Step Up Your Housing Game Without Depleting Your Wallet
Wondering how to get more room without burning a hole in your pocket? An older resale 5‑room HDB still gives you the biggest bang for your buck.
Why the 5‑Room Improved Corner Unit Is the Sweet Spot
- Space That Doesn’t Suck the Cash Boiler: These units roll around 122 sqm (about 1,313 sq ft), which feels like a house‑size upgrade without the headache of a brand‑new price tag.
- Layout That Keeps Everyone Happy: The corner sit‑out gorges the light and lets you snatch that extra square inch that feels like the entire apartment.
- Family‑Friendly: Excellent for families who crave room for toys, homework, and maybe a small impromptu dance floor.
Quick Summary
- Age: Resale, so fresco pockets are the norm.
- Size: 122 sqm / 1,313 sq ft.
- Type: Improved corner unit, the most popular layout for the savvy.
- Pay‑off: More space, less cost, more smiles.
So, if you’re after a bigger home that won’t break the bank, the older 5‑room improved corner HDB is the go‑to choice that tastes just right for families looking for extra space today.
Original plan
Why 4 Bedrooms Make Your Family a Royalty
Alright, picture a home with four bedrooms—that’s not just a set of rooms, that’s a full-team house. Think of the space as a VIP lounge for families with more than two kids who crave a little “I‑need‑my‑own‑room” vibe. If you’re still scraping the internet from your crib, you can loop in a study/office and keep the “work‑from‑home” hustle real.
The Bathroom Brain‑Twist
Even though >4 rooms sound like a dream, there’s a tiny snag: the two bathrooms are a tad awkward. One tiny bathroom is locked to the master pad, meaning the other one is a shared toddler toll station for the other three rooms. Picture the morning rush‑hour scramble – it’s like a group karaoke session where the mic keeps switching places.
Hard Walls, Hard Rules
Those strong structural walls are like a hardcore gate‑keeper: they keep the study separate from bedroom two, so you can’t get that airy loft‑style loft feel. If you want a room that’s more open‑minded, you’ll have to get creative (or add more doors—possible?).
Balcony Bonanza (and the Rules)
There’s a balcony waiting to be purchased, but you’ll need to put in a Sale of Recess Area Scheme application. The deck must meet these terms:
- Design, access, fire safety, and ventilation all gotta be bullet‑proof.
- No sneaky gas pipes or hidden water meters inside the space.
And if you’re lucky enough to meet these extra conditions —
- Your flat is built after 1996 or is part of a Design, Build, Sell Scheme (DBSS).
- The space doesn’t jam up the Fire Safety Code or contains electrical risers.
- You’re a corner unit—because corners never get ignored.
—you can swoop in and snag that balcony.
Layout Ideas to Wrap It Up
Now let’s talk options. If you need more flexibility, consider swapping the bathroom spots, adding a tiny galley kitchen or creating a shared media room. Keep the main flow as smooth as breakfast cereal—just make sure the kids aren’t fighting over bathroom access at 6 a.m.
1. Luxurious layout with 1 bedroom
Turn Your Small Resale into a Sweet Spot for Two
Ever wondered how to turn a modest resale lot into a swanky, two‑person oasis? Let’s walk through the DIY playbook that turns those cramped walls into a space that feels as big as your love.
Step One – Make the Kitchen the Show‑Stopper
The kitchen should be the heart of the home, so start by breaking down that stubborn wall. A no‑wall layout instantly opens up the atmosphere, giving the whole room a spacious vibe.
- Island + Breakfast Counter – put a kitchen island right in the middle of the room. It doubles as a place to whip up food and a breakfast spot for relaxed mornings.
- Hang the Pendants – lightweight, cozy pendant lights over the island add warmth and a bit of personality.
- Grocery Storage – on the left of the entrance, dock a small cupboard for cleaners and trinkets.
Step Two – Re‑think the Living Space
Since you only need one bedroom, you can repurpose the rest as a communal haven.
- Dining Duo – move the dining area into the former living room, making the whole space feel intertwined.
- Living‑Room Swap – slide the original living room into the bedroom area. Pro tip: add a fold‑away glass door if you crave a touch of privacy.
- Reading Nook – the extra bedroom is perfect for a cozy reading/tea room.
Step Three – The Master’s Deluxe Retreat
With plenty of square footage, you can split the master into a dreamy, private zone.
- Walk‑In Closet – install a full wardrobe to keep all your clothes off the floor.
- Desk in the Left Corner – place a study area right next to the entrance.
- Less is More Storage – remove the obscure central cupboard; you’ve got enough covering elsewhere.
Final Touches & Extra Flair
Remember, big ideas don’t always need big budgets. Small DIY tweaks, like repurposing furniture and picking out the right spotlight, can make the space feel French chic or modern minimal – whatever matches your couple vibe.
Now that’s a 2‑person paradise that’s fully customized, utterly ‑filled, and ready to host countless memories.
2. 2 or 3 bedroom layout
Feeling Space‑Squeezed? Here’s a Clever Fix!
Keep the 3‑Room Charm & Boost the Living/Dining Space
- Live big, breathe easy! If you’re craving a larger living and dining area but still want that sweet trio of rooms, you’re in the right place.
The Kitchen – Open? Closed? Sweet.
- Love the open layout? Keep it, because it’s perfect for gathering.
- Need a little privacy? Slide those panels over the island and turn it into a cozy enclave whenever you feel like it.
- And yes, the breakfast counter stays. Plus, there’s ample room for bar‑style seating – who doesn’t enjoy a casual brunch corner?
Dining in the Study/Bedroom? Because Why Not!
- Move the dining area to the study or bedroom. A snug, private spot that feels like a secret hideaway.
- Heads up: keep the chairs and table small to maintain that cozy vibe and avoid feeling cramped.
So, whether you want a larger living zone or a sleek, plug‑and‑play dining nook, this layout tweak balances space and style—without losing those essential rooms.
3. 4 rooms with modified communal areas
Revamping a “Ordinary” Space into Something Memorable
It might look like the usual hustle‑and‑bust of a modern apartment, but there are a few nifty tweaks that set it apart from the crowd.
1⃣ The Kitchen: Open‑Air with a Twist
Gone is the classic kitchen island. Instead, a standard dining table takes center stage. Want an island? Sure—just add a slightly higher set of stools (you’ll need a bit more legroom, otherwise you’ll be doing a reluctant tap dance). The absence of the island removes the typical leg‑space crunch and keeps the area feeling airy.
Pro tip: If you decide no island is best for your crew, simply extend the left‑hand counter to cover the storage gap. This stretches the layout and keeps enough shelf space for your favorite sauces.
2⃣ Embrace the “Open” Feel
- The entire layout is wide and breezy—there’s no heavy partitioning to cut off the room.
- With so much space, you’ll walk in and instantly feel like you own a loft.
3⃣ Balcony Alchemy: From Patio to “Semi‑Indoor Garden”
Turn that balcony into a cozy garden haven by installing sliding doors. When the weather’s nice, open them wide for a breezy open feel, and when you need a sanctuary, keep them closed and enjoy your indoor mini‑paradise.
Bonus: Why It Works
By mixing a dining table with an open kitchen, you create a seamless flow that invites conversation and spontaneous cooking sessions. And the balcony garden? It’s a double‑score: fresh air, a little greenery, and a quick escape from the day.
Overall—glad you’re playing with these design nuances. A little creativity can turn a plain layout into a space that feels genuinely yours.
4. 3 bedrooms with extended living/dining
Why This Layout Is a Game‑Changer (or a Hilarious Disaster)
Picture this: an open‑floor plan that kills bedroom privacy but saves you from having to design yet another ensuite. Seems a bit…off‑beat, right? But hey, if you’re on a tight budget or just shrug at the idea of a private bathroom in every room, it might just work.
Horizontal Living = Bigger Illusion
Those wide‑angled living and dining rooms can practically stretch the air itself. Think of it as a magical trick: the more horizontal the layout, the more “room” you feel.
- Eliminate walls between the master bedroom and the living/dining surface.
- House the master bathroom in a sprawling, open space.
- Let the three other bedrooms piggy‑back on the existing bathroom(s); no need for a separate ensuite.
Kitchen Gets a Boost
Once you flop the walls out, the kitchen looks like a blank canvas. I went ahead and added a tasteful island at the heart of the space—just the right size to ring a central conversation pit. And for the extra dining flexibility, there’s a second counter that doubles as a pop‑up table when you’re hungry for a quick bite.
Bottom line: this layout is a creative weirdo that lets you keep costs low while still packing a punch in style. Ready to give it a shot? Your guests will thank you—or at least shake their heads in admiration.
5. Wet/dry kitchen
Reimagining Your Space
Hey there! Imagine keeping three cozy bedrooms while turning your kitchen into a slick wet/dry combo that’s both stylish and practical.
How the Kitchen Splits Up
- Sliding glass panels act like a clever divider—just enough to set the zones but still letting sunshine flow through.
- You’ll still snag a counter and a compact island in the dry section.
- Then a second pair of sliding doors neatly separate the wet kitchen area.
Snapping the Rest of the Layout Together
- The dining nook moves into the former study/bedroom, giving it a fresh vibe.
- The storage spot between the master bedroom and common room? Gone—redeemed to enlarge the master suite and add a handy study.
- Want to keep three bedrooms? Just keep the storage, and you’ll have two separate bedroom entrances.
So why not give this dreamy layout a try? It’s all about blending comfort with smart design, with a splash of personality to keep things lively.
Originally shared by Stacked Homes, capturing the S’pore home‑buying spirit.
