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Thread: A penchant for shoebox housing

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    Default A penchant for shoebox housing

    http://www.todayonline.com/Business/...hoebox-housing

    A penchant for shoebox housing

    by Ong Kah Seng

    Updated 04:21 PM Dec 17, 2010


    Gone are the days where size matters for home seekers. Smaller apartments are making their presence. In the public housing sector, 3-room and studio flats have been re-introduced in new Build-to-Order HDB projects, while new private residential offerings seem to be increasingly smaller, yet popular.

    Colloquially referred to as "Mickey Mouse" or "shoebox" apartments, there has been an increased demand for such residential units. The year 2007 saw a spike in sales of units smaller than 500 sq ft, from an almost inexistence to 325 units.

    The story continued from there, to 883 transactions last year. While it can be argued that last year was a recession year and therefore small apartments found favour among financially cautious buyers, the heightened interest in shoebox units this year seems to confirm the growing penchant for smaller apartments. This year, a total of 1,421 such units have so far been transacted.



    Why the popularity?

    To examine why shoebox units have become popular, one must look at the private residential sector in the form of sales activity, pricing trends and product offerings in recent times.

    The private residential sector has created various market participants who entered and exited at the right time to achieve tidy profits, reflecting success stories from property transactions. This spurred many other aspiring private home buyers to quickly proceed with a purchase.

    However, while one recognises the opportunity from property investments, there are often limitations in one's financing capabilities. Gaining entry into the property game is but a dream unless one has accumulated sufficient funds to make a purchase.

    Shoebox apartments are hence a feasible option for interested participants who find it increasingly difficult to own a sizeable piece of private property as prices have continued to escalate. For one, the upfront capital and overall cost of shoebox apartments are smaller and more affordable.

    For another, the cost of a shoebox apartment will at most be comparable to that of a larger HDB flat. For a private residential property owner, there is more flexibility in home ownership and re-selling his unit.

    Developers who saw this trend were quick in pushing out such projects amid the scarcity. The response has been encouraging and the resale demand for such properties has further reflected the overwhelming interest.



    Understanding Challenges

    Potential buyers of shoebox apartments need to know that the tenant base for such housing is more restricted than ordinary apartments. Prospective tenants are likely to have significant budget constraints and are often either local professionals or junior expatriates on partial housing allowances.

    Some of these tenants may also prefer an HDB flat as it is more spacious for a rent that is lower than that of a shoebox apartment. Companies are unlikely to accommodate upper-middle and senior expatriates in shoebox apartments, who have specific housing requirements. A shoebox apartment will not reflect well on the company, which may in turn affect career and relocation decisions.

    Also, living in a shoebox apartment may not be entirely cost effective. Some occupiers may find that there are limited activities within the confined space and prefer hanging out, incurring more entertainment expenses. The real costs of living may be higher than expected.



    Relevance for shoebox apartments

    Although there are challenges in investments, it does not necessarily reduce the appeal of shoebox apartments. As home buyers are becoming cautious and refraining from buying apartments beyond their reach, shoebox apartments can be smaller, realistic purchases that minimise liquidity risks. Buyers are also able to channel the rest of their funds to other areas, such as travel or enrichment programmes.

    There is a potential for shoebox apartments to become more popular among homebuyers. Small sized apartments are common in major cities in the world where properties are costly.

    With Singaporeans increasingly exposed to overseas city living, many may become more open to living in confined premises so long as there is privacy and an opportunity to host small gatherings.

    The success of the new developments can also potentially create a structural shift in housing preferences and living patterns.

    Perhaps a key merit of shoebox apartments for investors is that the tenant does not have to share an apartment with others, including strangers and acquaintances. This minimises friction arising from different lifestyles among occupiers.

    Shoebox apartments are also effective solutions to singles who may find regular size housing beyond their means. A single can only buy an HDB resale flat if he or she is at least 35 years old.

    Shoebox apartments offer privacy for singles who are not only financially independent but are long psychologically ready for independent living.

    A shoebox apartment, in this case, will be bought for owner occupation rather than for pure investment.

    Consider the option carefully

    The fact is that hardly any property can offer the perfect fit. A cost-effective property usually cannot provide the maximum benefit from both investment potential and capital appreciation standpoints. What is essential for a buyer is to be clear about the motivation in the property purchase - is it for investment or owner occupation?

    When prudence is exercised in the home-buying decision, a shoebox apartment can be a worthwhile purchase, offering the opportunity to enjoy privacy and a potential for capital appreciation in sync with the sustained economic recovery.



    The writer is senior manager, Research at Cushman & Wakefield.

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    it will be interesting when all the MM units start to TOP. I think mediacorp can shoot reality TV in some of the MM homes and see how people actually live in it. I think suites@ Guillamard has to be a potential candidate.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Regulators
    it will be interesting when all the MM units start to TOP. I think mediacorp can shoot reality TV in some of the MM homes and see how people actually live in it. I think suites@ Guillamard has to be a potential candidate.
    oredi got projects TOP wat?

    so many....3xxsqft ones...

    4xxsqft is BIG oredi..LOL

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    I guess the owners will get sick of them after a while... especially at the pathetic size of the gym and swimming pool of most MM units. I would enjoy MM when I retire, as they require less effort to maintain the whole house.

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    Quote Originally Posted by hyenergix
    I guess the owners will get sick of them after a while... especially at the pathetic size of the gym and swimming pool of most MM units. I would enjoy MM when I retire, as they require less effort to maintain the whole house.
    i think it depends on the size of the project - if mainly big sized ones with a stack for MM i think that is best (the MM owner gain as he has equal rights to use the facilities)

    even half normal sized units and half MM also ok

    but if mostly MMs...uh-oh...

    MMs should enjoy rental from foreign students with upper middle-class parents who want to give their kids privacy yet can't afford a full-fledged condo unit

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    MM is also good for singles below 35 who cannot buy hdb and cannot afford to buy proper sized condo.

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    But how to live in such a small space? Only slightly better than a hotel room and we all know how hard it is to live out of a suitcase after a few days...
    I agree that in my old age I would like to live in a compact apartment but I would think that 600sq ft would be the minimum.
    Even that would mean throwing out all my books, CDs, pets, furniture etc etc.
    Unlike many, I do like a balcony where I can sit and relax or hang laundry or sun my duvet or whatever.
    Planter boxes also have their uses; my friend who lives at Suites @ Marne needs the space (wooden strips in place of course) to drip-dry her laundry.
    I don't like bay windows but at least they are slowly dying out now.

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    can squeeze. anyone watch last nite's renovaid? 11pax in a 2 bedrm 3RM flat. go contact the ID - he prob can squeeze 5pax and a dog into a MM

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    Quote Originally Posted by gfoo
    can squeeze. anyone watch last nite's renovaid? 11pax in a 2 bedrm 3RM flat. go contact the ID - he prob can squeeze 5pax and a dog into a MM
    I was in a mall not too long ago and there was a roadshow where they showed how a study table could be easily converted into a full single bed - you can even leave your glass of water on the table and rotate the bed on top and not a single drop will spill (and the table top will be hidden underneath) - rather impressive.

    And so was the price - at $2400. However it seems to be targeting the MM and smaller unit households - I guess the business owner saw the trend of space-consciousness coming with the smaller units nowadays. With this smart piece of furniture you won't need a separate study room....

    Perhaps they should sell MMs with these smart furniture - Transformer Studios - Rise of the MMs...

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    500 sqft unit with China's capsule housing methodology can squeeze 8?

    Quote Originally Posted by gfoo
    can squeeze. anyone watch last nite's renovaid? 11pax in a 2 bedrm 3RM flat. go contact the ID - he prob can squeeze 5pax and a dog into a MM

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    the ultimate one is the 2xxsf unit at guillemard. i am waiting for that one to TOP, will drive down to see who is living there

    Quote Originally Posted by devilplate
    oredi got projects TOP wat?

    so many....3xxsqft ones...

    4xxsqft is BIG oredi..LOL

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    Quote Originally Posted by Regulators
    the ultimate one is the 2xxsf unit at guillemard. i am waiting for that one to TOP, will drive down to see who is living there
    That is about the size of my bedroom with bathroom! Maybe the kitchen is nothing more than just a toaster on the cabinet.

    I can bet my prediction about common bathroom will come true in the near future.

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    Quote Originally Posted by mantrix
    I was in a mall not too long ago and there was a roadshow where they showed how a study table could be easily converted into a full single bed - you can even leave your glass of water on the table and rotate the bed on top and not a single drop will spill (and the table top will be hidden underneath) - rather impressive.

    And so was the price - at $2400. However it seems to be targeting the MM and smaller unit households - I guess the business owner saw the trend of space-consciousness coming with the smaller units nowadays. With this smart piece of furniture you won't need a separate study room....

    Perhaps they should sell MMs with these smart furniture - Transformer Studios - Rise of the MMs...
    Bro, "rise of the machines" was T3 la... Showcasing the AP ROO T3 limited edition

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    Why MM get so much additional press coverage recently? Most are talking them down. Remember the saying... Run away from where the crowd is and go where the people fear to tread. In thing now is mass market condos at above 1200psf and enbloc sales. Run!

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    Quote Originally Posted by orange
    Bro, "rise of the machines" was T3 la... Showcasing the AP ROO T3 limited edition
    haha goes to show how high my hollywood IQ is -should be Transformers, Return of the MMs? thanks for correction

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    Default In and Out Things

    Out thing now is high crime JB property, RM 500K+ is all you need. Will you grab?

    Thanks,
    Richard

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    also soon, we will also have pencil projects like in HK

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    They can be found in river valley and novena.
    Quote Originally Posted by Laguna
    also soon, we will also have pencil projects like in HK

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    Are you sure? The "in-thing" that most experts are asking people to buy are "luxury condos" above $2500psf. Most press coverage are negative on suburban condos.

    Quote Originally Posted by mcmlxxvi
    Why MM get so much additional press coverage recently? Most are talking them down. Remember the saying... Run away from where the crowd is and go where the people fear to tread. In thing now is mass market condos at above 1200psf and enbloc sales. Run!

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    Few mths ago, I visited a friend who stays at Imperial Heights 2-bedder. Total size is only ard 550sqft. It has a balcony in living and in master br too! There was even a tiny yard (with door) outside the kitchen to fit a washing machine. Was quite impressed it looks liveable and rather cosy. The smart thing developer did is that the HS is outside the house (shared by the other units), and there is only one common toilet (none in master br). The kitchen is open concept, with "bar counter" lowered to become a dining table to fit 4 chairs.

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    Quote Originally Posted by penguin
    Few mths ago, I visited a friend who stays at Imperial Heights 2-bedder. Total size is only ard 550sqft. It has a balcony in living and in master br too! There was even a tiny yard (with door) outside the kitchen to fit a washing machine. Was quite impressed it looks liveable and rather cosy. The smart thing developer did is that the HS is outside the house (shared by the other units), and there is only one common toilet (none in master br). The kitchen is open concept, with "bar counter" lowered to become a dining table to fit 4 chairs.
    yea i saw tat layout too....but more like a 1+study to me....the 2nd bedrm too small....

    this project build damn fast too....1 yr from foundation to completion....

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    Quote Originally Posted by Wild Falcon
    Are you sure? The "in-thing" that most experts are asking people to buy are "luxury condos" above $2500psf. Most press coverage are negative on suburban condos.
    In thing not as in what is preached, but the real market response. Just see the ridiculous performance of Tennery.

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    Quote Originally Posted by richwang
    Out thing now is high crime JB property, RM 500K+ is all you need. Will you grab?

    Thanks,
    Richard
    Wei... Talk about same channel la... Dont go until 'overseas' market

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    Or Greenwich, Centro, The Vision, etc. As the going goes, usually 10% of people earns 90% of the money, so quite sure these majority buying so hot sales properties cannot make money right?

    Quote Originally Posted by mcmlxxvi
    In thing not as in what is preached, but the real market response. Just see the ridiculous performance of Tennery.

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    Quote Originally Posted by teddybear
    Or Greenwich, Centro, The Vision, etc. As the going goes, usually 10% of people earns 90% of the money, so quite sure these majority buying so hot sales properties cannot make money right?
    can have lots of paper profits wait until a lot want to cash out - see whether have enough buyers.

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    When 90% of the people are buying mass market now, they hope to flip when going to TOP in future to the remaining 10%?

    Quote Originally Posted by hopeful
    can have lots of paper profits wait until a lot want to cash out - see whether have enough buyers.

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    Quote Originally Posted by teddybear
    When 90% of the people are buying mass market now, they hope to flip when going to TOP in future to the remaining 10%?
    doesnt make sense to me wor

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    20 years from now, after a few more cycles, then you will understand. Now probably many don't until they have more experience.

    Quote Originally Posted by devilplate
    doesnt make sense to me wor

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    Quote Originally Posted by teddybear
    20 years from now, after a few more cycles, then you will understand. Now probably many don't until they have more experience.
    very expensive education. either in loss opportunities or actual losses
    Teddybear, don't teach them your kungfu.
    If everybody are smart, very difficult to make money.

    In Singapore small population and with small % of natives, like only 30% ?, not that many to contribute to the rich.
    In Indonesia big population and big % of natives like 95%, so many to help the rich become richer.
    In Malaysia, somewhere between Singapore and Indonesia.

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    What you said is insightful! Many people ever wondered why Indonesia and Malaysia so many rich people (especially the Chinese) whereas Singapore Chinese pale in comparison when Singapore GDP so high, economy so much better blah blah blah? You already give the answer below (10% of the people earns 90% of the money (You can only make money only when you behave like the 10%, not the other 90%!)).

    Quote Originally Posted by hopeful
    very expensive education. either in loss opportunities or actual losses
    Teddybear, don't teach them your kungfu.
    If everybody are smart, very difficult to make money.

    In Singapore small population and with small % of natives, like only 30% ?, not that many to contribute to the rich.
    In Indonesia big population and big % of natives like 95%, so many to help the rich become richer.
    In Malaysia, somewhere between Singapore and Indonesia.

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