Little Extras That Quickly Drain Your Portfolio
Buying a home isn’t just about the headline price—those tiny add‑ons can quietly chew through your savings. Here’s a quick rundown of the hidden pitfalls that could turn a simple purchase into an extravagant expense.
1. Over‑sized Air‑Con Ledges
Why it matters: A massive vent or decorator can look grand, but it adds unnecessary square footage and cost. Think of it like that extra hoodie you only wear when you’re cold—just enough to feel cozy, but you’re paying more than you need to.
2. Long Corridors, Walkways & Antechambers
Why it matters: Those extra meanders can feel nice to walk through, but every foot counts. You’re practically paying for a stroll through a “beautiful corridor” when you could have opted for a more efficient layout.
3. Grand Planter Boxes
Why it matters: While they may add some greenery charm, each planter box can significantly increase the cost—especially if they’re large, custom‑made designs. It’s like buying a ten‑person party table when a single‑person set would do.
4. Paying for Void Space
Why it matters: Portions of a unit that look like open, airy space could actually be hidden voids. You might be paying for a room that, in reality, means wasted square feet.
5. Choosing an Expensive Conveyancing Firm
Why it matters: You want solid legal backing, but there’s a spectrum of fees. Sometimes a more affordable boutique firm can serve just as well—your wallet will thank you.
6. Unnecessary Use of Deferred Payment Scheme
Why it matters: These schemes can sound alluring, but the interest jellies can turn the deal into an expensive lease. Think about the long term: that installment might be worth more than just the upfront cash.
Bottom line: If you keep a keen eye on these “small” factors, you’ll save a bundle and feel a lot smarter about your next project.
1. Large air-con ledges
Air‑Con Ledges: The Sneaky Space that Keeps the GFA Low
What the heck is an air‑con ledge?
An air‑con ledge is basically a small “box” built behind the air conditioner unit. If it stays under 1 m wide (measured perpendicular to the wall), it can slip into the unit’s Gross Floor Area (GFA) without bumping up the overall allowance.
Why developers love them (and why you might not)
Since the size of these ledges doesn’t get added to the GFA, developers can stretch them out quite a bit without paying extra. That extra room ends up costing you directly when you buy the unit – you’re paying for square footage that technically doesn’t count against the official GFA.
What tenants are noticing
Tenants nowadays aren’t just eyeballing the big numbers on the wall; they’re actually checking the usable square footage. A tall, unused air‑con ledge is a red flag that shows up a lot in their first questions when they walk into the new unit.
The legal side of things
Back in 2017, the whole debate about big ledges even reached Parliament. The Ministry of National Development (MND) responded that developers must provide a drawn‑to‑scale floor plan and a detailed breakdown of each space: bedrooms, bathrooms, balconies, and yes, the air‑con ledge. Buyers are encouraged to review the plan before they commit.
Bottom line: It’s up to you
There’s no hard regulation on how big a ledge can be. The only rule is that if it’s under 1 m wide, it won’t affect the GFA. So, always double‑check the floor plan and ask: Does this ledge size make sense for a 4‑room or 5‑room flat? For reference, a typical 4‑room (about 970 sq. ft.) or 5‑room (about 1,184 sq. ft.) HDB flat usually has an air‑con ledge of roughly 32.3 sq. ft.; anything much bigger is probably a red flag.
2. Long corridors, walkways, and antechambers
Rethinking Home Layouts: From Boring Corridors to Clever Open‑Plan Moves
Why Narrow Passageways Are a Drag
Picture this: you walk into a house and the only thing you get is a wall‑to‑wall hallway that feels more like a waiting room than a home. Traditionalists might argue it’s “character,” but to most modern buyers, it’s just a space that costs money without doing anything useful.
Enter the “Dumbbell” Layout
The solution? A smart, almost invisible tweak called the dumbbell layout. Imagine a living room set up in the middle, with bedrooms tucked comfortably on each side. No more endless corridors – just a smooth flow that keeps the square footage you’re paying for functional.
Save Your Time on the Entryway
Many older condos feature a little ante‑chamber – think of it as a tiny hotel lobby right where the front door opens. It’s meant for shoe racks, umbrella stands, maybe a small table for dropping keys. But hey, if the room is barely big enough to fit a single chair, you might as well call it a “niche” of wasted space.
Who’s Against an Open Front Door?
Truth be told, not everyone loves blasting straight into a living room when they knock on the door. For those who prefer a bit of buffer or a more formal entrance, the dumbbell layout might feel a bit too “open.” It’s all about balancing style with the home’s personality.
Bottom Line
- Corridors often feel like unnecessary extra rent.
- Dumbbell layouts keep your living space cozy and efficient.
- Ante‑chambers can be cosmetic unless they serve a real purpose.
- Personal preferences matter: some folks prefer a little privacy at the entry.
Tune in to your own needs and your budget, and you’ll find the layout that feels right for you – no more walking around in circles, literally.
3. Big planter boxes
Planters: The Unexpected Green “Room” in Your Condo
Why older streets love them
Those charming, oversized planter boxes on older buildings were the joy of any landlord who wanted residents to feel a touch of nature inside the concrete jungle. They’re great for anyone who’s not a full‑time “land‑owner” but still wants to grow a succulent or two.
The Dreaded Reality Check
Still find a big planter looking like a wilted cactus? That’s the road‑to‑ridiculous reality. When residents ignore watering duties, greenery turns into dead mass or a plain empty box, looking like a lawn‑mowing prank set up by a prankster. And if someone decides to repurpose the box—turning it into a jukebox, a stylish art piece, or a funky storage unit—
- It messes with the aesthetic. Building committees usually forbid modifications.
- It costs you. You’ll be paying extra for that extra square footage no one can actually use.
Tenants Think Planters Are “Usable” Space? They’re not.
When landlords promise “more space” with a planter box, tenants will often see it as a cosmetic addition that actually makes their unit feel smaller. It’s like putting a centerpiece on a tiny table—great looking but not functional.
Bottom Line
Planter boxes are a press‑fit between green dreams and practical living. They’re adorable, but owners need to factor in maintenance costs and the fact that most of these “extras” will officially remain just decorative.
4. Paying for void space
What Is This “Void Space” Anyway?
Think of your condo’s ceiling as a glossy 2.8‑meter canvas. When that canvas stretches up to four meters or more, you might be paying for a bit of empty runway—the space above the finished floor that doesn’t do much unless you decide to level up.
Why Should You Care?
- Land‑and‑Luxe: If you own a landed house, this extra high ceiling makes getting permission to create a mezzanine, add another bedroom, or even launch a home office a lot easier.
- Flat‑Apartment Reality: In a standard condo, the void’s main perks are making the space feel airy and helping light trickle in. That’s it. It’s nothing more than a shiny tab of luxury that can cost a pretty penny.
Planning the Possibilities
Before you sign anything, put your dream floor plans in the hands of an interior designer or contractor and brainstorm what you can actually do with those extra centimetres. It’s easier to see if it’s worth the extra investment.
Buying New or Resale? The Rules Are Different
- New Builds: Developers must spell out the void space clearly on the plans. You’ll need to check it out, give a thumbs‑up in writing, and then drop your booking fee. It’s all about transparency.
- Resales: You’re in charge of the homework. Look up the details yourself—whether through INLIS or a thorough survey of the building’s records—to make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for.
In short, the void is a double‑edged sword. For some, it’s a golden ticket to extra rooms. For most, it’s a fancy space that could have been saved for other essentials. Get the facts, talk to a pro, and decide how much “space” you actually want in your life.
5. Pick an expensive conveyancing firm
Why Picking Your Bank’s “Board Picker” Might Snap Your Wallet in Two
Thinking you’ll save a few bucks by hiring the firm your bank already knows? Think again. Below we break down the quick‑look math and the potential long‑term headaches.
Typical Charge
- Conveyancing fees usually sit between $2,500 and $3,000.
- No massive price gap—most firms are in the same ballpark.
What Banks Do
- Every lender only works with a handful of conveyancers—think of them as the bank’s “official insiders”.
- That means your chosen lawyer might be on one bank’s exclusive list.
Why You Shouldn’t Rely on the Inside Slot
- Planning to refinance? New banks won’t know or trust that old firm.
- Switching will trigger a legal hand‑off—new paperwork, extra fees, and seasons of frustration.
- In other words, you may pay more in the long run than you saved initially.
How to Pick & Save
- Look for firms that serve multiple banks—they’re the “bridge builders” everyone loves.
- Don’t bet on brand prestige; big name law firms usually charge a premium.
- Instead, target a small, specialize‑in‑conveyancing shop: cheaper, efficient, and often more flexible.
- Remember, the cheapest lawyer that meets your needs is usually the smartest move.
Bottom Line
In most cases, the cost difference between firms is minimal—unless you’re a fan of a particular attorney. Pick a firm that works across banks, choose the more affordable option, and you’ll keep both your hard cash and future refinance plans intact.
6. Unnecessary use of Deferred Payment Scheme
Deferred Payment Scheme: Sound Like a Sweet Deal?
Ever eye a new housing launch with the promise of a Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS) and thought, “Hey, I’ll win a bonus!”? It’s the marketing buzz that can make late‑stage buyers feel like they’re hitting a jackpot—even when it’s tied to a brand‑new property that just snagged its Temporary Occupancy Permit (TOP). But let’s pause the upbeat vibe and look under the hood.
How DPS Works (in a nutshell)
- Pay a mere 20 % down.
- Enjoy a 24‑month “no‑pay” break—you can move in or even rent out the unit.
- Great for HDB upgraders: they can start living before slapping a full price on the new flat.
Why the Dream may Turn Into a Nightmare
- Higher Cost Head‑On: The total price can jump up to 20 % higher than a straight loan would have settled.
- Hidden Risk if Your Income Falls: The 24‑month period isn’t a free pass—your salary could dip, the loan criteria might bite, and you might lose that sweet 20 % down payment and face penalties.
- Paying with a well‑planned loan today might save you more—no surprises, no “future you” catching you off‑guard.
Bottom Line: Breathing Room or Buried Debt?
CP: Don’t let the “free plus” hype oversell you. DPS can feel like a cushion, but it’s likely to come at a premium. If you’re comfortable juggling your finances now, a regular loan could keep the rent‑free period strictly at zero interest.
Quick Take‑away
- Look at the total cost, not just the up‑front pay.
- Consider future income volatility.
- Ask yourself: “Am I ready for a higher future payment?”
Remember—extra breathing room is fine, but only if it actually helps you afford the house, not just pretends to.
Remember that all the “small costs” add up
The Hidden Cost of Tiny Details
At first glance, each small cost might feel like a drop in the ocean.
But the trick is that when you add up every square foot taken up by planter boxes, unused void spaces, the choice of a pricey law firm, and a layout that tenants won’t pay for, the total cost can end up eclipsing your returns. It’s like finding a small leak that eventually floods the whole house.
Why the Tiny Add-ons Matter
- Planter boxes: They look green and lovely, but the extra square footage comes with maintenance, drainage, and seepage costs.
- Void space: Empty rooms don’t earn rent, but they still incur heating, cooling, and insurance expenses.
- High‑priced legal counsel: A slickly dressed lawyer can charge more per hour – and the fees can accumulate faster than you realize.
- Inefficient layout: A space that doesn’t cater to tenant needs means lower occupancy, which translates to fewer profits.
When all these sneaky expenses stack up, the “small cost” starts looking suspiciously like a big cost. Always keep an eye on the tiny details – they’re the unseen levers that can swing the whole financial outcome.
(This article was originally published in Stackedhomes.)
