Ian Fang’s Decision To Buy New $1Mil Condo Was Made “On The Spot”

Is it just us, or is everyone coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic either 1) a chef 2) engaged or 3) with a new home?

In just these few months alone, we've witnessed a number of local celebs getting their own pad or moving into a new one. First, it was Romeo Tan and his luxurious apartment unit at Marina One Residences. Then, Hongling bought a two-bedroom condo in the central part of Singapore. And just last month, Joanne Peh and Qi Yuwu disclosed that major renovations have been going on for their new place, a landed property in the east.

Now, it’s Ian Fang’s turn to splurge on a spanking new $1mil, two-bedroom freehold condo in “an area towards Bendemeer” for him and his mum.

“It’s my turn baaaaabbbyyy,” the Shanghai-born actor wrote in an IG Story yesterday (Oct 19), along with a sneak peek of interior design plans and various Chinese ‘new home’ paraphernalia like a pineapple. P/S: Many Singaporeans believe that rolling a pineapple in your new home will bring about good fortune.

Ian and his mum had previously lived in a $1.5mil, two-bedroom condo near Bishan.

“She put almost all her savings into providing a home for the both of us, just as she dreamed of when she brought me over [to Singapore] when I was just 12. We rented a room to live in together for years and couldn't even afford rent. So, that purchase eight years ago was a dream come true for us,” the 30-year-old told 8days.sg. “But now, I really don't wish for her to work any more. It's time for her to enjoy life and relax. She has been working too hard. I told her to stop contributing to our new house ‘cos I want to take over and take care of her.”

“Finally, it’s me,” Ian said when we asked who paid for the house this time.

Obviously, Ian’s mum was elated by how far her son has come. According to the actor, she “cried” after telling her that they’ll be getting a new home.

“I was happy to see her cry tears of joy. She is very satisfied with my choice of area and the overall feel of the house,” he beamed.

He also explained that he was drawn to the two-bedder mainly 'cos of its location, which is in between his primary school, Stamford Primary School, and his secondary school, Bendemeer Secondary School.

“[The condo is located] in the area I grew up in when I came to Singapore. So it really feels like a full circle,” he said.

The star revealed that “everything happened quite fast”. He sealed the deal on this apartment in July, the same month he started looking for one.

“My agent is very capable, that’s all I can say. I didn’t have many viewings... I just told them which area and what kind of environment that I wanted. They shortlisted a few and when I saw my current one, I almost decided on the spot,” he lets on, adding that their new pad is “very quiet and private”.

Ian then excitedly blurted out that he “can't wait for renovations to finish”. His home is expected to be ready next month.

“I didn’t do much reno for the previous one. Now, I get to do it my style!” he enthused. “It’s gonna be Muji-inspired and [will cost between] $30K to $40K.” Well, #wegoianstyle.

Photos: Ian Fang/Instagram