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:

  1. Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
  2. 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 …


Experience The Best Of Southeast Asia: 5 Must-See Destinations After Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Experience The Best Of Southeast Asia: 5 Must-See Destinations After Singapore

Singapore is a great starting point for travelers looking to explore the region. From Singapore, there are many great destinations...
Read More
Don’t Miss Out: Take Control of Your Life in Your 30s and 40s
All Blog Posts Opinion

Don’t Miss Out: Take Control of Your Life in Your 30s and 40s

TLDR The stages of wealth management vary from ages 30 to 80, with different focuses and considerations at each stage:...
Read More
5 Tips : How To Choose The Right Property Agent To Help With Your Singapore Property Investment
Mandarin Top 5

5 Tips : How To Choose The Right Property Agent To Help With Your Singapore Property Investment

Choosing the right property agent is crucial to the success of your Singapore property investment. A good agent can provide...
Read More
5 Unexpected Factors That Make Some New Launch Condos Sell Like Hotcakes
All Buying Tips Opinion

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

TLDR The Singapore property market for new condo launches in 2023 saw varying degrees of success. Factors like limited competition,...
Read More
Uncover the Secrets of Buying Older Properties – What They Won’t Tell You!
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

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

TLDR When considering the appeal of older properties in hipster neighborhoods in Singapore, it's crucial to understand the benefits and...
Read More
5 Essential Tips for Renting Property in Singapore as a Foreigner: A Guide for Newcomers
Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

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

TLDR Renting property in Singapore as a foreigner can be challenging due to the high cost of living. To navigate...
Read More
Is the Singapore Property Market Set for a Dip in 2024?
All Buying Tips

Is the Singapore Property Market Set for a Dip in 2024?

TLDR The Singapore property market is experiencing shifts with Morgan Stanley adjusting its outlook on major developers. A forecast predicts...
Read More
Singapore Luxury Property: 5 Reasons to Add it to Your Trophy Collection
Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

Singapore Luxury Property: 5 Reasons to Add it to Your Trophy Collection

Singapore Luxury Property: 5 Reasons to Add it to Your Trophy Collection When it comes to luxury property investments, Singapore...
Read More
Top 5 Overlooked Features that Buyers are Looking for in Singapore Property
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Overlooked Features that Buyers are Looking for in Singapore Property

The top 5 overlooked features that buyers are looking for in the Singapore real estate market. These are the overlooked...
Read More
Breaking Through the Stalemate of En Bloc Sales
All Blog Posts Opinion

Breaking Through the Stalemate of En Bloc Sales

TLDR The Singapore property market faces challenges with the ongoing en bloc stalemate. Lower success rates, higher development risks, and...
Read More
3 Property Owners Reveal Their Major Mistakes: The Pitfalls of Ill-timed Home Sales
All Opinion Selling Tips

3 Property Owners Reveal Their Major Mistakes: The Pitfalls of Ill-timed Home Sales

TLDR When it comes to navigating the ups and downs of the Singapore property market, timing is crucial. Three real-life...
Read More
Want To Buy A Property? Read Me First!
All Buying Tips

Want To Buy A Property? Read Me First!

TLDR Understanding the key factors involved in buying property in Singapore is crucial for making informed decisions. Consider your investment...
Read More
Discover How The CPF Accrued Interest Can Impact Your Property Sale Proceeds
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Discover How The CPF Accrued Interest Can Impact Your Property Sale Proceeds

Singaporeans are renowned for being smart and savvy - especially when it comes to selling their homes, whether it's an...
Read More
Singapore’s HDB Projects: From Unique Landmarks to Just Another Brick in the Wall?
All Buying Tips Opinion

Singapore’s HDB Projects: From Unique Landmarks to Just Another Brick in the Wall?

Take a look at this chill spot in Yew Tee. Someone's gone all out to make it feel like an...
Read More
Singapore’s Top 5 Property Investment Hotspots for 2024
Mandarin Top 5

Singapore’s Top 5 Property Investment Hotspots for 2024

As one of the world's leading financial centers, Singapore has always been a popular destination for property investment. With a...
Read More
Top 5 Tips : Finding the Right Property: Location, Size, and Price in Singapore Real Estate
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tips : Finding the Right Property: Location, Size, and Price in Singapore Real Estate

Singapore, known for its diverse culture, strong economy, and excellent infrastructure, is a popular destination for real estate investments. The...
Read More
Get Into Core Central Region Before Big Price Adjustments
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Get Into Core Central Region Before Big Price Adjustments

TLDR Jayson Ang discusses the essential factors to consider when seeking a property for investment. By analyzing the safe entry...
Read More
Expert Tips : Top Property Investment Strategies in Singapore
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Top List

Expert Tips : Top Property Investment Strategies in Singapore

TLDR Singapore offers lucrative property investment opportunities with its stable economy and political climate. To succeed, investors should conduct thorough...
Read More
The 5 Secrets To Successful Singapore Property Investing Revealed
Mandarin Top 5

The 5 Secrets To Successful Singapore Property Investing Revealed

The vibrant property market in Singapore has attracted numerous investors and speculators looking to profit from the nation's thriving conditions....
Read More
Why Can’t More People Own Private Property?
All Opinion

Why Can’t More People Own Private Property?

TLDR The blog post discusses the aspirations of individuals like Siti and Mr. Tan regarding property ownership in Singapore. Siti...
Read More

Compare Listings