bringing to the area with new revalization and new vibrancy.
A treasure trove of cultural and architectural references, Balestier Road offers a compelling blend of old and new with more than 160 years of history. The juxtaposition of heritage shophouses from …