The Best Location? It Depends.
The Best Location? It Depends.
I recently came across a report that said many Singapore residents spend a significant amount of their lives commuting.
Think about this.
If your home adds just 45 minutes of extra commuting every workday…
That’s about 330 hours a year.
Over 10 years?
That’s more than 3,000 hours.
Or roughly 125 full days.
Now, does that mean everyone should buy as close to work as possible?
Not necessarily.
I’ve been speaking to quite a few buyers recently.
Some told me, “Jonathan, Lentor just isn’t where we’re looking.”
Does that make Lentor a bad location?
Not at all.
Because when it comes to property, there isn’t a “best” location.
There’s only the location that’s best for you.
If you work in the CBD every day, saving commuting time could be worth paying more for.
If you work from home, you might rather have a bigger home.
If you’re planning for retirement, moving somewhere like Sembawang to free up more cash could actually be the smarter choice.
And some buyers are looking at the north because they believe future developments such as the North Coast Innovation Corridor and employment opportunities could create long-term demand. They’re buying based on tomorrow’s potential, not just today’s convenience.
So the next time someone tells you,
“That location isn’t good.”
Ask them:
“Not good… for who?”
Because the best property isn’t the one everyone else likes.
It’s the one that matches your lifestyle, your priorities, and your long-term goals.
I’m curious—which matters most to you?
Shorter commute, affordability, or future growth? Let me know in the comments.
Having personally worked with many property buyers across Singapore, I've noticed that the choice of location often boils down to what each individual prioritizes most, whether it's a shorter commute, budget considerations, or potential investment growth. For example, many professionals working in Singapore's Central Business District (CBD) value proximity highly because cutting down commuting time directly improves their work-life balance. Saving even 30 to 45 minutes every day can translate into hundreds of extra hours with family or on hobbies each year. However, some buyers prioritize a larger living space over commute time, especially if they have flexibility to work from home or run a home-based business. Another common consideration is retirement planning. Areas like Sembawang or other northern regions of Singapore tend to offer more affordable housing options with potential to free up cash flow—ideal for those looking to downsize or invest their savings elsewhere. Moreover, buyers who focus on long-term growth keep a close eye on upcoming developments such as the North Coast Innovation Corridor, which promises new employment hubs and infrastructure improvements. Such areas can offer promising returns on investment as demand grows over the years. It's also important to understand that "good" or "bad" locations are subjective terms. What's ideal for a young family may differ vastly from what retirees or single professionals want. Personal factors such as school proximity, accessibility to amenities, public transport options, and even community vibe all influence the perception of a location's suitability. Therefore, when searching for your next property, invest time reflecting on your daily needs and future plans rather than relying solely on general opinions or trends. Speak to locals, explore neighborhoods at different times of day, and consider your work and lifestyle patterns carefully. Ultimately, finding the best location means finding a home that harmonizes with your unique lifestyle, financial goals, and long-term aspirations. That way, your property truly becomes a place where you can build your life with ease and satisfaction.
