By Chiquit Torrente

Compact apartments ranging in size from 300sqf to 500sqf are becoming common. And as home prices soar, the demand for smaller homes will continue to rise.

The Business Times reported that NTUC Choice Homes' Trevista sold most of its 463sqf studios first. This scenario repeated itself at other launches like Sophia Residence as well as Air Stream by Millennium Homes, whose miniscule units (from 333sqf) were all snapped up.

Adjusting to living in tight spaces is no longer food for thought; for these buyers, it is a reality.

But just how liveable is a 500sqf home, and what can you fit into it?

Note that the oft-used property lingo, "one plus one", does not imply a two-bedroom home, but one bedroom plus another room (meant for a study). The gorgeously outfitted showflats you tour are also not a good gauge of how well they will suit your needs.

It's a case of caveat emptor, or buyer beware.

Showflats show the developments to their best advantage, so their layouts may vary slightly from the actual units and the designer may have removed walls to make them look more spacious.

Showflat ideas to steal Click on thumbnail to view

Few visitors read the disclaimers or information plaques that indicate these changes. Also, doors are often removed to ease traffic flow in a showflat, but in a real home, passageways and clearances are needed for them to swing open.

Designers customise most of the furniture to get an integrated and luxurious look. Many pieces, from desks to sofas, are scaled down to suit the small spaces, which can make them less comfortable. If you opt to do the same, be aware that customising always costs more.

Your existing furniture may not be able to fit in. Do visualise your own things in the layout.

It will help to bring a tape measure, so you can map out if your treasured Balinese daybed can take the place of the showflat's customised loveseat. Do check if there is sufficient wardrobe and kitchen storage too.

Unfortunately, "there is no legislation on a minimum size for residential units. But they must be able to function independently, with facilities like a living/sleeping area, kitchen and bathroom. This gives developers the flexibility to create different-sized units to cater to various groups," says a spokesperson from the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Interior designers caution that buyers should do a reality check before selecting a compact home. "While there are ways to maximise a tiny space, I don't think these smaller flats are meant for family living," says Cameron Woo, the interior designer of The Metropolitan's 721sqf showflat.

Developers themselves say singles, couples without children, and investors are the target market for the so-called capsule condominium unit. It's up to the buyer if he prioritises short-term over long-term needs, or tries to squeeze a family of four into a unit intended for one.

Ultimately, it's really your choice: Should you find a home to fit you, or should you fit yourself into a home?

Get a copy of the November 2009 issue of Home & Decor and read about the latest local and international trends in home design. Home & Decor, published by SPH Magazines, is available at all newsstands now.

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