Your search results

Discover 7 Reasons to Sell and Right-Size Your Property

Posted by Jayson Ang on April 9, 2023

| 0

TLDR

The increasing trend of right-sizing properties in Singapore is driven by various factors such as lifestyle changes, financial gains, practicality, location preferences, investment opportunities, lease considerations, and preemptive measures. Homeowners are downsizing to better suit their evolving needs and circumstances, whether it be for convenience, financial benefits, or to capitalize on market conditions. Making informed decisions based on individual situations and market insights can lead to successful property transitions and optimized outcomes.

After being settled in their homes for a while, many homeowners become content with their surroundings, dismissing the idea of selling up and moving to another house, or even downsizing to something more suitable.

While not everyone who purchases a property initially has plans to be a seller at some point in the future, certain external and internal pressures may cause them to rethink this.

Older couples often choose to downsize in order to be closer to their grandchildren.

When their children age, marry, and move out, many homeowners recognize they’re living in a big, empty house. They spend too much time cleaning (or repairing) it and little time for other activities – so they may choose to downsize and move closer to their grandchildren, making it easier to spend quality time with them.

Right-sizing your property has become a popular trend nowadays, and for good reason! Not only do older homeowners downsize to a smaller space, but singles, couples and young families are doing the same for a variety of reasons.

Here are seven of the top reasons why right-sizing your property might be a great idea!

1. Lifestyle

As life circumstances evolve, homeowners may find themselves in need of downsizing.

Maybe they initially married and bought a larger property with plans to fill it with children and furry friends, but eventually, their career paths or family size changed, leaving them with too much room and too little need for it.

Whatever the cause, right-sizing can help to readjust their living environment to better suit their lifestyle.

If your job now calls for you to travel more, a huge home you hardly live in may not be the best idea. You may be far from the airport, so considering downscaling to a more compact place near the airport might be a wiser choice.

If frequent flying is now part of your job or lifestyle, it might make sense to downsize and buy a smaller home closer to the airport.

As your family grows, you may find yourself in need of more bedrooms and study spaces, but if you have already made the unfortunate decision to make irreversible changes to the structure of your home, such as converting bedrooms into larger living rooms or walk-in wardrobes, then you could be left with no other option than to consider another lifestyle change.

Realize that it’s time to downsize and find the perfect apartment with the ideal number of bedrooms and bathrooms for you and your family – sell your current home and make it happen!

2. Financial

One homeowner found financial success after right-sizing; they bought a 3,864-square-foot apartment at the Citylife@Tampines executive condominium nine years ago and recently sold it, netting a profit of S$1.38m! Not only did they time the sale perfectly, but they also managed to reap the benefits of right-sizing while earning a windfall.

In August, someone at Marina Bay Suites made a huge profit after holding onto their 2,691-sqft EC unit for almost 9 years. They sold it for S$3.25m less than they paid, an impressive return on investment! It’s likely timing played a part in this decision, plus a need for additional liquidity.

Not only that, the cash from the sale could go towards downsizing to a smaller apartment and having extra funds to save. There could be many reasons to right-size beyond just financial gains.

If you’re looking for a new home, it’s important to consider more than just the monthly mortgage payments – larger apartments usually mean higher maintenance fees, property taxes, and energy costs too, particularly with the COVID circuit breaker having seen more residents staying at home and making use of extra air-conditioning.

Additionally, larger condos often have higher quarterly maintenance fees depending on the size of the unit, so right-sizing your home could be a great way to save money.

Moreover, if you’re over the age of 55, you could be eligible for grants and subsidies, making this an even more attractive option!

If you’re ready to downsize to a 3-room HDB flat or smaller, you could be eligible for the Silver Housing Bonus scheme. You could receive a cash bonus of up to S$30,000 and be required to deposit some of the proceeds of your existing flat into your CPF Retirement Account in order to benefit from the life annuity scheme which provides monthly retirement payouts.

3. Practical

As a homeowner, it might be wise to downsize if your house is demanding more of your time and attention than you can give. Maintenance issues such as cleaning and repairs can take up a great deal of energy and money.

For instance, perhaps you realize that the upkeep of your roof, flooring, and drainage systems is taking too much out of you; downsizing to an apartment could be a great solution.

Additionally, if your house is located far from essential facilities such as malls, wet markets, and transportation hubs, it could be a good idea to consider selling it and relocating somewhere closer to these amenities.

If you’re an eligible senior, why not downsize to an HDB Community Care Apartment and move into a convenient, car-lite neighbourhood with nearby medical facilities – where all your needs are just a stone’s throw away?

Have you been paying the monthly maintenance fees without taking advantage of the amenities in your condo? Maybe it’s time to reevaluate why you’ve chosen to stay in that condo if you don’t often use the facilities or participate in the AGM decision-making process.

During the pandemic, many have come to the realisation that they have not been using the amenities as much as they had expected, yet still paying for them nonetheless.

4. Location

Due to changes in the neighbourhood, right-sizing may be necessary – a new building potentially obstructing your breathtaking unblocked view, or disrupting the feng shui in your home. Plus, roadworks and developments could create an uproar of construction noise over the next few years, completely shattering the peace of your residence.

Downsizing is a great option for those looking to move closer to desired amenities such as medical facilities, transport hubs, schools, or even wet markets; it also allows people to be near (or far from) the hustle and bustle of the city.

For example, a family could transition from a larger 5-room suburban condo to a more intimate 4-room HDB resale flat located in a bustling urban center, making the most of their newfound convenience and proximity to the city.

5. Investment

It seems that for some homeowners, owning multiple apartments is quite common – with one for themselves, and the rest to invest and rent out.

For instance, after spending years living in a 4-bedroom condo, a family may now decide to downsize and return to their 4-room HDB flat, offering their condo up for sale.

Minister for National Development Desmond Lee recently shared that approximately 3% of HDB flat owners also own private property, with around 45% renting out their entire HDB flats.

With the significant jump in property prices over the last year, some private property owners may choose to cash out by selling their larger apartments and downsizing to their existing HDB flats.

This provides them the flexibility to opt for a life of comfort and convenience in the home they already own.

6. Lease

When a homeowner’s lease is close to running out, they often decide to put their property on the market. With the property’s value increasing, it can be the ideal time to sell and downsize to a newer, more compact flat with a fresh 99-year lease.

This is especially true for HDB flat owners with shorter leases, who may have to sell their property within 6 months of collecting the keys to their new BTOs.

By taking advantage of HDB’s Contra Payment Facility or Temporary Loan Scheme, you can fund your BTO flat without stress while waiting to sell your current flat.

When the sale is done, the money can be used to repay the loan. Keep in mind, though, that the Contra Payment Facility is an extra loan on top of your HDB housing loan if your CPF Ordinary Account funds are not enough, and TLS is a temporary loan which is intended to be repaid using the proceeds of the sale of your existing flat without needing to get a housing loan.

7. Preemptive

Some homeowners choose to list their properties for sale due to the potential of future complications, in order to make the most of their asset’s value while they still can.

An example of this is the possibility of implementing cooling measures, which could come into effect at any time. These regulations tend to limit the buying and selling process, making it more difficult for a seller to find a purchaser who will agree to their asking price.

In this current climate of geopolitical uncertainty, inflation, and higher mortgage rates, savvy home sellers are recognizing the importance of listing their properties early.

By doing so, they can take advantage of appreciated gains and downsize to a smaller home, positioning themselves to weather potential financial difficulties or a loss of income.

Acting ahead of the curve, these well-informed home sellers can turn a significant profit.

Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?

If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?

It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.

I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.

I can help you by:

Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.

You May Also Like …

All Opinion Selling Tips

Reduced Lease Durations for HDB Flats: What Potential Savings Could Your Property Offer?

Jayson Ang – July 17, 2025 –

TLDR Shorter lease HDB flats are typically about 22–25% cheaper than their 99-year counterparts, based on both resale and BTO...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Must-Do Experiences in Singapore for First Timers

Jayson Ang – January 18, 2025 –

Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its diverse culture and rich history, offers an array of unique experiences for first-time...

All Opinion

Housing Affordability in 2023: Is Singapore Property Truly Unaffordable?

Jayson Ang – November 4, 2023 –

TLDR Singapore’s property market faces challenges with high prices, especially in private housing. While public housing remains more affordable, the...

Mandarin Top 5

Singapore’s Property Insights : Where to Find 5 Hidden Gems?

Jayson Ang – June 14, 2023 –

Singapore's Property Insights : Where to Find 5 Hidden Gems? With its booming economy, vibrant culture and attractive regulations, Singapore...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Thai Restaurants in Singapore

Jayson Ang – June 24, 2024 –

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, is a food lover's paradise. Among the myriad of dining options available,...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Best Hidden Boutique Hotels in Singapore

Jayson Ang – October 11, 2024 –

Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its iconic landmarks and diverse culture, offers a plethora of accommodation options for travelers....

All Buying Tips Reports Selling Tips

A Timeline of Property Cooling Measures in Singapore Through the Years

Jayson Ang – August 6, 2025 –

TLDR Since 2009, Singapore has implemented over 15 rounds of property cooling measures to curb speculation and keep homes affordable....

Mandarin Top 5

5 Tips : How To Spot A Good Investment Opportunity In Singapore’s Property Market

Jayson Ang – July 18, 2024 –

Singapore's property market offers a plethora of investment opportunities for both local and foreign investors. To spot a good investment...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors : What I Wish I Had Known about Singapore Property Market

Jayson Ang – November 13, 2024 –

Singapore's property market has always been an attractive investment option for both local and foreign investors. With its stable economy,...

All Opinion Selling Tips

Why More First-Time Buyers Are Picking Condos Over BTO Flats in 2025

Jayson Ang – November 1, 2025 –

TLDR In 2025, more first-time Singapore buyers are choosing condos over BTO flats. Key reasons include faster move-in times, better...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

What Will Happen When Your 99-Year Housing Lease Expires?

Jayson Ang – February 11, 2023 –

TLDR We delve into the challenges faced by Singaporeans with expiring 99-year housing leases. It explores the types of leases...

All Buying Tips

How Much You Need to Earn to Afford a Condo 2023

Jayson Ang – October 30, 2023 –

TLDR When considering investing in a private property in Singapore, it's important to understand your borrowing capacity. Financial experts recommend...

All Buying Tips

3 Steps to Prevent Rental Scams

Jayson Ang – January 23, 2024 –

TLDR: Prevent Rental Scams in Real Estate Scammers are targeting prospective tenants by impersonating Real Estate Salespersons (RES) to deceive...

Mandarin Top 5

Singapore’s Best Kept Real Estate Secrets: 5 Insider Tips for Savvy Investors

Jayson Ang – May 29, 2023 –

Singapore's Best Kept Real Estate Secrets: 5 Insider Tips for Savvy Investors Here are 5 insider tips for those looking...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Exploring the Resale Condo Market? Here’s What to Watch Out For!

Jayson Ang – March 22, 2023 –

TLDR The impact of COVID-19 on Singapore's real estate market has been significant, leading to a surge in demand for...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Live Music Venues in Singapore

Jayson Ang – May 20, 2024 –

Singapore, a vibrant and multicultural city-state, is well-known for its diverse food scene, stunning architecture, and bustling shopping districts. However,...