Singapore's housing market is characterized by a diverse range of options. With Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats and condominiums being the most prominent among them. While HDB flats have traditionally dominated the Singapore residential landscape, condominiums have emerged as a significant sector in recent years. These private residential developments offer a higher-end living experience, with amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and security services. The growing popularity of condominiums has made them a key player in the Singapore housing market. They attract both locals and foreign buyers alike. Despite their differences, both HDB flats and condominiums remain integral parts of Singapore's housing landscape. Catering to the diverse needs of its residents. So which is better? This article looks at why HDB flats are better.
#1 No overzealous HDB flat security
Living in a condo can be more of a hassle than a benefit when it comes to security. Overzealous condo security personnel might harass your friends, relatives, and business associates. They can make it difficult for food and goods deliveries to be made.
On the other hand, living in a HDB flat in Singapore can be a much better experience. There is no hassle when it comes to security. You won't have to worry about security personnel causing issues for your visitors or deliveries.
In HDB flats, security measures are still in place but they are less intrusive. Residents are able to live their lives with more freedom and less interruptions. This makes it easier to go about your daily routine without having to deal with unnecessary annoyances.
#2 Low conservancy charges
Condo living can come with high conservancy fees. It can be 5 to 10 times higher than HDB fees. For HDB owners there is no paying for swimming pool maintenance that you use once in five years or other seldom used facilities.
The fees for condos is high due to the costs of maintaining the common areas, such as the swimming pool and gym facilities. These costs has to be shared among the residents regardless of an individual's usage frequency.
HDB flats have lower conservancy fees because they are managed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). The fees cover the costs of maintaining common areas and facilities such as lifts and void decks. There is no sinking fund to worry about.
Additionally, HDB flats are government-subsidized, which means that the costs of building and maintaining the flats are subsidized by the government and town councils. This helps to keep the conservancy fees affordable for residents.
#3 Less arrogant assholes
Money can bring out the worst in people. Some condo dwellers may think that they are better than those living in public housing.
This attitude can lead to snobbery and a sense of entitlement among some condo residents. They may look down on those living in public housing and see themselves as superior.
However, this kind of thinking is harmful and unfair. Just because someone lives in a condo doesn't make them better than someone living in public housing.
In fact, many people living in public housing are hardworking individuals who simply cannot afford to live in a condo. They deserve the same respect and dignity as anyone else.
It's important for everyone to remember that where they live doesn't define their worth as a person. We should all strive to treat others with kindness and respect. Regardless of their socio-economic status or where they call home.
#4 PandaFood and Amazon orders arrive quicker
Delivery delays can be a common problem in condos due to security measures. These delays can have a negative impact on the livelihoods of many people as well as the level of service to the residents.
Condo security personnel are responsible for screening visitors and checking for proper identification. This process can take several minutes and can add unnecessary delays to deliveries.
These delays can be problematic for those who rely on deliveries for their livelihoods. Especially for food delivery riders or courier services. Every minute counts in these situations, and delays caused by condo security measures can add up quickly.
On the other hand, living in a place with less strict security measures, such as an HDB flat, can make deliveries much easier and faster.
While security measures are important for the safety of residents, it's also important to balance that with the needs of those who rely on deliveries for their livelihoods.
#5 There are many conveniences near HDB flats
HDB dwellers often have easy access to a variety of amenities. Such as hair salons, wet markets, shops, fruit shops, and affordable retail options.
These amenities can offer fresher and tastier food options compared to what's available in condos. For example, wet markets often offer fresh seafood, meat, and produce. Which is healthier and more delicious than processed foods.
Additionally, the proximity of these amenities to HDB flats can make shopping more convenient and affordable for residents. They can avoid the higher prices often found in shopping centers located in condos.
Furthermore, HDB dwellers often have access to a tight-knit community. Where neighbors look out for each other and share information about local businesses and food options. This can create a sense of belonging and help residents discover new and delicious food options.
While condos may offer more luxurious amenities, such as swimming pools and gyms, they may lack the same sense of community and easy access to affordable and delicious food options.
#6 Town Councils provide free disposal of large items
Town councils provide free disposal services for large items such as furniture, beds and sofas. While condo residents typically have to pay for disposal.
This can create an additional expense for condo residents when they need to dispose of large items. Such as furniture. large boxes or appliances.
Without a free disposal service, condo residents may have to pay for private disposal services or rely on public waste disposal services, which can be inconvenient and costly.
In contrast, town councils offer a convenient and cost-effective solution for residents to dispose of large items without having to bear the additional cost themselves.
The free disposal service provided by town councils can also help to reduce illegal dumping and littering, which can be a problem in some areas.
By providing this service, town councils can help to promote a cleaner and more sustainable environment for all residents.
#7 You can use a trolley in the HDB flat lift
One advantage of living in an HDB flat is that you can use a trolley in the elevator.
This can be particularly useful for those who run small ecommerce businesses on platforms like Carousell, as they may need to transport packages and products to and from their flat.
Similarly, individuals who are stocking up on heavy groceries like drinks and cooking oil can benefit from using a trolley to transport their items to their flat.
Using a trolley in the elevator can also be a more efficient and convenient way to move heavy or bulky items, especially if they would be difficult to carry up the stairs.
In contrast, some condo buildings may not allow the use of trolleys in the elevators, which can make it more difficult to transport large or heavy items. The security can be known to be rather anal retentive.
#8 You can receive furniture orders on weekends
One advantage of living in an HDB flat is that you can receive furniture orders on weekends.
This can be particularly useful for those who work during the weekdays and may not be available to receive deliveries.
In contrast, many condo buildings may only allow deliveries to be made on weekdays, which can be inconvenient for residents who work full-time jobs.
This can also be a problem for those who may need to take time off from work to receive deliveries, which can be costly and disruptive.
By allowing furniture orders to be received on weekends, HDB residents have more flexibility and can better accommodate their schedules.
This can be especially important for those who need to receive larger items, such as furniture or appliances, which may require additional time and effort to transport and set up.
#9 Town Councils are more generous when repairs are needed
One advantage of living in an HDB flat is that Town Councils are more generous when repairs are needed.
This can be particularly true for major issues such as spalling ceilings, leaking shared pipes, construction defects, and waterproofing failure.
After the first year of ownership, condo owners may have much less recourse when it comes to major repairs.
In contrast, HDB flat owners can rely on the Town Council to provide support and assistance when repairs are needed.
This can be especially important for those who may not have the financial means to cover the costs of major repairs on their own.
By providing more generous support and assistance, the Town Council can help HDB residents maintain their properties and ensure that they are safe and habitable.
#10 Hawker centres are closer to HDB flats
One of the advantages of living in an HDB flat is that they are usually close to hawker centres.
In Singapore, food is a big part of the culture and hawker centres are a popular place to enjoy local cuisine.
For many condo residents, food courts and hawker centres may not be within walking distance, making it more difficult to access the local cuisine.
In contrast, HDB flats are often located in close proximity to hawker centres, making it easy for residents to enjoy the local food culture.
This convenience can save residents time and money, as they don't have to travel far or spend money on transportation to enjoy a good meal.
Additionally, being close to hawker centres can provide a sense of community and belonging, as residents can gather with friends and neighbours to enjoy a meal together.
Conclusion
So listen up, fellow Singaporeans! If you're trying to decide between an HDB flat and a fancy-schmancy condo, let me tell you: Its HDB all the way, baby! Not convinced yet? Well, let me break it down for you.
First off, let's talk about the money. HDB flats are way more affordable than condos, which means you'll have more cash to spend on important things, like food and shopping. Plus, the maintenance fees are lower, which means you won't have to sell a kidney just to pay your monthly bills.
Speaking of food, have you ever noticed how HDB flats are always located near the best hawker centres? It's like the universe is trying to tell you something. But if you live in a condo, you might have to travel far and wide just to get your hands on some delicious char kway teow.
And let's not forget about the perks of town council services. Need to dispose of some old furniture? No problem, HDB's got you covered with their free disposal services. But if you live in a condo, you might have to sell your soul (or at least your wallet) to get rid of your junk.
Finally, HDBs are just more chill than condos. You don't have to deal with strict security measures that make it hard to get your deliveries or harass your guests. And when something goes wrong with your flat, the town council is more likely to help you out. But if you're in a condo, you're pretty much on your own. HDB for the win!
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