Your search results

4 Key Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Private Property for the First Time

Posted by Jayson Ang on August 27, 2023
| 0

TLDR

When considering buying or selling property in Singapore, it’s crucial to understand factors like Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty, Loan-To-Value rates, Total Debt Servicing Ratio, and Property Tax changes. Recent updates include new laws on living trusts and increased property tax rates. To navigate the market effectively, seek strategic real estate advice and connect with the right buyers. Stay informed about market trends through expert insights and data-driven approaches for a successful real estate journey.

If you’re planning to purchase your first private property or build a new home in a condominium with your partner, there are important factors to consider before entering Singapore’s private market.

As a professional advice, we recommend that you take some time to carefully evaluate these aspects before making any decisions.

1. Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty

The ABSD rates have been a source of discontent for second-time home buyers, with the rates increasing to 17% after the 2021 property cooling measures.

However, if you are a first-time private homeowner, you will still have to pay ABSD temporarily. The good news is that you can get a refund once you sell your previous property within the 6-month window.

Effective May 9, 2022, new laws have been implemented with regard to residential properties that are transferred into a living trust.

A new ABSD rate of 35% will be applicable on any transfer of residential property into a living trust. This new rule applies even if there is no identifiable beneficial owner at the time of the transfer.

This change has been made to close a loophole, and the ABSD (Trust) will now be paid upfront during the transfer.

2. Loan-To-Value

The government’s property cooling measures have also affected the Loan-to-Value (LTV) rates. For first-time home buyers or those with fully paid existing home loans, the LTV rate has been lowered from 80% to 75%.

This means that borrowers now have less flexibility in obtaining financing from banks to purchase their homes.

Additionally, a decrease in the LTV rate translates to a higher down payment, which can be made through cash or CPF.

3. Total Debt Servicing Ratio

The purpose of TDSR is to safeguard home buyers from taking on a mortgage that they cannot afford. To ensure this, you can only dedicate up to 55% of your monthly income towards repaying your loan every month.

4. Property Tax

If you’re planning to buy a private home for your own use, you can find the property tax rate by using the IRAS e-Service.

The Singapore government recently announced that property tax rates for both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied residential properties will increase in two phases from 2023 onwards.

For homes with an annual value exceeding $30,000, taxes will be increased from 5-23% in 2023 to 6-32% in 2024. Investment properties will also face higher taxes: from the current 10-20%, to 11-27% in 2023, and 12-36% in 2024.

Despite these measures, experts predict that there will still be strong demand for private property, as demonstrated by the popularity of last year’s launches like Affinity at Serangoon, which constituted a significant portion of private property sales in January 2019.

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 the Benefits of a SORA Home Loan in 2023: Why Consider SORA Interest Rates
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Discover the Benefits of a SORA Home Loan in 2023: Why Consider SORA Interest Rates

TLDR The article discusses the transition from SIBOR and SOR to SORA as the new benchmark rate in Singapore's banking...
Read More
5 Smart Techniques That Resourceful Homebuyers Utilize to Overcome Restrictions on Home Loans
All Buying Tips

5 Smart Techniques That Resourceful Homebuyers Utilize to Overcome Restrictions on Home Loans

TLDR When it comes to navigating the complex world of home loans and property acquisition, it's crucial to be aware...
Read More
When Is the Right Time to Sell Your House?
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

When Is the Right Time to Sell Your House?

TLDR When deciding to sell your house in Singapore's competitive real estate market, timing is crucial. Selling during a seller's...
Read More
How to Maximise Your Home Value Before Selling : 6 Simple Steps
All Blog Posts Opinion

How to Maximise Your Home Value Before Selling : 6 Simple Steps

TLDR When looking to sell your home, consider simple ways to boost its value without costly renovations. Organize living spaces,...
Read More
Evaluating Property Investments: Pros and Cons to Keep in Mind
All Buying Tips Opinion

Evaluating Property Investments: Pros and Cons to Keep in Mind

TLDR: Key Takeaways from the Blog Post Singapore's real estate market offers both pros and cons for investors. The advantages...
Read More
Discover 5 Reasons Executive Condominiums Could Prove To Be A Smart Investment Despite Growing Inflation
All Blog Posts Opinion

Discover 5 Reasons Executive Condominiums Could Prove To Be A Smart Investment Despite Growing Inflation

TLDR An overview of the article discussing the benefits of Executive Condominiums (ECs) over private condos in the current real...
Read More
What If Sellers Back Out of a Deal?
All Buying Tips Opinion

What If Sellers Back Out of a Deal?

TLDR When a seller unexpectedly withdraws from a property transaction before a contract is signed, they are legally allowed to...
Read More
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
How Can Real Estate Investment Help You to Combat Inflation?
All Blog Posts Opinion

How Can Real Estate Investment Help You to Combat Inflation?

TLDR When it comes to real estate investments in Singapore amidst rising inflation rates, consider strategies such as capitalizing on...
Read More
5 Reasons To Invest In UK Property In 2024 Instead Of Saving
All Buying Tips

5 Reasons To Invest In UK Property In 2024 Instead Of Saving

TLDR Investing in UK property in 2024 offers significant advantages over saving due to the potential for long-term value growth,...
Read More
Singapore’s Property Insights : Where to Find 5 Hidden Gems?
Mandarin Top 5

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

Singapore's Property Insights : Where to Find 5 Hidden Gems? With its booming economy, vibrant culture and attractive regulations, Singapore...
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
5 Reasons Why Districts 9 and 10 are the Next Big Thing in Singapore Real Estate
Mandarin Top 5

5 Reasons Why Districts 9 and 10 are the Next Big Thing in Singapore Real Estate

Singapore is renowned for its thriving real estate market, with many desirable neighborhoods and top-notch properties. However, when it comes...
Read More
When Should You Consider a Shorter/Longer Home Tenure?
All Blog Posts Opinion

When Should You Consider a Shorter/Longer Home Tenure?

TLDR Understanding the benefits of long-term home loans is crucial for financially conservative individuals in Singapore. Opting for a longer...
Read More
Making Sense of 99-Year Landed Home Investments in Singapore
All Buying Tips Opinion

Making Sense of 99-Year Landed Home Investments in Singapore

TLDR Investing in a 99-year leasehold landed property in Singapore can be a lucrative venture due to the country's land...
Read More
Singapore Private Residential Market Outlook 2023
All Blog Posts

Singapore Private Residential Market Outlook 2023

TLDR The Singapore residential property market has shown resilience in 2022, with price growth in both private housing and HDB...
Read More
Great Reasons for Condo Owners to Sell upon Reaching TOP – A Guide to Sub-Sale Transactions
All Opinion Selling Tips

Great Reasons for Condo Owners to Sell upon Reaching TOP – A Guide to Sub-Sale Transactions

TLDR A recent sub-sale transaction in Midtown Modern set a new record with a 2-bedroom home selling at $3,150 psf....
Read More
3 Steps to Protect Yourself from Real Estate Scams in Singapore
All Blog Posts

3 Steps to Protect Yourself from Real Estate Scams in Singapore

Lately, there has been an increase in scams related to real estate. Scammers are pretending to be real estate agents...
Read More
Top 5 Romantic Date Spots in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Romantic Date Spots in Singapore

Singapore, known for its stunning skyline and diverse culture, is a melting pot of romantic opportunities just waiting to be...
Read More
5 Cons of Buying a New Development
Mandarin Top 5

5 Cons of Buying a New Development

Luxury properties in Districts 9 and 10 of Singapore are highly coveted, and for good reason. From stunning views and...
Read More
1 8 9 10 11 12 21

Compare Listings