Timeline
Timeline for Purchasing a New Launch
Understand the critical milestones in your property purchase journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Sun Direction: Avoid the harsh West sun while maximizing natural light.
- Efficient Layouts: Look for regular shapes that allow you to fit furniture easily.
- Rubbish Chute: Check if it's located inside the apartment to avoid pests and smells.
- Water Pressure: Ensure the flow is strong enough for daily use.
- Balcony Size: Balance outdoor space with usable indoor living areas.
Table of Contents
Buying a property is one of the biggest financial commitments you will make. Beyond the price and location, the liveability of the unit often comes down to the finer details. If you overlook these nuances during a viewing, you might end up with daily annoyances that are hard to fix later.
Based on my experience helping clients find their dream homes, here are five critical points you must check before signing that Option to Purchase.
1. Facing the Sun
The orientation of your unit dictates the heat and light you will experience daily. Facing the direction of the sun is very important. Ideally, you want a unit that avoids the direct West sun, which can turn your home into an oven in the late afternoon.
However, you still want plenty of natural light. Look for units with North-South orientations or those that are angled to receive morning sun without the harsh afternoon glare. A bright, airy home makes a huge difference in comfort and energy bills.
2. The Layout Efficiency
When viewing a showflat or a resale unit, look closely at the floor plan. When your layout is efficient and has a regular size (square or rectangular), you can put almost anything or everything in it.
Avoid units with odd corners, excessive corridors, or slanted walls, as these create "dead space" that you pay for but cannot use effectively. A regular, squarish layout is very comfortable and allows for flexible furniture arrangements. Whether you are looking at upcoming new launches or resale properties, layout efficiency should be a top priority.
3. Rubbish Chute Location
This is a detail that many first-time buyers miss. Is the rubbish chute inside your apartment? While convenient, an internal chute can be a source of foul smells and "creepy crawlies" (pests) entering your home, especially if it is not well-maintained.
Many newer top projects completing in 2027 and beyond are moving chutes to the common lift lobby, which keeps the pests and odors out of your living space. It is definitely one thing to think about seriously.
4. Water Pressure
Always test the taps and showers during your inspection. You don't want your max water level to be a slow trickle. If it takes forever to fill up your water container or take a shower, it will become a daily frustration.
While some pressure issues can be fixed, others might be due to the building's infrastructure. For a detailed checklist on what else to inspect, especially for new properties, refer to our guidelines on property TOP.
5. Balcony Size
Balconies are great for lifestyle, but you don't want the balcony to be too big relative to the indoor living space. Unless you are an avid gardener or love al fresco dining, an oversized balcony can feel like wasted square footage.
You want more usable space inside the home. However, if the balcony is large, it's not too bad if you can install an awning or a zip track (subject to MCST approval). This effectively turns it into usable semi-indoor space, extending your living room.
Need professional advice? If you are keen to find out what else to look out for, or need help navigating the complex buying process, check out our services or DM me directly. I'll be glad to help you!