Your search results

Does Sell 1 Buy 2 Strategy Still Works Today in 2024?

Posted by Jayson Ang on June 28, 2023

| 0

TLDR

When considering the “Sell One By Two” property investment strategy, keep in mind that it involves selling your previous home to purchase one larger and one smaller condo. This approach can help you generate rental income and avoid the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty. However, it requires careful financial planning, eligibility for separate home loans, and the ability to sustain multiple mortgages. Make sure to evaluate property prices, rental income potential, and mortgage sustainability before deciding if this strategy is right for you. Consulting with experts and conducting thorough due diligence is crucial to ensure its suitability for your situation.

I’m going to be discussing the “Sell One By Two” property investment strategy that you may have heard about on the internet or in the news. You may have wondered why anyone would opt to buy two condo units instead of just upgrading to a single, larger condo.

Well, there are actually two main reasons for this approach.

First, by selling your previous home, which could be an HDB flat, you will receive a lump sum of money. You can then use this money to purchase one larger and one smaller condo.

This approach can be lucrative for sound property owners who are looking to generate rental income. You can rent out one condo while living in the other, depending on your lifestyle and preferences. You can even swap later on. For example, once your children have moved out, you may want to move into the smaller condo and rent out the larger one. All of this is great in terms of property investment.

The second reason to opt for this approach is that you can avoid paying the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) that you would have to pay if you and your spouse bought the property separately. By selling your previous home, you and your spouse can each go out and qualify for separate home loans. Both of you would count as owning one property, which means you would be spared the 12% ABSD.

However, for this strategy to work, it relies on some basic assumptions. The first and most important assumption is that you have sufficient sales proceeds from selling your previous home. You also need to be aware that whatever funds you use from your CPF for your previous home will have to be refunded with the usual 2.5% interest. So, if you do not have sufficient cash in hand for the down payment of your next home, this approach may not be suitable for you.

The other assumptions are that you and your spouse are both eligible for separate home loans and have the ability to sustain a mortgage on your own. Remember that this is different from both of you upgrading to a single, larger home where you’re both sharing the mortgage. In this case, you have one mortgage, and your spouse has another mortgage. You need to be certain that you won’t get into trouble if one of you loses your income or ends up earning less.

Moreover, this is a property investment strategy that is better suited for more affluent Singaporeans.

As a rule of thumb, your property should not cost more than five times your annual income. This means that you alone should not be getting a property that costs more than five times your annual income, and neither should your spouse.

One thing to bear in mind is that choosing the smaller unit can be tricky.

Most of the time, it’s a compact unit 510 square foot or below, or it’s a two-bedroom. Picking a good investment property at one million or below takes good acumen.

Between a one-bedroom that’s 490 square feet and costs $900,000, and one that’s 550 square feet that costs $1 million, which would be the better investment?

While the one-million-dollar unit is cheaper on a per square foot basis, to a tenant, one-bedroom is still just one-bedroom. So there’s a good chance your rental income won’t be that much higher, and your more expensive unit might end up generating the same rental income as its smaller counterpart.

To sum up, the “Sell One By Two” strategy can be a lucrative approach for sound property owners who are looking to generate rental income. It allows you to rent out one condo while living in the other, and it also helps you avoid paying the additional buyer’s stamp duty.

Ultimately, the success of the sell one by two strategy relies on various factors, including your financial situation, your ability to sustain multiple mortgages, and your ability to pick the right investment properties.

In conclusion, the Sell One By Two strategy is a property investment approach that can be lucrative for sound property owners who have the financial means to execute it. By selling their previous home and buying two other properties, one larger and one smaller, they can use one condo as their residence and rent out the other, generating rental income and avoiding the additional buyer’s stamp duty.

However, the strategy does rely on several assumptions and requires careful consideration of various factors, including property prices, rental income potential, and mortgage sustainability. So, if you are considering this strategy, make sure to do your due diligence and consult with experts to ensure that it is the right approach for you.

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 …

Mandarin Top 5

Singapore’s Luxury Real Estate Market: The 5 Most Luxurious Neighborhoods

Jayson Ang – May 14, 2023 –

The 5 most expensive neighborhoods in the city, and are home to some of the most exclusive and opulent properties...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Tips : Riding the Wave: How to Profit from the Upcoming Boom in Singapore’s Property Market

Jayson Ang – August 5, 2024 –

Singapore's property market has always been a hot topic among investors and homebuyers alike. With million-dollar HDBs being sold and...

All Buying Tips

What Is Cash Over Valuation in HDB (COV)

Jayson Ang – November 8, 2023 –

TLDR Cash Over Valuation (COV) in HDB resale flats occurs when the purchase price exceeds HDB's valuation. COV cannot be...

All Opinion

Why Aren’t Spacious, Wallet-Friendly Homes Our Reality Yet?

Jayson Ang – April 17, 2024 –

TLDR The article discusses the current housing market in Singapore, focusing on the challenges faced by individuals like Sherlyn Tan...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Evaluating Property Investments: Pros and Cons to Keep in Mind

Jayson Ang – August 7, 2023 –

TLDR: Key Takeaways from the Blog Post Singapore's real estate market offers both pros and cons for investors. The advantages...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Hawker Centres in Singapore for Local Food

Jayson Ang – February 24, 2024 –

Singapore, a melting pot of diverse cultures and rich culinary heritage, is home to some of the most delectable local...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Investing in Singapore Real Estate as a Foreigner

Jayson Ang – January 1, 2023 –

TLDR The blog post discusses the rules and regulations for foreign investors looking to purchase real estate in Singapore. It...

All Buying Tips Opinion

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...

All Blog Posts Opinion

Where to Find the Most Affordable New Launches in 2023 – Starting at $1.31 Million

Jayson Ang – January 24, 2023 –

TLDR When looking for an affordable new launch condo in Singapore as of January 2023, consider projects like 10 Evelyn,...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Subscribe to Jayson Ang’s Singapore Property Newsletter

Jayson Ang – December 27, 2022 –

TLDR Jayson Ang's Singapore Property Newsletter offers valuable insights on real estate investments, market trends, and expert advice. The newsletters...

All Buying Tips

What Are The Key Factors That Contribute To Property Valuations And Why Are They So Crucial?

Jayson Ang – October 23, 2023 –

TLDR Understanding property valuations is crucial for both buyers and sellers in the real estate market. Property valuations involve two...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Beware of These 7 Deceptive Tricks In Showflat Condo Sales

Jayson Ang – May 14, 2023 –

TLDR When navigating the complexities of the real estate market, it's crucial to be wary of hidden marketing tricks when...

Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

5 Things to do When You Go For A Property Viewing In Singapore Part 2

Jayson Ang – June 8, 2023 –

5 Things to do When You Go For A Property Viewing In Singapore Part 2 Here are 5 more things...

All Blog Posts

3 Steps to Protect Yourself from Real Estate Scams in Singapore

Jayson Ang – December 17, 2022 –

Lately, there has been an increase in scams related to real estate. Scammers are pretending to be real estate agents...

All Buying Tips

The Changing Faces of Orchard Road

Jayson Ang – October 10, 2024 –

Should You Buy, Sell or Wait? If you're reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Buy a $1M Resale HDB or a $1M Resale Condo?

Jayson Ang – August 19, 2023 –

TLDR When comparing a million-dollar HDB flat to a private property of the same value, the HDB flat offers more...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Most Common Red Flags To Watch Out For When Investing In Singapore Property

Jayson Ang – August 11, 2024 –

Investing in Singapore property has long been considered a lucrative and stable way to build wealth. However, like any investment,...

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

The Importance of Caution Regarding Property Oversupply in Singapore

Jayson Ang – March 10, 2025 –

TLDR Recent challenges in China's real estate sector reveal valuable lessons for Singaporeans, emphasizing the importance of understanding governmental interventions...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Risk Factors For International Buyers Investing In Singapore Real Estate And How Can They Be Mitigated?

Jayson Ang – December 15, 2024 –

Singapore, a thriving global city-state, is known for its business-friendly environment, low tax rates, and high standard of living. The...

All Buying Tips

Simplified Guide to Buying Landed Property in Singapore

Jayson Ang – January 8, 2024 –

TLDR When considering buying a landed property in Singapore, you have options like terrace homes, semi-detached houses, and bungalows. Understanding...