How to select your ideal home in the showflat and avoid show gallery misconception.

Have you ever come across news articles reporting new launch projects selling like hot cake with xx% units sold during its launching day with images showing the very crowded show gallery?

The developer normally opens their show gallery before the launch day for interested viewers to view the show gallery units as well as the development models; it’s known as a showflat preview.

During this showflat preview period, the interested buyers will be able to submit their interest to the developer, and this period usually lasts for one to two weeks before the launching day.

With all the interest collected from the interested purchasers, the developer will issue balloting tickets to all the interested purchasers for the launch day balloting.

The developer will conduct fair balloting for all the purchasers who drop their balloting ticket into the balloting box before their balloting ticket is being picked to join the queue to select the unit that they are eyeing.

All available units will be sold as first come, first serve manner.

Can you imagine the number of interests collected from the buyer during the preview period, and most buyers turn up during the balloting day?

You will experience the whole process flow at an accelerated pace. The push factor is there, especially when you are in the queue to select the unit.

Therefore, if you are first-time buying a new home on the launch day, it can be a quite frightening and stressful experience as everything seem so fast.

Yes, it is fast, just a split second, as the push factor in the queue makes you unable to have a second thought.

Thus, you need to do your homework before the launch day and shortlist as many units as you can that suit your requirements.

“I encountered so many times that buyers telling me, did we already selected the correct unit that we wanted? It’s SO Fast!”

Have you ever thought of why there are so many viewers who visited the show gallery during the preview period? The simple answer is they wanted to view the show flat model and the show gallery unit to find out more about which unit is the best for them.

But the real question is: How you determine which is the best unit? I will share some pointers in this article for you to consider before you select your ideal home. Let read on to find out more.

1. Determine the better facing stack

The term best unit facing can be very subjective to individuals.

Some prefer facing the morning sun, but some like afternoon sun.

Some prefer to face the South direction while some like North.

Some prefer quiet facing, and some prefer pool view, garden view, or even city view.

For Example, if you like to have the sunrise view every morning when you wake up, then you should look at the site-plan or show flat’s model. There is a compass showing the orientation at one of the corners. Then identify your bedroom that is facing toward the East direction.

Thus, it boils down to your preference. This will be the first pointer for you to consider when selecting your ideal home.

“I would personally advise you to avoid direct west sun facing unit as it will get hot in the late afternoon and evening.

But if there’s some other block helping you to block off the direct west sun, you may still consider it.”

2. Look out for the best stacks to consider

Ideally, most people, if not all, would like to have a unit with an unblocked view. But in land-scarce Singapore, many times you will see other homes directly opposite you.

But if all the unit that you like doesn’t have unblocked view, then try to look for a unit with block to block distance widely spread out for a little privacy, as well as good ventilation. A 50 to  60 metres apart should be good enough.

Have a look at the site plan of the development to determine what I have shared above. Also, a site plan will tell you what common facilities you will see when you look out from your windows.

Also, do not forget to look at the map, For example, google map or street directory and check outside the developments, what is it facing. This is because, most of the time, show flat’s model or site plan does not show what is outside or surrounding the development.

“My advice for you to consider is that try to avoid stacks that are directly facing the center bin and electrical substation.”

Thus, choose the right stack is another pointer for you to consider.

3. The floor plan will tell you more

Next, you need to study the floor plan of the different unit types and look out for the ideal layout that suits your requirements.

The usable space and efficiency of the layout configuration can be something that you might want to consider when selecting.

You need to bear in mind that the showflat unit that you have viewed may not be the same design as what you see in the floor plan. You must make a comparison between the differences.

Ultimately you won’t want to buy a home that takes up so much unusable space such as a too big common walkway to the room or too big balcony etc.

Also, choose a unit that has a regular layout as compared to an odd design. The odd layout usually will take away a significant usable space from you.

4. Considering which level to live in

How low or high you choose to stay is also something very subjective to individual preference.

For example, you might be used to staying in a low floor unit for your entire life. Thus you still prefer the lower level unit.

On the other hand, you may be the one that has acrophobia; therefore, you rather stay on the lower floor unit.

Also, if you are selecting the premium stack with a pool view, you may want to consider not too high-level units so that you can enjoy the full pool views.

If there is a multi storey car park in the development, please take a look at the show gallery model again or the site plan and make sure the units that you shortlisted are at least above multi storey car park level.

One of the reasons for this is because a home facing a multi storey car park may not be on high demand in the future when you decide to execute your exit plan to sell the unit.

In short, you may have difficulty securing a buyer in the future.

Ideally, higher-level units with better views such as city view or unblocked view may have higher demand in the future where you may be able to secure a premium price tag when selling in the resale market.

Do note that if you prefer a higher ceiling unit, some development does offer a patio unit (ground floor) or penthouse or top floor units with a higher ceiling configuration.

5. Check out the actual site

If you are buying for your own-stay, please recce or survey the actual site for amenities and the surrounding environment, such as how long you need to walk to nearby amenities or transportation or building that you will see from your windows.

Ultimately it will be a home that you will be moving in. By looking at the surrounding, you will have a clear idea of what to expect when you receive your keys.

6. Misconception on the show gallery unit

I have mentioned earlier that the show gallery unit may not be the same design layout configuration as what you see in the floor plan. It true, so you must make a comparison between the differences.

Besides the differences, you need to know that the show gallery units are designed with the wow factor that they catch your attention.

Below are some pointers that you might want to take note of when viewing the show gallery units.

Some show gallery displayed a high ceiling unit layout configuration, but the fact is that it may be only for the penthouse or patio units that come with a high ceiling. Thus, do check again with the agent if you are in doubt.

Some show gallery looks particularly spacious in the rooms or living room, which catch your attention. The interior designer may have knocked down one of the bedrooms or shifted the wall to make the extra space to make it look extremely spacious.

Please observe if there is any marking on the floor stating the actual wall location etc.

Another trick that interior designers like to use is big mirrors. It is not difficult to see big mirrors on the wall of the show gallery unit. It is to create a spacious effect. So please, beware of this.

You won’t want to be disappointed when you collected the keys and find out that what you see is not what you get, right?

“My advice to you. Always ask if there is any modification to the layout in the show gallery unit. If yes, please ask for more details.”

The next thing that you should ask is the interior materials that are inclusive.

Some examples, like the flooring in different areas and kitchen countertop. Also, not forgetting the accessories like kitchen faucets, bathroom accessories, and showers system, to name a few.

Just touch whatever you can and have a feel at it. Always ask when in doubt.

Also, you must understand what I have mentioned earlier. The show gallery units are designed with wow factor to catch your attention.

Thus, the interior designs that you have seen are not what you will be getting when you collect your key.

But you can still ask what is inclusive and what is not. Some developers may include partial interior design for their unit. You can keep a lookout on the labels, ID purposes, or showflat treatment only.

It means you will not get these items when you collect your home keys.

You may be keen to read more about Freehold vs Leasehold Property

The common items usually provided are the flooring, fitted kitchen with cupboard and countertop, fully equipped toilets, wardrobes, air conditioner, hod & hood, oven, refrigerator, washer/dryer, and lastly, the WHITE walls, etc.

Please note that the show gallery unit’s wallpapers are not inclusive.

The furniture displayed in the show gallery units is NOT inclusive as well. Thus, you may take it as a reference for the size of the furniture for your future furniture purchases.

I hope this article can give you an idea of what to expect and look out for when selecting a new home that is not physically there for you to see and touch.

Also, don’t get too excited by the show gallery unit interior design. Instead, look at the layout efficiency and functionality or usable space.

Then lookout for the furnishing that you will get.