I finally got the biggest accompanying issue out of my mind. My purpose was fulfilled with a very long chat with my parents. I went into this discussion hoping to achieve what has been long considered a stalemate for eons now, 3 years on.

I dived straight in. I told them that I was considering making a bid for the flats at Limbang Green. My parents, being my parents of course, are not worked around easily worked if it is followed by a barrage of information which would be rendered useless as the initial statement is by itself able to effect temporal paralysis. I felt time stop, and the silence fill the air as I allowed the magnitude of my opening statement to be absorbed.

Of course, the criticism came fast and furious. They started by telling me how ignorant I was and that I was dreaming to be seeking to own a flat so soon. And of course I was ready for this. What I've learnt from my wonderful partner is that you have to prepare for the worst or at least not have unreasonably high expectations in order to minimise the disappointment, if any. I was ready to take away nothing, for things to remain as they are, bad as they may be. So there it was and I took it as it came. I kept my silence, allowing them to express whatever vehement rejections that came off the top of their heads. The stoic expression is essential in allowing for a frutiful discussion to follow. Going in with arms swinging and ready with quick sharp responses that would suggest defiance or arrogance would be unwise, and speaking from experience, wholly suicidal.

They raised as issues my age, my lack of knowledge of the market, my dreamy dreams etc. Then I began with my next part of my plan: to sell them the idea. I'm 24, young yes, but in 5 years, not that young already. I choose Limbang Green because it's so near our place; besides no other known developments near our place are slated to take place. We've been staying for 15 years now. If you wanted to move, you would have done so some 6-7 years ago. Now, it's unlikely you'd be thinking of moving house. I'm also doing this looking at the trend of the prices now. They are rising and you should buy now before it becomes too unviable an option. Besides, look at the price now, approx $250,000 for a 4-room. Look at how much it will fetch in 10 years time. Another point: re-look the bias you have against me. Your perception towards me is biased. You always have this approach whenever you talk to me. Look at this perception and we may have a slightly different discussion in future.

Once again, there was silence. Then feedback. My mum expressed that she was shocked that I was thinking about this right now but it was good that I was planning ahead. My parents jointly concur that it is good to think ahead but they were shocked at my mentality towards the market. I was glad that we were coming to this stage. This is what I really wanted; their counsel, their opinions and shared experiences. They bought an executive flat when buying a 5-room was already considered a luxury. That was in the mid-80s.

After i had said my piece, it became clearer that their stance towards me was now more open and accomodating. It could have easily deteriorated into a 'you think too highly of yourself' sort of 'chat'.

In short, their counsel: work on your career now. Once your career is sorted out, the finances will come and soon you can consider more options. Don't go blindly into buying a home so quickly because it will mean tying up your monies. If it is to be seen as an investment, go into the stock market if you want to reap short-term investments. It just isn't a good time to buy when the market is buoyant and on the rise. While I queried that prices of new flats will never go down, given that the market for public housing is pegged to the private market ( as in trends are alike), their response was that the resale market will give you better value when the market is ripe for buying. Buying now will be akin to paying for being as enthusiastic as the next buyer.

In summary, buying a resale when the market is on the down will bring better value than a new flat which has a set price floor. However, buying a resale means that we'll need to have ready cash to pay off. It's time to start growing my money for this ready cash. Yes, the resale market may be volatile and it will be about seeking the right opportunities. People will sell out of desperation. Looking into the history of markets have shown that this trend has held true over the last 3 economic crises.

Price aside, I would definitely like more space. The 92 sqm is sufficient but I'm sure our babies will want more space to roam, wouldn't they? Free the mind for potential to grow.

Question for the future: how would it be like if I'm not making use of HDB's grant for first-time buyers who meet their income ceiling requirement, am I not losing out in this way? It seems kiasu but I think young buyers will need every sort of help possible. If money falls from the sky or starts to grow on trees, then HDB's grant will not be necessary, that's for sure.

In conclusion, I heave a sigh of relief and I'm encouraged. I didn't manage to get my parents to give whole-hearted approval for the plan to buy a new flat. However, I know I'll be asking them to look for good opportunities on the resale market when the time is right. Our 4 year plan is still on. And with more hope than ever before :)