2-room or 3-room HDB?

Still deciding between a 2-room or a 3-room? Or bigger still?

Being single, we would like to think that we won't need much space.

But stuff/things expand to meet space. Especially if you're a hoarder. And I know I am.

This is still considered uncluttered compared to what it is now...

2-room flats are much cheaper. The differential in the pricing between a 2-room to a 3-room flat in the same location is the steepest.

The Valuation Report and the Application fee are much cheaper for a 2-room than a 3-room. You can save about $90.

Renovation costs, painting costs, move-in cleaning costs are also cheaper for a 2-room - obviously.

Well-meaning acquaintances reminded me that you tend to attract unsavoury characters at smaller type flats. I agreed, and told them they won't need to worry, as I'll be leading that gang. I grew up in Block 37 at Circuit Road. Not much scares me. I like the vibrancy of such blocks too.

You can always use the extra room as a study/office/chill-out zone.
I plan to use my Living Room as all that.

You've only 1 toilet to clean. - IMPORTANT to note.
The toilets are often dual-entry in recent 2-room builds - I Like!
Bedroom windows often are away from the corridor - I prefer.

Rental Income
You can rent out a room in your 3-room or larger HDB flat, but you won't be able to rent out (and then only entire flat) your 2-room until it reaches MOP (5 years from getting your keys.)

However, are you ready to deal with tenant/landlord woes?

Are you prepared to share a room with a stranger? Maybe even a toilet/shower if there is only one in the entire flat, as in the units I viewed in Toa Payoh.

Also, take for example a 3-room costs $350k and a 2-room would cost you $300k. If you rent out the Common Room (I'll definitely want the Master bedroom for myself. I like my privacy and often Common Room windows face the corridor.) and charge about $800 in rent, it'll be about 5+ years before you make up that difference. If it is en-suite another $200+ in rental yield, and if it is an air-conditioned room, add another $200+ but it'll end up paying for the utility bill. Then again, it is difficult to fetch more than $600 for most Common Rooms.

And then you've got to deal with the hassle of securing a tenant, getting them to pay on time, ensuring they keep to the rules, ensuring they are well-behaved, don't waste electricity/water, don't spoil furniture, worrying about upkeep and wear and tear, bring in unwanted guests, inviting danger into your home, theft, etc. Also, not being able to move around inconspicuously in your own house, etc.

An excess room also means that you'll also invite squatters, well-meaning people, friends or relatives who'd see your room as an open invitation to outlive their stay - and I know I'm not firm. You struck out solo to live alone, not with the brady bunch. (P.S. Never give out your keys to even friends, especially those still living with their families, when you're not home especially. You never know who they bring in and what they use your room for.) If you invite guests, make it clear how long they can stay - yes, spell out a limit, or you may end up having an unwelcome guest soon.

I'll rather keep my friend over a room, so the best way, is to keep them out of that room.

A larger house means that you'll have more to clean, you'll have more electricity charges, you'll have more to upkeep.

Higher property tax, conservancy charges and taxation.


The only time 3-room and above wins? If you're planning to have a family...

But have I mentioned that I'm a huge fan of the Tiny House Movement? He'll just have to adapt. Till the flat MOPs.

The child/children wouldn't be more than 4 then. Still workable.


So, for me, I think 2-rooms just won.


Unless I turn the extra room into a library/dance studio/movie theatre/tuition centre, or all rolled into one! Hmmm...