Your search results

4 Fresh Trends among Young Homebuyers Could Shake Things up in Singapore’s Real Estate Scene

Posted by Jayson Ang on March 18, 2024

| 0

TLDR

Younger generation in Singapore is reshaping house hunting by showing a preference for quality of life over location. Millennials are exploring less popular neighborhoods, embracing vintage properties like walk-ups, and opting for smaller living spaces. They are also incorporating practical design ideas such as smart homes and open shelving. This shift challenges traditional views on property investment and suggests valuable lessons for older buyers.

When it comes to house hunting in Singapore, our younger generation is showing they’re more interested in quality of life than ever before. Far from being careless or unrealistic, these younger house hunters use clever tactics. They’re ready to chance it on less popular neighborhoods and are reimagining how we use space. These moves might be the new trend setters for property investment. So let’s explore how millennials are shaking things up when buying a house in Singapore.

1. “Playing It Cool” Can Be A Pretty Smart Way To Go About Buying A House

Sometimes, millennials pick areas that are a bit dilapidated or seedy, despite having the means to buy at a better location. We’ve heard this derided as attempts to be edgy or ironic; but it does have a pay-off.

In the early 2000s, for example, Joo Chiat was not a particularly desirable neighbourhood to be in. It was home to a growing number of dive bars, “massage” parlours, and questionable back alley activities. And yet, millennial buyers did move in, picking up older condos and walk-ups at a song.

The same happened in pre-gentrification Tiong Bahru and Keong Saik.

Tiong Bahru used to be considered the direct opposite of trendy. Its prior reputation stemmed from the 1990s, when almost a third of the population was aged 45 and over, and it was regarded as a “place for old people”. Today it’s a high-rent location, known for being the hipster capital of Singapore.

Keong Saik was once part of the “blue triangle.” an even bigger red-light area than Geylang ever was. Living near this area was considered crowded, noisy, and sleazy. Today, it’s home to co-working spaces, high-end hotels, and artisanal restaurants (albeit still crowded and noisy).

Many millennials moved into these areas anyway, while the older generation frowned on them. But as it turned out, this meant the millennial buyers were able to move in at much lower prices, and benefitted from the sharp turnaround of these neighbourhoods.

In cases like Tiong Bahru, the millennials moving in were themselves the force for change and gentrification; so their love of “backward” places may not be as impractical as many assume.

2. A Growing Interest In Considering More Vintage Properties, Like Those Charming Walk-Ups

Without many exceptions, we’ve noticed that the majority of folks snapping up walk-up apartments are from the younger millennial group. Of course, there’s a practical reason for this; those stairs can be a real workout for the older crowd!

That being said, it appears that millennials are more open to deal with inconveniences like climbing stairs, finding parking a bit further away or having to ride a bike to the nearest train station. It’s their secret recipe to snagging larger living spaces without breaking the bank (walk-up apartments, especially the older ones, usually come with a smaller price tag per square foot).

And let’s talk about amenities. Older buyers tend to miss having a pool, gym, clubhouse and the likes in these walk-up apartments. But most millennials shrug it off – they prefer hitting up local gyms, public pools, and whatnot, instead of shelling out extra bucks for home maintenance fees.

3. Millennials Are Pretty Cool With Smaller, More Compact Living Spaces. They Get It – Less Is More Sometimes

Take the modern dumbbell layout for instance, where your living room acts as a bridge between your bedrooms and kitchen. It’s a clever way to cut down on unnecessary hallways. But, it seems not everyone is a fan. Many of our older customers aren’t too keen on their front door opening directly into the living room without a small entrance area or a winding hallway leading into the room. On the other hand, the younger crowd, the millennials, they don’t mind this efficient design.

That’s not all. Millennials are also quick to catch onto the latest trends. They’re not just looking at how big a place is, but how well they can adapt it to their needs. Developers have picked up on this. TMW Maxwell, for example, markets its properties specifically to the younger generation.

Their new property features some pretty nifty adaptations like a movable walk-in wardrobe that opens into a flexible study area, and a balcony with a fold-out table that doubles as an outdoor workspace or a spot for drinks. There are even units with an “outdoor living room”, which may seem out there to some, but millennials are all for it.

Older buyers could learn a thing or two from the younger lot. They still tend to get caught up in the size of a property. But what’s the point if half the space is taken up by planter boxes, air-con ledges, or long, space-eating corridors?

4. More Open To Exploring Practical Design Idea

The younger crowd of homebuyers is shaking things up a bit, mixing old-school charm with high-tech cool. They’re not afraid to shop secondhand and bring a little bit of history into their homes while keeping everything up to date and functional.

Here’s what’s trending with the young ones when it comes to their homes:

Smart homes: These tech-savvy folks are decking out their homes with all the latest gadgets, turning them into smart homes that make life easier and keep everyone connected.
Easy living: Younger buyers appreciate things that save time and effort. They’re ditching traditional locks for digital ones, and love having dishwashers and dryers in their homes.
Indoor plants: While previous generations might have kept their green thumbs outdoors, millennials are bringing nature indoors. Houseplants are becoming a must-have, symbolising a bond with nature even in city surroundings.
Open shelving: Instead of hiding everything away in cupboards, younger homeowners are going for open shelves. It’s an easy way to grab what they need and show off their favourite things, while older folks might prefer the neat look of closed cabinets.
Goodbye bathtubs: With urban homes getting smaller, space is at a premium. So, many younger homeowners are swapping out bathtubs for showers, which take up less room.

Of course, we can’t say every single person in this generation is doing these things. But these trends are pretty common among younger homebuyers, and they’re probably on to something good. As homes keep shrinking and mortgages get pricier, the older folk might want to pick up a few tips from the millennials.

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 …

All Buying Tips Opinion

Property Unpacked: Is GLS Impacting Property Values?

Jayson Ang – March 2, 2025 –

TLDR The Government Land Sales (GLS) program in Singapore is critical for developers to obtain development land, with sites released...

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Timing the Singapore Property Market: A Data-Driven Analysis

Jayson Ang – December 10, 2025 –

TLDR Historical data of Singapore’s property market shows seasonal trends: Q1 (January to March) often has price dips, making it...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Amazingly Fun Things to Explore in Singapore!

Jayson Ang – July 3, 2025 –

Singapore, a vibrant city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, is a melting pot of cultures and...

All Buying Tips

Simplified Guide to Buying Landed Property in Singapore

Jayson Ang – January 8, 2024 –

TLDR When considering buying a landed property in Singapore, you have options like terrace homes, semi-detached houses, and bungalows. Understanding...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Beyond Buying: Innovative Strategies for Property Investment Success

Jayson Ang – September 14, 2024 –

TLDR The world of property investment and real estate trends offers vast opportunities. Stay informed with effective property investment strategies...

All Opinion Selling Tips

When will En-Bloc set to Become Reality Beyond 2023?

Jayson Ang – November 24, 2023 –

TLDR The real estate market is experiencing a lull in en-bloc activities due to various factors. Higher Additional Buyer’s Stamp...

Mandarin Top 5

The Future Of Singapore Property Investing: 5 Trends To Watch Out For

Jayson Ang – July 10, 2024 –

The future of Singapore's property market is shaped by several emerging trends that reflect cautious optimism, enviable locations, and sociable...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Differences Between OCR, RCR And CCR In Terms Of Lifestyle And Culture

Jayson Ang – April 15, 2025 –

Singapore, a vibrant and diverse city-state, is known for its unique blend of cultures, modern architecture, and thriving economy. The...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Reasons : Why Singapore’s Rental Market Is Still Lucrative For Property Investors

Jayson Ang – June 8, 2024 –

Singapore's property market has always been an attractive investment option due to its stability and potential for high returns. While...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Benefits Of Singapore’s Cooling Measures For Home Buyers

Jayson Ang – April 11, 2025 –

Singapore's real estate market has experienced rapid growth in recent years, leading to concerns about affordability and sustainability. In response,...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Learn How To Negotiate For The Best Price When Purchasing a Resale HDB Flat

Jayson Ang – February 17, 2023 –

Navigating the complexities of purchasing a resale HDB flat requires honing negotiation skills and market awareness. Understanding property valuations, seller...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tips : How Investors Protect Themselves From Risk And Capitalize On Emerging Opportunities In Singapore’s Real Estate Landscape

Jayson Ang – December 31, 2024 –

The real estate landscape in Singapore has always been a lucrative investment opportunity for both local and international investors. However,...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Dim Sum Restaurants in Singapore

Jayson Ang – May 14, 2024 –

Dim sum, a popular culinary delight that originated from China, has made its way into the hearts and taste buds...

All

Find Your Dream Home: Top 5 Property Investments for Families in Singapore

Jayson Ang – March 22, 2024 –

As one of the most prosperous countries in the world, Singapore is an attractive destination for families looking to invest...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Should We Upgrade to a Condo Now or Wait for Interest Rates to Go Down?

Jayson Ang – January 18, 2023 –

TLDR Considering the Singapore property market trends and financial factors, it's crucial to make informed decisions about upgrading from an...

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Singapore’s Property Jungle: A Guide to Every Development Type

Jayson Ang – October 12, 2025 –

TLDR Singapore’s real estate market features a diverse mix of property types—public HDB flats, executive condominiums, private condos, landed homes...