What Are The Differences Between SoHo, SoVo and SoFo?

Most people would have heard of the terms SoHo, SoVo and SoFo, but how do you differ from one another? You may have heard of these terms in the property market but do not know what it really means.

Let's figure it out:

SoHo
SoVo
SoFo

High rise building, property, real estate

Similarities of SoHo, SoVo and SoFo

Commercial title - owners need to pay for the maintenance fees, water, electricity, and telephone bills based on commercial rates
Typically located in prime hotspots in a city where businesses and commercial trades are most conducted
Near to LRT stations, MRT stations or shopping malls

SoHo - Small Office, Home Office

SoHos can be used either as a home or an office. It is for residential use and fall under the HDA (Housing Development Act), buyers can enjoy the protection of a standard Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA).

SoVo - Small Office, Versatile Office

SoVos is a small office that’s fully equipped with telecommunication and infrastructural facilities. It allows immediate business start-ups to operate. SoVo properties are strictly for commercial use ONLY. Hence, management has the right to not allow owners to stay overnight in the property!

SoFo - Small Office, Flexible Office

SoFos can be used for residential or commercial purposes or both. Most of the SoFo properties have condominium-style amenities and an internal partition (a wall that can be broken down) will be designed within their buildings - to provide the owners or tenants with the flexibility to customise or to fit-out their units as they please.

Okay, now you know the similarities and differences between SoHo, SoVo, and SoFo. Now, you should know this or consider these points before you buy any of these properties!

Loan Tenure

Loan tenure of these properties (SoHo, SoVo, and SoFo) may also often be shorter (around 25 to 30 years) when compared to residential properties (around 35 years). Also, loan margins of SoHo, SoVo, and SoFo units may be lower.