Chapter 04 · 2024 · TOP ~2027
A freehold 2-bedder plus study in D15, bought in February 2024 for about $2.05M. After two BTOs, the deliberate move to private, and the retirement asset.
Freehold was a deliberate choice, not a nice-to-have. HDB runs down to zero over 99 years. A freehold condo doesn't. When I think of this as a retirement asset, generating rental income in 20 years or sold at a good moment in retirement, I want it to still have full tenure value. Freehold keeps that option open for good.
D15 is a location I believe in for the long term. East Coast has a character that doesn't go out of style: the beach, established amenities, and residents who stay because they genuinely like being there. Supply is constrained. Demand is durable.
The 2-bedder plus study is intentional too. Small enough to rent out efficiently. Comfortable enough for us to live in between the Continuum TOP (~2027) and Ulu Pandan Banks TOP (~2029). The plan is clean: Continuum TOPs, we move in, sell Punggol, wait two years, Ulu Pandan Banks TOPs, move there, rent out the Continuum as retirement income.
One property you live in and love. One property paying you while you're retired. That's the end state.
The logic
Freehold in a location that holds its value, sized to rent out efficiently. You hold it until you need it, then it either pays you monthly or you sell it and you're done. For retirement planning, simple is better.
My own account of what I did with my own money. Not financial or property advice, and I don't take commission on anyone's purchase. HDB rules change: check the current ones with HDB before you decide anything.