From Simple Home to Spacious Executive Maisonette: A Family of Four Finds Extra Play Space and Lifestyle Luxury

Fueling the Family Dream: The Teo’s Quest for More Space

Mr. & Mrs. Teo’s first modest nest— a 93 sqm (1,001 sq ft) 4‑room HDB BTO flat— felt more like a birdcage than a playground. The couple reached a “We’re out of room!” moment after watching their kids tumble around the living room.

Why the Original Flat Was a Bit Too Tight

The 4‑room layout didn’t leave much room for the kids to run, jump, or build forts.
Everylittle area felt crowded, and the parents realized their children were growing faster than the walls.
It was time to explore options that could give the family a proper “stretch.”

Choosing Between an Executive Maisonette (EM) and an Executive Apartment (EA)

Both options offered more space and upgraded comforts, but the Teos had to decide what fit their lives best.
Kids tossed a flip‑flop over the decision—staying at the house or going “upstairs.” They insisted on stairs—no elevators at all!
With the kids in the mix, the couple negotiated: let’s keep bedrooms away from living areas. That turned the EM into the clear winner.

Why the Executive Maisonette Was the Smart Pick

The EM’s split‑floor design gave the Teos the quiet sanctuary they craved while keeping a lively, open living space for family gatherings. The separation of bedrooms also meant fewer interruptions during playtime or Netflix marathons—a win-win for the whole unit.

All in all, the Teos proved that good sense, a little teamwork, and a sprinkle of humor can underscore a smart move from a cramped flat to a spacious, stair‑filled dream home.

Found the right home after more than 10 viewings

Why Standard House‑Hunting Didn’t Cut It for the Tseos

Mr Teo is a civil servant, and Mrs Teo—an attentive stay‑home mum—were no strangers to paperwork and deadlines. But when it came to buying a home, their quest was far from a stroll through a Saturday market.

The “House‑Hunting Hunt” Checklist

Bright as a sunrise—no west sun – They wanted mornings to stay pleasantly light.
Convenience is king – Close to shops, schools and public transport.
Shh… keep it quiet – A block away from the main road.
The “separate” rubbish chute – An uncommon feature for older flats but a total game‑changer for them.

Even after touring more than ten properties, their dream wasn’t just a “perfect fit”; it had to tick every box without any of the usual trade‑offs.

Success! The 26‑Year‑Old Maisonette Wins the Prize

After a marathon of viewings, the couple—both in their thirties—settled on an EM that checked all the boxes. Built in 2020, this western property spans 1,550 sq ft, giving the kids enough room to run wild while the parents enjoy that much‑needed escape from the morning glare.

And yes, the separate rubbish chute is out there, not hidden behind the family unit. A rare find, it basically guarantees no “sophisticated” garbage battles at midnight.

All in All… What This Means for Families Aiming to Buy

Finding a house that meets all your idiosyncratic wishes is hard, but as the Tseos proved, a bit of persistence, a sprinkle of humor, and a clear list of priorities can eventually land you a dream home—complete with no west‑side glare and a convenient trash chute.

Why This Quiet Corner of the City Became Their Dream Home

Finding the perfect resale HDB unit is about more than just square footage—it’s a quest for the right vibes and the right vibe.

Location Matters

Convenient access to nearby amenities—shops, cafés, public transport.
“We love a open community rather than a gated one,” the couple pointed out.

Peaceful, Quiet, Quieter

They’re both “crowd‑averse” lovers of serenity, so the house’s distance from the main road was a big win.

No nighttime traffic rattle.
They’ve had the same issue at their first home and wanted a break.

That Intangible Feeling

The couple noted a key factor during the viewing: the house radiated a positive, almost inexplicable vibe. They advise future buyers to:

Take a stroll around the neighborhood.
Chat with the neighbors if possible.
Trust your gut—those subtle sensations are often the signal.

The Corner Unit Dream

They originally aimed for a corner unit to boost privacy, but when the “good vibes” were missing, they decided against it.

In short, the right blend of placeness, accessibility, and atmosphere turned this second home into the ultimate tranquil retreat.

Did not go for a condo as the family prioritise space

Whetting the Teo Family’s Appetite for a Second Home

When the Teo family first set their sights on a condominium, excitement ran high. They took several trips to check out the listings, hoping to find the perfect spot.

Room for the Big Ideas

But hit after hit left them uncomfortable: tiny spaces that made it feel like living in a shoebox.

Limited square footage – each condo felt cramped.
Expensive price tags – money was being burnished on a shrinking plot.

The Health of the Vision

They weighed the pros and cons:

“Every teen and adult in the family isn’t going to be sprinting in the gym or turning it into a personal sauna.”
Boys and girls might splash around at the pool.

Conclusion

In the end, the Teos made a clear decision: space matters the most. They chose an EM (Executive Mansion) as their second home, reassuring that the rooms were big enough to throw a living room cake‑baking party, no more “half‑full” rooms.

Openness of the communal area allows interaction with the kids, and for them to run around freely

Open House, Open Minds

Mr. and Mrs. Teo trade the old “study‑room‑kitchen” fusion for a blissful, airy zone that feels more like a personal playground than a four‑room apartment.

Why the Openness Wins

When asked about their favorite spot in the house, the Teos say it’s the community area—a space that lets them “connect with their kids” and “let them run free.” The wide‑open layout turns ordinary chases through hallways into spontaneous family dance‑offs.

The Big Move

Removed the wall between the study and kitchen, eliminating dead space.
Created a larger, breathable zone that’s perfect for inside backyard adventures.
Turned a cramped corner into a living arts studio where kids can doodle, paint, or reenact their favorite cartoon.

Feel the Breeze

With the new open layout, the Teo family feels a refreshing breeze whenever a window is opened. The space feels lighter, as if it’s finally ready for a visit from the house’s “next big addition”: the little ones’ antics.

In short, the Teos’ renovation is less about architectural flair, more about making every room a pot of sunshine—and it’s working wonders.

Our Cozy Home Adventures

The Clever Peninsula

In their kitchen and dining terrace, the couple put up a handy peninsula. It’s the perfect divider that keeps the food prep and family banter separate while still letting light and conversation flow freely.

The Balcony that Does It All

Ziptrak Ready – When rain is a suggestion, not a threat, they slide the balcony cover up and let the sunshine in.
No Window Panels, No Hassle – They avoided the constant cleaning of window panels. Instead, the sheer open-top balcony invites fresh air and a wide view.
Sunlit Vibes – Direct sunlight pours in, turning the balcony into a natural light box for tea, earbuds, or a quick power nap.

Lazy Corner: The Hammock Library

In the tranquil nook of their home, a hammock sits—personified as a comfy reading spot. It’s ideal for late‑night chats, weekend brunches, or simply sipping a drink after a long day. Whether they’re deep‑reading or doodling, the hammock feels like a personal tiny island in the middle of reality.

They could have added many more gadgets, but this duo keeps it simple, sentimental, and absolutely home‑friendly.

Spent $50k on renovation

Home Sweet Home… or Almost

Why the Teo Family Said “Yes”

They were convinced by one key factor: the unit was in tip‑top shape. The former owner, a bit of a fuss‑budget, made sure everything was up to snuff. No pricey renovations needed – it was a win‑win.

Keep, Replace, Save

Mains & bedrooms stay intact – doors and wardrobes from the old owner were left as‑is.
Bathroom facelift – the fixtures got a fresh brand‑new makeover.
Flooring makeover – the entire house got a new layer, but the tiles in the dining area, kitchen and balcony were kept (saving dollars and keeping style).

The Renovation Rollercoaster

Even with a perfectly conditioned unit, design disagreements are inevitable. “My husband is a perfectionist,” they laughed. This tossed the interior designers into a mild frenzy. But the partnership survived the tussles.

Budget‑Friendly Basics

All the upgrades came to around S$50,000. A smart choice, thanks to the fact that they’re not planning to stay for the long haul. That slashed back‑end costs and kept their wallet happy.

For a sneak peek at the new digs, follow the Teo family’s Instagram story on the link below.

Appearances on social media, but no direct link is shared here.

The EM won’t be a forever home?

Teos Family’s Home‑Hunting Journey

When the Teos first decided to move out of their cozy living room (EM), they had one clear goal: more room for their kids to sprint, tumble, and build forts.
Big plans! The new place promised the sprawling space they were craving.

Thinking Ahead

But the reality check came with the teenage years. As the kids began to “group hug‐in” their rooms, the spacious EM started feeling a bit useless.
So the couple got clever:

Step 1: Grow into the new EM now while the kids are younger.
Step 2: Downsize to a pithier unit once their teens settle in.

What Makes Their Dream Home Tick?

Beyond simple space, the Teos have a heartwarming vision for their future home:

• Unobstructed views that paint the perfect backdrop for Sunday breakfasts.
• A balcony sanctuary—coffee on the patio, plants that sing the scent of fresh blooms.
• A backyard that feels like a personal garden, where every plant gets a chance to grow.

In short, it’s all about making the most of the space and the view, sparking joy in a humble sanctuary. Their clear roadmap shows that even as their kids grow, the home will always adapt—making sure every corner feels lived-in and loved.

Insights and advice on buying a resale maisonette

Home Buying Tips From the Teo House Hunters

Mr. and Mrs. Teo have traded their keys for a wealth of wisdom, and here are the golden nuggets we’ve pulled from their experience.

First Things First: Price Check

See the whole picture – Compare listed prices to actual selling prices to spot any hidden gaps.
Do the paperwork dance – Familiarise yourself with the application steps and read the reviews before you sign anything.

Plan Your Stay (and Your Spend)

Think long‑term – Decide how many years you’ll live there because that shapes both your budget and any renovation plans.
Keep it sane – Don’t stretch your wallet for a dream house that will put you under a debt curfew.

Talk It Out, Then List It

Couple‑check – Sit down with your partner and make a “must‑have” list. Decide what you can compromise on to keep the process breezy.
Future sellers, listen up – If you plan to sell later, consider keeping certain fixtures that are in good shape to cut renovation costs.

Choose Recently Renovated Units

Older units that need a full overhaul can cost you up to $100k in repairs – better avoid those if you can.

Think About Your Daily Moves

Living in an EM gives you a great stair workout, but it’s not a dream come true for those with weak knees.

Pick the Right Interior Designer

Experience matters – Look for a designer with a solid portfolio, strong company backing, and a track record.
Get solutions, not just ideas – They should be able to strike a balance that satisfies both parties.

Stay Trend‑Savvy

Do your market research and stay open to new ideas that can upgrade the look and feel of your future home.

Ready for more updates? Check out the latest list of HDB maisonettes and see how prices have shifted in 2022.