5 Things to Know About Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment and Landscape Changes
As one of the world's most densely populated cities, Singapore has undergone significant urban redevelopment over the past few decades...
Read More
TLDR
In a nutshell, the Singapore property market is undergoing significant changes, with the introduction of a new housing classification system that offers increased subsidies for properties in prime locations. However, stricter regulations such as a minimum occupation period of 10 years will apply. Experts caution against the feasibility of continually constructing new homes in mature estates due to land scarcity and the challenges associated with building taller structures. Balancing demand for well-established locations with practicality is a key focus in HDB estate construction. Ultimately, the decision to buy, sell, or wait on property investments should be based on individual circumstances. For comprehensive real estate advice and successful property transactions, leveraging data-driven insights and expert guidance is crucial in navigating the dynamic Singapore property market landscape.
Ms. Lim, a university student, and her significant other, Mr. Lee, believe that the geographical location of their future home is fundamentally important since they have no plans to purchase an automobile.
“Our preference is for a Build-to-Order (BTO) flat within a comfortable walking distance of an MRT station,” she stated.
Moreover, they desire to reside in close proximity to their parents who live either in Bedok or Jurong East. They have made attempts to apply for flats in these areas but unfortunately, their efforts have been unsuccessful thus far.
Their preferences align with those of several other young couples who have previously expressed to the media that they won’t compromise on certain factors when applying for a BTO flat, such as being near their parents and having easy access to public transportation.
In the most recent National Day Rally, Prime Minister Ng Chun Pin announced the introduction of a new “Plus” model to categorize public housing projects starting from the latter half of the next year. This will lead to the gradual discontinuation of the existing mature and non-mature estate classification system.
Under this new categorization, buyers of Plus and Prime flats — located in more sought-after locations — will receive increased subsidies from the Housing Development Board (HDB). However, they will also be subject to stricter regulations, including a minimum occupation period of 10 years. Any additional subsidies received by applicants will need to be repaid to HDB upon resale, among other restrictions.
Young couples who had previously spoken to the media about not compromising on certain attributes when applying for a BTO flat, such as proximity to parents and connectivity to transport nodes, might find these changes particularly relevant, especially those eyeing flats next to Kallang MRT station.
Dr. Lim Jia Hui, regional director for Singapore at PropertyGuru Group, shared, “These enhanced measures aim to promote fairness and discourage the perception of treating HDB flats as investment opportunities.”
He continued, “We should allow this novel reclassification system to fully unfold and share our insights via government channels when the time is right.”
Specialists in the field noted that it would be unfeasible to continually construct new homes within existing housing estates to accommodate everyone close to their parents, given the scarcity of land.
Can the Government not build higher flats and augment the flat supply in mature estates?
This proposition, though attractive, involves uprooting residents from current flats to pave way for newer ones. Moreover, building skyscraping flats also has its restrictions, the experts elucidated.
“There are boundaries to how tall our flats can be. We must take into account factors like aircraft flight paths, wind circulation, and the shadow cast by towering structures on shorter buildings,” advised Mr. Tan Wei Ming from Huttons Asia.
Dr. Lim from PropertyGuru highlighted other constraints such as increased construction expenses with taller structures and potential traffic jams.
“The Master Plan’s vision is to establish job clusters and enhance the allure of suburban regions, akin to Tengah,” stated Dr. Lim.
He added, “The demand for well-established and desirable locations is endless. Therefore, balancing this demand while ensuring viability will be a prime focus in the construction of HDB estates.”
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:
- Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
- 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 …
Here Are 6 Interesting Facts About The Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) That Not Many People Know About In Singapore
TLDR When it comes to understanding the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) set by the Housing Development Board (HDB) in Singapore,...
Read More
Downpayment For Condo: How Much Do First-Timers Need In Singapore?
TLDR The blog post delves into the complexities of condo downpayments in Singapore in light of the impact of Covid-19...
Read More
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
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
6 Essential Factors HDB Upgraders Should Be Aware Of Before Purchasing a Condo in 2023
TLDR When upgrading your property, consider factors like rental rates, Buyer's Stamp Duty adjustments, higher interest rates for bank loans,...
Read More
Top 5 Sushi Restaurants in Singapore
Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and culinary delights, is known for its diverse and vibrant food scene. Among the...
Read More
Here’s How Property Data Can Be Misleading: Navigating Through Common Misunderstandings
TLDR When comparing property prices, discrepancies can arise due to various factors like timing of purchase, scarcity in niche projects,...
Read More
Top 5 Rooftop Pools in Singapore for a Swim
Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its iconic skyline and innovative architecture, is home to some of the most stunning...
Read More
CPF Accrued Interest On Housing: Learn What It Is and How to Calculate It
TLDR Understanding the CPF accrued interest on housing loans is crucial for Singaporean homeowners. When using CPF funds to finance...
Read More
Singapore’s Housing Phenomenon: A Success Tale Calling for Tweaks – Insights from the Experts
TLDR Singapore's housing system has been praised for its effectiveness in meeting citizens' homeownership desires. The public housing program by...
Read More
Top 5 Museums in Singapore for Art and History
Singapore, known for its vibrant culture and rich history, is home to a plethora of museums that cater to art...
Read More
A Executive Summary Guide to the Singapore Real Estate Market 2023 and Beyond …
TLDR The Singapore real estate market is vibrant, driven by a strong economy, stable business climate, and attractive investment opportunities....
Read More
The Best Time to Invest in Singapore’s Property Market: Timing is Everything
Investing in the property market is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and analysis. One crucial factor that determines...
Read More
Why The URA Master Plan Matters For Your Property’s Potential
TLDR The URA Master Plan entails significant shifts like the relocation of Paya Lebar Airport or creation of Punggol Digital...
Read More
Apply Your HDB HFE Letter in 5 Easy Steps: A Simplified Guide for 2023
TLDR The HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter has experienced delays since its introduction alongside the HDB Flat Portal in May...
Read More
The 5 Hottest Neighborhoods in Singapore for Real Estate Investment
Hey everyone! Today I want to share with you the 5 hottest neighborhoods in Singapore for real estate investment. These...
Read More
Beyond Marina Bay Sands: Uncovering Singapore’s 5 Little-Known Secrets
Beyond Marina Bay Sands: Uncovering Singapore's 5 Little-Known Secrets Singapore is a small country with a rich history and culture....
Read More
3 Things You Need to Know if You Are Buying a Second Property
TLDR When considering buying a second property in Singapore, ensure eligibility by meeting the Minimum Occupancy Period (MOP) and understanding...
Read More
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
