"Shoebox" living

Would you live in a Shoebox apartment? This is one of the latest hot topics being discussed in Singapore and was featured on Talking Point Live TV show last week. This is not a new concept globally and very acceptable in cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, London and Manhattan. In Singapore terms these apartments are defined as being between 300sqf (28 Sqm) - 500 sqf (46sqm). Typical layout consists of a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and a living area and a bomb shelter.

More on the Bomb Shelter in a separate posting.

Sounds very small and but does come with some distinct advantages. There are currently some 2500 such units in Singapore with the projected growth to 9700 in 2015. Available on the free market with no current Government Regulations is one of the big attractions and typically built close to the city makes it very convenient for the younger generation.

Sure, they are more expensive as some older units, condos and HDB Flats, but then the location is not as good. Some Singaporeans feel this "Pigeonhole" living should be regulated by the Government to restrict the building of such units.

Surely, there are enough Government Regulated housing like HDB Flats in Singapore. The demand for these units are driven by their "affordability, location, a change in the social culture where young singles want some independence and own their own property, and the fact that they are actually very good investments. So let the free market run it's course.

A few weeks back when the Sky Habitat Condo's went on sale in Bishan, the one bedroom units were sold out in the first day. Proof, that there is a huge demand for smaller units that is affordable for first time buyers. There are also some concerns about the physiological impact as a result of living in such small spaces.

In conclusion, let me say this. These units might be small but they are modern, designed to use available space to the maximum with all amenities. I have seen much worse in my own country where the majority of people still live in shacks. Much smaller, often housing families with no water, sewerage and electricity. 

Does not look so bad from this perspective???????