9 Tips on How to Choose the Best 2-Bedroom

Generally, 2-bedroom is usually the sweet spot among many home buyers and investors.

However, in fact is not every 2-bedroom is a good buy.

In this article, I will share with you, my 9 tips on how to choose the best 2-bedroom unit condo.

First, let me show you one real scenario here, by comparing 2 projects.

They are both near to Queenstown MRT station.

One was completed in 2017, another one in 2020. (You should know which are the projects I mentioned…ssshhh…)

Both projects are big high rise projects with decent facilities. Side by side.

Common sense, the younger condo (2020) should be more expensive than the older condo (2017) right?

But, in this case study, I find out that the old one and the new project are selling at the same price.

And I’m going to show you why.

In case you want to watch video version. Here is the link.

Otherwise just continue to read on.

In my opinion, the only possible reason is the layout that makes the different.

Now, let’s compare their 2-bedroom floorplan.

Both bedrooms for Project A are proper size that can fit in a King and a Queen size bed.

But the second bedroom of Project B can only fit in a single bed.

Proper bedroom size is important especially for resale.

Generally, the master bedroom should be at least 10 sqm not inclusive of the attached bathroom.

A proper 2^nd Bedroom should be able to fit in a queen size bed.

And that makes the newer condo priced the same as the older condo.

Now that you learn about the bedroom size, but how about the unit size?

Yes it’s very critical. Too small, not so liveable, your future resale buyers complain. ($*#!)

Too big, it could be out of their budget.

Good size but not too big around 600 – 800sqft is the sweet spot for your exit strategy.

However, don’t just purely look at the figure of unit size.

Because you may fall into the trap if you miss out the following point.

Let say a 900 sqft vs 700 sqft. Most people thought that 900 sqft definitely is having a so much bigger living space.

But the fact is you really must see if there is any wasted space.

For example, this unit size is 980sqft. Looks super huge for a 2 bedroom.

But end up 20% goes to their balcony, planter, and bay window.

Well, other than the unit size, another important factor is the regular shape.

For example in Commonwealth Towers itself, the 689 sqft type is much more popular than the 797sqft.

Because the rectangular and squarish shape is easier for your furniture placement.

And that’s why some odd shape units may face difficulty to sell fast.

In the recent years, Dumb bell layout is on popular trend.

Dumb bell layout meaning one bedroom on the left, another bedroom on the right.

However, there is advantage and disadvantage for the dumb bell layout.

The best dumb bell layout that I have seen is the Type BP3 at Clavon.

If you choose the conventional layout, meaning with both the bedrooms on the same side. You may want to choose the corner unit.

Ok, why I say conventional layout better choose the corner unit?

Because it has the walkway corridor to your bedrooms and bathrooms.

So, if you are not the corner unit, meaning your bathroom don’t have windows.

And it could be very dark and humid.

Talking about corner unit, that’s the best if you could have. Otherwise try to go for the unit next to the corner, so that less people walk pass and you can have better privacy.

If you choose the corner unit, your kitchen will be enclosed type with window. Usually, enclosed kitchen comes with gas stove instead of induction cooker.

If not, its better to choose the semi-enclosed type kitchens that looks like the above.

UOL’s 2-bedroom layout are mostly like that.

For kitchen, in my opinion, avoid the one straight line kitchen along the entrance. Because you do not have a proper kitchen corner, the entrance walkway could be always oily.

This kind of design is very common for 1-bedroom design.

But for 2-bedroom, try to avoid unless there is no other better choice.

And lastly, aim for 2 bed 2 bath if budget allowed. Nowadays people like to play phone while doing their big business in the toilet. So, during peak hours, 1 toilet may not be enough…

Summary:

To summarize this article, here are my 9 tips for you:

1. To have a Proper Bedroom Size, for master bedroom at least 10sqm excluding the attached bathroom.
2. Unit size around 600-800sqft, this is the sweet spot for your future exit strategy.
3. Having little or no wasted space. Take note if there is any huge balcony, planter box or bay window.
4. Regular shape, those comes with odd shape take longer time to sell.
5. Prefer Dumb bell layout, this is now the trend.  For Conventional layout, choose the corner unit if possible to maximize the windows and natural ventilation.
6. If not, then choose the unit next to the corner, at least you have more privacy.
7. Prefer enclosed or semi enclosed kitchen, so that kitchen is kitchen, separate from your living room.
8. Avoid one straight line kitchen along entrance, this type of layout is common for 1-bedroom but I don’t like this.
9. 2 bed 2 bath if your budget allowed. So that you can cater bigger buyer and tenant pool.

I hope my article is helpful to you.

You may want to engage my service to select a good unit for you.

Contact my whatsapp at +6591887652.