Buying a landed property is a significant milestone in many people's lives. Owning a house with a yard and possibly a pool is a dream come true for many. However, with great rewards come great responsibilities. When it comes to buying landed homes, there are a lot of factors to consider beyond just the physical structure of the property. In this article, we'll discuss some of the most common issues people face when buying a landed property and how to avoid them.
Maintenance Costs
When buying a landed property, it's essential to consider the cost of maintenance. Landed properties require more maintenance than condominiums, and you need to be prepared to pay for it. This includes landscaping, pool maintenance, and repairs to the roof or foundation. You may not need to pay it as often as compared to staying in a condo, but the fees may be higher. Instead of a monthly payment, the entire cost of maintenance will be yours to bear.
Number of Storeys
You may not think about this now, but you should consider the number of storeys in the house you're interested in. Many people downgrade their homes in later years not because of financial reasons, but due to the presence of stairs.
If you're considering a multi-storey house, it's important to think about whether you'll be living with elderly parents or if you're approaching your later years. Stairs can pose a safety hazard for older individuals, even if they have non-slip surfaces. Additionally, cleaning and maintaining rooms on different floors can be a challenge, especially if an elevator is not installed. If you're living with elderly parents or are in your later years, it's best to opt for a single storey or a double storey home with a room on the ground floor.
Pest Problems
Purchasing a landed property means having a personal yard and home with waste disposal facilities nearby, unlike in strata-titled developments where waste disposal areas are located further away or underground. However, owning a landed property can also bring about more issues with pests. Due to its proximity to nature, centipedes, cockroaches, and other pests may come from the backyard. Additionally, if waste management is not managed properly, rats can become a problem.
Some homeowners believe that the National Environment Agency (NEA) is more stringent towards them as they have a backyard, drain gutters around the roof, and more potted plants, which are potential mosquito breeding grounds. Pet owners also face certain risks, such as the possibility of their pets ingesting poisonous frogs, as well as a higher risk of fleas and ticks. If there are possible entry points such as holes in walls or cracks in ceilings, make sure they are sealed.
Potential Roofing Issues
One important difference between landed properties and HDBs or condos is that the exterior of the house is the homeowner's responsibility as well. This means that there are various roof problems that the homeowner may encounter externally, such as loose shingles, water damage, thermal shock from UV rays (where roofing material becomes dry and brittle, resulting in degrading waterproofing quality), debris damage, roof flashing damage (which may lead to rust spots or corrosion, leading to holes in the roof) and clogged or blocked roof gutters.
Internally, homeowners may face issues such as discolouration of the ceiling, peeling plaster, weakened and warped ceilings, sagging ceiling, mould and stains on the ceilings or walls, as well as dripping water and leaks. You will need to ensure that regular maintenance is conducted to prevent any long-term damage.
Home Security
You should also take note that there may not be the same level of security provided as in a condo with security guards. While Singapore is generally a safe country, some buyers may want to take additional security measures, especially if they have children or valuable belongings.
Installing CCTVs can provide simple security, but for those looking to guard against break-ins, a security company can be hired to provide services such as alarm triggering in case of any disturbances. However, this would be an additional cost for those buying landed property.
Conclusion
Buying a landed property can be a challenging process, but it's also one of the most rewarding. By being diligent and doing your research, you can avoid the common issues that people face when buying a landed property. With these tips, you can find the perfect landed property that meets your needs and budget.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us should you have more questions!
Comentários