I’ve been wondering if living in a condo is worth it (as compared to HDB).

I’m considering purchasing my first home (with my partner) and we’re contemplating between these two properties. We’re earning enough to live comfortably in a condominium. We don’t have an active social life (so we’re always home) and rarely go to the gym.

Any advice? I would appreciate an honest opinion! Thank you! (:

Also, may I ask, how much should the combined income be to “live comfortably”? I’ve been getting different opinions, so I’m genuinely wondering.

Here are what netizens think:

Is the swimming pool or supermarket more important?

Most new HDB have really good amenities that condos may not have – like 24hrs supermarts, fast food chains, bakeries, etc. I am talking about amenities that provide basic needs like food or convenience. Pools and gym are luxuries. I cant imagine paying more for less (lesser living space and convenience).

Condos are very expensive

Condos are very expensive. For perspective – the massive five-room loft unit at Dawson sold for 1.32 million – and that’s close to the asking price my partner is putting out for his low floor condo that is less than half the size of that Dawson unit. And to be honest his neighbourhood, while generally considered affluent, doesn’t have much in the way of amenities.

My partner is always super happy when he comes over to my place in a very mature HDB estate – because you can get any daily necessity you require within 5 minutes. And that’s a big reason why my partner and I have decided that our new house is going to be a huge five-room flat in an older HDB estate…property agents and friends all say it’s a downgrade but to us it’s a no-brainer, even if our combined incomes could afford a condo.

Most of the time people don’t even use the condominium amenities

I think if youre not gonna use condo facilities then just get HDB. I’m assuming if you can buy condo means you have $$$, if i were you i would buy 4 or 5 room and renovate to my desired style.

Condominium has it’s upsides

Ive stayed in landed, condo and hdb before. Still prefer condo over the other two. Parking is so much easier just below the block and totally sheltered. Dont need fight with people at multi storey cp. Security is good especially at night when you come home dont have random people sleeping/smoking at void deck. No PAP/WP/random ppl knocking on your door and scare you. Lifts are also much cleaner.

Smaller sqm doesn’t mean reduced quality of life. To me it means easier to clean and less reno needed to makeover the place. Better than landed cos dont need climb stairs to my room everyday. Last time when i was thirsty i just tahan cos lazy to go down to the kitchen to take water loll.