timothyng27

Hi xanadu, I just bought a flat not too long ago at Bukit Merah View. It's about 15 years old, and pretty spacious for a 5 room flat. But I totally understand your dilemma having experienced it myself. We were looking at Tiong Bahru / Jalan Membina newer flats of about 5-10 years old. Also, we liked a few units at Ghim Moh, which were about 35 years old. So just to add on to your list, here's some more pros & cons of old and new flats. New flats pros - Clean; better condition, less reno to do - Typically more centralized with more facilities nearby - Younger neighbours in the estate - Easier to take loan New flat cons - Small layout / insufficient rooms or space - Much more busy / crowded Old flat pros - Bigger, nicer squarer layout - More laid back, not so congested - More spacious (from block to block) Old flat cons - More reno needed - Condition might not be as good - More difficult to get loan for On the whole, I'm slightly more in favour of older blocks due to the space (inside the flat). Also, I like the house made to my specific requirements; so buying a old flat and totally re-doing it makes sense for me. As for the enbloc issue I think it's a little bit irrelevant. I don't see myself alive after the next 60-85 years when the 99 year lease ends However, do note that selective en-bloc happens when the government wants to acquire your property for redevelopment, so there is a possibility you might be uprooted if your block is chosen. Also, do take note that the older the flat is, the harder it is to take a loan. If your flat is left with 40-50 years, the bank will not be so willing to lend as compared to a new flat. I think ultimately, you should see as many units as possible (I viewed close to 40) before coming to a decision. Again, it depends on what you see as a priority. Do let me know if you would like more advice.

And BTW for all who still follow my T-blog (sorry I haven't updated for so long), I've just joined ERA as a housing agent! Do let me know if you're looking out to buy, rent or sell! Will be more than happy to serve and advise. Do drop me a message here, or email me: timothyng27@yahoo.com for enquiries!

Hi wally168. Thank you very very much! A wall hung WC is not approved (I think). However, my WC is not exactly wall hung. We built a concealed wall to hide the flushing system etc. So it's not exactly wall-hung in the usual way... The square toilet bowl was from Otto, and the flushing system is Grohe. Hope this helps!

Hi there, lights were from Philips Lighting. Went to the Geyland branch as he threw in the bulbs for free

hey rayfox, Nope. haven't been in touch with any magazines yet? Why? You think my place should be featured ah?

Hi all, it is with much reluctance that I am posting this. My wife thinks our awesome-looking green retro sofa has too short of an "*** space". Hence, we can't slouch or "nua" comfortably when watching tv etc. I really like the way it fits in my place; and the green colour is really nice and refreshing. Unfortunately my wife wants me to sell it and get a sofa with a longer "*** space". Here's some pictures I have of it: http://www.hawaii50b...ig/SF/SF118.jpg Dimensions are: Length: 180cm Depth: 70cm Height: 80cm I bought this for about $1,400 from Bangkok and paid another $600 for shipping. I am very very reluctantly preparing to let this go for about $1,200. It's less than a month old, and in the exact condition I received it in. The fabric is very good and so is the workmanship (the cushions are extremely comfy). Please let me know if you're interested to buy. Thanks!

Favourite part of the home is definitely the hall. I think it has the most character, and I spend most of my time in the house there playing xbox, ps3, watching shows or just chilling

Thanks rayfox - it's not exactly very very mid-century la. Just bits and pieces maybe. Probably the way I took the pics using the "Vintage Camera" iPhone App Will put up more pictures as and when we decorate the study and the other spare room

Dining chairs with colourful cushions (from Bangkok) View from the hall with our funky green sofa Other side of the hall with the TV Open concept kitchen with the island sticking out to the hall More pics of the extended island

Your wish is my command! Here you go: Fake sunflower and empty winebottles at the entrance CNY flowers from IKEA that bloomed the next day after we bought them Bench / shoe cabinet with embedded Peranakan tiles along the entryway More Peranakan tiles / retro wall lamps lining the entryway opposite the bench View of the entryway (and side table) from the hall

Thanks joshdes! Liked that look earlier on, but my current place is almost nothing like that. Once everything is 100% I will take some nice pics to share

Just got my furniture today! I bought a sofa, 5 dining chairs and 2 dining stools from Hawaii Five O in BKK. Paid about $2,300 for the furniture, $800 for freight here, and here comes the best part: I paid $1,140 to clear customs, handling, port charges, GST and transport to my house! Total cost for furniture = $4,240!!! *Faint* I think if I got them from SG, the cost would be slightly more expensive only. However, I love the sofa a lot. Matches with my decor very very well. So do the dining chairs and stools. Pictures to come soon!

It's actually about 30-40% cheaper than getting it here in Singapore la (with shipping costs). But I think there's a greater variety that you can order there. The local replicas (ngee hong, mode studio etc) are all not-so-well-done replicas of "famous" designer pieces. Whereas the slightly more higher end places (Lorgan's, Lush Lush, Motto and a Thousand Tales) are all much more expensive. End of the day I think buy back from BKK is slightly cheaper, better variety and customization and possibly better quality la. My pieces should be in Singapore customs tomorrow - will let you know how they turn out

ok rayfox, here goes: Peranakan-inspired walkway with tiles on the walls, wall lamps and a bench Open concept kitchen leading straight to the hall Kitchen looks quite plan and un-decorated That's all for now. Stay tuned!

What a frantic couple of days! Everything is taking shape, but a little too slowly I think. ID says we handover will be end of next week, but am not sure everything will be done by then. There's a lot of deliveries due then too; and am waiting for our furniture from BKK to be sent out. Whatever the outcome and handover date, I think the end product should look pretty decent. ID has done a pretty good job of design and space planning. Think pictures will speak for themselves. I promise to post more pictures of the end product soon (hopefully)