shoeboxmickeymousehouse

2012 dec 19 Wow! Walk In Closet for small spaces! http://shoeboxdwelling.com/2012/12/18/walk-in-closet-wardrobe/ (click for pics)

2012 dec 18 http://shoeboxdwelling.com/2012/12/18/hidesk/ HIDEsk by Michael Hilgers of studio Noroom is an inspiring way to deal with space limitations. The foldable piece allows you to create a work area anywhere instantly. This pop-up office can change a bedroom or a hallway within seconds into a small but functional working space. The powder-coated metal back hides cables and chargers and can be individualised with flexible aluminium shelves. The frame and flap are made from durable birch plywood with white film coating. In its folded state HIDesk takes as little room as a folding chair and can be stored easily. The product will be officially premiered at the IMM Cologne in January.

2012 dec 15 Private home sales seen falling 25% next year Savills cites local buying fatigue and increasing home completions. -BT Zeinab Yusuf Saiwalla The Business Times Above photo is CityLife @ Tampines. SINGAPORE - Sales in the private residential market could fall by more than 25 per cent next year, as a result of local buying fatigue from the many new launches over the past years and increasing home completions, according to a report by Savills Research Singapore. This would mean that from the record breaking 20,000 units sold in the past 10 months of this year, transaction numbers are likely to hover between 16,000 and 18,000 next year. Prices, however, are expected to continue their upward trend, in line with rising land costs and demand from overseas investors. According to Savills data, the average unit price of luxury condos in Singapore posted a second quarterly rise of 2 per cent quarter on quarter (q-o-q) from $2,350 per square foot (psf) to $2,395 psf in ...

2012 dec 14 Student micro-cottage in Sweden - cheaper and more stylish than a studio apartment. http://shoeboxdwelling.com/2012/12/11/student-micro-cottage/ (click for photos)

2012 dec 10 Upcoming Echelon @ Redhill MRT. The one bedder has an interesting layout. The bathroom sink is outside of the toilet! Some may or may not like this. Pro: Don't have to step on wet toilet floor just to wash hands. Con: Plumbing leaks... omg on the wooden flooring would be nightmare.

2012 dec 4 http://shoeboxdwelling.com/2012/11/29/dog-house-sofa/ (click to view photos) As I have said before, I love pet-friendly furniture. Incorporating pet lounging areas into human furniture pieces is a great idea, especially in small spaces, where there isn’t enough room to separate the two. The Dog House Sofa by Korean studio min n mun, is another interesting step in that direction. The piece includes a cushioned dog house on one side, providing resting areas for you and your dog(s). The couch is made of ash wood and pet-friendly fabrics. I love how current its design is. And, again, if your dog decides not to adopt the sofa (the phenomenon has yet to be precedented), you can use the pet house as storage.

2012 nov 27 Eco Sanctuary 506sf one bedroom

2012 nov 16 http://www.squarefoot.com.sg/market-watch/shoebox-rental (click link above for details)

2012 nov 15 http://shoeboxdwelling.com/2012/11/14/worlds-slimmest-house/ (click above link to view photos) This project has been recently completed by Polish architect Jakub Szczesny in Warsaw. More of an installation and social experiment than an actual dwelling, the object is a response to the rising problem of urban housing in Poland. The house occupies a gap between two buildings, at its widest point it is less than 5 feet wide (and only a little over 3 feet at its narrowest). The building is so slim, there isn’t even a space for a window – sunlight enters through the tiny holes in the bedroom wall. “Research shows we are approaching a social disaster because too little living space is built, – the architect said in his interview to Daily Mail. – You don’t need that much space to live in, so it is worth considering building smaller scaled, cheaper housing.” Szczesny approached Israeli writer and film director Etgar Keret to get involved in the project. Keret will live in the bu...

2012 nov 5 http://www.facebook.com/notes/property-edge/st-reports-developers-unfazed-by-deadline-by-esther-teo/544977035528879 Developers unfazed by deadline They say URA has already been clamping down on such projects Nov 05, 2012 By Esther Teo, Property Reporter New rules limiting the number of shoebox units a developer can build on suburban sites kicked in yesterday but there was little sign of a scramble by developers to submit last-minute projects. One reason is that the authorities had already been clamping down on projects with these popular tiny homes, usually 50 sq m or smaller, for some time. Developers said that for the past year, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has been stricter in granting approvals as the number of new shoebox units sold soared. Developments with too many shoebox units were encouraged to increase the size of their units before provisional permission for the project was given, they added. Industry players also pointed out that the rules do not c...

2012 oct 29 http://sbr.com.sg/residential-property/news/you-wont-believe-costs-small-apartments-rose-much You won't believe costs of small apartments rose this much It's an uphill climb. According to resale price index release by National University of Singapore's Institute of Real Estate Studies, overall prices rose 0.6% in September compared to August data. Units in the Central region, exclusive of small ones, saw price hikes of 0.4% while those in the non-Central region saw 0.9% price hikes. Small units rose 1.4% compared to August data. The National University of Singapore (NUS) Singapore Residential Price Index Series (SRPI) is a transactions-based index that tracks the month-on-month price movements of private non-landed residential properties in Singapore.  Developed by a team of researchers at IRES, the SRPI provides a resource for the development of property derivatives that would help to expand the suite of financial products offered in Singapore, particular...

2012 oct 18 http://sbr.com.sg/residential-property/news/singaporeans-work-longest-hours-among-top-cities Singaporeans work the longest hours among top cities More than 8 hours of work a day boosts shoebox popularity. According to recent study by Savills, shoebox units appeal most to young working population. It argues that as economies have undergone a structural shift from manufacturing to services, economic activity has become increasingly concentrated in core locations, putting a strain on often overburdened transport networks. The need for convenience, it said, often as a result of longer working hours (particularly true of global financial markets) has also helped to bolster the popularity of living close to work. "This shift has been made much easier by steadily improving 24/7 social infrastructure, allowing a level of convenience only dreamt of by parents and grandparents. Twenty-four hour convenience stores, take-away services, lifestyle coffee shops to relax in an...

2012 oct 18 http://sbr.com.sg/residential-property/news/phenomenal-rise-shoebox-units-in-singapore The phenomenal rise of shoebox units in Singapore Shoebox prices are presently commanding a 33.5% premium over all non-landed property values. According to Savills Research, in Singapore, the definition of a shoebox unit is confined to size. The Minister of National Development blogged that it is an apartment of less than 500 sq ft; however, there are others who believe that it should include units of up to 700 sq ft. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), in its latest planning guidelines computing the maximum number of dwelling units on development land, uses 753 sq ft, but did not say explicitly that this refers to shoebox units. For the purposes of this report, the definition of a shoebox unit will be taken to mean units of less than 500 sq ft. Shoebox units started to take root in the latter half of the last decade. The completed apartments currently hitting the leasing m...

2012 oct 18 Shoebox Units - a weight loss story. Click link to read PDF: http://www.squarefoot.com.sg/phocadownload/sep-12-shoebox-units.pdf

2012 oct 18 http://www.facebook.com/notes/property-edge/bt-reports-buyers-in-asian-cities-more-open-to-shoebox-units-by-mindy-tan/534971729862743 Buyers in Asian cities more open to shoebox units These apartments command higher per sq ft values in Singapore BY MINDY TAN Property buyers in Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan have been quicker to embrace designer shoebox apartments than their counterparts in old-world cities such as Sydney, London and New York. In Singapore, the lure of such apartments - defined as units of below 500 sq ft - comes from their higher per-square-foot values. A Savills World Research report said shoebox units are worth S$1,547 psf, giving them a 33.5 per cent premium over all non-landed property values. When rented out, such units command significantly higher rates; the average rent is now above S$6.50 psf a month, versus S$4.20 psf a month for units of between 501 sq ft and 1,500 sq ft. While the take-up for new shoebox units - which averag...

2012 oct 17 http://www.savills.co.uk/research_articles/141285/142893-0 The rise of the shoebox unit Old stereotypes are swept aside as this new concept catches on. 17 October 2012, Words by Yolande Barnes We note a rising trend in many cities towards smaller apartments, not just a bit smaller either, but much smaller. This new generation of small units is emerging in world cities across the globe, but is distinct from the shoebox units of the past. In Singapore, 300-sq ft units are being developed in quite substantial numbers, while in Hong Kong, 250-sq ft to 300-sq ft apartments are becoming more common in central locations. Tokyo has long had a reputation for compact quarters and apartments of 200 sq ft to 350 sq ft are the mainstream in the single-occupier rental market. Some older projects even offer units of 80 sq ft. In London, studios as small as 250 sq ft have been available in areas such as Bloomsbury since the 1930s but now specialist developers are starting to build exp...

2012 oct 13 Recent COMPLETED shoebox RESALE transactions, from URA: THE COTZ TELOK KURAU ROAD Apartment 1 660,000 452 Strata 1,460 Oct-12 PARC HAVEN LORONG LIMAU Apartment 1 590,000 452 Strata 1,305 Sep-12 THE COTZ TELOK KURAU ROAD Apartment 1 599,000 409 Strata 1,464 Sep-12 CASA AERATA LORONG 26 GEYLANG Apartment 1 580,000 420 Strata 1,382 Sep-12 CITY REGENCY ST. MICHAEL'S ROAD Apartment 1 658,000 484 Strata 1,358 Sep-12 CASA AERATA LORONG 26 GEYLANG Apartment 1 572,000 420 Strata 1,363 Sep-12 TREVISTA LORONG 3 TOA PAYOH Condominium 1 755,000 463 Strata 1,631 Sep-12 OPAL SUITES OPAL CRESCENT Apartment 1 540,000 398 Strata 1,356 Sep-12 CASA AERATA LORONG 26 GEYLANG Apartment 1 572,000 441 Strata 1,296 Sep-12 CENTRA SUITES LORONG 25A GEYLANG Apartment 1 650,000 420 Strata 1,548 Sep-12 CASA AERATA LORONG 26 GEYLANG Apartment 1 560,000 441 Strata 1,269 Sep-12 CENTRA STUDIOS LORONG 25 GEYLANG Apartment 1 580,000 344 Strata 1,684 Sep-12 THE VERVE JALAN RAJAH Apartment 1 6...

2012 oct 13 Recent shoebox transactions. From http://www.squarefoot.com.sg/latest-transactions 2012-09-27 8 BASSEIN 11 Novena Freehold Apartment 431 1,928 830,000 2012-09-26 EIGHT RIVERSUITES 12 Kallang 99 Yrs FROM 2011 Condominium 441 1,507 665,000 2012-10-01 THE COTZ 15 Bedok Freehold Apartment 452 1,460 660,000 2012-09-28 CRADELS 12 Novena Freehold Apartment 463 1,410 652,800 2012-09-25 D'ZIRE 19 Hougang 999 Yrs FROM 1875 Apartment 463 1,368 633,330 2012-09-21 V ON SHENTON 1 Downtown Core 99 Yrs FROM 2011 Apartment 474 2,434 1,153,000 2012-09-17 PARC CENTROS 19 Punggol 99 Yrs FROM 2012 Condominium 474 1,169 553,500 2012-09-24 ONE DUSUN RESIDENCES 12 Novena Freehold Apartment 484 1,662 805,000 2012-09-26 THE MKZ 9 Newton Freehold Apartment 495 1,991 985,700 2012-09-18 ONE DUSUN RESIDENCES 12 Novena Freehold Apartment 527 1,607 847,700 2012-09-18 ONE DUSUN RESIDENCES 12 Novena Freehold Apartment 527 1,587 837,200 2012-09-28 STELLAR RV 10 Tanglin Freehold Apartment 53...

2012 oct 10 http://shoeboxdwelling.com/2012/10/09/tiny-home-in-a-truck/#more-8962 Usually when we think of someone living in a truck, our mind paints a picture of extreme disenfranchisement. Not here. This compact residence, built inside the standard UNICAT truck, includes all essentials of a comfortable dwelling – bedroom, bathroom, office, lounge and more – perfect for the adventurous freelancer or man on the run. Of couse, living in such a confined space calls for a good organizing plan, so the space is fitted with generous storage. Check out the space-saving ideas this incredible mobile home offers. (click on the above URL link)

2012 oct 10 Skies Miltonia, a recently launched project near the Orchid Country Club in Yishun, sold over 60% as of last Friday. Totalling 420 units, only 78 are one bedroom units, ranging 484-624sf. Let's take a look at the 484sf layout. Generally a very decent layout, with potential use of the AC ledge as laundry 'yard' area. Looks like the kitchen may potentially be enclosed as well if you fix up a partition/door. Living, dining and bedroom all decently spacious, with added incentive of natural ventilation for the toilet. Not sure if you are able to have the bedroom door inside so toilet can be accessed by guests without entering your bedroom. From the floor plan looks like there are two doors - both inside and outside, quite rare. However, from the site plan, it appears all the one bedroom stacks are facing the back of the site, where there is no view of the reservoir plus future blockage potential. This is not unusual, for any full condo project, usually the ...

2012 oct 7 Amazing to fit 2 bedrooms into 388sf! I would hesitate to place this under 'best shoebox layouts' though...

2012 oct 4 Property Ramblings Part VIII: Encounters of the Tenant Kind As landlords and agents, you may bump into some rare tenant types where immediately you wonder whether you are on the right planet at the time. Here I've listed out 10 major types, if you have met one type not even on this list, quick go and buy TOTO. (you are really lucky) 1. The good Always professional and polite in communication. Always uses 'please' and 'thank you'. Always smiles and never frowns. Always pays on time. Always agree to allow you to show the place to potential buyers. Always settles all problems and maintenance by themselves. Boy, this almost sounds as rare as a tortoise with 3 heads. 2. The slut Same as the above, but always add a wink and nudge and a pinch to your butt cheek while at it. Never fails to share with you their schedules, what they like, what they don't like, their favorite positions (in bed), how well traveled they are (slept with folks from many...

2012 oct 3 From sbr (Singapore Business Review): Buyers of shoebox units may be hit with a double whammy, warns Savills Here's how government's new move to curb shoebox apartment impacts the market. The government has unveiled a new policy to curb the increasing number of shoebox apartment units. On 4 September 2012, the URA announced its guidelines on the maximum number of units that will be allowed for all new developments in the OCR. This is derived from a formula that is based on a prescribed average unit size of 70 sq m. In the more congested areas like Telok Kurau, Kovan, Joo Chiat and Jalan Eunos, the prescribed average unit size is 100 sq m. Savills Consultancy & Research warns that the new policy will hit both developers and purchasers. Here's from Savills: Many welcomed the changes, as the supply of shoe box units – typically below 50 sq m – was expected to rise five-fold to 11,000 units by the end of 2015. The shoebox units have artificially push...

2012 oct 1 From wiki: Shoebox style (architecture) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia In architecture, shoebox style refers to the functionalist style of modern architecture characterised by predominantly rectilinear, orthogonal shapes, with regular horizontal rows of windows or glass walls. A dingbat apartment in southern California Along the same analogy, it refers to undistinguished styles of apartment houses, such as dingbat apartments. The puritan and repetitive shoebox style is seen as a way to low-cost construction. The term "shoebox style" is also applies to concert halls of rectangular shape, as opposed to the traditional circular amphitheatre/arena/horseshoe shapes. --- However, it is noted that 'shoebox' in Singapore context does not refer to architecture. Rather, it refers to how small an apartment can be. These are also called 'Mickey Mouse' apartments for obvious reasons. Then there are also 'container' houses (think Th...

2012 oct 1 http://www.squarefoot.com.sg/market-watch/shoebox-units

2012 sep 27 SAN FRANCISCO - Lawmakers here have postponed voting on a proposal that would make the city home to some of the smallest apartments in the country. The city's Board of Supervisors had yesterday been expected to consider a building code change to allow apartments as small as 220 sq ft, or 20.4 sq m. Current regulations require apartment living rooms alone to be that size. The tiny, efficient units would include a bathroom, kitchen and closet. Supervisor Scott Wiener, who drafted the new legislation, asked to delay a preliminary vote on the issue until Nov 13 so that he could continue discussions with critics who fear the apartments would increase population density, strain city services and further crowd out families. They are calling for a pilot project to test the new units before fully opening the door to construction. According to the Associated Press, the construction of shoebox apartments was aimed at residents who are being priced out of the housing mar...

2012 sep 13 http://www.rmi.nus.edu.sg/aboutus/_files/rminews/The_rise_and_rise_of_shoebox_units.pdf (click to read report) LAST week, the Government announced new rules to cap the supply of so-called "shoebox" units - tiny residential units - in the market. The move suggests some discomfort with the proliferation of such units in recent years. The Government projects an increase in the number of shoebox apartments from the current 2,400 to 11,000 by 2015. But why has this sub-sector of the housing market boomed? And what are the issues that arise if more such units are built? The recent mushrooming of shoebox apartments has raised some concerns about the liveability and sustainability of such apartments, which generally refer to units having a gross floor area of less than 50 sq m. Are shoebox units inhumane?

2012 sep 11 http://www.propwise.sg/sayonara-shoeboxes/ On September 4th, 2012 the URA announced new guidelines that will effectively curb the future development of shoebox units, typically units smaller than 500 square feet... (click URL link above to read more)

2012 sep 8 It's not the fix for parking woes by Conrad Raj 04:45 AM Sep 07, 2012 While the latest curbs on "shoebox" apartments are not as restrictive as some earlier feared, regular interference with market forces is not altogether welcome or a good thing. There are already caps on the number, height and plot ratio for any development plot. Now the proposed new rules, which come into effect on Nov 4, essentially limit the number of units in a development by applying a minimum average dwelling site on any plot. In non-landed private developments outside the central area, the average home size needs to be at least 70 sq m. Although the Government has not set a minimum size for any dwelling, developers are probably expected to have to stick to the current minimum of 50 sq m for any dwelling unit. In areas like Kovan and Joo Chiat/Jalan Eunos, which "face more severe infrastructure conditions", a more stringent cap is supposed to apply. The stringency is ...

2012 sep 6 http://www.myplace.sg/make-your-shoebox-apartment-look-larger/ Love it or hate it, there's no way around it, but the shoebox apartment could certainly get some help in looking and feeling spacious. A shoebox apartment is defined as one that comes in 500 sq ft or under. They may come with one bedroom at most, as well as compact kitchen and living area. So what can you do with your shoebox apartment to make it appear more spacious? Often, it is about adopting simple visual tactics. Check out these interior design tips. Refrain from dark colours on large surfaces Dark colours are a big no-no when dealing with compact living spaces. The theory that dark colours tend to make the body looks slimmer also applies to interior spaces, as dark colours tend to close in on a space. Instead, adopt light or neutral colours such as white, cream or very light grey tones on your walls. You can also go a step further by adopting a similar palette for your furniture, so that the pieces b...

2012 sep 5 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443847404577630974280936612.html Singapore Cracks Down on Shoebox Homes By CHUN HAN WONG SINGAPORE—Singapore's government will curb the development of small "shoebox" apartments in the city-state's suburban areas, as part of an effort to temper the local property market and encourage developers to build larger, family-friendly homes. The move, announced Tuesday by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, comes after officials in May expressed concern over "heated activity" in the so-called shoebox segment that has grown rapidly in the past year. Shoebox apartments have floor areas of 500 square feet or less and are popular with investors seeking rental incomes. Under new guidelines that take effect Nov. 4, the URA will cap the number of apartments of any size that can be built in nonlanded private-residential projects outside the city-state's central area. Nonlanded housing are generally high-rise, ...

2012 sep 4 http://business.asiaone.com/Business/News/Story/A1Story20120904-369547.html Government to intervene in market for shoebox apartments The number of units which can be developed on non-landed suburban private residential developments will soon be restricted, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said today. From November 4, new guidelines to curb the development of shoebox units outside the central area will take effect. The decision to impose guidelines on the development of shoebox apartments stems from the need to prevent a disproportionately large portion of small units in the housing market, URA said. In a statement released on Tuesday, the authority added that it had been monitoring public feedback on the development of shoebox units in non-central areas of Singapore. According to URA data, the number of shoebox units will increase by more than four times from 2,400 at the end of 2011 to about 11,000 units by the end of 2015. In its survey, URA found that shoebox...

2012 sep 4 http://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-reins-shoebox-apartments-132446688.html Singapore reins in 'shoebox' apartments AFP News – Tue, Sep 4, 2012 Singapore on Tuesday said it will restrict the growth of "shoebox" private apartments in the suburbs to ease overcrowding concerns and encourage couples to have children. The new cap will come into force on November 4 to "discourage new developments consisting predominantly of 'shoebox units' outside the Central Area", the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said in a press release. Shoebox units in Singapore typically measure 50 square metres (538 square feet) or less, about half the size of an average public housing apartment. Singapore developers ramped up the construction of shoebox units to boost sales as land and other costs shot up in recent years. Such units will increase more than four-fold from about 2,400 at the end of 2011 to about 11,000 units by the end of 2015, the URA said, add...

2012 sep 3 Property Ramblings Part VII: 10 Reasons Why Anyone Would Want to be an Agent In dedication to one of our dear forummer bro/sis who sent me a note of appreciation on my past articles, I shall once again touch on the age old sensitive career choice. Short of being placed on the same scale as a convict (or are they already??), real estate agents are often labeled fiends rather than friends. Maligned or misaligned, these accusations, you think? Let's find out. TOP TEN REASONS WHY YOU WOULD WANT TO BE A PROPERTY AGENT: 1. I Love I Love I Love Houses, Homes and Meeting People I grew up in a happy family with happy memories of childhood days spent learning and having fun with my siblings. This same house is the house I am still living in after 30 years. A house is not just bricks and mortar. A house is also a home. A home is where joy and laughter surrounds everyone close to me. To be able to be invited into strangers' homes and share in the bliss of living and l...

Ever wonder where the hotspots are in Singapore? We translated the latest mass market property prices into a heat map, using a scale of up to $1,500psf. Prices are creeping towards and beyond $1,500psf in most mass market districts nearer to the city fringe, with the eastern part of the island appearing to be a lot 'hotter' than the west. See diagram here -from Squarefoot Research http://www.squarefoot.com.sg/

2012 aug 1 Property Ramblings Part VI: Agent Encounters This month's update is dedicated to our dear Agent friends whom you either love or hate! (timely, considering the recently launched local tv series) 1. The Professional Always well groomed, clad in tailored garb and no single strand of hair out of place, you can definitely count on him or her to walk the walk and talk the talk. He or she usually also drives a respectable branded continental luxury car. The car is always well polished and never ever a single drop of angry bird produce. Often you may be driven around for viewing or to signing and you will never see any cutesy hello kitty or doraemon plush anywhere in the car. Even if there is a baby seat for the agent's toddler, it will always be put away, failing which it will be in the car boot. The radio station - what are you thinking?? - no, CD or MP3 player will be flashing out slick Buddha bar or classical music depending on how the agent perceives your leanin...

2012 aug 1 http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/singapore/story/resale-prices-shoebox-flats-fall-investors-turn-cautious By Esther Teo Resale prices of tiny apartments dipped last month, with the once red-hot segment seeming to fall out of favour. Prices of resale flats of 506 sq ft or less fell by 1.4 per cent in June compared with the month before, according to preliminary figures in the Singapore Residential Price Index yesterday. Values in May rose 0.7 per cent over April. Overall resale prices held steady last month compared with a 1.4 per cent increase from April to May. Prices of centrally located homes eased 0.9 per cent while that of non-central homes increased 0.7 per cent.

2012 jul 3 http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/sardines-in-a-shoebox-apartment-living-survival-tips-707903.html Hollywood never had it so right – there’s no place like home. Instead of a quaint Kansas cottage though, if I clicked my ruby slippers, I end up in the shoebox they came from. Living in an apartment can still be a home though – albeit with good and bad experiences. With a few tips, anyone living in close quarters can survive and thrive. A home is more than just a place to sleep – it is a retreat to leave toothpaste uncapped, and fridge doors plastered with whacky magnets. The ability to relax in peace is why having a home is so important – whether it be a caravan, a typical house, or an apartment. The difference lies in how does each mode of abode affect sanity and relationships. Even if you’ve never lived in an apartment and never will, it’s interesting to know how to handle being in small spaces with other people, such as when on a camping holiday, ...

2012 jul 2 Property Investment Tips Part V: Tips for Buying (Resale) If you are buying a house, it pays to pay (pay to pay, again??) attention to some pointers: 1. Agent or not Typically, most buyers will approach the seller's agent or seller direct when making enquiries on an interesting property. Therefore, there is no need to engage an agent if you know very clearly what you are seeking. However, if you only have a budget and maybe a district as criteria, it may be helpful to engage an agent (especially one that specializes in those districts you are keen in) to hunt for suitable units for viewing. Often, they will have internal (to agencies only) listings that aren't otherwise accessible to the public. Therefore, you will have higher chances of finding the right house. If however, you have already narrowed down to a few developments, do note that you may be able to purchase owner's contact details from the authorities (I think SLA). But the thing is you would...

2012 jun 20 http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/this_urban_jungle/1166264/with_a_little_adjustments_a_shoebox_apartment_can_look_beautiful.html A homeowner in Singapore has wowed many with how she renovated her shoebox flat. From previously looking dark and cramp, the flat has now been transformed to look brighter and more spacious. STOMPer Shoesize14 was amazed when he came across these pictures of how modern this shoebox flat looked after renovations. Said the STOMPer: "Magnificent. "I think it was a pretty neat trick of her to use mirrors to give the illusion of a brighter space area. "Despite sharing her flat with her mom, the flat does not look cramp at all. "In fact, her utility room can even double up as a guest room, which means there might be 3 people in the flat at times! "I guess it does help that the homeowner does seem quite neat, and hence regularly packs her home area to make it less messy. Images 1 to 29 show the shoebox apartment....

2012 Jun 15 Stop shoebox apartment bashing From Leona Lo 04:45 AM Jun 14, 2012 TODAYonline I thank Mr Conrad Raj for speaking up, in his commentary "Not too small for comfort" (June 7), for small apartment dwellers like me, my husband and our two cats. We are renting a 43-sq-m house and will move to a similar-sized private apartment in 2014. We love our cosy dwelling, which we can easily spring-clean without having to rely on domestic help. The space constraint curbs indulgence in unnecessary household goods. Amid the outburst by the CEO of a prominent property developer and the hostility to small apartments by some analysts, I ask this question: "How is it any of your business if you are not paying for my mortgage?" Small apartment dwellers can live comfortably, too. Please respect this.

2012 jun 15 Smaller units have a role to play I agree with Mr Conrad Raj’s commentary “Not too small for comfort” (June 7) and would add that shoebox apartments play an important role in the real estate landscape here. Single professionals like me who graduated recently from university face difficulty starting a life of our own because of the high real estate prices. Renting is not a good alternative because high housing prices translate to high rentals. Sinking money into this means further postponing home ownership. It does not help that the Housing and Development Board bars singles below the age of 35 from purchasing public flats. Despite the high per-square-foot prices, shoebox apartments are thus the only affordable option for young graduates with only a few years of savings who wish to also graduate from the family home. While there are fears that speculators are cornering the shoebox apartment market and artificially driving up prices, cutting supply is not the an...

2012 jun 14 AS SOMEONE who has lived in shoebox apartments of sizes varying from 33 sq m to 50 sq m, I refute the recent strong statements by a chief executive of a leading property developer ('Shoebox flats 'almost inhuman' '; May 25). For a bachelor in his mid-30s like myself, who values privacy and seeks an independent life both socially and financially, investing in a shoebox apartment is a pragmatic way of starting off on this journey. It has been six years since I bought my first shoebox unit, of which I still have fond memories. I recall vividly the thoughts going through my mind rationalising the purchase then: - It was located just 10 minutes from the city by car, nestled among well-kept bungalows. - There were fewer than 30 units in the quaint 'conservation status' development. - My neighbours were a diverse mix of Singaporeans and expatriates from Australia, Japan and the United States. - It was really affordable. Friends were quite impre...