When The Commute Turns Into a Comedy of Errors
Meet M & W, proud alumni of ACS and SCGS, dreaming of dropping their kids off at the same schools that once molded their own youth. Their plan was as tidy as a new‑home brochure: move to the South, enjoy the convenience of CBD, VivoCity, and the serene backdrop of Mt. Faber—all while keeping the kids on track.
Pretty Good Until the Bells Ring
- Morning traffic nightmare – the trip from the southern district to school turns into a full‑on Olympic marathon.
- Feeding the kids in the rush – you still need to fit in a lunch break when the clock is ticking.
- Daily dead‑end at Keng Chin – after breezily cruising down Alexandra Road, you hit a traffic jam that feels like a battle with a traffic truck.
The “Ooops, Ten Years of This?” Realization
What started as a simple commute soon became a looming 10‑year saga, stretching from primary to secondary school. And nobody wants to live in an endless “getting to school on time” nightmare.
Decisions, Decisions
- Sell & buy – dump their current flat and buy a house nearer the schools.
- Rent & relocate – lease out their current place and rent something closer to the schools.
While one cousin valued the financial upside, the other held onto sentimental soil. In the end, the “rent & relocate” route won out.
The New Move
M & W turned their 3‑bed penthouse into a rental goldmine, and swapped it for a 2‑bed patio unit right where the kids needed to be. Turns out, a little relocation can turn a grueling commute into a more relaxed reality—and maybe even add a bit of extra cash to the family budget.
The buying journey has started…
Stuck in the Same Spot? A 2022 Home Adventure
What Changed in 2022?
- Work‑from‑home turned into the new HQ for everyone.
- Offices got fancy makeovers—think glass towers, coffee corners.
- Lifestyles did a quirky shuffle: mornings were now early‑bird, afternoons—me‑time.
One Thing That Stayed the Same
In the midst of all that chaos, we found ourselves still renting in the same sweet spot right beside the school.
Why Proximity Matters
We finally realized that being close to Orchard, a quick hop to an MRT station, and having the school at arm’s reach were the real deal.
The New Game Plan
With our priorities shifted, we’re on the hunt for a permanent home that lets us keep our kids on track through school.
Finding the Perfect Home: A Tale of Space, Kids, and a 3‑Bedroom Dream
Picture this: a couple stuck in a cramped rental while lounging in a world that’s now all about bigger living spaces. They’re no strangers to the “sized” dilemma – the size requirement of more than 1,500 sq ft had become a death‑knell for most of us, especially after the pandemic gave us a front‑row seat to the trapped‑in‑tiny‑room drama.
Why Size Matters
- Home‑breathing disappointment: Spending months at home made many of us realising that a smaller place just doesn’t cut it.
- Living space relaxed the check: If you’re a full‑time indoor person, you’re likely to be cruising for a sizable space for that serious room‑for‑everything vibe.
- Kids! Oh, the kids: Those growing hours for children need a roomy stimulus, so a 3‑bedroom unit is essential.
The Plan to Escape the Rental Trap
Since they were renting, they decided to sell their current property first. Once the lease was ending, they were ready to move on. And if that didn’t happen fast enough, they’d extend their rental, giving them extra time to hunt for a new home.
Because of the meteorological market surge that offers high values and an extremely limited supply, the right moment for them was FIESTA. Despite the niche audience for a 3‑bedroom penthouse, the couple managed to sell the property for a tidy profit, giving them the cash they’d need to worry about what comes next.
Putting the Needs on the Map
With the extra cash to spare, we sat down with the couple and mapped out a checklist so no detail got overlooked. Here’s what they were looking for – in plain English and with a dash of humor:
- 3 Beds: Because their kids are rapidly turning into astronauts, you need a whole other dimension of space.
- Kitchen & Yard: Ready for all the food experiments and yard chair DIY projects.
- Helper’s Room: A future secret base for the babysitter or for their mom’s clandestine cooking experiments.
- Live & Dining: Because how else can you enjoy a pizza marathon with your favorite people?
- Commute Checks: Will the kids have a safe path home? Can the parents cut the travel time for school and work? Is the future space truly big enough to relax their overburdened minds?
Once we packed these criteria into a searchable search, finding the right home felt like a pizza slice dropping into a bowl – finally, we got that piece of real life we needed.
Next Steps: The Hunt Begins
The couple and I went on our hunt, starting with a few leading options that lined up with everything on our checklist. With a clear map, the amount of chaos felt drastically reduced. Let’s see where we land next – but hey, the hunt is half the fun.
Option 1
An older resale 3-bedder with 1,507 sq ft of space @ $3.3m asking price
Wardens of the Equator: A Transformation Tale
Picture this: a charming little house tucked away in the Equatorial boom and bust. Grounds are a canvas of green and grit, the yard looks like a well‑read novel that just needs a fresh chapter.
The Spice of Renovation
Now, upgrading the interior had a price tag that screamed “I’m brave, can you handle it?” – especially the pandemic‑sized costs that came along for the ride.
Location, Location, Location!
- Perched right at the Bukit Timah/Stevens fork in the road.
- Vanilla Bundle: MRT, bus, and a dash of Orchard all within arm’s reach.
- Double the tracks: Downtown and Thomson East Coast – a commuter’s honeymoon.
A Window of Hope
While the unit missed that “up‑and‑out” balcony that many dream about, it compensates with full‑length windows that flood the lounge with sunshine. Think of it: a big, open, airy space facing the landed gems at Margoliouth.
Future‑Proof or Fail‑Proof?
All in all, this place has the raw potential for a complete rebuild – a blank canvas only limited by your imagination and a few stubborn budget lines. Spoiler: It’s a spot worth the effort.
Option 2
A newer resale 3-bedder with 1,464 sq ft of space @ $3.48m asking price
Madison Residences: The Cozy Crib That’s School‑Friendly
Our latest adventure landed us in Madison Residences, a compact gem that skips the whole gut‑reno hassle—so the floors stay fabulous without the extra cash.
Why We Fell in Love
- Funky Features: 2008‑2012 design vibes bring quirky planter boxes, winding rooms, and sweet balconies that whisper “home sweet home.”
- Modern Touches: Curved corridors, spacious bay windows, and everything that screams “glam without the pain.”
- School Proximity: The real magic? It’s practically next door to the schools.
School‑Rush Made Simple
An overhead bridge just a stone’s throw from the front gate cuts through traffic, so no more mornings staring at the road for ages. Plus:
- Two bus stops to Stevens MRT—a hop, skip, and a jump to wherever you’re headed.
- Only a 5‑minute drive to Orchard, so you can bask in city vibes without the commute lag.
All in all, Madison has swooped us into a neighborhood that’s efficient, stylish, and downright family‑friendly.
Option 3
A Cluster house along Chancery Hill Walk with 2,863 sq ft of space @ $4.49m asking price
Welcome to Your New Cluster Home!
Picture this: a corner unit bathed in natural light, complete with a common area that’s basically a spa‑plus‑BBQ combo. Below, a lap pool that’s perfect for those rainy Singapore nights, a trio of grill pits that will make your inner chef swoon, and a basement carpark that keeps your four‑wheel companion safe.
Layout Breakdown (With a Twist)
- Basement: Parking for your car (and the occasional backpacker).
- Ground Floor: A kitchen that’s as practical as it is slightly mundane—think functionality over fancy.
- First & Second Floors: Two stories filled with modest living spaces that keep the vibe cozy.
- Top Floor: Your personal vibe zone: a master bedroom that’s truly versatile, combining two rooms into one epic sleeping space.
Let’s Talk About the “Space” Myth
It’s tempting to think that a cluster home automatically feels roomy, but here’s the real scoop: multiple staircases across three levels mean that some of that promised floor space is taken up by foot traffic. The interior feels more intimate than the specs suggest, so don’t be surprised if you find that extra nook or that tiny hidden corner.
In short, this cluster home blends practicality with a pinch of luxury—all while keeping you close to the lights and less devolving into a maze. Whether you’re planning your next grill night or simply want a comfortable nook to unwind, it’s got what you need.
Option 4
A new development called Perfect Ten with 1,281 sq ft of space @ $3.6m asking price
City Slickers Finally Check Out This Tiny Masterpiece
At first, the couple almost didn’t bother checking out the new show flat. “We need at least 1,500 sq ft,” they said, and the unit just looked like a cramped studio.
But then they walked in and were blown away by the high ceilings—a staggering 3.225 metres that instantly made the place feel more open than a concert hall.
Why the Layout Works Like Magic
- New BCA rules banned bay windows, bomb shelters, and planter boxes from the gross floor area, cutting out unnecessary space.
- That extra room means you get a fully furnished unit—so you can skip the DIY nightmare.
- The spot is next to Madison Residences, so you get the same perks: an overhead bridge, two stops to Stevens MRT, and a short stroll to the buzz of Orchard Road.
Bottom Line: Small Space, Big Happy
Less work, more time to enjoy. They’re already dreaming about that tiny balcony view—turns out living big in a small place isn’t that bad at all!
A perfect ending to their adventure
The Couple’s Final Choice: Perfect Ten
After sorting through every apartment on their radar, the couple came to a decision. Here’s how the search unfolded.
What Got They And What Got Them Cutting It
| Property | Why It Was a Pass |
|---|---|
| Chancery Hill Villas | ① Budget Stretch – It pushed them way over the price ceiling. ② Space Woes – The “big” home felt… surprisingly compact. ③ Maintenance Fees – Monthly costs were sky‑high. ④ Long Walk to School – The trek down was uphill, uphill, uphill! |
| The Equatorial | ① Renovation Nightmare – Before they could walk in, the place looked like a “fix‑it‑me‑now” project. ② Modernity Must‑Have – They’d rather live in something that didn’t scream “old‑fashioned.” |
| Perfect Ten | ① Prime Spot – Nothing beats a location that’s right where the action is. ② Feels like Home – Modern finishes, smart layout. ③ Valuable Move – A smart balance between cost and future resale. |
| Madison Residences | ① Close Call – Same sweet spot, modern vibe. ② Choice Factor – Two strong candidates; the decision comes down to the little details. |
Note: Both Perfect Ten and Madison Residences are pretty much identical in terms of location, so the final call hinged on what felt right for them.
The Beat That Led to Perfect Ten
In the end, it was Perfect Ten that clicked. The couple decided that this would be their new home sweet home – a place that checks every box, keeps the budget green, and offers the kind of vibrancy that feels like you’re already stepping into the future.
The Verdict: Why Perfect Ten Won Over Madison Residences
After weighing their options, the couple ultimately decided that Perfect Ten was the smarter pick. While Madison Residences was solid, the newer building—despite being a tad smaller—offered a more efficient layout, a decent storage/yard space, and a luxurious vibe that promised better long‑term value.
What Made Perfect Ten Stand Out
- Layout: Every square foot was put to good use, making the home feel spacious without being overly large.
- Storage/Yard: The additional area meant more room for bins, tools, or even a mini garden.
- Modern Design: Newer construction tech and a contemporary aesthetic made the appeal stronger.
- Freehold Status: Both options came with freehold, but a brand‑new build felt more enticing.
- Promotions: End‑of‑launch discounts added a nice sweetener to the deal.
Location & Noise Considerations
Bukit Timah’s developments usually line the main road to maximize land use. But Perfect Ten was intentionally positioned a bit back, placing common facilities nearer to the road while shielding the residential blocks from traffic noise.
Hitting the Sweet Spot
For now, the happy couple feels satisfied. Of course, there’s always the risk that the new launch might not build on the promised timelines—but the location saves kids’ daily commute, making it a relief that outweighs the guesswork.
