I have commissioned a research report with images of interiors, on what a modern upscale Singapore house will look like for the benefit of expatriates relocating to Singapore and for first-time Landlords renovating their houses.  It is practically impossible for me to email photographs to individuals.

Do email judy@asiahomes.com if you need more info.

For many Caucasian women who love to cook, a new modern and bright kitchen is very important.   

In Singapore, very few kitchens are air conditioned although many Landlords have started to provide such facilities.  There is a worry that the air conditioned filters may get oily and difficult to maintain.  However, an air conditioned kitchen is one up on the neighbours in attracting Caucasian tenants.

Some owners want a unique floor plan by locating the kitchen in front of the living area or at the side of the living area or up on the second level.

It is best to locate the kitchen on the first floor rather than on the 2nd floor because tenants may want to host barbecue parties and it is inconvenient to go upstairs and downstairs.


A kitchen is located near and to the left the main door in Emerald Hill has an open-concept plan.  Most tenants prefer the kitchen to be at the back of the house.  Therefore, you reduce greatly your tenant pool if you decide on a 2nd storey kitchen or smack one near your main door, next to the living area.

The master bathroom has the   stainless steel basin which is considered "cool" by people in the forefront of the fashion industry.

Stainless steel basin in the master bathroom is "cool" in the 2001 era.

Glass blocks on walls of bathrooms or simply large windows with or without skylight bring in natural daylight and make the bathrooms  bright.


A shower cubicle will be good to give the tenant a choice of not having to shower in the long bath.

The white long bath is nowadays the standard in all new houses and condos in 2001.  Multi-coloured long baths are out of fashion.  Marble walled bathrooms are a feature of luxurious houses and some new condos too.  Ceramic tiles make the house look ordinary.

The family area is on the left of the image on the 2nd level, next to the common bathroom.  It overhangs the living area and is like a loft looking down a void space.

In some gigantic 3-storey houses in Woodlands, near the American School, there is a blank wall in front so that you can project your movies. Note the railings which are deemed not child safe for toddlers who tend to climb.   This townhouse will be appreciated by expat singles or couples without young children. 

From the family area, the tenant can see the green trees from the 2 windows above the back door.  

A private assigned covered car park is important as the car is a very expensive asset in Singapore.   Cars cost 2 times more than those in the USA or Australia.  This is one main reason why expats prefer to live near the subway or bus-routes to  their office as they adjust to a different life style in Singapore.

Inside the house, a depressed area or an air well, said to be a light well or atrium in American housing terms, can be part of bringing Nature indoors if the occupant keeps koi fishes or an indoor garden with bonzai plants.  The house must be longer to permit such luxuries.

However, the tenant must be keen on keeping fishes or willing to spend money to contract out the services.

The roof above this area may be an enclosed by a glass-paned skylight to bring in daylight. 

Another part of the house near the kitchen may be an air well open to the sky.  In this case, the kitchen will be at the back of the house.  Plants can be kept in this air well.  A Japanese garden with bonzai plants will bring in nature.

Such features appeal to Caucasians who love nature.

A back room, called guest room for the elderly may be important as older folks don't like to climb stairs.  It can be used for as a dog's house, strictly for your Dalmatian but not to banish your husband or mother in law ! 

There must be a good-sized maid's room with windows and ventilation. This feature tends to be overlooked by the professionals who may provide a small 50 sq. ft room.

Yet there is still a small maid's bathroom outside this utility room in addition to the powder room. 

Obviously, the maid can't live in this small room and the maid's bathroom takes up unnecessary space and guests feel cramped going to this small bathroom. 

The audio-visual intercom (see image) and other security features
are common in luxurious houses.  Connection to the police security forces may be another feature. 

Panic buttons in the bedrooms and other places are selling points.

Auto-gates so that you don't have to stop the car to drive into the house are common features of many houses.    

Display counters strategically located for your porcelain antiques to impress your visitors. 

Antique wooden panels with attractive carvings.

A big balcony for 4 people, outside the 2nd level outside the master bedroom.

A big patio for al fresco dining.   

A big garden beautifully landscaped.

An attic room with its attached bathroom and with windows looking down the living area may be just great as a study room.  

Central air conditioning is too expensive to maintain nowadays and all houses have dispensed with central air conditioning.

As an alternative to houses, condos may be considered.  Some reports condos are presented below for your reference.

Other features which make up the ideal luxurious home will be:

A beautifully landscaped swimming pool with water falling down from the platform. A children's pool.

A jacuzzi pool on the side with elevated wooden platform.

Water fountains and pond.  Balinese figurines seem to be in fashion nowadays.

A barbecue area to host parties.

SUBWAY CONDOS

Elmira Heights & Kim Yam Heights.
9070elmira.htm

The Bayron (layout plans and photos).
9099bayron.html

The Paterson Edge.
9060Quayside.html

The Paterson Edge (layout plans).
9113pedg.html

WATERFRONT CONDOS

Pebble Bay
9059PebbleBay

The Makena, Costa Rhu & The Waterside
9058Makena.html

The Quayside
9060Quayside.html

Bayshore Park
9111baypark.html

More condos at:
asiahomes.com