Value of flat going up

Mr Edwin Lim, 43, construction manager, his mother, Madam Ong Chin Siew, 73, his wife, Ms Iris Goh, 39, teacher, and her mother, Madam Lim Gek Choo, 76

The swamps near Mr Edwin Lim’s (with wife Iris Goh and her mother, Madam Lim Gek Choo) flat have been replaced by amenities such as the Sengkang Sports and Recreation Centre. Mr Lim’s mother is away in Kuala Lumpur.

Mr Edwin Lim is one happy camper ever since the Sengkang Sports and Recreation Centre opened across from his Anchorvale block earlier this year.

Together with the Sengkang Riverside Park, the increasing number of amenities means his flat’s value has gone up.

According to the Lims, their five-room unit, bought for $240,000 a decade ago, may now be worth over $400,000 and its price is ’still going up’.

He says: ‘I like it here because it’s quiet and peaceful and ideal for jogging and cycling, which I do often.’

The couple moved into their flat in 2001 as newlyweds and both their mothers live with them. Ms Goh recalls: ‘It was very quiet at night when we first came. There were just mangrove swamps and empty plots of land opposite.’

With the improvements in infrastructure over the years, transport is less of a problem. Mr Lim drives to work while Ms Goh, a teacher at Nan Chiau Primary School, walks to classes.

However, they would like to see more coffeeshops and wet markets here.

The couple are expecting their first child in January next year.

Mr Lim says: ‘I will not sell this house because although there are more people now, the area still has a laid-back vibe which I like.’

‘I like it because it’s quiet and peaceful and ideal for jogging and cycling, which I do often.’ – MR EDWIN LIM

Source : Sunday Times – 18 Oct 2009