Choosing the Right Kind of Housing for Your Wants and Needs

When it comes to house hunting, chances are that you could begin to feel a little overwhelmed by the multitude of options that are presented to you by estate agents. Here’s a quick run through of a few different property types to help you choose the right kind of housing for all of your wants and needs.

The Self-Build

The self-build is a large proportion of homeowners’ dream. If you opt for a self-build, you are essentially commissioning the construction of a home that you have designed from scratch. Essentially, this property will suit your needs from the ground up. It will meet all of your requirements and be specifically tailored to your lifestyle. Think about it. You can choose exactly how many bedrooms there will be, whether they will have en suites. You will choose the size and dimensions of every room, right down to the height of the ceilings and whether there are any alcoves. You can have beams installed. Opt for an open plan kitchen diner or keeping the rooms separate. The decision of how many floors you have will fall directly into your lap. You can choose how many windows you want, where you want them to be located, what shape they will be, how large they will be. They could have window seats. Perhaps you’d even want skylights. The list of options available to you could go on and on. When it comes to home ownership, this is the dream. However, this is something that is exclusively available to those with a notable budget. You will have to collaborate with various individuals, including architects, designers, and contractors – all who come with their own large price tags. The project is also likely to take a fair amount of time. So if you need somewhere to move into quickly, this might not be the best option for you.

BTO

BTO stands for “built to order” housing: something that is rapidly gaining popularity in Singapore. Now, this doesn’t mean that the property you are investing in is built exactly as you order it. In fact, you have a lot less control over how these properties turn out, or whether they actually come into existence at all. The HBD (or Housing and Development Board) developed this type of flat allocation system to offer flexibility to potential owners interested in buying new HBD flats. To put things simply, building sites are suggested, and individuals can apply for an apartment on any of the proposed sites. If at least 70% of the apartments proposed are applied for, building commences, and they become a reality. While this may mean that you have to wait a while before the property of your dreams becomes available, it also means that you’re guaranteed a spot in your preferred location once it does come into fruition. Numerous bto launches are put out at various times throughout the year, so it’s always worth keeping an eye out for potential sites that might strike your fancy.

Studio Apartments

Studio apartments are perhaps the smallest form of housing. This type of accommodation tends to be much more common in major cities where space is limited. It’s not surprising, then, that a lot of homes in central Paris, London, and New York tend to fit into this property description. So, what actually is a studio apartment? Well, it is generally a self-contained unit that features one room with a bed and kitchen and a small bathroom connected. Of course, this isn’t ideal for families. So it tends to be the stomping ground of single professionals and young individuals who are testing the first rung of the property ladder.

One Bedroom Apartments

The one bedroom apartment is the next step up from the studio apartment. It works on a similar principle but tends to have a little more space. The one bedroom apartment will likely have an open plan living space and kitchen, or a living space and kitchen in separate rooms. The bedroom itself will be separate from these, as will the bathroom or ensuite. One bedroom apartments tend to be the favoured home for couples. There’s sufficient space for two people to live comfortably without there being too much-wasted room.

Family Homes

While family homes don’t necessarily have to be inhabited by a family of sorts, they are referred to as such, as they have sufficient room for multiple people to live together without getting on top of one another. There are various different types, so let’s take a quick look at a few here.

Townhouses

Townhouses originate from early England. They tend to be slim with three floors. They are most common, again, in cities with little space. Building upwards, therefore, means that inhabitants still have plenty of space to live, but the parameters of the city can then fit more properties within itself.

Detached

A detached property is perhaps the most desirable form of family home. You have your own, independent property. It is freestanding and isolated. You are less likely to have arguments with the neighbours about where one property ends and another begins (something that generally causes tension over garden space and driveways with other forms of properties).

Semi-Detached

Semi-detached builds have become more popular over the years, as councils and other authorities have attempted to save space. They are essentially one house that is attached to another by one wall.

Terraced

A terraced house is one house in a series of properties that are all interlinked in a row. They are often cheaper than other forms of housing, as you don’t have the same privacy that a detached house would have. However, end terrace houses (the two properties on the very end of each row) are not too dissimilar from semi-detached properties. There shouldn’t be any problems with a terraced house if your neighbours are respectful and mindful. However, if they’re particularly noisy or disruptive, you could find yourself in the midst of a racket at any given time.

Bungalow

Bungalows are properties with just one floor. As everything remains on the ground level, they prove particularly popular with the elderly, or others with limited movement. The eradication of stars in the home means that such individuals don’t have to worry about getting up and down the stairs safely and comfortably.

These are some of the most popular options but bear in mind that there are plenty more out there. Remember to always weigh up the pros and cons of each type of property before setting your heart on it. Certain builds are better fitted to different tenants and lifestyles.

 

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