TiongBahru.sg

10/08/2025

Looks like SERS might soon be history if the government shifts its attention (and budget) towards VERS instead.
VERS isn’t quite the golden ticket SERS used to be.
It’s only offered to certain precincts when flats hit around 70 years old, and residents will get to vote on it, just like how HIP works for fixing up maintenance issues.
But don’t expect a big windfall, because by then the flats are much older, the payout terms will likely be less generous, and the financial upside won’t be as sweet.

The Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme for public housing could kick off with a few selected sites from the first half of the next decade, says National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat.

18/05/2025

Rare Sale: Tiong Bahru Rare 4RM flat for sale (HFE requried)

This 110m² (1,184 sqft) apartment along Tiong Bahru Road offers a seamless blend of functionality and contemporary style. Bathed in natural light from generous windows throughout, the home feels bright and inviting from the moment you step inside.

The open-plan living area, complemented by modern lighting fixtures, encourages both relaxation and entertaining. Adjacent to the living space, the compact yet well-equipped kitchen features white cabinetry, a double sink, and ample counter space. It connects effortlessly to a cozy dining nook — perfect for intimate meals or casual gatherings.

The primary bedroom is spacious and versatile, comfortably accommodating a king-sized bed with plenty of room for flexible furniture arrangement.

A sun-drenched corridor lined with polished wooden flooring, expansive windows, and lush tropical plants brings a tranquil, indoor-outdoor vibe to the space.

The bathroom embraces a clean, minimalist design.

An end-corner room offers a quiet and productive environment — ideal for remote work or study — a rare and valuable feature in urban living.

Throughout the apartment, a tasteful mix of modern and mid-century décor adds character, with vibrant artwork and accessories standing out against crisp white walls. Air conditioning units ensure year-round comfort, making this thoughtfully curated home as practical as it is stylish.

Only 12 units in the entire neighbourhood share this rare layout — and this block is one of the icons of Tiong Bahru. If you're looking for something special, unique, and truly priceless, this is your chance to own and live in one. Because you only live once.

Matterport 3D Showcase.

14/05/2025

In July 2025, HDB will launch approximately 5,400 Build-To-Order (BTO) flats in Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Clementi, Sembawang, Tampines, Toa Payoh, and Woodlands. Concurrently, around 3,000 flats across various towns/estates will be offered under the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise. Further details, including the application period, will be announced closer to the launch.

During the 8-day application period for the BTO and SBF exercises, the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter application e-Service will be temporarily unavailable for new applications. This allows HDB to focus its resources on supporting the sales exercises.

Flat buyers with valid HFE letters or those who applied before the July 2025 launch will not be affected. Resale flat buyers with valid HFE letters may continue to obtain an Option to Purchase (OTP) and submit resale applications. Sellers can also continue with their part of the application process, starting seven days after registering their Intent to Sell.

Prospective resale flat buyers without a valid HFE letter are strongly encouraged to apply early, as the letter is valid for 9 months. Alternatively, they may wait and apply after the sales exercises conclude, once the HFE letter application e-Service resumes.

03/02/2025

URA has issued an Outline Planing Advice on Jan 22 advising that the site be rezoned from "Business 1" to "Residential with Commercial at 1st storey".

06/01/2025

A tenant & landlord can both claim CDC vouchers using 1 address, & it's not a loophole.

Read the article for more information.

You can appeal for the vouchers.

21/08/2024

The government’s latest measures to cool the HDB resale market will only slow demand for flats “temporarily,” said a real estate expert.

15/08/2024

Can you live in the city while enjoying the serene vibe of a Bali resort? See for yourself.

From the outset, the owner envisioned a space that defies flatness and monotony. This well-balanced design introduces multiple levels, adding dynamic variation to the home. From the attic, the cohesive blue-gray palette ties the interior together, with a custom sofa ensuring harmony across each level.

The interplay of blue-gray and light wood tones, accented with hints of color, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. In tropical Singapore, the plunge pool serves as a refreshing retreat between Zoom meetings when working from home.

Even the ensuite bathroom is meticulously designed, offering a view of the plunge pool that enhances the resort-like feel.

Although most of the furniture is crafted from solid wood, composite materials were thoughtfully selected due to Singapore’s limited wood resources. These materials provide a light wood finish that is water-resistant and durable. The composite surfaces were sanded to eliminate any plastic-like appearance, giving them the look and feel of authentic wood.

This stunning home is located in Singapore’s Tiong Bahru Estate, a neighborhood steeped in history. Built in 1936 by the British government, Tiong Bahru is known for its first public housing with Art Deco architecture, blending urban sophistication with historical charm.

The opportunity to own this property is now available.

Buzz me to find out more: https://wa.me/+6591000001

01/07/2024

I couldn't believe it when I stepped into this apartment today.

This is probably the 1st property I'm selling in Tiong Bahru that matches the original floor plan. This owner live here the past 50 years!

His grandfather bought is in 1973 and they never once had the urge to remodel it.

So I was so surprised to see the cooker stove, complete with the original chimney flue.

And all the plantation windows are intact! Including the ones in the living room!

And I also spotted the foldable canvas bed that was ubiquitous in the 1970s and 80s. I wonder if I can ask him for it when I sell off the property.

Matterport 3D Showcase.

04/03/2024

Condo rental market shifts: Landlords hit by high supply of newly completed units

Amid high supply of new condos, landlords face pressure to lower rent or have prolonged vacancies. Read more at straitstimes.com.

04/01/2024

To the landlords within the PRE-WAR side of Tiong Bahru Estate who are still reeling from the property tax shock for 2024, here's the table from IRAS to help calculate the rates.

For the Pre-War side of Tiong Bahru, the previous Annual Value (AV) were mostly below $30k But this year, any property that is classified by HDB/IRAS as a 4 RM flat, the AV is bumped up to $36,600.

This is the reason why it jumped up exponentially, The 4 roomers will be taxed at $4920 while the 3 roomer's are taxed at $3456.

(3 rm's AV is below $30k @ $28,800, hence the formula is quite straightforward: 12% of $28,800 = $3456)

And mind you, this has nothing to do with the size of the apartment. There are some smallish 4 roomers found along Moh Guan Terrace and they are approximately 840 sqft while most ground floors in the pre-war side are classified as 3 rooms even though they are in excess of 1200 sqft.

Someone ought to relook at how these properties are classified to ensure people are tax in a fairer way.

NOTE: This does not apply to the HDB side (Block 17 to Block 50) of Tiong Bahru.

30/11/2023

Property taxes for most homes to rise in 2024; Govt to give one-off rebate to cushion impact

There will also be higher annual value thresholds for social support schemes from Jan 2024. Read more at straitstimes.com.

15/11/2023

The year-end is a time where I see many tenants trying to sublet their rented properties to cover their cost while they are away.

This practice might be legal in other countries but it isn't allowed in Singapore.

If you are living in a HDB flat in Tiong Bahru (Blk 17-50), your sub tenant need to lease the flat for at least 6 months. And you need to obtain consent from your landlord. And your landlord is required to register your guest's information with the HDB. By the way, HDB has a rule, though seldom enforced, which disallow all overnight guests.

For the pre-war side (Blk 55-82), the shortest lease would be 3 months. Anything shorter is an infringement and illegal.

So AirBnB is a no no here and you risk a huge fine if you are caught.

He earned revenue of S$1.47 million for providing short-term accommodation at the 19 properties over one year and eight months, until complaints were made to the condominiums' management.