Why Some Buyers Regret Opting for the Cheapest Unit in a Project

The lowest price isn’t always the best deal. Understand why units with poor layouts, undesirable stacks, or bad orientation can lead to buyer’s remorse—and how to avoid costly mistakes.

gautham22

Jul 4, 2025 - 09:54

Why Some Buyers Regret Opting for the Cheapest Unit in a Project

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. It’s natural to want the best deal possible, but in real estate, the cheapest option isn’t always the smartest one.

Many buyers who opted for the lowest-priced unit in a condo project later find themselves grappling with hidden trade-offs that affect their quality of life, resale potential, and overall satisfaction. Here’s why going for the cheapest unit can sometimes lead to regret.

1. Compromised Layouts and Unfavourable Positions

The lowest-priced units are often those with less desirable layouts or locations within the development. These could include:

Odd-shaped floor plans that make furniture placement difficult
Lower-floor units that offer little privacy and less natural light
Facing service areas like bin centres, substations, or carparks, which may bring noise or odours

While these factors may seem minor during the buying process, they can significantly impact day-to-day living and long-term enjoyment of the property.

2. Limited Views and Natural Ventilation

Units with poor orientation often cost less because they lack desirable views or sufficient cross-ventilation. Instead of enjoying greenery, water features, or city skylines, buyers may be stuck looking at a wall or a busy road.

This can make the home feel less airy and inviting, especially in Singapore’s warm climate where good airflow makes a difference. Over time, the lack of pleasant views or natural breezes can become a daily irritation.

3. Lower Resale and Rental Appeal

When it comes time to sell or rent out the property, these drawbacks often resurface. Prospective buyers and tenants usually prioritise location within the development, views, and privacy—factors that cheaper units lack.

As a result, the cheapest units may face slower resale, lower offers, or reduced rental yields. In contrast, units with better positioning tend to hold their value and attract more demand even during market slowdowns.

4. Missed Opportunity for Long-Term Value

For many buyers, the price difference between a less desirable unit and a better one within the same project isn’t massive relative to the total property price. Spending slightly more upfront on a higher-floor unit or a better-facing stack often translates to higher appreciation and greater liquidity in the long run.

This is particularly true in Singapore, where location and orientation play a large role in determining a unit’s desirability.

5. Emotional Disconnection From the Home

Beyond financial considerations, there’s also the emotional aspect. A home should feel like a sanctuary—a place you’re proud to live in and invite others to.

Settling for the cheapest unit sometimes leaves buyers feeling less connected to their property. It’s hard to fully enjoy a home if you’re constantly reminded of compromises you made to save a relatively small amount upfront.

Final Thoughts

While it’s important to stay within your budget, focusing solely on the cheapest unit can be a false economy. In property, value isn’t just about price per square foot—it’s about liveability, future demand, and long-term satisfaction.

For most buyers, stretching slightly for a better-positioned unit can pay off both financially and emotionally. The key is to weigh immediate savings against the potential compromises that may follow you for years to come.