The home is an important, if not the most important place. It serves as a sanctuary where one builds dreams, creates unforgettable memories, and where one’s personal and family life unfolds. Naturally, your home should be where you feel most secure, safe, and comfortable.
The same is true anywhere, including Singapore. And amidst the towering skyscrapers of Singapore, there is a “bigger is better” mindset regarding homes. However, given the limited space in the city-state, with its 734.3 square kilometers of land area, a smaller, modest home is more advisable.
With not much available space, it is up to the homeowners’ creativity and resourcefulness to transform a space into a cozy and comfortable living area. And contrary to popular belief, the good qualities of an ideal home do not only rely on the size but rather, on how the people living there interact with each other.
Besides, your decision on the size of the home you will build or purchase directly will directly affect your finances for many years to come. You should consider how you’re going to have expenses beyond payments to instant money lenders. It will determine your mortgage payments, property taxes, and maintenance costs. Of course, a bigger home would be more expensive.
How to decide on the size of your home
Since you will spend a lot of your time in your home,its size should fit your personality and your lifestyle. If you are an extrovert, you would probably need a bigger living room or receiving area to entertain guests and hang out with friends and loved ones. If you are an introvert, you are more likely to spend your free time relaxing. In this case, an enormous bedroom with a cozy nook to play video games or read would be ideal. Make sure to match the size of your home with your needs and practical considerations to avoid unnecessary space and expenses.
If you want to live near the city center and have a shorter commute time to your workplace, you will have to accept that you will live in a moderate-sized home. Aside from the higher costs in rent or land purchase value, there is a scarcity of space. A lot of people would also want shorter commute time and if they have more funds to spend, they will most likely get the premium residential spots.
When to choose a smaller or moderate-sized home
Here are reasons why people choose a smaller home:
-
You do not want long-term strain on your finances
Let’s say you have saved up a considerable amount of your income and want to live in a spacious and comfortable space where you can have impressive furniture and interior design. While that may be a nice thing, your finances should still be a top consideration.
Even if you have a stable job if you have to apply for a loan to purchase your house, there is a risk that you might not be able to pay your loan on time and your house will be foreclosed. A smaller home will mean a more manageable loan amount and mortgage amortization. In case the unexpected happens, you will be able to bounce back faster and make a way to pay your loan.
-
You can or do not want to spend for much maintenance
When you build a house, you should also consider the cost of regular upkeep. Aside from regular utilities like electricity and water, you should have funds for roof reinforcement and repair. If your windows break or your sink needs to be repaired, you will find that the costs add up. Aside from the financial cost, you will also need to spend time looking for someone who can do the repairs and make sure the repairs you requested are carried out according to your instructions.
Maintenance also means regular cleaning and deep cleaning of your appliances, furniture, and all the nooks and crannies in your house. If you cannot set aside enough budget to ensure this gets done consistently, you must do it yourself. Otherwise, wear and tear will be noticeable.
-
You do not have the time and energy to clean and maintain your house regularly
Regularly cleaning your space and ensuring it is habitable and presentable is an essential requirement. We all lead busy lives. That means cleaning and maintenance is not a priority if your schedule is jam-packed. And who wants to spend their precious weekend hours cleaning the house, right?
And the bigger the home, the harder it is to clean and maintain. If you do not have extra funds to hire people who can clean your house and repair broken fixtures, these can become hazards. You will also attract pests if you cannot keep your place in order. Instead of a sanctuary, your house can be a breeding ground for disease.
-
You do not have extra funds to cover high utility bills
More square footage and space typically lead to higher cooling and lighting costs. Especially with the high cost of living in Singapore, an expensive recurring bill is not helpful. It can affect your carefully planned budget and since things add up, you might find yourself a few dollars short monthly for electricity and water bill payments.
Since utility bills are more likely to get expensive in the future, you will also need to consider the fact that these bills will be part of your monthly budget even in years to come. You could have used that money for savings and investments.
-
You do not need the extra space
If you have a small family, having a bigger space is unnecessary, as it is inefficient to have unused rooms. You are likely to buy things and furniture just to fill the space even if you don’t need this stuff—another way to mindlessly waste money and contribute to landfills when you discard your old things for newer ones.
Conclusion
Reflect on your wants and needs when you want to buy a house. Aside from thinking of how it will reflect your preferences and personality, also consider your lifestyle and daily routine. It would be a waste of time and effort if you end up paying a massive mortgage for a house with empty, unused rooms.
Prioritize harmony and peace of mind. Your decision will affect your finances for years to come. Align your choice with your present needs and future financial goals. Buying a home should not lead to financial destitution and ballooning debts, so secure a stable and fulfilling home environment by not falling for the allure of a bigger space.