Most Singaporeans assume that bigger homes are automatically better, with more space and even a certain prestige attached to living in a larger unit. But for Rachel* and her family, the right home wasn’t about the size, but rather how well it fits their current lifestyle.
After living in a HDB executive apartment (EA) in Woodlands for over 20 years, Rachel and her parents decided to downsize to a 3-room HDB flat. Here’s why they realised that their spacious EA no longer made sense for their changing needs.
*name changed for privacy reasons
1. Downsizing for a smaller family
When Rachel and her siblings were growing up, an EA made perfect sense. With an open layout, spacious bedrooms, and large common areas, there was plenty of space for the children to play and run around freely.
However, as her siblings got married and moved out over the years, only Rachel and her parents were left in the family home. What was once a lively family home became a space occupied by just the three of them, in a flat designed for a much larger family.
Some bedrooms were rarely used or converted into storage spaces, and common areas started to feel oversized for their current needs. With fewer people at home, the cost and effort of maintaining a large unit felt increasingly daunting as her parents grew older, prompting the family to reconsider whether they wanted to continue living in a bigger home.
2. Home starting to show its age
Image for illustration purposes only
Image credit: u/vxkae on Reddit
Like many older flats, the EA had started to show visible signs of wear and tear, a natural consequence of age, and more than 20 years of living in it. Ageing plumbing, dated fixtures, and recurring maintenance became more common with time, with each repair creating additional costs.
Larger homes also mean increasingly complicated upkeep over time. With multiple air-conditioning units, electrical points, and fixtures spread across a large space, there are more opportunities for such fixtures to break down.
For Rachel’s family, downsizing was the perfect opportunity to start afresh with a newer flat, reducing the worry and stress of unexpected breakdowns, as well as ongoing wear and tear.
3. Lower overall monthly costs
Beyond the mortgage, larger flats naturally come with higher monthly expenses. By downsizing, Rachel’s family could reduce these recurring costs, easing financial pressure as they plan for the years ahead.
The move to a 3-room flat helped lower everyday expenses such as utility bills, with fewer rooms to cool and light. There was also a noticeable difference in town council Service & Conservancy Charges (S&CC). For instance, an EA under the Sembawang Town Council incurs a monthly fee of $117.50, compared to $79.50 for a 3-room flat in the same estate.
4. Less upkeep with a smaller space
Image credit: Space Factor
A smaller home is significantly easier to manage, especially with ageing parents in the household. Cleaning takes less time and effort, with fewer rooms and corners to worry about daily.
Practical tools like a robot vacuum also became more effective in a compact space, helping to keep the home clean with minimal physical effort. With less strain from daily chores, Rachel’s parents are able to save more time and energy to enjoy their new home.
5. Capitalising on HDB schemes
Image credit: HDB
Downsizing also provided opportunities for Rachel’s family to benefit from HDB housing grants designed to support families living close together.
By moving nearer to her siblings, Rachel’s family became eligible for the new Family Care Scheme, which provides subsidies for families who choose to live with or near one another.
Other than the financial benefits, proximity also made everyday life more convenient for them. It was easier for Rachel’s siblings and their families to drop by the new family home, whether for family meals or supporting their parents for medical appointments or daily needs.
6. Rightsizing for retirement
As Rachel’s parents looked ahead to retirement, a smaller home felt more realistic and future-proof. Compact layouts are easier to navigate as mobility changes with age, reducing the need for major renovations later on. It would be costly to renovate an entire EA to be senior-friendly, adding to long-term expenses.
Especially for mature estates like Woodlands, EAs tend to command higher resale prices. By selling their EA while it still had a few decades remaining on its lease, Rachel’s parents were able to maximise the resale value of their long-term home.
Rather than seeing their downsizing as a step back, the family viewed the move as a responsible choice that better supports their parents’ retirement years.
7. Benefiting from newer flats
Image credit: Galen Crout on Unsplash
Beyond cost and maintenance considerations, newer 3-room flats offered layouts that felt more efficient and purposeful. Fewer areas went unused, making daily routines simpler and more intuitive.
For instance, the more compact kitchen made cooking easier without excessive walking, while the bathrooms felt more practical, especially as Rachel’s parents started thinking about ageing in place.
Downsizing from an EA to a 3-room HDB flat
For Rachel and her family, downsizing from an EA to a 3-room HDB flat was a decision that helped them find a home that truly fits their current needs. With fewer people at home and ageing parents, a smaller flat offered a more manageable and practical living environment that better suited their current lifestyle and needs.
For more HDB reads:
- Your guide to downsizing in Singapore
- This $880K Jalan Bahagia HDB terrace is cheaper than 3-room flats in Bidadari & Dawson
- What happens to your BTO if you break up?
Cover image adapted from: Swiss Interior, The Interior Lab
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