Home‑Buying Tale of Chi Sim and His Wife
Full Circle Moment
For many people, the path to owning a home feels like a mountain climb—first steps, steep ascents, and once‑in‑a‑lifetime peaks. For Chi Sim and his wife, a 40‑something duo, the journey has come its full circle.
From the US back to Bukit Timah
- After a stint abroad, the couple returned to Singapore.
- They sold their 5‑room corner apartment (3 beds) in Sengkang—[email protected]—to make room for a landed home.
- The new house is in Bukit Timah, offering more space and a sweet 1 km radius to their favourite primary schools—so their daughter can play outside with just a sprint to school.
Family Snapshot
- Chi Sim has a 20‑year career in tech and media.
- His wife boasts 15 years in the same industry.
- They’ve got a 13‑year‑old son and a four‑year‑old sweetheart who’s already planning her own future home plans.
Rent‑to‑Buy Reality
Unlike a lot of peers who’ve jumped straight into home ownership, Chi Sim spent many years renting. He eventually snagged his first unit—a low‑floor gem at Pinnacle@Duxton—and admitted that buying at that point felt a touch late compared to the usual timeline.
So, here’s to the couple’s triumphant home‑buying milestone—a story about chasing space, securing school spots, and finally turning the key to their own castle.
Bought a 5-room sale of balance flat at Pinnacle@Duxton
Fortune Favors the Lucky: Our Home‑Buying Adventure
Back to 2010: The Great Flat Bonanza
We dropped our fingers on the market during the last round of the balance flats sale in 2010. The competition was fierce—like a free‑bike race at a park full of people. When the doors closed, we emerged as the final family to hit the ethnic quota for a unit.
Why It’s Been So Lucky
- We got the spot when everyone else was leaving the line.
- The neighbourhood’s vibe is nothing short of charming.
- Our home feels like a modern pavilion—if you’re a fan of Feng Shui.
What Living Here Means to Us
Each time we walk into the kitchen, we’re reminded of that lucky day. The house has been a solid rock, giving us comfort and serenity. We swear, it’s all good vibes—the house even whispers “Welcome, family!” whenever we cross the threshold.
Takeaway for Future House Hunters
If you’re lining up for real estate, remember: timing, persistence, and a pinch of luck can make all the difference. And maybe keep an eye out for those lucky final spots—common sense says the place you want might just be one handshake away.
<img alt="" data-caption="A typical 5-room apartment at The Pinnacle@Duxton.
PHOTO: The Pinnacle@Duxton” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”7a9ad698-7e7e-407d-8e73-ce815d376d2d” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/livingrommm.JPG”/>
Home Sweet Home: From Tanjong Pagar to the Valley of Tech
When Chi Sim and his family first stepped into their Pinnacle@Duxton flat, they were swooning. The apartment was a sweet little trio of three bedrooms, one living room, and a separate dining area—perfect for family nights and the occasional game of hide‑and‑seek.
But what truly stole their hearts was the vibe of the Tanjong Pagar neighborhood. With its tidy streets, handy amenities close at hand, and a food scene that could rival a Michelin‑star kitchen, it felt like living in a postcard, only the postcard had Wi‑Fi.
- A cozy 3‑bedroom layout that never felt cramped.
- A living and dining area that could double as a dance floor for those impromptu karaoke nights.
- Proximity to everything you could possibly need—coffee shops, gyms, and the perfect corner of the food market.
Fast forward a few years, and the adventure took a new direction. Over in the USA’s Silicon Valley, opportunities knocked on their door. Chi Sim made a bold call: bring the whole family across the Atlantic.
To keep their Singapore home running smoothly, the Pinnacle@Duxton flat stayed off the rental market. Every month, Chi Sim would hop between two continents, juggling meetings, groceries, and the occasional snack‑time countdown.
So, while the family embraces life in the land of startup dreams, their Singapore home remains a serene haven—ready for when they return or if someone else needs a sofa‑like place to crash.
Bought and sold a house in Cupertino, Silicon Valley, USA
<img alt="" data-caption="The average rent at The Pinnacle@Duxton has been mostly stable at about $3,500 a month with a slight dip of 2.3% over the past six years.
PHOTO: URA, Realis and 99.co” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”47b161d4-8f0b-44d5-99b1-dfba36fbed1f” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/graphjo.JPG”/>
When Home Is a Hometown Journey
While chasing the bright lights of the US, Chi Sim spotted a housing market that was practically humming with opportunity. Naturally, he hit the right button and said “buy it, not rent it”—a move that landed him a cozy pad in Cupertino.
But allying a new country with a new family didn’t come without its quirks. The first year on the West Coast was a bit of a logistical roller‑coaster. Imagine a quick‑fire scenario: Chi, his wife, and their son—the daughter’s out on a cronologist’s waiting list, so the trio were in full gear.
Chi explained, “We had to give the house a little facelift. That meant we spent roughly a year hopping between Singapore and the States—splitting our time, love, and a few yard‑work tools—to make sure the new crib was polished to perfection before the big move.”
Key Takeaways
- Fortune favors the bold—buying instead of renting gave Chi a solid foothold in a hot market.
- Family logistics can be messy— coordinating across continents isn’t as simple as a phone call.
- Home is both a place and a process—even the smallest renovations can turn a house into a dream home, just with a bit of cross‑border hand‑shake.
In the end, the house in California wasn’t just a roof over their heads—it was a testament to a life that mixes ambition with a pinch of chaos, all designed to blossom into a family’s new chapter.
<img alt="" data-caption="While Chi Sim did not reveal how much he bought and sold his Cupertino house for, he managed to make a decent profit from its sale before moving back to Singapore.
PHOTO: Chi Sim” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”928e2b2c-e0f5-47fc-a601-a7ca09ce190e” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/cupertino.JPG”/><img alt="" data-caption="A typical landed house in Cupertino is usually about 1,000 to 2,500 sqft, with sale prices of around US$1-3m. This was Chi Sim’s home when he and his family lived in Silicon Valley USA.
PHOTO: Chi Sim” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”95f19fcd-8d8c-49cc-add2-83a3d2c1134a” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/cupertino2.JPG”/>html
Back to Singapore: Our Relocation Story
Chi Sim and his family had spent a few years in the US but decided it was time to return to their homeland.
They sold the Cupertino house for a solid profit, and swiveled their lives back into a 5‑room apartment at Pinnacle@Duxton.
Family Growth and Space Needs
- Right after the move, their daughter was born – a joyous surprise that kept them on their toes.
- Work‑from‑home and home‑based learning became the norm during the pandemic, turning their little apartment into a busy stadium of desks and toys.
- They felt the space was shrinking fast and wondered, “We need more room!”
House‑Hunting Begins
In the span of a year, they started searching for a bigger haven. Their plan was simple: sell the Pinnacle@Duxton spot and find a place that could handle family chaos and future plans.
New Home, New Beginnings
- They sold the apartment they’d grown comfortable with.
- Just a few months ago, they landed a second Singapore home in Bukit Timah.
- It’s the perfect blend of space, comfort, and a neighborhood that feels like a cozy harbor.
With the new spot on hand, the family is ready to host baby playdates, grow a little garden, and enjoy more than the cramped vibes that once defined the old Pow! The adventure continues on new grounds – and the going‑to‑home plan turned into a real home‑bound win.
Sold Pinnacle@Duxton flat to move into a Bukit Timah house
Chi Sim’s Leap from Urban Loft to Charming Terrace
Why He Gave Up That Pinnacle@Duxton Pad
It’s not every day you decide to ditch a central, traffic‑choked apartment for a tucked‑away two‑storey bungalow. Chi Sim explained that the Additional Buyers’ Stamp Duty (ABSD) made the backpacking cost too steep, and he felt it was kinder to pass the opportunity onto a fresh pair of eager homeowners.
Spot‑On Specs of the New Nest
- Approx. 30‑year‑old but lovingly maintained
- Two stories spread over an intimate 1,800 sq ft plot
- Enjoys a generous 999‑year leasehold
- Built on an inter‑terrace layout—perfect for backyard chill sessions
A Worry‑Free Farewell
Chi says he didn’t dive into the sale out of spite or greed. “I’m genuinely happy for the lucky buyers—an awesome couple who will definitely soak up the home’s great feng shui vibes,” he told us. He’s keeping the exact sale prices under wraps for both his former condo and his new terrace, a mystery only the bank will see.
Bottom Line
If you’re craving a quieter slice of life away from the bustling city pulse—just remember, that “nap” might come at a price of ABSD that can’t be ignored. Chi’s journey reminds us that sometimes a comfy, old‑school bungalows can charm even the most urbane heart.
<img alt="" data-caption="5-room apartments (mainly Type S2) at The Pinnacle@Duxton have seen their average PSF sale prices rise by 12.12 per cent over the past six years.
PHOTO: URA, Realis and 99.co” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”759961d1-9dff-4509-a535-aa3d22416fb5″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/graphjo2.JPG”/>
Our Bukit Timah Move: A Tale of Homes and Hope
Picture this: Chi Sim and his wife, fresh‑off‑the‑market, staring at a bookshelf full of dreams—down-to-earth, practical, and maybe a little bit hopeful. They had one big mission: find a primary school for their daughter that would nurture her like a little champ.
Why a Primary School? Why Bukit Timah?
- We needed a school within 1 kilometre of two favourite schools.
- Choosing Bukit Timah was the obvious call – it’s the temple of schooling in Singapore.
- We were ready to tackle the city’s housing jungle.
Hunting the Property Jungle
By 2020, the market was a maze: properties were scarce, and prices were sprinting – fast, fast, fast! We narrowed our hunt to inter‑terrace houses to keep the family spirit intact.
- First Viewing: 10 min (good thing we weren’t highly annoyed by the stairs!)
- Second Viewing: 10 min – same excitement, no compromise on safety.
- Result? The seller finally got the offer.
Could We Go Condo‑City?
We lived close to developer promos and had strong enticing offers. At one point, we even eyed a condo apartment like a budding student eyeing a scholarship. But the secret desire of our family was to own a landed home—something that could stand the test of time. So, we hit the target and ditched the condo plans.
What’s Next? Renovate, Rebuild, or Just Roll‑Out a Blanket?
Just moved in a week ago—so much packing boxes that the only thing reconfiguring is our laugh track from “We’re in a box.” The area allows us to rebuild up to 3.5 storeys – a consideration we’ve kept on our list of “what‑if” scenarios.
In the coming months, we’ll slowly “unbox” the house. The plan? Take it seriously, but also enjoy each new layout as if it’s a fresh life chapter.
Lessons from Past House‑Hunting Adventures
From Singapore’s paddy fields to the US’s suburbs, I learned that communication is the golden key. When the Pinnacle@Duxton fell in our past, we stayed on top of the buyers’ queries, because it’s a big step after all.
- Stay available when the buyers call.
- Show empathy—these are first‑time homeowners, after all.
- Open a door (or in our case half an hour visit before the official closing) so the move can be coordinated smoothly.
And let’s not forget the friendly agent who felt like a cousin. Their guidance made the whole transaction feel like a family affair.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it’s a journey that’s fun, charged, and just slightly chaotic. Moving into our new terrace means starting a fresh chapter that we know will be worth every box of paper we’ve still got to seal. Good times, folks!
Apartments for sale at The Pinnacle@Duxton
Hot Off the Market: Snap‑Up These Cantonment Road Gems
Looking for a new pad in Singapore’s buzzing Central District?
Here’s a quick‑fire rundown of the most recent listings on Cantonment Road. Prices swing from a cozy SGD 899,000 to a little over a SGD 1.3 million—so grab a mug of kopi and let’s dive in.
Top Picks (From The Lowest To The Highest)
-
Unit 1G (Floor #04) – 1,012 sq ft – SGD 899,000
“It’s a perfect starter home, no extra homes!” -
Unit 1C – 1,001 sq ft – SGD 950,000
“A bit space for your office or a tiny gallery.” -
Unit 1G – 1,000 sq ft – SGD 899,000
“Just right for a work‑from‑home hero.” -
Unit 1A – 1,130 sq ft – SGD 1,299,000 (3 bed, 2 bath)
“A splash of luxury at a reasonable price.” -
Unit 1G (D2) – 1,130 sq ft – SGD 1,268,888 (4 bed, 2 bath)
“It’s bigger; more rooms for your cat‑collecting friends.” -
Unit 1D – 1,032 sq ft – SGD 1,088,000 (3 bed, 2 bath)
“Nice tidy space for a family of four.” -
Unit 1F – 1,022 sq ft – SGD 1,238,800
“Feeling that grand feel? It’s here.” -
Unit 1E – 1,130 sq ft – SGD 1,200,000 (3 bed, 2 bath)
“Equally balanced, with a view you can brag about.” -
Unit 1B (D2) – 1,141 sq ft – SGD 1,270,000 (3 bed, 3 bath)
“If you love extra bathrooms, this one’s got you.” -
Unit 1B (D2) – 1,163 sq ft – SGD 1,320,000 (3 bed, 2 bath)
“The absolute classic take‑away from the market.” -
Unit 1B (D2) – 1,012 sq ft – SGD 1,220,000
“Smaller yet still big on budget.” -
Unit 1F (D2) – 1,152 sq ft – SGD 1,350,000
“Hold the grand logic—expect a fancy finish.” -
Unit 1F (D2) – Same as above
“Mortgage? Check. Homeowners’ association? Check. No other surprises.
All in One Snapshot
Every unit on Cantonment Road is 3‑bedroom, 2‑bathroom (one even offers a third bath). Sizes range from 1,000 to 1,163 sq ft; think small but mighty.
Price Taggie: One starts at SGD 899,000 (the ultimate bargains) while the top tier hovers around SGD 1.35 million. Classic, right?
Pro Tips for First‑Time Buyers
We’re also sprinkling in a quick read: “10 things first‑time homebuyers should know before buying in 2021.” Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned investor, a few life‑hacks make the process smoother.
Finishing note: This list was first compiled by 99.co. When you’re ready to act, contact the right agent, get a home inspection, and make your move—because in Singapore such gems don’t flood the market for long.
