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:

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

Why The URA Master Plan Matters For Your Property’s Potential

Jayson Ang – March 24, 2024 –

TLDR The URA Master Plan entails significant shifts like the relocation of Paya Lebar Airport or creation of Punggol Digital...

All Blog Posts Opinion

What is Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) in Singapore and How Does It Work?

Jayson Ang – February 14, 2023 –

TLDR When it comes to navigating the Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD) in Singapore, legal strategies are available to overcome...

All Opinion

Unseen Dangers of Putting Your Money in Upscale Freehold Properties in Singapore

Jayson Ang – February 17, 2024 –

TLDR Luxury freehold properties in Singapore may not always be the lucrative investment opportunities they appear to be. High-end properties...

All Buying Tips Opinion

What Is The Best Location To Purchase A House To Ensure Your Child Has The Highest Probability Of Attending A Well-Renowned Primary School?

Jayson Ang – October 25, 2023 –

TLDR Parents often seek homes within 1km of desired primary schools to increase enrollment chances. Consider oversubscription rates and population...

All Opinion

Singapore’s En Bloc Landscape in 2025: Four Potential Residential Sites to Monitor

Jayson Ang – September 22, 2025 –

TLDR Developer confidence in Singapore’s property market is rising in 2025 despite global uncertainties, supported by strong sales in new...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Things to Know About Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment and Landscape Changes

Jayson Ang – March 11, 2024 –

As one of the world's most densely populated cities, Singapore has undergone significant urban redevelopment over the past few decades...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : Why Singapore’s Property Market Is a Safe Haven for Investors in Uncertain Times – Insider Analysis!

Jayson Ang – September 16, 2024 –

In today's uncertain global economic climate, investors are constantly on the lookout for safe havens to park their wealth. Amidst...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Coffee Shops in Singapore for Coffee Lovers

Jayson Ang – August 17, 2024 –

Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its diverse culture and vibrant food scene, has also become a haven for coffee...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Cons of Buying a New Development

Jayson Ang – March 4, 2024 –

Luxury properties in Districts 9 and 10 of Singapore are highly coveted, and for good reason. From stunning views and...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Purchasing an Auction Property in Singapore

Jayson Ang – January 13, 2023 –

TLDR When considering purchasing a property through auction in Singapore, remember that you can potentially get a great deal below...

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

HDB Owners Have Identified This Reason as the Primary Barrier to Upgrading in 2024. Surprising? Not Really.

Jayson Ang – November 25, 2025 –

TLDR High property prices in Singapore make it difficult for most to upgrade from HDB flats to private condos, despite...

All Blog Posts Opinion

Discover the 7 Unique Attributes of Real Estate Investing

Jayson Ang – January 16, 2023 –

TLDR The post highlights the benefits of investing in real estate, such as high leverage, capital appreciation, income generation, usability,...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Greatest Challenges That Investors Face In Singapore’s Real Estate Market

Jayson Ang – May 8, 2025 –

Singapore's real estate market is a dynamic and attractive investment landscape for both local and international investors. Known for its...

All Buying Tips Opinion

First-Time Homeownership After 40 in Singapore: Navigating Unique Risks

Jayson Ang – June 8, 2026 –

TLDR Older first-time homebuyers face unique challenges including lease decay risks, stricter loan-to-value (LTV) limits, and shorter loan tenures leading...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Overlooked Features that Buyers are Looking for in Singapore Property

Jayson Ang – May 17, 2023 –

The top 5 overlooked features that buyers are looking for in the Singapore real estate market. These are the overlooked...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Bayshore: Reinventing the Experience of Living by the Beach

Jayson Ang – May 4, 2024 –

TLDR When deciding on buying or selling property in Bayshore, consider the recent developments and potential future growth. With a...

All Buying Tips Opinion

The Impact of a Real Estate Agent on Your Property’s Selling Price

Jayson Ang – August 9, 2023 –

TLDR In the world of real estate, the value of property agents lies in their ability to create competition among...

All Opinion Reports

The Hidden Worth of Singapore’s Far-Flung HDBs

Jayson Ang – October 20, 2025 –

TLDR Location is important in Singapore’s property market, but “ulu” (remote) HDB flats in areas like Woodlands, Choa Chu Kang,...

All Buying Tips Opinion

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

Jayson Ang – August 27, 2023 –

TLDR When considering buying or selling property in Singapore, it's crucial to understand factors like Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty, Loan-To-Value...