executive maisonette scam or legit? Reviews in Singapore

Introduction

The executive maisonette, commonly abbreviated as EM, is a unique style of public housing flat exclusively available in Singapore. Offering two floors of living space, EMs provide their owners with more room and layout flexibility compared to standard one-floor HDB apartments.

In this in-depth review, we will take an insider look at executive maisonettes in Singapore. We’ll explore what makes EMs desirable properties, their key features and floor plans. We’ll also analyze housing markets trends and current EM prices. Customer reviews are surveyed to understand the pros and cons of owning an EM from owner experiences.

By the end, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of executive maisonettes – why they remain desirable despite their age, and whether this type of HDB flat is a good investment option.

What is an Executive Maisonette?

An executive maisonette is a two-storey public housing flat offered by the Housing & Development Board (HDB) in Singapore. Introduced in 1984 amid rising affluence, EMs were meant to provide home buyers with more spacious living comparable to private condominiums.

Key characteristics of executive maisonettes include:

• Spanning two floors connected by an internal staircase
• Bedrooms and private areas located on the upper floor
• Living and dining areas take up the main floor
• Unique layout affords flexible use of space
• Typically range between 90-110 sqm in floor area

With two floors of living space, EMs offer much more flexibility than standard one-floor HDB flats. Owners enjoy the benefits of multi-level living within public housing.

Popular EM Layouts and Floor Plans

There are a few standard types of EM floor plans seen often in Singapore. Here are some of the most common:

stacks type – Bedrooms and a common bathroom are stacked above the main living areas.

split-level type – Features an enclosed bedroom or family room upstairs, while living and dining span both levels.

dual-key type – Consists of two independent units stacked vertically that can be owned together or separately.

integrated type – Combines living spaces seamlessly across two floors with an open concept staircase.

Floor plans vary based on location, year of completion and exact flat model. However, all EMs provide the flexibility of multi-level living within compact housing footprints. This makes them highly coveted in the public housing market.

Why Are Executive Maisonettes Desirable?

There are several reasons why executive maisonettes remain popular property choices among Singaporean home buyers despite their age:

• Superior space and layout compared to regular HDB flats
• Flexible multi-level designs cater to different lifestyle needs
• Rare in the public housing market due to limited supply
• Centrally located in mature estates with ample amenities
• Appreciate well in value long-term due to scarcity and demand
• Ideal for extended families due to abundant living areas
• Maintain condo-like luxuries at lower maintenance costs

While EMs come with ageing flat attributes, the benefits of spacious two-storey living far outweigh such limitations. Their rarity continues making them highly coveted public property investments.

EM Pricing Trends and Market Statistics

Here are some insightful data points on executive maisonette pricing trends based on recent property transactions:

• Average EM resale price is $650,000 – much higher than standard HDB flats
• Prices vary widely between $500,000 – $1 million depending on location and condition
• Popular locations like Bishan, Toa Payoh and Ang Mo Kio command top dollar
• Recent 5-year price appreciation averaged 10-15% with consistent upwards trends
• Dual-key layouts with investment rental potential fetch $800k – $1 million
• Properties under $600k see heavy competition and often go for above listing rate

EMs have proven to be liquid assets holding stable long-term value. Their relative scarcity of less than 5% of all HDB flats ensures consistent capital appreciation exceeding market rates. This cements EMs as sound housing investments for future upgrading.

EM Living Experience Reviews

Let’s examine executive maisonette reviews and feedback from owners to understand pros and cons of living in one:

Positives:
– Abundant living space caters families of all sizes and multigenerational living
– Private and independent bedrooms on upper level
– Versatile multi-level layout supports flexible use of different areas
– Feels larger than private condos for fraction of the price
– Centrally located with mature estate facilities like malls, schools and MRT

Negatives:
– Internal staircase can be inconvenient and unsafe for young kids/elderly
– Ageing flat attributes like lack of lift and difficult moving furniture
– Noise vibrations travel easily between floors
– Higher maintenance costs than standard HDB flats over the long run
– Renovation and upgrading works more complex compared to single-level flats

Overall, EMs receive mostly positive reviews from owners enjoying luxurious multilevel living. Downsides are negligible against the superior value and long-term benefits they deliver.

Should You Buy an Executive Maisonette?

Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating executive maisonettes as a housing investment:

• Budget fits the average $650k EM price in your preferred location
• Plan to reside long-term in the property for maximum capital appreciation
• Prefer rare spacious layout over quick profits through frequent trading
• Seek condo-sized living at public housing maintenance costs
• Familiar with any additional complexities of owning a two-storey flat
• Appreciate amenities in mature estates more than hyper local locations
• Value character of landed property over standard HDB apartment features

For budgets above $500k and a long-term mindset, EMs remain a sound housing investment. Just be sure your lifestyle aligns well with the upstairs-downstairs living they provide. Their scarcity ensures solid capital gains realization for patient buyers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, executive maisonettes have rightfully earned their coveted reputation in Singapore’s public housing market. Despite being nearly 40 years old, their multi-level layouts continue fulfilling the needs of an evolving society favoring flexible large living spaces.

EMs marry the benefits of condo living within public housing affordability. Limited supply has driven prices much higher than average HDB flats. Yet their consistent long-term capital appreciation ability makes EMs worthwhile housing propositions for buyers focused on long-term settled stays.

While not suitable for all, EMs offer a unique purchased property proposition valued highly among Singaporeans seeking the special qualities of landed living at more affordable levels. Their enduring popularity and resilient price performance cements EMs as sound housing investments for the future.