Home Buying in Singapore: The Dog‑Friendly Conundrum
For a lot of Singaporean couples, the go‑to route to dream home ownership is the BTO flat. It’s affordable, secure, and everyone’s familiar with the process. But for 28‑year‑old animal aficionado JZ and her future husband, that classic path was a dead end.
The One‑Dog Rule
HDB flats can only have one dog per unit. That means JZ’s adorable Shiba Inu and her fiancé’s golden‑tored Golden Retriever had to make an impossible split: either one gets the BTO, the other gets left out, or the couple pulls an all‑in on a private house where both pups can wag happily.
Doggie Candidates
- Shiba Inu – small, spirited, will stand guard against the office squirrels.
- Golden Retriever – affectionate, big‑heart, and a master at catching lawn tennis balls.
Decision Time
The duo had one choice: exceed their budget and splurge on a luxury condom, or go private. They went private, finding a pet‑friendly property where both dogs could roam free, and where their paws could spread their tails on the same sofa.
Why the Private Property Made Sense
- Unlimited pelts in the living room.
- Outdoor spaces that let the dogs dig, fetch, or just chill.
- Peace of mind that no more “only one dog” policy will ever corner them.
In the end, the couple’s love for animals helped them become a big, happy family, complete with four paws, and the perfect home to match.
Snuggling in the East: JZ and the Big Furry Decision
JZ and the other partner were on a quest: find a cozy nest that wouldn’t break the bank, had at least three bedrooms (one of which would be the puppy palace), and was right where the comfort of their childhood memories lay.
The Great Hunt
- Need it budget‑friendly?
- Three rooms at least?
- Pets welcome? Absolutely!
- Location that feels like home?
After a whirlwind of apartment tours, they settled on an 890‑sq‑ft gem: a two‑bedroom + study resale condo in Pasir Ris.
Why Pasir Ris? Because of the East‑Vibe
Both JZ and their partner grew up in the eastern part of the city, so stepping back into familiar surroundings felt like a warm hug. The condo’s spot on the city fringe offered cheaper prices, and the neighborhood’s relaxed charm made the “home” feel like it was strolling right into their hearts.
JZ chuckles, “Finding something affordable in the west, north, or east was a toss-up, but Pasir Ris practically shouted, ‘Come on over!’”
Final Verdict: A Four‑Legged Family Feels at Home
With the house secured, the couple can now envision a laundry room where their pets roam free, a den for late‑night pizza binges, and a comfy spot for future videos of their furry friends doing goofy tricks.
Your First Home Adventure in Pasir Ris
Meet JZ and Her Fiance
JZ scored a sunny condo that’s got a balcony with a lush green view—basically a permanent, five‑star backdrop for everyday life.
Dog‑Friendly Paradise
The nearby Pasir Ris Park is practically a stone’s throw away, so your furry friends can enjoy long, leisurely strolls without any hassle.
Commuting Hacks
- Pros: Spacious balcony, plenty of greenery, easy park access.
- Cons: A 15‑minute walk to the nearest MRT.
But don’t sweat it! JZ loves a good walk, so the extra 15 minutes are just another opportunity to soak in the scenery.
What JZ Says to Aspiring Millennials
“Home buying is all about balancing what makes you happy with what fits your life. Find that little joy—whether it’s a balcony view or a walk to the park—and give yourself space to grow.”
What stage of the property purchasing process are you at now?
We’re Almost Rented!
Just wrapped up a full‑on makeover and, after our big day, we’ll be packing our bags and moving in next month—January 2022.
What’s Next?
- Kick‑off the post‑wedding bliss and finally call this place home.
- Celebrate the fresh, upgraded space with a little (or big) toast.
It’s the Best Timing
We solved the renovation chaos, tied the knot, and now the house is ready to welcome us. Talk about a perfect post‑wedding miracle—just for us!
What would you say are some of the unique characteristics of your home?
Open‑Concept Home: Where Pets, Rooms, and Humor Collide
Ever dreamt of a home that feels as if it were built on a giant “touch‑and‑tell” playground? We turned that dream into reality by breaking down the walls that once kept our study and living room apart—and we went even further: we literally hacked off a bedroom to bring the two spaces together. Now the only thing that’s still in its own little bubble is the pet’s room.
A Piece of Glass (and a Gag)
- The wall to the pet’s room? Transparent as a crystal ball—so we can see every whisker twitch and tail flick.
- Whenever the pets “party” in their own corner, we can watch from the living room or study. No more sneaking around the house like a secret agent.
- It’s a feel‑good kind of connectivity: Our furry friends and us are practically living in the same brainwave.
Why It Feels Right
The sense of “never being separated” is real. It’s like living in a sitcom set where the laugh track is replaced by the gentle patter of paws. And when our pets explore or meow, we’re there, never missing a single moment.
Bottom Line
We’ve turned our home into a seamless, open‑concept playground—so nothing (not even the walls) stands between us and our pets. Humor serves us, hearts connect, and transparency rocks!
When a Bedroom Turns into a Super‑Secret Mini‑Quiet Zone
Picture this: a humble house where the couple decided one morning that the bedroom’s walls were just standing in the way of good vibes. “Let’s rewire it,” they said, hooking up a study and a living room in one seamless flow. The result? An all‑in‑one space that’s perfect for coffee, brainstorming, and arguably the best afternoon nap spot yet.
A Clear‑Glass Connection
But that’s not all—they went next‑level with a glass wall. Now the kitchen chaos never clashes with the desk drama; instead, the team keeps an eye on each other while brewing up ideas (or bad coffee). It’s like having the best of both worlds: privacy for the private moments, and transparency for the collaborative ones.
- Work & Relax Trendsetter: two rooms, one vision – you can actually see progress without stepping through a wall.
- Okay, So: It also doubles as a dramatic backdrop for spontaneous photo ops. We’re talking ‘Expectation vs. Reality’ style.
- Guest Access: When friends drop by, they’re greeted by an open design that invites conversation, not hallway gossip.
So if you’re wondering about getting the ‘room‑hack’ vibe in your own house, just remember: a little glass can go a long way, especially when you’re trying to keep sanity (and coffee cravings) in check.
Are there any specific steps you took to make your home more pet-friendly?
Choosing the Perfect Home for Your Furry Friends
1. Flooring That Can Handle Tails and Treats
- Scratch‑proof vinyl tiles – because paw‑prints are inevitable.
2. Furniture That Keeps Cleaning a Breeze
- Minimalist pieces that are easy to wipe down.
- Waterproof faux‑leather sofa from Carousell – a stylish, pour‑proof throne for your cat or dog.
How has your renovation experience been?
Working with Joe from Arche Interior – a Dream Team!
From the first “Hello!” I sent to the design squad, I knew there’d be an effortless vibe. Joe, the whiz at Arche Interior, really gets what we want and how we live.
We’re proud fur‑parents, so we made it clear that every nook had to be pet‑proof from the get‑go.
Sweet, modern, with a hint of cozy. We sent the mood board and the pretty‑looking Pinterest links so Joe could match the vibe instantly.
My Takeaway
If you’re looking to makeover your cribs, do the following:
– If the designer gets your style but can’t handle the dog‑friendly requirements, refuse.
– If the designer got the dog‑friendly part but didn’t feel the aesthetic, reconsider.
Bottom line
The sweet spot is a team that can listen and adapt – the painters at the edges of pet-entertainment and the interior designer with a keen sense for style. Joe hit both flags. Let the designers hear the same. If vibes align, a smooth, happy renovation is guaranteed. Happy designing!
What insights have you gained throughout the experience in researching and buying this property?
Snagging My Dream Home: A Millennial Tale
Honestly, my whole home‑buying adventure felt like a smooth cruise thanks to an ace agent and a super chill seller. I’d say I hit the jackpot!
It’s That One Spot
Coincidentally, the first unit my agent and I checked out turned out to be the one I finally signed for. No fancy tech or magic – just a good gut feeling.
Fam’s “Hold Off” Party
- Friends & family always wanted a sneak‑peek before I made the call.
- Some even set up a “wait‑and‑see” countdown.
- Meanwhile, I was, “Sure, bud, but I’ll let myself be the boss of my own hood.”
What to Do With Their Opinions
Everyone has a unique opinion – no one is right or wrong, just strong preferences. So, I:
- Weighed their pros and cons.
- Checked if the place actually met my needs.
- Ensured it stayed within my budget.
- Made the final decision – because it’s my future home plate.
The Real Learning Curve
After landing the pad, I realized a reality check: millennials tend to lean on parents for every home hiccup. Suddenly, we were lost when the time came to find service providers for maintenance and repairs.
But here’s where the Carousell solution came in – it’s a game‑changer!
- I spotted a dedicated home service category.
- The platform was friendly and convenient – no more hunting around.
- It saved time and gave me pure confidence in keeping the place in tip‑top shape.
So, if you’re on the hunt for an apartment or a house, remember: let your instincts lead the way, use a reliable agent, respect family advice but don’t let it dictate your move. And when it’s time for repairs, Carousell is a handy sidekick.
What are your hopes and dreams in the next step in your home-buying/living journey?
Ready to Take the Leap Together!
- Getting married—let’s make it official.
- Moving into our cozy home—our pawmily paradise awaits.
- Celebrating with our furry friends—paw-some vibes all around!
We’re buzzing with excitement for this new adventure.
Do you have any advice for our readers who are making their next step towards buying a similar property in Singapore?
Finding the Perfect Place with a Trusted Guide
You might feel a bit* overwhelmed navigating the world of real‑estate, but don’t sweat it. Do your homework—scan listings, compare prices, and get a feel for the neighborhoods that tick your boxes.
And if you’re feeling a little lost, there’s no shame in hiring a pro. A skilled real‑estate agent can shoulder the heavy lifting and keep you on track:
- Expert Insight: They know the market trends and’ll point out hidden gems.
- Negotiation Edge: They’ll fight for the best price and avoid those costly oversights.
- Step‑by‑Step Support: From paperwork to closing, they’ll walk you through each phase.
With a reliable partner by your side, you’ll glide through the process smoother than a puppy on a sunny porch. Happy house hunting, and remember—every journey is easier when you have someone to advocate for you.
