Your search results

Uncover the Secrets of Buying Older Properties – What They Won’t Tell You!

Posted by Jayson Ang on December 30, 2022

| 0

TLDR

When considering the appeal of older properties in hipster neighborhoods in Singapore, it’s crucial to understand the benefits and challenges they present. Older HDB flats can offer high rental yields, immediate access to amenities, and affordable renovation options. However, potential buyers should be aware of CPF limitations, lower bank loans for older properties, the uncertainty of SERS selection, lease decay affecting value, and maintenance issues. While older properties can be a good investment choice, thorough research and consideration of these factors are essential before making a purchase decision.

The trend of newlywed couples scouting for apartments in hipster neighbourhoods continues to thrive, with younger Singaporeans joining in to explore the island’s array of hipster cafes and eateries. Alongside these gentrified neighbourhoods that boast rainbow cakes, Korean fried chicken, and soufflé pancakes, you will also find older HDB flats – often more than twenty years old – that add to the nostalgic charm of the area.

If you’re a newlywed couple looking for a rustic estate or someone looking to make a profit by renovating an older HDB flat, we’ve got the information you need. Discover the appeal of older properties and the five things you should know before buying one. Get the facts from the experts, and make sure you’re always well-informed.

Why Older Properties are Appealing?

It may seem incomprehensible, but many people choose to invest in an HDB flat with fewer than 60 years left on the lease – and for good reason. Rental yields tend to be higher, there are plenty of amenities, and the cost of renovating an older HDB unit is usually reasonable!

1. High Rental Yields

Older HDB flats located in areas with high rental demand tend to bring great profitability when rented out – known as rental yield. Tenants are drawn to the unique, rustic charm of these older estates, plus the added convenience of nearby amenities such as eateries and shops. And if the unit is kept in great condition and close to an MRT station, the rental price will skyrocket! Savvy homebuyers can capitalize on this; they can get the lower purchase price of older properties combined with the high rental demand, making these HDB flats in older estates a great investment choice.

2. Well-Equipped Neighbourhood

Older properties situated in neighbourhoods that have had time to settle, offer people a wealth of convenience. Instead of waiting a few years for a school or sports hub to appear, you can benefit from the immediate access that these properties provide. These immediate amenities makes them a popular choice amongst homebuyers.

3. It’s Not That Expensive To Renovate

When it comes to older properties, it doesn’t mean they are all dilapidated with mouldy walls and ceilings. Many older HDB flats or condos may still be in great condition despite their age. For those wanting to transform a property, a makeover with construction costs ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 can turn an aged home into a gorgeous and modern living space. Therefore, home buyers who don’t mind a bit of renovation can find a good deal in an older property.

Combining affordability, attractiveness, and convenience, young couples now find it much easier to purchase flats that are decaying lease. Nevertheless, when considering the purchase of an older apartment, there are a few essential elements to take into account, as well as a few unexpected facts you may not have heard about older properties.

The Facts About Older Properties…

Fact #1: CPF Limitations

Previously, couples had reservations about getting a resale HDB flat because of the limits to the amount of home loan and CPF usage for property buying. However, in May 2019, these regulations were revised to better reflect the evolving needs and lengthened life expectancy of Singaporeans.

Under the revised regulations, the amount of CPF that can be used to purchase a property is dependent on the length of the remaining lease to cover the youngest buyer to the age of 95. Prior to May 2019, if a property’s lease was shorter than 30 years, CPF couldn’t be used for the purchase. But with the recent rule change, this has been adjusted down to 20 years.

For young couples, the changes may sound enticing, but it can be a struggle to take full advantage of them. To make use of 100% CPF financing for a flat, you and your spouse would need to find one with a lease of at least 70 years, from your current age of 29. Anything shorter than that will require more money up front to cover the cost.

Fact #2: Lower Bank Loans

Before making a purchase, it is important to consider how much you are eligible to borrow to fund your HDB purchase. Thanks to changes in CPF limitations in 2019, buyers are now able to take an HDB housing loan of up to the full 85 per cent Loan-to-Value (LTV) limit, as long as the flat’s remaining lease can cover the youngest buyer to the age of 95. Nevertheless, should the loan tenure exceed 25 years for HDB flats, or when the loan period goes beyond your age of 65, the LTV limit will unfortunately be reduced.

If you’re looking to buy an older flat, banks may be more hesitant to lend you money since there’s a higher risk of depreciation over time; meaning you could be limited to how much you can borrow for an older property in comparison to a newer one.

Thing #3: SERS is a Gamble

For those unfamiliar with the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS), it is an urban renewal strategy launched by HDB in 1995 aiming to renovate older residential properties, which works in the same manner as an en-bloc. If your building is selected for SERS, you will be relocated to a new HDB flat with a fresh 99-year lease. In addition, you will receive generous compensation for your relocation.

Gambling on an old HDB flat being chosen for SERS may sound like a good idea, but the odds are not in your favour. Since 1995, only 4% of HDB flats have been selected for the SERS program. So, if you’re hoping to purchase an older flat in Singapore with SERS as your goal, it may be best to lower your expectations.

Fact #4: Lease Decay and Diminishing Value

As the lease of your HDB flat gets shorter and shorter, its value will depreciate, making it even more difficult to recover your investment. Selling an older HDB is harder than a newer one, compounded by the CPF limits and banking loan restrictions, meaning it may take longer to find a buyer or you may need to lower your asking price.

No matter how much effort you’ve put into keeping up your property’s interiors, the exterior may have seen better days and could be bringing down its resale value. This is why if you’re looking to buy an old property with the aim of selling it on, it’s worth considering the potential cost of lease decay and the reduction in value that might come with it.

Fact #5: Issues Of Maintenance

Good news – the property you’ve checked is free from mould, damage, and rot! But have you taken a peek at the other units in the HDB block? You see, maintenance issues like ceiling water leakages can be caused by the people living upstairs. Older HDBs are more prone to such issues, much like how our bodies experience more aches and pains as we get older.

If you’re on the hunt for an older condo, it’s important to ensure that the condo’s management council is still active and willing to put in the effort. Some older condos have management councils that have accepted the fact that there will be wear and tear and have given up. You don’t want to waste your time sending emails and calling the management council for something as simple as a leaking pipe, do you?

The Bottom-Line: Buying Older Properties

Searching online quickly reveals 1,001 reasons to buy an older property, but I want to give you the facts. While there can be advantages to owning an old flat, it may not be the best choice for a newlywed couple planning on a long future together. CPF restrictions, lower bank loans, the potential of SERS being uncertain, lease deterioration, depreciation, and maintenance problems are some of the factors you should bear in mind when deciding whether to buy an older property.

You May Also Like …

Mandarin Top 5

5 Insider Tips From Real Estate Experts On How To Get The Best Deal On Property In Singapore

Jayson Ang – March 16, 2024 –

Investing in property can be a great way to build wealth and secure your financial future. However, with Singapore's highly...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Reasons : Can Your Real Estate Investment Hedge Against Inflation?

Jayson Ang – September 10, 2024 –

Inflation is an economic phenomenon that can have a significant impact on an individual's financial well-being. As the cost of...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

5 Key Insights to Take Away from the Latest 2022 Cooling Measures

Jayson Ang – December 8, 2022 –

TLDR Affordability of HDB Market: Government is focused on ensuring affordable public housing and may increase supply if needed. Long-term...

All Blog Posts Opinion

Case Study : With Income Of $180K per Annum, Which Options Should I Choose?

Jayson Ang – February 28, 2023 –

TLDR When making property decisions in Singapore, it's crucial to consider various factors like affordability, loan-to-value ratios, and CPF requirements....

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons Why Singapore’s Property Market Is A Haven For High Net Worth Investors

Jayson Ang – September 26, 2024 –

Singapore's property market has long been a magnet for high net worth investors, both local and international. The city-state's strategic...

Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

5 Essential Tips for Renting Property in Singapore as a Foreigner: A Guide for Newcomers

Jayson Ang – July 25, 2023 –

TLDR Renting property in Singapore as a foreigner can be challenging due to the high cost of living. To navigate...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Factors : Why Singapore’s Property Market Is Still A Safe Haven For Investors

Jayson Ang – May 22, 2024 –

Real estate investment has always been a popular choice for investors looking to generate passive income and build long-term wealth....

All Buying Tips

Transforming Your Home Loan Situation with Rate Cuts

Jayson Ang – September 6, 2024 –

TLDR When comparing fixed and floating mortgage rates, the present fixed rate of 3% is favorable, but predictions hint at...

All Buying Tips Opinion

I Bought a Mega-Home : Hear 7 Homeowners Spill their Heartfelt Remorse

Jayson Ang – December 22, 2023 –

TLDR The article discusses various challenges faced by residents living in massive condo complexes in Singapore. From long elevator wait...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Factors : Why Singapore’s Prime District Properties Are Still In Demand

Jayson Ang – July 14, 2024 –

Singapore's prime district properties continue to be in high demand due to a combination of factors that make them attractive...

All Buying Tips Opinion

What’s A Fair Price For An HDB Flat in 2025? A Savvy Buyer’s Guide

Jayson Ang – November 5, 2025 –

TLDR There’s no single “fair” price for HDB resale flats—what’s fair depends on your needs, motivation, and timing. To navigate...

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...

All Opinion

Should We Reconsider the ABSD Rates?

Jayson Ang – January 5, 2025 –

TLDR We explore the need to reevaluate the current Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) rates in Singapore, considering their impact...

All Buying Tips

3 Exciting Residential Sites Coming Soon!

Jayson Ang – June 20, 2024 –

TLDR The Lion City is undergoing rejuvenation with upcoming developments in coveted areas like Clementi and sites near MRT stations....

All Buying Tips Opinion

5 Unexpected Factors That Make Some New Launch Condos Sell Like Hotcakes

Jayson Ang – August 9, 2024 –

TLDR The Singapore property market for new condo launches in 2023 saw varying degrees of success. Factors like limited competition,...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Unlock the Secrets of Property Investment and Transform Your Financial Future!

Jayson Ang – September 30, 2024 –

TLDR The Singapore property market has experienced fluctuations, impacting private home prices. Understanding your financial capacity is crucial when considering...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Discover 7 New Condos Close to an MRT Station in 2023

Jayson Ang – January 25, 2023 –

TLDR When it comes to finding the perfect home near MRT stations in Singapore, several exciting new launches stand out...

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Market Mistakes in Property Investment: Key Lessons and Strategies for Success

Jayson Ang – July 16, 2024 –

TLDR In property investment, common mistakes include lack of research, overleveraging, and neglecting due diligence. To succeed, conduct thorough market...