As I stepped in to the adult working life in Singapore, I was filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. I had heard so much about this world-class infrastructure our high standard of living. But what I was most interested in was the prospect of finally owning my own home, a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat, in this city that I had come to love.
I had been saving for years, working tirelessly, dreaming of the day when I could finally afford to buy my own place in Singapore. I had done my research, I knew about the high cost of living, but I was prepared. Or so I thought.
The day I decided to check the HDB prices was a day I will never forget. I logged onto the HDB website, my heart pounding with anticipation. I navigated to the section for resale flat prices and began to scroll through the list.Â
My excitement quickly turned into disbelief as I saw the prices listed next to each flat type and town.
The median resale prices for a 3-room flat ranged from $327,500 in Bukit Batok to $715,000 in Bishan. A 4-room flat in Ang Mo Kio was going for $538,000, while the same in Bukit Merah was priced at a staggering $860,000. The prices for 5-room flats were even more astronomical, with a flat in Bishan going for $929,0002.
I felt a lump in my throat as I stared at the screen. These prices were far beyond what I had anticipated. I had known that living in Singapore would be expensive, but I had not expected it to be this high. I felt a sense of despair wash over me. All my dreams of owning my own home seemed to be slipping away.
During my mother time HDB was only 5 figures now its nearing 7 figures.
I spent the next few days in a daze, trying to come to terms with the reality of the situation. I explored other options, like renting, but even the rental prices were high. A 4-room flat in a mature estate could cost between $2,200 and $3,000 per month. Over the course of a year, that adds up to a significant amount.
Despite the shock and disappointment, I refused to give up. I started looking for ways to increase my income, to save more, to make this dream a reality. I took on extra jobs, cut down on unnecessary expenses, and started investing. It was hard, it was exhausting, but I was determined.
I feel like a foreigner in my own home cause i kena chop carrot when buying a HDB that is so expensive
Looking back, I realize that this experience, as difficult as it was, taught me a lot. It taught me about the harsh realities of life, about the importance of planning and preparation, and about the value of hard work and determination. It made me realize that dreams don’t just come true on their own, they require effort, sacrifice, and sometimes, a little bit of struggle.
Today, I am still working towards my dream of owning my own HDB flat in Singapore. The prices are still high, but I am more prepared now. I know what to expect, and I am ready to face the challenges that come my way. And even though the journey is tough, I know that the destination will be worth it. After all, the view is always better after a hard climb. And I am ready for that climb, one step at a time.