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 impressed with how I maximised the 33 sq m of space.
Many of them commented that my unit looked larger than it really was.
I was able to fit a four-seater diner, a five-seater sofa, a queen-size bed in a separate bedroom, a huge wardrobe, a spacious bathroom and a kitchen, with more than enough storage and walking space for me.
It took me, a busy working professional, only 15 minutes on weekend mornings to clean the whole place, and do my laundry at the same time.
The small physical space to maintain meant I had far more time to live my life.
I was a total shoebox convert, as was the nice couple whom I later sold the apartment to.
Ho Ming Woei
Source : Today – 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 impressed with how I maximised the 33 sq m of space.
Many of them commented that my unit looked larger than it really was.
I was able to fit a four-seater diner, a five-seater sofa, a queen-size bed in a separate bedroom, a huge wardrobe, a spacious bathroom and a kitchen, with more than enough storage and walking space for me.
It took me, a busy working professional, only 15 minutes on weekend mornings to clean the whole place, and do my laundry at the same time.
The small physical space to maintain meant I had far more time to live my life.
I was a total shoebox convert, as was the nice couple whom I later sold the apartment to.
Ho Ming Woei
Source : Today – 2012 Jun 14
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