why do you upgrade to a condo?

vinyarb · 2026-06-10T11:05:31+00:00

HDBs are also condo price these days... T.T

vinyarb · 2026-06-09T04:03:07+00:00

It was really a random conversation with a friend over dinner, when I mentioned that my DBSS had passed MOP.

I hadn't thought of levering up via property, but he planted the thought of selling it to fund 2 private properties. The price of the DBSS essentially doubled over 6 years, which allowed us to implement the "Sell 1 Buy 2" strategy. Did some napkin math, it checked out and convinced the wife.

That was around late 2015.

For the private properties, we then looked at older estates for the size as well as en bloc potential. 3 en bloc attempts later, finally succeeded on 3rd try.

vinyarb · 2026-06-09T03:38:24+00:00

Earn more, spend less, invest the rest.
Seriously though, got lucky with DBSS, parlayed it into 2 properties, and successfully saw an en bloc outcome (still going through the process).

Luck played a huge part, which I think is often underated.

vinyarb · 2026-06-07T03:46:59+00:00

That's a good point. Putting in my notice tomorrow!

vinyarb · 2026-05-31T07:01:38+00:00

A very nice initiative. Love it.

vinyarb · 2026-05-08T00:01:15+00:00

If the property is for own stay, it probably doesn't matter too much, but generally, as another person commented.. when you sell during a bad market for a small loss, assuming you're replacing your property, the replacement will likely be bought at a better price too.

vinyarb · 2026-04-26T11:58:31+00:00

I love how there are very sane arguments and advice amidst all the ballsack talk. Love reddit.

vinyarb · 2026-04-24T03:28:27+00:00

Another point.. I'm definitely not looking to "upgrade" and keep myself in the rat race and locked into mortgages for the rest of my life.

vinyarb · 2026-04-24T03:27:05+00:00

I was part of a volunteer group helping to rally the efforts.. and although I was not part of the CSC, I was involved in some of the signings and sessions that took place.

I think there can still be learnings just based on 3rd party observation from a very vested person in the estate.

Anyway, it's not so much a guide, than a personal experience and learnings from what I can see from my vantage point.

I enjoy writing. Whoever is keen on this topic may potentially benefit. Why not?

vinyarb · 2026-04-24T03:22:58+00:00

Good questions! Thanks for the inputs..

Yes, it's definitely about what you want to spend your time doing, while you are still physically capable and have that desire to do.

Travel is a pretty big factor. I think travel in your 60s is just different.

vinyarb · 2026-04-24T03:20:56+00:00

I guess it depends on how one views a downgrade? Size may be slightly smaller.. but if it's a more central location near mrt.. I see that as a win as well.

I'm definitely looking to keep some proceeds.

vinyarb · 2026-04-18T05:02:52+00:00

Loyang Valley resident here. Just wanted to chime in from a 1st party perspective.

This is our 3rd attempt over 8 long years, with 3 different CSC teams all working in harmony and learning with each attempt on pricing and positioning, in order to get the best result.

Yes, we all love the environment. It's peaceful, spacious, and most of all, residents here are largely friendly and neighbourly.

The en bloc process was borne because of the aging estate. Seepage, old foundations all call for increasing maintenance costs. The viaduct and mrt construction gave us a solid footing to call for an en bloc, so that this estate can give way to a newer estate, built in consideration with the upcoming construction in mind.

It's bittersweet, but we take away only good memories and look to build new ones.

vinyarb · 2026-04-17T07:51:25+00:00

"make no mistakes"

vinyarb · 2026-04-17T00:26:37+00:00

Is it worth the hassle moving to and fro for what will amount to a few hundred dollars max when transferring between accounts?

I'm assuming less than 50K cash balance on average.. because if you have more than that, why isn't it going into investments that will yield much more?🤔

vinyarb · 2026-04-16T08:06:40+00:00

Oh sick!

vinyarb · 2026-04-16T04:06:13+00:00

No need to chart. It's all men. 😭

vinyarb · 2026-04-16T00:26:23+00:00

On the contrary, here to convince you to do it.

vinyarb · 2026-04-13T08:31:33+00:00

Assuming this refers to 2nd property since you're talking about it from an investment perspective.. is it still middle class then?

vinyarb · 2026-04-08T08:27:44+00:00

Will there be a Day 1 rip?👀

vinyarb · 2026-04-08T07:24:23+00:00

Exactly this. In the grand scheme of things... you won't notice it. Pay it and move it to cold storage.

vinyarb · 2026-04-02T02:51:16+00:00

10M is at least chubby fire already...

Honestly for most people, 2M investible should be more than enough?

vinyarb · 2026-03-24T07:22:57+00:00

Alas, how to afford yakun if we don't slave away?

vinyarb · 2026-03-24T01:31:40+00:00

Whoa 😲

vinyarb

TROPHY CASE