REAL ESTATE Insight

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Will layout affect your property prices?

All Property Buyers Must Know This
Read on to Learn More
Buying a property is 1 of the biggest purchase of our lives! Whether for own stay or investing, we must know and understand all about the property. If we are not aware and prepared, opportunities to maximise our assets and profits could be lost in this dynamic real estate market!
Let's Dive into 3 Recent case studies

Case Study 1

Case Study 2

Case Study 3
These 3 case studies have been selected as each property in the respective case study are similar in location, size and type. With these similar characteristics, we can accurately show why selecting certain layouts plays a massive role in determining potential capital appreciation.

Case Study 1: Parc Riviera vs Whistler Grand
Let's start off our case studies comparison with 2 condos in the West, Parc Riviera and Whistler Grand.

For our case study, we will compare a four-bedder from each development that were purchased at about the same per square foot (psf) price.
The secret lies in their individual layouts, which we will discuss below

At first glance, both layouts look great and functional with many similarities. However, upon closer observation, we can see there are some key differences in Whistler Grand. Firstly, it has a walk-in wardrobe in the Master bedroom, which provides for functionality and luxury. Secondly, the unit in Whistler Grand has a wet and dry kitchen, which makes food preparation and cooking convenient and organised. Thirdly, there is a Yard area to dry your laundry efficiently. This excellent unit layout enables the 4-bedder at Whistler Grand to be viewed as spacious with a touch of luxury.
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From our experience, 4 bedroom buyers are most likely buying for their own stay. Hence, the "feel good" factors play a significant part of their decision. These buyers are willing to pay top dollar for enjoying the comforts of the home with their loved ones.
Profit Comparison


With reference to the profit comparison visual above, we see that the 4-bedder unit at Whistler Grand was purchased for $1240 psf and sold at $1733 psf, while the 4-bedder unit at Parc Riviera was purchased at $1220 psf and sold at $1520 psf.
The Owner of Parc Riviera made a profit of $356,000 while the Owner of Whistler Grand made a profit of $632,000.
The difference in their profit is $276,000.
Almost Twice the profit!
Many of us must be wondering, how is it possible for 2 similar sized 4-bedders that are close by and built around the same time have such different selling prices?
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In conclusion, we can clearly see the huge difference in profit for the unit at Whistler Grand, even though, the location, size and type of the units are similar. Hence, analysing and selecting the optimal unit layout is an important component and is part of my unique offering to clients.

Case Study 2: Jadescape vs Sky Habitat
Our next case study brings us to Bishan at District 20 where we will analyse 2 condominium developments, Jadescape and Sky Habitat.

For this case study, we will compare a 2-bedder from Jadescape vs 1 + study and 2-bedder units from Sky Habitat. The units were purchased at about the same per square foot (psf) price.
Let us find out if their layouts also have an impact on their selling price and profits

Upon comparing the Jadescape 2-bedder layout and the layouts of Sky Habitat's 1+study and 2-bedder units, we can observe that the Jadescape unit offers enclosable kitchen with windows. This enables an open fire stove and provides ample ventilation when cooking.
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Fun fact, do you know that this is actually rare for most 2-bedder condos in Singapore?
Profit Comparison



With reference to the profit comparison visual below, we can note that the 2-bedder unit at Jadescape was purchased for $1720 psf and sold at $2232 psf. Whereas, the the 1-bedder unit at Sky Habitat was purchased at $1512 psf and the 2-bedder unit at $1532 psf, with the selling prices at $1760 psf and $1657 psf respectively.
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In terms of profits, the Jadescape unit garnered a profit of $512 psf, whereas, the Sky Habitat units also registered profits, but at $248 psf and $125 psf.
The Owner of Jadescape made a profit of $397,088 while the Owner of Sky Habitat (1+study) made a profit of $175,520 and the Owner of Sky Habitat (2-bedder unit) made a profit of $113,180.
The owner of Jadescape made More than Double the profit compared to the 2 owners of Sky Habitat!
In conclusion, we can clearly see the massive difference in profit for the unit at Jadescape, even though, the location, size and type of the units are similar. Hence, sharing this knowledge and selecting the best unit layout is an important component of my strategies for clients.

Case Study 3: The Crest vs Principal Garden
For our 3rd case study, we will explore the 2 developments in District 3, The Crest and Principal Garden.

For this comparison, we will analyse a 3-bedder unit at The Crest and Principal Garden, which share a similar location, size and type of unit.
Read on to see if this case study will have the same turnout as case studies 1 & 2

As we look at the layouts of the 2 units, we can immediately see a key difference in the layout of The Crest. There are odd angular shapes protruding out of the Master Bedroom and Bedroom 2, while the bedrooms in Principal Garden are properly shaped.
With the odd angular shapes in The Crest's unit, we are unable to maximise the space of the bedroom, whereas for the the unit at Principal Garden, all the bedrooms can accommodate a queen-sized bed.
A golden rule that is used to maximise your capital gains for a resale condominium unit is to understand what future resale buyers would look for.
If the condo is situated in the Heartlands, then the potential of HDB upgraders is high, which will lead us to understand more on what type of layouts would HDB upgraders prefer. On the other hand, if the condo is located in an upscale area like the Core Central Region (CCR), then we would need to understand what type of layouts these buyers would look for.
Profit Comparison


With reference to the profit comparison visual, we can note that the 3-bedder unit at The Crest was purchased for $1696 psf and sold at $1899 psf, while the 3-bedder unit at Principal Garden was purchased at $1672 psf and sold at $2262 psf. As we calculate the profits, The Crest unit garnered a profit of $203 psf, whereas, the Principal Garden unit registered a profit, at $590 psf.
The Owner of The Crest made a profit of $247,000 while the Owner of Principal Garden made a profit of $730,000.
The owner of Principal Garden made almost half a Million dollars more as compared to the owner of The Crest.
Yes, you read it right! Almost Triple the profit!
In conclusion, we can clearly see the gargantuan difference in profit for the unit at Principal Garden, even though, the location, size and type of the units are similar. Hence, knowing what layout future buyers would look out for is essential and this forms part of my strategy for my clients.

My Strategies and How it can Help You
Layouts are part of a Larger, Comprehensive Strategy
Layouts analysis and selection are part of my strategy to help buyers to maximise their capital appreciation opportunities on new launch and resale condominiums. Besides layouts, there are a number of different factors that I use to create a winning formula for clients from all walks of life.
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With the many resale condominiums and upcoming new launches in the market, I can help you make the best purchase with your needs and objectives in mind.
Assisted many clients in generating wealth through properties safely
Have helped many homeowners generate wealth through property
Over the years, I have assisted many clients on their home buying and investment journeys, using my Signature approach. Clients have generated wealth though their property transactions, which enables them to realise their aspirations and dreams.
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Some clients have gone on to upgrade their lifestyle and build their legacy by buying into Landed properties, while some have right-sized their properties, thereby realising their retirement funds and some have purchased investment properties to build on their financial and retirements needs.


Meet Thomas Sim
A Dedicated, Passionate and Sincere Realtor
Thomas has been diligently serving clients for the past 11 years. Before joining the real estate industry, Thomas was working in banking, where he discovered that his passion is in serving clients with dedication and sincerity.
Believing that his personality traits will directly have a positive impact on clients, he decided to join the real estate industry, where he has excelled in providing the best advice, solutions and service to his clients.



Real Estate Insight
Through the 11 years working the ground as a realtor, Thomas has amassed an abundance of experience and knowledge about Singapore’s dynamic real estate industry. He has witnessed how the real estate industry has changed, especially with the multiple cooling measures.
Thomas relates his experience and knowledge to clients through his brand, Real Estate Insight, as he believes that clients need to be well informed and be kept up-to-date with the developments and trends in the real estate industry. Equipped with information and Thomas’s sincere advice, clients are empowered to make the most beneficial decision for their real estate matters.

Recognition of Achievements
Consistently Receiving Awards
Through Thomas’s tireless efforts and sincere service to his clients, he has earned praise and recognition from the PropNex Management by receiving performance awards on a consistent basis.
Thomas is very grateful for the support and trust of his clients, colleagues and Management over the years. He is continually developing Real Estate Insight to add value to clients through information and knowledge.




Get in touch with me
For a non-obligatory call and I will assist you with any property related queries.

Thomas Sim
PropNex Realty Pte Ltd
CEA Reg No. R046987H
Associate Division Director
Contact: 9144 7690
Email: propertiesthomas@gmail.com