Fraud Blocker
Your search results

Will Your HDB Flat Provide For Your Retirement?

Posted by Jayson Ang on July 11, 2023
| 0

TLDR

Singapore’s property market presents challenges with high prices, particularly in private housing, while public housing remains relatively more affordable. As the retirement age increases, considerations about HDB flats as a retirement asset come into question. Factors such as rental income, CPF savings supplementation through schemes like Lease Buyback, and potential future policy changes by HDB all impact the value of HDB flats for retirement planning. Upgrading to private property or downsizing may offer more promising retirement prospects. The need for a comprehensive plan tailored to individual circumstances and a data-driven approach to real estate decisions is emphasized.

Homeownership, Or Retirement Asset?

An increasing number of people are voicing the opinion that HDB must make a decision between two directives.

  1. Provide affordable housing
  2. Provide profitable housing

For resale flats to remain a viable retirement asset, HDB would need to take a number of steps that run counter to what they have done in the past; for instance, they would need to build fewer flats and avoid implementing measures such as the Mortgage Servicing Ratio or the removal of Cash Over Valuation in 2013 – steps which ultimately caused a continuous decline in resale flat prices for almost seven years.

What Might Be Deemed “Valuable” Is Open To Interpretation

Despite my aversion to definitional disputes, they all too often devolve into fruitless semantics. Here, it ultimately boils down to what the government exactly defines as ‘valuable’.

One thing is certain – valuable does not necessarily equate to the ability to be sold for two or three times the initial value of the flat. Likewise, there is no specific dollar amount that makes up an adequate “nest egg”.

Renting out rooms for additional income, taking advantage of the Lease Buyback Scheme to supplement your CPF savings, or even investing in a VERS could all be ways of taking a valuable asset and using it to add a substantial amount to your retirement funds – it’s a great way to ensure a more comfortable retirement!

These opportunities may not guarantee all your retirement goals, but it’s undeniable that flats are a valuable asset. There could have been a balance here – we could have expressed the value of flats without referring to them as a retirement nest egg.

Singaporeans, accustomed to a high standard of living, can find security in real estate investments for their retirement; even after 30 or 40 years have elapsed from the lease, flats can serve as a valuable nest egg and supplement incomes.

This is an empirically observable fact – not an over-promise.

If One Were To Forget The Technicalities, Could HDB Flats Bring About Wealth And Comfort In Retirement?

My honest response: Highly unlikely.

As Singapore’s population ages, the previous generation will eventually move on, leaving a surplus of HDB flats in their wake – remember, only Singapore citizens and certain Permanent Residents can purchase HDB flats and can only own one property.

HDB will most likely modify their policies when the time comes, yet there’s no denying that the value of resale flats may suffer in this eventuality.

It is undeniable that for those who have upgraded to private property and can downsize their retirement prospects are far more promising.

Thus, the query lies not in the value of your flat, but whether it is substantial enough to grant you the retirement that brings you joy.

HDB Prices

Private Property Prices

No matter the situation, using overly positive words can create tension, especially when it comes to current controversial topics like housing and home prices that are currently higher than ever.

Your flat may be quite valuable, but you still need to think about investing elsewhere or upgrading.

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 …


Discover Affordable Executive Condos in 2024 Starting at $560,000
All Buying Tips Opinion

Discover Affordable Executive Condos in 2024 Starting at $560,000

TLDR The Executive Condos (ECs) offer affordable options compared to private properties in Singapore. Despite price variations, most ECs remain...
Read More
The Top 5 Legal Considerations When Investing In A Property In Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

The Top 5 Legal Considerations When Investing In A Property In Singapore

Investing in property in Singapore is an attractive option for many, given the country's stable economy and strong demand for...
Read More
Finding the Perfect Match: Top 20 : A Guide to Choosing the Best Property Agent in Singapore
All Buying Tips Top List

Finding the Perfect Match: Top 20 : A Guide to Choosing the Best Property Agent in Singapore

TLDR When it comes to buying or selling real estate in Singapore, having a professional and knowledgeable property agent is...
Read More
Top 5 Vegetarian Restaurants in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Vegetarian Restaurants in Singapore

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, offers a diverse range of dining options for food enthusiasts. For vegetarians,...
Read More
Top 5 Bakeries in Singapore for Fresh Bread and Pastries
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Bakeries in Singapore for Fresh Bread and Pastries

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and flavors, is well-known for its diverse culinary scene. Among the many gastronomic delights...
Read More
Should We Reconsider the ABSD Rates?
All Opinion

Should We Reconsider the ABSD Rates?

TLDR We explore the need to reevaluate the current Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) rates in Singapore, considering their impact...
Read More
Singapore Property Price Set to Explode Upwards in 2024?
All Blog Posts Opinion

Singapore Property Price Set to Explode Upwards in 2024?

TLDR Understanding the factors influencing property prices in Singapore for 2024 can help in making informed decisions. Despite high rental...
Read More
Top 5 : Risk Factors For International Buyers Investing In Singapore Real Estate And How Can They Be Mitigated?
Mandarin Top 5

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

Singapore, a thriving global city-state, is known for its business-friendly environment, low tax rates, and high standard of living. The...
Read More
Essential Steps for Safely Purchasing Your First Home in Singapore
All Buying Tips

Essential Steps for Safely Purchasing Your First Home in Singapore

TLDR When considering buying your first property in Singapore, start by assessing your budget and qualifying for a permissible loan....
Read More
Top 5 Reasons : Why Investing In Singapore’s Property Market Is Recession-Resistant
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : Why Investing In Singapore’s Property Market Is Recession-Resistant

Singapore's property market has long been considered a safe haven for investors, even during times of economic uncertainty. The city-state's...
Read More
5 Tips : How To Invest In Singapore Property Without Losing Sleep Over It
Mandarin Top 5

5 Tips : How To Invest In Singapore Property Without Losing Sleep Over It

Investing in Singapore's property market can be a lucrative venture, but it's important to approach it with caution and a...
Read More
Top 5 Emerging Trends in Singapore Real Estate: What Investors Need to Know
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Emerging Trends in Singapore Real Estate: What Investors Need to Know

The Singapore real estate market has experienced significant growth in recent years, attracting investors from around the world. As the...
Read More
What to Do Before Exercising Option to Purchase?
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

What to Do Before Exercising Option to Purchase?

TLDR Home buyers are advised to thoroughly research property values using online tools, secure an ideal home loan package early...
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
Transaction Volumes Remained Subdued Due To The Dearth Of Inventory In Q4 2022
All Reports

Transaction Volumes Remained Subdued Due To The Dearth Of Inventory In Q4 2022

TLDR The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Flash Estimates for Q4 2022 show a 0.1% increase in non-landed private home prices...
Read More
Can Your HDB Flat Safeguard Your Retirement?
All Buying Tips

Can Your HDB Flat Safeguard Your Retirement?

TLDR The HDB market has seen significant changes over the years, with many young owners looking to upgrade to private...
Read More
Neighbourhood Estate Guide: Is Holland Village the Most Charming and Relaxed of HDB Estates?
All Buying Tips Opinion

Neighbourhood Estate Guide: Is Holland Village the Most Charming and Relaxed of HDB Estates?

According to the 2014 master plan, Holland Village was given the prestigious title of an "identity node," confirming its status...
Read More
Singapore’s Real Estate Market: The 5 Most Important Documents to Review Before Buying a Property
Mandarin Top 5

Singapore’s Real Estate Market: The 5 Most Important Documents to Review Before Buying a Property

Singapore's real estate market is highly regulated and can be complex for those unfamiliar with the process. As a prospective...
Read More
Powering The Lion City: The Top 5 Industries Driving Singapore’s Economy
Mandarin Top 5

Powering The Lion City: The Top 5 Industries Driving Singapore’s Economy

Powering The Lion City: The Top 5 Industries Driving Singapore's Economy Singapore is widely recognized as one of the most...
Read More
1 23 24 25

Compare Listings