"Big house!"

Had another house viewing on Friday, 14 September. Through a client of my son, we trouped down to Springside, to view a new house.

Packing all the three kids including the maid, wife and son, we drove down to the site. We were met by my son's client, Leo and the developer. You can imagine the boisterous group including the live-wire Emma, laughing away.

On entering the house, I was struck by the immense layout of the property. It was beautiful and tastefully decorated. Emma yelled out, "Big house!", and clamoured all over the place eventually climbing up all three flight of stairs.

Judicious placement of glass panels made the house bright and cheerful. There was an air-well above the dining allowing ample light in. Featuring a dry and wet kitchen, there was a fifth bedroom with bath and toilet attached at the back of the house.

The staircase was at the side which did not mar the appearance of the house. With three stories, the master bedroom was large. Another bedroom on that level offers an opportunity to turn it into a study, cum computer, cum library, cum hideaway. Third level featured a duplicate master bedroom, which would fit my son's requirement, and a fourth bedroom.

On the roof, a terrace garden with a gazebo. It extended the length, the depth of the house. Excellent for a putting green. My son would love this, smoking Havana cigars with his friends.

It was befitting of my dream house, agreed by my family especially the kids. When I spoke to the developer, I was informed it would cost $1.9m o.n.o! They would consider $1.8m. My heart sank, for it broke my budget. The only consolation was that, they would sell the house with everything inside. That is, with all the furnishings, air-conditioning units, kitchen, dining set, lounge set, beds, refrigerator, etc.

The house was a corner terrace house with a nice garden space and a lap pool. The kids would love this, swimming in it. It would have made a perfect family home for family gatherings. I was told that the house was originally priced at $1.6m, but with the rise in property prices, it has been raised to $1.9m asking price. It has been used as the show house. Another property at the other corner, is also available at the same price, but with a small swimming pool and with some additional fittings. Again it would break my budget.

How frustrating! Disappointed, we left for Leo's house, a stone throw away. Leo showed us his house in which he keeps sting ray in the middle of the house. Also a very nice house but different from the show house. Interesting to note that many houses in his neighbourhood are still vacant. Leo told me that some of them buy for investment. Some of them had very nice roof gardens. So I told Leo that I would be interested in a resale if his neighbour should decide to do so. A glimmer of hope there. Another phase of new houses will be built around there, but will not be ready by 2010/2011. Too late for me.

If I had won the big sweep last month, I would have bought the house outright. I hope another house like that would come my way when I am truly ready with my money. Meanwhile, back to my dreams!

Till then....