Adulting 101: Our third-last pick BTO flat is on the 2nd floor with a dud view. How can we make the most of it?

SINGAPORE — It took two years, eight tries, countless disappointing alerts of queue numbers that were too high to have any realistic hope of getting the available apartments, one meet-the-people session and seemingly endless trepidation.

Finally, on May 31, my boyfriend and I were invited to select a Build-to-Order (BTO) flat by the housing authority for our application that we put in last October.

You would think that after all the ups and downs, I would be over the moon that I am finally securing the Singaporean young couple's dream of having my own apartment.

No, as a result of the reaction of some friends and family, a part of me started getting concerned about our choice of flat.

While I was initially excited with my stack of documents indicating that I was closer to owning my first home, my mood soured when I received more chiding than congratulations from loved ones.

Why the negativity? It's a second-floor unit and faces the next housing block. To add salt to the wound, it was one of three five-room flats left in the estate.

"You'll have trouble selling your flat next time."

"There'll be a lot of dust and noise."

"You're going to have pests crawl in."

These were what I have been hearing.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) recognises that last-pick flats or similar are not the gems of the estate sought by many applicants. For couples with 10 or fewer BTO flats left to choose from, it waives a non-selection penalty.

Usually, first-timers who fail to choose their flat once will be deemed second-timers for a year in the computer ballot. This means a reduced chance in the computer ballot for flats.

As the critics gave their downbeat verdict, I tried to take a lighthearted, breezy approach in response.

"At least I finally have a home. I'm done with applying and staring at new BTO estates every few months," I joked. 

And indeed, there are some things I love about our new place.

We are getting a five-room flat near Bukit Panjang MRT Station with a price tag of less than S$500,000.

And the nearby Rail Corridor means having nature at my doorstep.

However, the criticism is getting to me. Is it all doom and gloom from here?

And is there any way to salvage the situation?

I talked to some people in the real estate industry and interior design experts to find out more.

MIGHT BE HARDER TO SELL, BUT CHEAPER TO BUY

Ms Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at property agency OrangeTee, said that while there are no statistics available, BTO flats that are picked last tend to be on lower floors or do not have the most ideal facing view, meaning they face a car park or the bin centre, for example.

"Low-floor units are often noisier and dustier due to their proximity to the road, and may also lack privacy. They can also be prone to pest issues such as cockroaches climbing into the unit if the rubbish chute is nearby," she explained.

This can deter people from selecting these flats because selling such units down the road may be challenging, since potential buyers would have similar concerns.

But there must be some benefits of having a low-floor apartment, right?

Mr Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics at property firm Huttons Asia, said that one bright side is that you will not be affected during a lift breakdown.

"The prices of BTO and resale flats increase with every floor level. Thus, a unit on the second level will be priced lower than a unit on the top floor," he added.

"As lower-floor units are priced lower, it means lower cash or CPF (Central Provident Fund) outlay, or both. The stamp duty and downpayment is lower. The interest on loan and mortgage payment is lower. There is more cash for other things in life."

Mr Nicholas Mak, chief research officer at property technology company Mogul.sg, said that some second-floor units might also be facing an unobstructed view, or maybe facing south — which means less oppressive heat and glare from the afternoon sun.

"Ultimately, it's really up to your personal preference. There's no one-size-fits-all flat because everyone has different priorities when it comes to selecting their home," he added.

HOW TO MAKE A HOME, A HOME?

More importantly, what makes a flat a home is what goes inside the home, Mr Mak said.

"Regardless of high or low floor, what matters most is renovating it in a way that suits your personality and preference... a personal sanctuary that recharges you," he said.

On this note, two interior design experts told me that there are ways to mitigate some of the downsides of a less-than-ideal home.

Mr Russell Chin, founder and managing director of Inspire ID Group, said that installing magnetic insect screens and ensuring all gaps and cracks are sealed with caulk or weather stripping can reduce the chances of insects entering a home.

Installing rubber door-seals or auto door-seals at the bottom of the main door is also a good way to prevent dust, insects and noise from entering.

"Also, consider requesting your designer to prioritise a layout that best ventilates your home to keep it cool (while) preventing the accumulation of dust," Mr Chin suggested.

Mr Tan Yue Wei, principal architect and founder of YWA Studio, said that a good set of double-glazed windows can help to reduce external noise significantly and reduce heat transfer.

Investing in a good door and ensuring partition walls are insulated can help reduce noise from travelling through a flat as well, he advised.

"There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to what a home should be, but very importantly — the home should work for you," Mr Tan said.

He added that an experienced interior designer would be able to translate a homeowner's wants into a dream home while being realistic with the limitations of space and budget. 

Beyond renovation works, Mr Chin said that furnishings such as zip blinds or blackout curtains can help manage sunlight entering a flat. Having plants can also add a touch of nature to a home, making it more inviting.

"In the grand scheme of things, a low-floor flat can still be a cosy home for its occupants," he added.

I have to agree with the experts. My BTO flat may not be ideal to some people, but I'm glad to be able to finally be able to call myself a homeowner after years of trying.

Plus, with less debt, my boyfriend and I can renovate our place a bit more nicely, maybe splurge a bit more on our wedding or do the responsible thing of investing in the future.

And if I really come to dislike my BTO as friends and family warned me — I will remind myself that while I'm thankful for my first home, it need not be my last.