We like it as is...
The young couple used to rent in a nearby condo where they had a view of this older condo with its timeless quiet charm and grace of simplicity and spaciousness. They immediately bought a unit and moved in when an unit became available.
Once settled in, they started to agitate for upgrading of the common areas which they deemed as deplorable and in dire need of updating.
I stand in the lobby and entrance of the condo, and see an open airy ground floor that serves as the reception area that leads to the various indoor facitilies (gym, squash courts etc), the common function room, the management office, and the lifts. The surrounding landscaped grounds boasts the obligatory tennis courts, swimming pool, koi pond and children's playground.
The newcomers want the entire reception area glasssed off to update the look, and swipe card access to increase security. Or else the condo will quickly lose its value because it is not keeping up with the new condos, they hissed at the naysayers in the last two Annual General Meetings.
Well, the majority of the residents voted for the necessary upkeep and sprucing up of the common areas. We voted to keep the open and airy feel of the existing reception/lobby areas. The majority of us will likely vote the same way again in the upcoming AGM because we really like our place as it is. The newcomers will complain about our non-cooperation and nearsightedness for another year.
And I will wonder again - for the umpteenth time - why didn't they just buy into one of the newly built condos that have all the newest gadgets and features they want?
6 comments:
They want to use other people's money to increase the value of the place, since they can't afford the new condos? Awful neighbours are just horrid no matter where you stay.
I like the place as it is, unlike the new heavily built-up apartments/houses.
wildgoose - glassing up the place does not increase value. it's the updated look they want. that's why i don't see why they buy to get in here (and they bought when property market was frothing!).
yes, we like the open-ness of the place :)
When we buy flats, we buy units in estates that we already like, not buy and then hope to initiate mega change which involves movement of large funds. we all know how tough that can be. that's like trying to move a mountain. not impossible, but one must be damn free and focused to do it. i can think of no other reason than the prospect of an en-bloc carrot to warrant such dedication.
imp - you are so right about buying a place because one already likes the surrounds, not buy then try to make mega changes.
this place off the en bloc radar as far as i know leh. plot ratio not attractive.
urgh, the perils of living in condos and their management commitees
edpj - yes. *sigh*.
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