Why we chose a walk-up apartment (yes, with no lift) for our first home, Lifestyle News
When SL and her spouse picked their first home, they selected something a little less common: not a flat or a condo, but an old-school walk-up apartment, with a fantastic Holland V location and greater privacy.
Their story explains why walk-ups are growing in popularity among young Singaporean couples and the advantages of this niche property segment: Location as the main draw
SL says their choice of a walk-up apartment was about location first; convenience and the vibe of the project came third.
She says: "We liked Holland Village, and the recent addition of One Holland Village is a huge plus with the overall vibes of the location catering to lifestyle…for convenience, it is near Holland MRT station, and less than five minutes to FairPrice, Cold Storage, Little Farms, and plenty of food options.
"The walk up is situated in a development that is more than 40 years old. Despite its age, it was nicely maintained — the building had a fresh coat of paint and had some facade repairs — and the public spaces were taken care of."
The only real drawback, location wise, was the lack of schools in the area. But the couple had already checked out walk-ups in other areas like Tiong Bahru, Siglap, Telok Kurau and others.
These alternatives were filtered out because of other factors like layout, poor maintenance, weaker amenities, etc., leaving their Holland V home the final best choice.
SL says: "We were drawn to Holland Village because it offers the perfect balance for our first home together. It has a lively, charming vibe with plenty of great cafes, food options, and character, but still feels peaceful when we want to wind down… It really feels like a place we can grow into as a couple, and maybe start a family." Dealing with the innate issues of a walk-up apartment
One of the main problems with walk-ups, as the name implies, is the lack of a lift. But SL isn't a stranger to having to use stairs: "Having lived on the second floor before, the lack of a lift was not something that discouraged us from buying the third-floor walk up.
This may become an issue for us when we age, of course. We'll revisit this when we are in our 50s!
But for the more immediate term, we know that there will be some discomforts and inconveniences to be had when renovating, moving in furniture, or collecting food or parcels from the delivery people since some of them may not want to climb up floors."
This also posed some issues during the renovation. The couple said that movers often charge extra depending on the number of floors, and some delivery persons might even refuse to bring larger items up. You also have to consider whether certain items can even fit up the stairwell, which can be "a bit of a logistical challenge."
Walk-ups also tend to be quite old, but in SL's case, the building was well maintained, and this was a mitigating factor.
The only age issue so far has been the lack of a reliable floor plan; it's not uncommon for older properties to lack these (for projects in the 1970s and earlier, for example, there may only be paper records, which are long lost.)
Even if the floor plans can't be found, the layouts do tend to be more spacious and practical
"What we noticed was that older developments often had more versatile and easier-to-configure layouts compared to some of the newer ones," SL says. "We were quite particular about avoiding units with bay windows or odd corners, especially common in condos built during a certain period, as those tend to eat into usable space.
What really drew us to the unit we chose was its squarish, efficient layout. It gave us the flexibility to plan our space the way we wanted, without having to work around awkward features or wasted corners."
SL refers to a period around the 2010s, when developers built exceptionally big planter boxes, bay windows, air-con ledges, etc. ,for the sole purpose of ramping up the price (as you need to pay for all that square footage).
Walk-ups, being a different and older property segment, escaped the inefficiencies of this particular era. The serenity and privacy of a walk-up apartment
Walk-ups tend to feel more private than condos, if for no other reason than the unit count. SL notes that there are fewer units per block, and a more niche group of residents: younger families, lifelong singles, investors setting up co-living spaces, etc.
Some units are rented out to foreign workers, but SL says they "mostly kept to themselves and were generally friendly."
She says a lot of this depends on the area and the specific walk-up though. For example, parking hasn't been an issue for her: many of the residents at her walk-up don't drive as it's so close to public transport, so there's usually ample space available.
This may not be true for some other walk-ups though, such as those within landed enclaves, where residents tend to be reliant on private transport. The supposed "lack of facilities" can also be a plus in some ways
Condo facilities mean maintenance fees; the fancier, the more expensive. As of 2025, typical condos have fees ranging between $350 to $450 per month (some higher-end projects can go into four-digit figures).
SL says the couple never saw the lack of facilities as a drawback:
"We saw it as a bit of a plus. Our development still has the essentials like a pool, function room, and BBQ pit, and it's spacious enough without feeling crowded. What we appreciated most was the lower maintenance fees — ours is under $300 a month — which felt like a fair trade-off. There's also less foot traffic and noise from things like big family gatherings or birthday parties, so the environment stays pretty peaceful." Walk-ups as potential undervalued gems
SL agrees that walk-ups are not for everyone; but if you know what you're looking for and are clear about your needs, they can offer great value, especially in terms of space and location. Given the price point for the size and location, they can be undervalued gems.
(And like gems, they do need digging for, as the information available tends to be more limited — so prepare to do a bit more legwork.)
She says that: "Many people tend to overlook them because of the stairs or lack of flashy facilities, but that also means less competition and more opportunity to find something with real character.
"For buyers new to walk-ups, the condition of the units can be a sticking point — they often require a full renovation or a creative eye to bring out their potential…of course, there are trade-offs, but for us, the benefits have definitely outweighed the downsides.
"As long as you go in with your eyes open — knowing what to expect and what you're getting into — they can be a really smart and rewarding choice."
For now, SL considers their walk-up to be a long-term home; something they can live in for many years, or even rent if their needs change. This makes it a versatile property, with uses that can be adapted to their current lifestyle needs.
So while it can take more work on the renovation front (and more viewings,) walk-ups might present an interesting alternative between condos and HDB flats in the pricey 2025 market; especially for those who prioritise space and privacy.
[[nid:717866]]
This article was first published in Stackedhomes.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Times
15-06-2025
- Business Times
Sober clubbing brews fresh beat for Singapore's Gen Z
[SINGAPORE] Swaying to dance music and TikTok-fuelled pop under a disco ball, young punters are packed shoulder to shoulder while sipping on coffee, their energy powered by pour-overs rather than pints. This is no underground rave, nor a brunch gone wild. It's a caffeine-powered daytime clubbing sesh – part of a growing wave of alcohol-free, Gen Z-driven events gaining traction in Singapore and elsewhere in the world. At a recent event in Singapore's trendy Duxton district, the space was jammed by 4.00 pm, with baristas churning out fancy coffees and DJs spinning back-to-back sets. The crowd grooved with energy, even without the usual liquid courage. 'A lot of people think alcohol gives you the high, but caffeine sometimes can do that too,' said Aden Low, 21, co-founder of Beans and Beats which organises coffee raves at different venues. 'That's why the atmosphere at our events tends to be quite energetic.' The parties blend curated music with specialty coffee served in white paper cups. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up The vibe is light, friendly and very Gen Z. 'It's also the idea that this is a safe space,' said Esther Low, 31, who was at the event in Duxton. 'When you go to a club setting, there's usually this underlying intention to hook up. So, for me, that's personally why I would prefer this.' Several reports say Gen Z is chugging fewer pints than previous generations, with the sober curious movement gaining popularity on social media. Sober curious people cut back on drinking or abstain altogether, often citing health reasons and better mental acuity. 'Changes in alcohol use have been observed in population surveys and cohort studies. Generally, alcohol use among young adults has decreased,' the World Health Organization said in a 2024 report. Club culture update From London to Los Angeles and Melbourne, similar coffee raves have swept up the social scene, appealing to young partygoers who also want to avoid hangovers. Ashley Chean, a Singaporean student who has been alcohol-free for a year, said she appreciates these sober gatherings. 'When I lived in Paris, I realised I had a lot of alcoholic tendencies and I didn't want that to be my lifestyle,' the 20-year-old told AFP. 'More and more of my friends are sober or sober curious.' The coffee clubbing events are usually held in cafes and other spaces such as rooftop bars – as long as there's room for DJs and baristas to do their thing while people dance. The parties typically end by late afternoon, just in time for golden hour selfies. Besides the health benefits of avoiding alcohol, the events appeal to cost-conscious youth in Singapore, one of the most expensive cities in the world. The excess drinking and hard-partying ways of Gen X – fuelled by anthems such as the Beastie Boys' Fight for Your Right (to Party) and hip-hop videos glamourising club culture – are fading for members of Gen Z. While organisers don't see Singapore's glitzy nightlife and clubbing being replaced, they hope their combination of beats and brews will keep the dance floor buzzing. 'As long as we bring the vibes, we'll be OK,' said Ashley. AFP
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Straits Times
Singer Madonna carries handbag from viral Singapore fashion brand Aupen's first couture line
Madonna has joined the ranks of international pop stars and actresses who have decked themselves out in an Aupen handbag. The 66-year-old American singer took to her Instagram Story on June 13 to brandish her couture arm candy from the viral fashion brand founded by Singaporean Nicholas Tan, alongside the text 'Today is in the bag'. She was reportedly in New York and wore a blue polka dot blouse and denim jeans, complete with Aupen's one-of-a-kind Haute Maroquinerie bag on her right arm. This first creation of the label 's p rivate couture programme was conceived in partnership with French luxury conglomerate LVMH's artisanal arm Metiers d'Art. Aupen said in a press statement: 'Composed through a fragmented, asymmetric technique, the piece embraces imperfection, rupture and reinvention – echoi ng Madonna's legacy of transformation and Aupen' s d esign philosophy rooted in tension and individuality. 'With its Haute Maroquinerie programme in the works, Aupen is shaping a new frontier in bespoke leathercraft. This programme is invitation-only. It will invite clients into a deeply personal, couture-level design process – one that reimagines the handbag as a sculptural, intimate object. In close dialogue with Aupen's design team, clients will explore rare materials, shapes and colours that push beyond conventional customisation.' Aupen was founded in Singapore in November 2022. While maintaining its local roots, the bags are designed in Paris. They are available exclusively on and new styles are occasionally previewed on Instagram (@aupenofficial). The official social media account boasts pictures of a slew of celebrities wearing Aupen handbags, including British Florence Pugh, American actress Jenna Ortega and Indian actress Priyanka Chopra. Th e superstar w ho catapulted the brand into the limelight is American singer Taylor Swift. She was spotted holding Aupen's Nirvana Mini Fearless bag in Noir during her night out with her boyfriend, American professional footballer Travis Kelce, in New York City in October 2023. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Straits Times
How one Singaporean turned her family's service yard into her own cosy bedroom
Ms Sasha Marie Shelley inside her converted bedroom, which was originally the service yard of her family's flat. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG How one Singaporean turned her family's service yard into her own cosy bedroom SINGAPORE – When Ms Sasha Marie Shelley and her family were preparing to move into their new Build-To-Order flat in May, the 24-year-old had just one request: to have her own space. 'I've shared a bedroom with my sister for 24 years. We have always been pretty close and still are,' says Ms Shelley. 'But as we grew older, I started to notice that we were leading very different lives, which were not compatible.' H er sister, who is 30, is an artist who keeps late hours . Ms Shelley, a youth speaker with a local church, has a more conventional schedule. 'If she is up late working on a piece, she might have to keep the lights on, which affects me while I'm trying to sleep so I can wake up early for work,' she says. However, their new Punggol flat has just two bedrooms spread across 742 sq ft. Their previous 732 sq ft flat in Toa Payoh also had two bedroom s. 'I considered using the bomb shelter, though I realise that is not advisable and there are restrictions on what you can do with that space,' says Ms Shelley. Fortunately, her mother's plans to convert the service yard into a home office fell through, making it available as an option for her. But trying to squeeze all the comforts of a bedroom into the tiny space – which measures just 1.4m by 2.56m – required hours of research, brainstorming and creative problem-solving. 'I spent hours searching online content platforms such as Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube for inspiration,' says Ms Shelley. She even stumbled across a girl in South Korea whose apartment was just 75 sq ft. 'I was very inspired by how she made such a small space into something homely and comfortable.' But, for the new Shelley family home, there were practical considerations before Ms Shelley could tackle her own small space. Service yards are similar to balconies in that there is a clear view of the outside – and vice versa. The Shelleys installed a new window with privacy film, as well as a small light, just 46cm in diameter, with a fan. 'We had to take out the drying rack, and incorporate the washing machine and dryer into the kitchen layout,' says Ms Shelley. 'A full ceiling fan would not fit, but at least this provides some ventilation,' she adds. She was also eyeing an Ikea loft bed that came with a desk and storage, such as drawers and shelving. 'I needed a piece of multi-functional furniture like that to make my bedroom work. I liked how it came with these other built-in elements, so I could use the space under the bed to store my things and as a workspace,' she says. Ms Sasha Marie Shelley on her bunk bed in her bedroom, which was originally the service yard of her family's flat. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG There was one hiccup: Even this space-saving loft bed would be a tight fit in the converted yard. Ms Shelley admits: 'No one believed it would fit in the room – not my family and not even the delivery guys. My mum was supportive about me trying to make the service yard work, but she was really worried that I had put all my hopes into this bed that wouldn't even fit.' Nevertheless, she persisted with her vision. 'I had to argue my way and just block out the noise. Thankfully, a friend also came over to help me assemble it.' Ms Shelley had to do away with certain parts of the bed, such as the doors for the built-in wardrobe, which would normally swing out. But other aspects – such as the desk, shelves and drawers – could be configured as she had hoped. Ms Shelley had to get creative to transform the space, which is roughly 39 sq ft in size, into a functional bedroom. ST PHOTOS: TARYN NG The result is a cosy sanctuary where she can sleep, keep her clothes and personal belongings, and take refuge from the outside world. 'My favourite feature of my bedroom is my little prayer space, which is at one corner of my desk and marked out by a piece of fabric. 'I'm usually on the go and busy with life, but it is comforting to be able to sit at that space for a few minutes to say a quick prayer in the morning, or before I head up to the top bunk to retire for the night,' she says. Storage is very limited, despite her enterprise. Still, looking back, one advantage of having to share a bedroom for most of her life is that she never had enough space to accumulate a surfeit of things anyway. Ms Shelley at the desk of her cosy bedroom in her family's Punggol flat. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG 'I am able to keep everything that is mine in my new room. But I had to make other compromises. For instance, the kitchen is right outside my room, just separated by glass doors, so the smells occasionally waft in.' There are also the intermittent sounds of rushing water from the pipes above the bed, which connect to the kitchen, but these have 'soothing ASMR vibes', she jokes. 'The one big issue is the lack of air-conditioning, which I prefer to have as I get rashes easily from sweating,' adds Ms Shelley. She could not install an air-conditioning unit due to space constraints, so she is trying to figure out other ways to cool and ventilate the area. 'We might place another wall fan in the corner of the ceiling.' She is also looking into options for mosquito nettin g. But, overall, she loves her private nook. 'It's so nice to have my own personal space for the first time in my life, which I can style and maintain according to my preferences. My sister has offered to let me sleep in her room or use it if I want, but I love my own little room and don't see any need for that.' Her mother, Mrs Ruby Tan-Shelley, a trainer with the People's Association and who is in her 50s , is pleased to have been proven wrong. 'I'm proud and happy to see how she has made such a small space work for her.' Ms Shelley's father Michael Shelley, 68, is an entrepreneur. Ms Shelley says that her favourite part of her new space is her prayer corner. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Meanwhile, Ms Shelley's sister Talya Jane has declared the room to be 'comfortable and cosy'. Ms Sasha Shelley's friends are excited for her to have her own space, even if it is a bit too small for her to have them over. In contrast, the responses on social media – where she posted photos and a video of her service yard bedroom – have been mixed. 'Some people were quick to make judgments on the situation ,' she says. For instance, in the comments, one person asked why her family did not 'just buy a bigger house with more rooms'. But many others were curious about the pros and cons of using such a compact space as a bedroom, Ms Shelley adds. 'I have even been getting private messages about where I bought certain items, which I have been more than happy to share.' It is not a set-up that will work for everyone, but she is content with her snug space. 'Having my own room was one of my biggest dreams, and I am just excited and grateful to finally have that.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
