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http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_608365.html
Nov 29, 2010
HDB FLATS
Enduring value, endearing homes
I TOTALLY agree with last Saturday's commentary ('Enduring value of HDB flats') by Ms Chua Mui Hoong. But I would like to add that Housing Board flats not only have enduring value but they are also endearing homes.
When I started working in the 1960s, my family and I were living in a rented HDB flat. In 1974, I bought my first Housing Board flat at a cost of $15,500 and spent about $6,000 doing it up. Then in 1997, I sold the three-room flat for about $145,000.
The same year, I took possession of a five-room flat, after paying $265,000. I then spent about $100,000 from the sale of my old flat on renovating the new place. It turned out to be a pleasant and comfortable home for our family for many years. It still is.
Of late, agents have been approaching me, offering me an irresistible price of more than $720,000. But I am unfazed and unmoved - this is my dear home, my last home.
Our neighbourhood provides everything that most people need: schools, shops, markets, eateries, places of religious worship, entertainment centres, exercise areas and parks.
Some people keep complaining about the high property prices, but this is the price a country has to pay for its prosperity.
And, mind you, the Government is not leaving it at that. Policies and measures are in place to help each citizen realise his dream of owning a piece of Singapore - so long as he works hard and smart.
Loke Kong
AND A FOLLOW-UP ....
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_609071.html
Home sweet home
MRS DEV NAIR: 'I refer to Mr Loke Kong's letter on Monday ('Enduring value, endearing homes'). For those of us who are unlucky not to live in HDB estates, the prospect of our homes being sold en bloc hangs over our heads. The Government has already done a lot to lessen this scourge, but it still haunts a lot of home owners who are aware no amount of money can replace their beloved homes. More should be done so that everyone can live out their lives with peace of mind.'
Nov 29, 2010
HDB FLATS
Enduring value, endearing homes
I TOTALLY agree with last Saturday's commentary ('Enduring value of HDB flats') by Ms Chua Mui Hoong. But I would like to add that Housing Board flats not only have enduring value but they are also endearing homes.
When I started working in the 1960s, my family and I were living in a rented HDB flat. In 1974, I bought my first Housing Board flat at a cost of $15,500 and spent about $6,000 doing it up. Then in 1997, I sold the three-room flat for about $145,000.
The same year, I took possession of a five-room flat, after paying $265,000. I then spent about $100,000 from the sale of my old flat on renovating the new place. It turned out to be a pleasant and comfortable home for our family for many years. It still is.
Of late, agents have been approaching me, offering me an irresistible price of more than $720,000. But I am unfazed and unmoved - this is my dear home, my last home.
Our neighbourhood provides everything that most people need: schools, shops, markets, eateries, places of religious worship, entertainment centres, exercise areas and parks.
Some people keep complaining about the high property prices, but this is the price a country has to pay for its prosperity.
And, mind you, the Government is not leaving it at that. Policies and measures are in place to help each citizen realise his dream of owning a piece of Singapore - so long as he works hard and smart.
Loke Kong
AND A FOLLOW-UP ....
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_609071.html
Home sweet home
MRS DEV NAIR: 'I refer to Mr Loke Kong's letter on Monday ('Enduring value, endearing homes'). For those of us who are unlucky not to live in HDB estates, the prospect of our homes being sold en bloc hangs over our heads. The Government has already done a lot to lessen this scourge, but it still haunts a lot of home owners who are aware no amount of money can replace their beloved homes. More should be done so that everyone can live out their lives with peace of mind.'
