Fraud Blocker
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 …


5 Pros Of Buying A Resale Property
Mandarin Top 5

5 Pros Of Buying A Resale Property

Luxury properties in Districts 9 and 10 of Singapore are highly coveted, and for good reason. From stunning views and...
Read More
Top 5 : Must-Do Experiences to Make the Most of Your Singapore Trip
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Must-Do Experiences to Make the Most of Your Singapore Trip

Singapore, a vibrant island city-state located off the southern coast of Malaysia, is a melting pot of cultures and a...
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 Tips How to Find Your Dream Home in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tips How to Find Your Dream Home in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide

Singapore, a vibrant and dynamic city-state, offers a diverse range of housing options for prospective homebuyers. From condominiums and HDB...
Read More
6 Indicators and Measures to Determine if Your Home Has Unrecognized Profits
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

6 Indicators and Measures to Determine if Your Home Has Unrecognized Profits

TLDR The booming real estate market presents opportunities for homeowners to profit from selling their properties. Two key signs that...
Read More
Transforming Your Home Loan Situation with Rate Cuts
All Buying Tips

Transforming Your Home Loan Situation with Rate Cuts

TLDR When comparing fixed and floating mortgage rates, the present fixed rate of 3% is favorable, but predictions hint at...
Read More
Buying a Mega Development Condo? Here are 5 Overlooked Issues You Should Know
All Buying Tips

Buying a Mega Development Condo? Here are 5 Overlooked Issues You Should Know

TLDR In the world of mega-developments, living in a large condo with over 700 units can bring challenges like ongoing...
Read More
Top 5 Singaporean Dishes to Try
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Singaporean Dishes to Try

Singapore, a melting pot of diverse cultures and flavors, is known for its rich culinary heritage. With influences from Chinese,...
Read More
Top 5 : Best Laser Tag Arenas in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Best Laser Tag Arenas in Singapore

Laser tag has become an increasingly popular activity in Singapore, offering adrenaline-pumping experiences for people of all ages. This exciting...
Read More
7 Essential Steps to Sell Your House in Singapore
All Opinion Selling Tips

7 Essential Steps to Sell Your House in Singapore

TLDR When preparing to sell your house, research the average prices in your area for a realistic figure. Consider factors...
Read More
UNCOVERING the Secret to Profitable Small Boutique Condos! 
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

UNCOVERING the Secret to Profitable Small Boutique Condos! 

TLDR Boutique condos, with fewer than 100 units, are known for price fluctuations due to infrequent transactions and higher upkeep...
Read More
Are Cluster Landed Homes Still a Good Investment? Analyzing Their Performance Over the Past Decade
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Reports

Are Cluster Landed Homes Still a Good Investment? Analyzing Their Performance Over the Past Decade

TLDR When it comes to cluster housing, freehold properties like Bishopsgate Residences command top prices, whereas bargains can be found...
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
HDB Loan Vs Bank Loan: Pros & Cons
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

HDB Loan Vs Bank Loan: Pros & Cons

TLDR When deciding between an HDB loan or a bank loan for purchasing a property in Singapore, consider key factors...
Read More
Top 5 : Places to See Singapore’s Skyline at Night
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Places to See Singapore’s Skyline at Night

Singapore, a bustling metropolis known for its stunning skyline, offers an array of vantage points to witness the city's architectural...
Read More
My 6 Factors to Consider When Buying a Property in 2023
All Buying Tips Opinion

My 6 Factors to Consider When Buying a Property in 2023

As the housing market shows no signs of slowing down, many of us may feel left behind, questioning whether it...
Read More
The Lease Buyback Scheme Is A Strategy That Could Help You Retire Comfortably In Your HDB Flat
All Opinion Selling Tips

The Lease Buyback Scheme Is A Strategy That Could Help You Retire Comfortably In Your HDB Flat

TLDR The Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) trend among older Singaporeans is slowly gaining momentum, despite initial reluctance. The scheme allows...
Read More
Could It Be Wise to Sell Your Property After Just 3 to 4 Years?
All Buying Tips Selling Tips

Could It Be Wise to Sell Your Property After Just 3 to 4 Years?

TLDR In this blog post, the writer delves into the Singapore property market, particularly focusing on the effectiveness of quick...
Read More
Singapore’s Real Estate Market: Disproving 5 Common Misconceptions
Mandarin Top 5

Singapore’s Real Estate Market: Disproving 5 Common Misconceptions

Singapore's real estate market is a complex and dynamic market that can be difficult to navigate for new investors. With...
Read More
Can You Make the Leap to a Condo Upgrade in 2024?
All Buying Tips Opinion

Can You Make the Leap to a Condo Upgrade in 2024?

As the Chinese New Year festivities wind down, folks are once again on the prowl for new homes, and understandably,...
Read More
1 15 16 17 18 19 28

Compare Listings