Fraud Blocker
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 …


5 Reasons : Why Investing In Singapore Property Is The Best Decision I Ever Made
Mandarin Top 5

5 Reasons : Why Investing In Singapore Property Is The Best Decision I Ever Made

Investing in property is a great way to build wealth and secure a stable source of passive income. When it...
Read More
The Dynamics of Being the First Seller in a New Condo: Risks, Rewards, and Strategies
All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

The Dynamics of Being the First Seller in a New Condo: Risks, Rewards, and Strategies

TLDR Being the first seller in a new condo project offers both opportunity and risk. With no prior transactions, you...
Read More
6 Ultra-Private Condominiums in Singapore Offering Unparalleled Seclusion
All Buying Tips Opinion

6 Ultra-Private Condominiums in Singapore Offering Unparalleled Seclusion

TLDR This article highlights six luxury condominiums in Singapore that offer exceptional privacy by having no direct neighbors on the...
Read More
Top 5 Factors to Look for in a Property Developer
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors to Look for in a Property Developer

With a highly competitive property market, it's crucial to choose a property developer that you can trust to deliver quality...
Read More
Top 5 : Most Profitable Neighborhoods To Invest In For Singapore Property Investment 2025
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Most Profitable Neighborhoods To Invest In For Singapore Property Investment 2025

As the global economy continues to recover, the real estate market in Singapore remains a promising investment opportunity for savvy...
Read More
Surprising Prediction: Will Singapore Property Prices Drop in 2024?
All Opinion

Surprising Prediction: Will Singapore Property Prices Drop in 2024?

TLDR When considering the current real estate market in Singapore, it's crucial to understand the impact of factors such as...
Read More
5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Hiring an Agent Instead of DIY-ing It
All Blog Posts Opinion

5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Hiring an Agent Instead of DIY-ing It

TLDR Understanding the complexities of the real estate market and transactions can be overwhelming. Enlisting the help of a real...
Read More
Tips for Young Adults to Begin Saving for Their Future Home
All Buying Tips

Tips for Young Adults to Begin Saving for Their Future Home

TLDR When aiming to purchase a home, it is crucial to gain knowledge about the buying process and track your...
Read More
I Purchased My First Property in My Mid-20s: Avoid These Common Mistakes!
All Buying Tips Opinion

I Purchased My First Property in My Mid-20s: Avoid These Common Mistakes!

TLDR When it comes to property ownership, Charles learned valuable lessons through his journey as a youthful homeowner. From opting...
Read More
3 Trends For New Launch Properties In 2023
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

3 Trends For New Launch Properties In 2023

TLDR When considering buying or selling a property in Singapore, it's crucial to understand the market dynamics and key metrics....
Read More
Top 5 : Key Reasons to Invest in Industrial Property in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Key Reasons to Invest in Industrial Property in Singapore

Singapore, a small yet densely populated country, has emerged as a significant player in the global industrial property market. Its...
Read More
Singapore Property Bubble Ahead? My Friends Share My Market Predictions
All Blog Posts Opinion

Singapore Property Bubble Ahead? My Friends Share My Market Predictions

TLDR The author delves into various opinions on the Singapore property market for the year 2023. Experts have differing views...
Read More
Top 5 Seafood Restaurants in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Seafood Restaurants in Singapore

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and culinary delights, is well-known for its diverse food scene. With its strategic location...
Read More
ANALYSIS: Unveiling the HDB Towns with the Steepest and Lowest Price Surges!
All Buying Tips

ANALYSIS: Unveiling the HDB Towns with the Steepest and Lowest Price Surges!

TLDR The real estate market for HDB flats in Singapore has witnessed significant growth, with prices reaching new highs. The...
Read More
How to Build a Property Empire in Singapore: Scaling Your Investments
Mandarin Top 5

How to Build a Property Empire in Singapore: Scaling Your Investments

Real estate investing is a popular way to build wealth and generate passive income. However, like any investment, it comes...
Read More
Top 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Property in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Property in Singapore

The top 5 factors to consider when choosing a property in Singapore.  Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time...
Read More
Top 5 Best Green Spaces to Picnic in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Best Green Spaces to Picnic in Singapore

Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture, is also home to numerous green spaces that...
Read More
6 Reasons to Think Twice Before Hiring a Friend or Family Member as Your Agent
All Blog Posts Opinion Selling Tips

6 Reasons to Think Twice Before Hiring a Friend or Family Member as Your Agent

TLDR In Singapore, hiring a friend or family member as your property agent can be risky. Disclosing sensitive financial details...
Read More
6 Secrets Foreign Investors Are Rarely Told About Singapore’s Real Estate Market
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

6 Secrets Foreign Investors Are Rarely Told About Singapore’s Real Estate Market

TLDR The Singapore property market presents unique characteristics that foreign buyers should consider. From the high rate of homeownership to...
Read More
Market Mistakes in Property Investment: Key Lessons and Strategies for Success
All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

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

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

Compare Listings