Fraud Blocker
Your search results

Why Can’t More People Own Private Property?

Posted by Jayson Ang on April 2, 2024
| 0

TLDR

The blog post discusses the aspirations of individuals like Siti and Mr. Tan regarding property ownership in Singapore. Siti hopes for more land allocation for private properties, recognizing the potential impact on housing prices. On the other hand, Mr. Tan seeks eased restrictions on acquiring a second property. Experts highlight the complexities of increasing private property demand and pricing dynamics, with Mr. Lee emphasizing developers’ influence on pricing. The article also touches on Singapore’s high private home prices compared to median incomes and government policies favoring first-time homeowners. Lastly, it provides real estate advice and insights for readers navigating Singapore’s property market.

Under the alias of Siti, an undergraduate student expresses her aspiration to one day become a private property owner. She mirrors the sentiment of many in her age group, holding faith that private properties not only appreciate more in value but also endow a sense of personal accomplishment.

Siti articulates her receptiveness towards the idea of the government dedicating more land to private property development. She acknowledges the potential downside of this strategy, which could result in a general surge in housing prices, and labels this consequence as “less than perfect”.

Meanwhile, Tan Wei Ming, aged 45, his spouse and their two offspring reside in a public apartment. Mr. Tan and his wife harbor the dream of acquiring a second property as an investment, a dream that currently feels somewhat elusive.

Mr. Tan expresses his optimism that the government might ease restrictions regarding the purchase of a second property. Specifically, he hopes for the abolition of the waiting period for homeowners to acquire a second property after their first flat reaches its Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).

He argues that compelling homeowners to wait five years before they can invest in a second property could result in missed lucrative investment opportunities. Furthermore, Mr. Tan suggests that if the government allocates more land for private housing developments, the increased supply might trigger a decrease in prices.

Experts have indicated that relaxing the rules for purchasing private property could stimulate an increase in demand, thereby escalating the prices. They maintain that even if additional land is allocated for private development, it doesn’t necessarily mean that prices will plummet.

Mr. Lee from IPS noted that private market developers possess the freedom to determine prices according to their discretion.

“If the government sells more land to these private developers, can they really control the housing prices? Developers have the power to set any price they deem fit,” he elaborated.

While competition may exist among developers, this wouldn’t necessarily result in lower prices as their primary objective is to safeguard their profit margins. Moreover, developers would also need to consider the cost of bidding for land parcels for their construction projects, a factor that would influence the final selling price of the properties.

According to recent data from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific Centre for Housing, Singapore’s median private home price ranked highest among 45 other cities. The report revealed that the median price of Singapore’s private homes was 13.7 times the median annual household income.

From a policy perspective, Mr. Lim stated that the government prioritizes first-time homeowners, making sure they can afford public housing.

“The aim isn’t to make private housing more affordable. That’s not our homeownership policy goal,” he stressed.

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 …


Experience Singapore’s Best: 5 Districts with Unmatched Access to Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment
Mandarin Top 5

Experience Singapore’s Best: 5 Districts with Unmatched Access to Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment

Here are my top 5 picks for districts in Singapore that offer easy access to some of the best shopping...
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
Budget 2024: What To Expect For The Singapore Residential Market?
All Opinion

Budget 2024: What To Expect For The Singapore Residential Market?

TLDR In 2025, owner-occupiers of residential properties can benefit from property tax relief based on the Annual Value Band. Retirees...
Read More
Singapore Homes Prices Falling? Is This The Beginning Of A New Trend?”
All Buying Tips Opinion

Singapore Homes Prices Falling? Is This The Beginning Of A New Trend?”

TLDR The Singapore property market has seen a slight dip in private home prices after a significant increase over the...
Read More
HDB’s Policy Shift for Young Couples: Progressive Step or Cause for Concern?
All Buying Tips Opinion

HDB’s Policy Shift for Young Couples: Progressive Step or Cause for Concern?

TLDR Starting July 2025, HDB will let young couples—where at least one partner is a full-time student or NSF—defer income...
Read More
Will Property Owners Earn More By Keeping Residential Properties For An Extended Period?
All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Will Property Owners Earn More By Keeping Residential Properties For An Extended Period?

TLDR In Singapore, holding a residential property longer typically yields higher profits—averaging $665,000 after 20 years, versus $200,000 for 5–10...
Read More
Top 5 Factors: Singapore Property Market: Attractive Investment Opportunity Despite Cooling Measures
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors: Singapore Property Market: Attractive Investment Opportunity Despite Cooling Measures

The Singapore property market has always been a popular investment choice for both local and foreign investors, thanks to its...
Read More
The Secret Strategies of Singapore’s Property Tycoons: Lessons You Can Learn
Mandarin Top 5

The Secret Strategies of Singapore’s Property Tycoons: Lessons You Can Learn

The Singapore property market has always been a hot topic for both locals and foreign investors. With its stable economy,...
Read More
Top 5 Secrets : Foreign Investors Are Rarely Told About Singapore’s Real Estate Market
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Secrets : Foreign Investors Are Rarely Told About Singapore’s Real Estate Market

Singapore's real estate market has been a popular choice for foreign investors due to its stable economy, strategic location, and...
Read More
Dual-Key Condo: Analysing The Pros And Cons
All Buying Tips Opinion

Dual-Key Condo: Analysing The Pros And Cons

TLDR for "Dual-Key Condo: Analysing The Pros And Cons" When considering dual-key condo units, it's important to weigh the advantages...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons : How Investing in a Luxury Condominium in Singapore Can Boost Your Portfolio
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : How Investing in a Luxury Condominium in Singapore Can Boost Your Portfolio

Investing in a luxury condominium in Singapore is an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolio and enjoy...
Read More
Exploring the Resale Condo Market? Here’s What to Watch Out For!
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Exploring the Resale Condo Market? Here’s What to Watch Out For!

TLDR The impact of COVID-19 on Singapore's real estate market has been significant, leading to a surge in demand for...
Read More
Why Are Singapore Property Agents So Keen on New Launch Condos? Unpacking the Motivations in 2025
All Buying Tips Opinion

Why Are Singapore Property Agents So Keen on New Launch Condos? Unpacking the Motivations in 2025

TLDR In Singapore’s 2025 property market, agents’ strong preference for recommending new launch condos is less about chasing commissions and...
Read More
A Timeline of Property Cooling Measures in Singapore Through the Years
All Buying Tips Reports Selling Tips

A Timeline of Property Cooling Measures in Singapore Through the Years

TLDR Since 2009, Singapore has implemented over 15 rounds of property cooling measures to curb speculation and keep homes affordable....
Read More
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Singapore Real Estate
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Singapore Real Estate

Investing in Singapore's real estate market can be a lucrative venture, given the city-state's status as a global financial hub...
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
5 Tips : How To Negotiate A Good Deal When Buying A Singapore Property
Mandarin Top 5

5 Tips : How To Negotiate A Good Deal When Buying A Singapore Property

When looking to buy a property in Singapore, it's essential to know how to negotiate a good deal. Here are...
Read More
Why More First-Time Buyers Are Picking Condos Over BTO Flats in 2025
All Opinion Selling Tips

Why More First-Time Buyers Are Picking Condos Over BTO Flats in 2025

TLDR In 2025, more first-time Singapore buyers are choosing condos over BTO flats. Key reasons include faster move-in times, better...
Read More
A Comprehensive Guide for Buying Landed Real Estate in Singapore
All Buying Tips

A Comprehensive Guide for Buying Landed Real Estate in Singapore

TLDR When it comes to buying landed property in Singapore, there are three main types: terrace houses, semi-detached homes, and...
Read More
Top 5 Best Hidden Boutique Hotels in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Best Hidden Boutique Hotels in Singapore

Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its iconic landmarks and diverse culture, offers a plethora of accommodation options for travelers....
Read More
1 8 9 10 11 12 33

Compare Listings