Mini intro: Moving out at 30 with my partner while waiting for our BTO
Our BTO will only come to completion in another 2 years' time so my partner and I decided to move out of our parents' to start our lives together as a couple.
Financially, it doesn't make sense because many young SG couples would stay at their parent's until their BTO is ready or get a resale. We got our BTO at a good location but the project is affected by the COVID disruption hence the long wait.
Here's a sneak of our rental place (for my memory keepsake because it's our first home). It's a one-bedroom condo, ard 500sqft, not near MRT and not central, under $3k/mth. But the location works out for both of us working in the east. 😊
Meanwhile, us moving earlier together can help to smoothen our co-living lifestyle and habits, plan for our wedding, align our goals (like do we want kids 🫨) and also just spend more time together.
If this space interests you, follow for more - i'll try to post diligently. 🫢
Moving out with your partner before owning a permanent home is a big step that many couples consider carefully. In Singapore, the common trend is to stay with parents until the BTO (Build-To-Order) flat is ready, often avoiding rental costs during the wait. However, choosing to move out early, even if it is not financially optimal, offers valuable opportunities to build a life and relationship independently. Personally, moving into a modest one-bedroom condo, about 500 sqft and not centrally located, helped establish routines and habits as a couple. Although the rental is around $3,000 per month and not near MRT stations, the location suits both our workplaces in the east, making daily commutes manageable. This arrangement, while short-term, is important in learning how to share spaces, manage household chores, and align future goals like marriage plans and family aspirations. The COVID disruption has delayed many BTO projects, stretching waiting times to two years or more. This uncertainty can be stressful, but the interim period can also be seen as a chance to nurture the partnership and prepare emotionally and financially for future commitments. Early co-living exposes practical aspects of relationships that can strengthen understanding, such as handling disagreements over lifestyle habits or budgeting collaboratively. For those contemplating similar moves, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons: early independence versus saving money, rental convenience versus location trade-offs, and personal growth versus financial pressure. Some couples may find the early roommate phase helps build a solid foundation, while others prefer to wait for their permanent home. Sharing this journey through updates and snapshots of our rental keepsake not only preserves memories but also creates community dialogue around young couples’ housing choices in Singapore. If you’re in a similar situation or planning your first home together, it’s helpful to connect with others to understand diverse experiences and solutions. Follow for more insights and stories about moving out, rental living, and couple lifestyle adjustments as we navigate this unique chapter.
I’d say renting is not necessarily a bad financial decision, because it’s the non-monetary benefits that may outweigh the costs. Good for you!!