Your search results

Rising Interest Rates : A Cause for Concern?

Posted by Jayson Ang on December 7, 2022

| 0

TLDR

In 2021, the real estate market saw a surge in demand due to low interest rates and supply chain disruptions. The upcoming hike in interest rates may worry some homebuyers, but historical data shows that well-planned property investments can still yield substantial profits despite interest rate fluctuations. Rising interest rates are often linked to inflation, which can actually drive property prices up. Focusing on other key factors besides interest rates when choosing an investment property is crucial for maximizing returns.

We have all seen in 2021, an amazing year for sellers as we saw property prices hitting new peaks. A pent-up buying demand caused by impacts on tourism and uncertainties in the financial markets during the Covid-19 pandemic has steered many to the real estate market. Adding fuel to the hungry fire, delays in construction and rising costs in materials caused by global supply chain disruption and manpower crunch amplified the heat further.

This huge spike in demand against the depleting supplies has forced many homebuyers to sweep up the unsold inventory causing it to hit a record low of 19,409 in 2Q2021.

Homebuyers were further enticed by the increase in their purchasing power with interest rates hitting an all-time low.

Fast-forward to the present, as the economy is moving towards recovery, there are plans by the US Fed to raise interest rates for the first time since 2018. As most of you might know, Singapore’s interest rates are closely pegged to the movements of the US Fed’s interest rate.

So how will the imminent hike in interest rates affect you?

To better understand this, let’s first take a look at the types of interest rates offered here in Singapore.

Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR)

Total Debt Servicing Ratio is a financial safety mechanism introduced by the Singapore Government to ensure that its people are not overleveraging and have the necessary financial capabilities to pay off their loans.

The Impacts Of Rising Interest Rates

Consumers are afraid of raising interest rates because it affects the eventual amount home buyers have to pay after calculating accrued interest from their home loans.

What if I tell you that whether the interest rate is moving upwards or downwards has minimal effects on your home – if you’ve made calculated considerations on buying your home?

Many would think that it’s a bad time to be thinking about buying a home when interest rates are set to hike, but let the statistics and examples below reveal to you the truth about the relationship between the property market and interest rates.

Looking at Figure 1 below, property prices have been on an incline over the past 20 years. In fact, since 2010Q1, interest rates have been relatively flat except for 2015Q1 when they started surging and then slumming again when the pandemic came.

Figure 1: PPI vs Interest rates (2002Q1 to 2021Q3)

Does it mean that people who bought properties between 2015Q1 and the pandemic suffered losses when the interest rates flattened over the last 2 years?

You will be very surprised to find out that not only did they not suffer a loss, but many buyers made extremely lucrative returns.

Just as buyers of Twin Vew in Figure 2 below, who bought their property at one of the peaks for interest rates in 2018, and managed to make close to a whopping half a million dollars when they sold it in 2021.

Interest rates for mortgages may be one of the most important concerns you may have when purchasing a property. However, few realised that it should not be the most important factor to consider when it comes to choosing the right property for reaping good profits. The case study above clearly illustrates that rising interest rates did not hinder the growth of a well-planned and selected property.

Figure 2: Historical profitable transactions for Twin Vew

Here’s another example for you, Treasure @ Tampines in Figure 3 below, the unit that was bought when the interest rates were high in 2019Q2 also managed to make tremendous returns of $416,000 in just less than 3 years.

This could be you if you knew exactly what to buy and when, instead of worrying about interest rates. Ultimately, the growth of property prices greatly overshadows hiking interest rates.

Figure 3: Historical profitable transactions for Treasure @ Tampines

To understand the rationale of why hikes in interest rates are not causing the property market to crumble or stagnate, one has to understand the reason why interest rates are increasing.

In fact, we all know that inflation has caused the increase in prices of almost everything money can buy – that includes property. And in order for the monetary authority to mitigate inflation, increasing the interest rate is one of the most effective tools to do so. So even if there isn’t any growth in the real estate market over the next few years, we will possibly see property prices escalate solely fuelled by inflation.

What does this mean for homebuyers?

Focusing on the wrong thing may incur a heftier opportunity cost. The rising interest rates and other trigger factors* should be an indication for investors or homebuyers to start taking swift action.

It is monumentally tough for anyone to time the market but there is always a way to sift out the ideal investment property that could reap the best possible rewards.

Hit me up and I shall share with you the other factors* to look out for when choosing the ideal investment property.

You May Also Like …

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

HDB Loan Vs Bank Loan: Pros & Cons

Jayson Ang – February 25, 2023

TLDR When deciding between an HDB loan or a bank loan for purchasing a property in Singapore, consider key factors...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Navigating the Unique Landscape of the 2025 Singapore Property Market

Jayson Ang – August 22, 2025

TLDR The 2025 Singapore property market faces distinct challenges, including a shift toward Core Central Region (CCR) new launches, limited...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Shopping Malls in Singapore for Luxury Shopping

Jayson Ang – March 5, 2024

Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its stunning architecture and diverse culture, is also a paradise for luxury shopping enthusiasts....

All Buying Tips

Why The URA Master Plan Matters For Your Property’s Potential

Jayson Ang – March 24, 2024

TLDR The URA Master Plan entails significant shifts like the relocation of Paya Lebar Airport or creation of Punggol Digital...

All Blog Posts Opinion

Invest During the Bearish & Exit During the Bullish

Jayson Ang – December 27, 2022

TLDR A comprehensive overview of the real estate market trends, emphasizing the importance of strategic property analysis and investment decisions....

All Blog Posts Opinion

What is Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) in Singapore and How Does It Work?

Jayson Ang – February 14, 2023

TLDR When it comes to navigating the Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD) in Singapore, legal strategies are available to overcome...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : Why Singapore’s Property Market Is a Safe Haven for Investors in Uncertain Times – Insider Analysis!

Jayson Ang – September 16, 2024

In today's uncertain global economic climate, investors are constantly on the lookout for safe havens to park their wealth. Amidst...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

When Is the Right Time to Sell Your House?

Jayson Ang – December 31, 2022

TLDR When deciding to sell your house in Singapore's competitive real estate market, timing is crucial. Selling during a seller's...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

5 Must-Know Questions Before Investing in Real Estate

Jayson Ang – June 15, 2023

TLDR When considering whether to buy a new development or a resale property, it can be challenging. In the blog...

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

The Real Impact of Industrial Areas on Condo Prices: A Tale of Two Towns

Jayson Ang – March 2, 2026

TLDR A case study comparing condos near light industrial areas in Yishun and Bishan found that proximity to these zones...

Mandarin Top 5

Singapore’s Top 5 Property Investment Hotspots for 2024

Jayson Ang – April 4, 2024

As one of the world's leading financial centers, Singapore has always been a popular destination for property investment. With a...

Top 5 Questions to Ask : Is Singapore Property Investment for Me?

Mandarin Top 5

HDB Owners Missing Out on the “Ultimate Upgrade” to Landed Living

Jayson Ang – October 3, 2024

TLDR Over the past two decades in Singapore, the trend of HDB residents upgrading to landed properties has fluctuated. While...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Advantages of Owning a Luxury Condominium in Singapore for Long-Term Investment

Jayson Ang – February 23, 2025

Singapore, a thriving global city-state, has become an attractive destination for real estate investors. Among the various property types available,...

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Why Older Freehold Condominiums Are Losing Their Edge in En‑Bloc Deals (2025)

Jayson Ang – April 14, 2026

TLDR Older freehold condominiums in Singapore are losing their edge in en‑bloc deals due to several structural shifts. Developers increasingly...

All Blog Posts Opinion

Are We Truly Headed For A Slowdown? How Will This Affect Property Prices?

Jayson Ang – December 9, 2022

TLDR The pandemic-induced recession has surprisingly boosted property prices in Singapore, defying conventional economic trends. Factors like cost-push inflation, limited...