So instead of putting a ring on it, you decided to do it the classic Singaporean way and ask your significant other for a BTO.

We understand, because even SG50 understands.

But if you are young and only just starting out in your career, you might really want to consider getting a BTO in non-mature estates.

1. Upgrading can come later.

As wise men will say: “Go forth and grab the lowest hanging fruit first.”

And it’s true. It’s wise not to spend more than what you earn.

Yes, at first glance, a $1,000,000 condo may look tempting. But the question is, can you afford it?

Even if you can, do you really want to stretch your finances? Yes, you can top up the monthly installments with cash. But what if you, touch wood, lose your job or, double touch wood, you meet with an accident?

What then?

To quote another famous wise man:

2. Affordable

Facts are called facts, because facts.

More than 80% bought 4-room flats for less than $350,000. In fact, if you don’t need that 4-room flat, and go for a more reasonably-sized 3-room flat because you’re a new couple with no children yet, that’s $185,000 for an average 3-room flat before grants (and $110,000 after).

Pretty "stunned like vegetable", eh?

Of course, that is not to say you should look at a 4-room flat in Tanjong Pagar and expect to only pay $350,000.

3. Minimal reno needed because it's new.

If you opt in for HDB's tiles and doors, you can move in without any major renovation works. Even if your flat has any defects, you can ask HDB to verify them. Yes, even our flats have warranty.

That's like $10,000 to $15,000 (basic reno cost) saved!

So instead of doing this:

Open your arms and say hello to all the moolah.

It is a great feeling.

4. Neighbours from the same generation

Familiarity is always good. Especially if you end up in new towns like Punggol or Sembawang.

You will find yourself surrounded by people of the same wavelength. It helps in good neighbourly relations and prevent any potential issues from mounting. (Try starting a Whatsapp group with people from two different generations. Yeah, you get the drift.) Most BTO estates will have a Facebook Group set up to eye-power the flat development, and when it is launched you can even buy/sell/introduce lobangs to your neighbours on it. Now that’s social networking 2.0.

5. BTO estates have their own characteristics

Speaking of Punggol, did you know that the new BTOs over at Punggol Northshore are the first smart homes in Singapore?

That's right. Who needs a smart TV when you can have a smart home?

Some smart features include smart carparks, which will automatically increase the number of lots during non-peak hours for visitors when season parking holders are out, and sensors that will capture real-time information like such as temperature and humidity.

And we are pretty sure that other future projects will have their own special highlights.

*This is a sponsored article