CPF nomination is rarely discussed in the context of buying a home, but its importance is a lesson homeowner Lisa had to learn the hard way.
When Lisa was 12 years old, her family of four began staying in her aunt's three-room flat, entwined in a joint tenancy with her father. But little did they know that this arrangement would shape their destiny when tragedy struck 12 years later.
In 2019, Lisa's father passed away, leaving them grappling not just with grief but also with the grim reality of having no property in their name. To add insult to injury, her family's relationship with their aunt had also gone south, putting them at risk of being ousted altogether. Lisa knew what she had to do-secure a safe space for her family, and fast.
"I only did that because I had no other choice that was acceptable to me. I refused to let my family continue to stay with my aunt," confesses Lisa in one of her YouTube videos. Her family's touching story resonated with over 175,000 viewers, who follow her journey and pick up nuggets of wisdom from her channel, Lisa's Adulting in Singapore.
However, the odds were stacked heavily against her. Lisa discovered that her father had not made a CPF nomination, resulting in funds being tied up and effectively barring them from financial resources.
She was left with little choice and, as a mere undergrad student, bit the bullet and took on a daunting mortgage of nearly $200,000 to purchase a two-room resale flat under the Non-Citizen Family (NCF) scheme.
This story is from the September 2023 edition of SquareRooms.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2023 edition of SquareRooms.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Transform your laundry routine
Designed for the demands of modern urban living, Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry Combo redefines convenience by combining washing and drying in a single, space-saving unit.
Personal moments and timeless design
In a cosy flat filled with curated art and travel mementos, Amirul and Clarice's home tells a story of love, inspiration, and evolving tastes. From mid-century elements to modular classics, the couple shares how they shaped a space that reflects their journeys-and how it's still growing with them.
Old meets bold
Tim and Nicole were so enamoured with their Tiong Bahru rental that they bought it, preserving its midcentury charm while personalising the pre-war unit.
Branching out
With a tree at its centre and a mix of global influences across the ages, this home feels more like a living art gallery than a typical apartment.
Minimalist marvel
Thoughtfully designed by Ray Seah and Kate Sitchon, the space combines sleek aesthetics with practical solutions, offering the perfect balance of style and comfort.
Petite Paris
Channelling Parisian charm with a touch of Peranakan flair, this 4-room HDB flat looks like it belongs on the set of Emily in Paris.
Across the ages
In this one-of-a-kind home, the tastes of three generations— Baby Boomer, millennial, and Gen Z-converge.
Living artfully
Explore how Kave Home's Gala, Aiguablava, and Jondal collections bring together comfort, craftsmanship, and timeless style to transform any space into a haven of modern living.
A new chapter
Caesarstone adds 9 styles to its Porcelain Collection
The natural balance
Inspired by the serene beauty of dewdrops, the Antao Collection by Villeroy & Boch transforms bathrooms into wellness sanctuaries, combining sustainability with timeless elegance.
