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 …

Mandarin Top 5

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

Jayson Ang – February 5, 2025 –

Singapore, a bustling metropolis known for its stunning skyline, offers an array of vantage points to witness the city's architectural...

Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

Singapore Living: 5 Must-Know Factors for Choosing the Perfect Neighborhood

Jayson Ang – June 30, 2023 –

Singapore Living: 5 Must-Know Factors for Choosing the Perfect Neighborhood When it comes to purchasing a property in Singapore, the...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : Why is Supply so tight for Singapore Property?

Jayson Ang – January 22, 2025 –

Singapore's property market has been experiencing a tight supply in recent years, leading to increased demand and rising property prices....

All Buying Tips Opinion

Singapore’s Priciest Districts Are Shifting—4 Key Buyer Trends Driving the Change in 2026

Jayson Ang – April 8, 2026 –

TLDR The Core Central Region (CCR) property market in Singapore is shifting from luxury trophy assets to practical, lifestyle-driven homes....

All Blog Posts Opinion

Singapore Property Price Set to Explode Upwards in 2024?

Jayson Ang – March 10, 2023 –

TLDR Understanding the factors influencing property prices in Singapore for 2024 can help in making informed decisions. Despite high rental...

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,...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors: Singapore Offer A Stable And Lucrative Investment Opportunity In Real Estate?

Jayson Ang – May 17, 2025 –

Singapore, a small yet economically powerful city-state, has long been recognized as one of the most attractive destinations for real...

All Buying Tips Reports Selling Tips

Breaking the New Launch Conflict: Leasehold or Freehold?

Jayson Ang – October 9, 2025 –

TLDR Freehold properties in Singapore offer indefinite ownership but come with a 15–25% premium over 99-year leasehold units. Despite common...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : Is It Still Worth It For A Foreigner To Invest In Singapore

Jayson Ang – January 24, 2025 –

Singapore, a small yet prosperous city-state in Southeast Asia, has long been an attractive destination for foreign investors. Its strategic...

All Opinion Selling Tips

Beyond Profit: Singaporean Homeowners Share Stories of Purpose-Driven Property Purchases

Jayson Ang – January 18, 2026 –

TLDR In Singapore, some homeowners prioritize personal comfort, convenience, and family needs over financial gains in property purchases. YC bought...

Mandarin Top 5

Experience The Best Of Southeast Asia: 5 Must-See Destinations After Singapore

Jayson Ang – February 22, 2024 –

Singapore is a great starting point for travelers looking to explore the region. From Singapore, there are many great destinations...

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 Top 5 Tax Considerations When Investing In Singapore Property

Jayson Ang – July 20, 2024 –

When investing in Singapore property, it is essential to be aware of the various tax implications and considerations. Here are...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Can You Skip the 15-Month Wait When Selling Private and Buying Resale HDB?

Jayson Ang – April 2, 2026 –

TLDR The 15-month wait-out rule requires private homeowners to sell their property and wait 15 months before buying a resale...

All Buying Tips Opinion

HDB Owners Missing Out on the “Ultimate Upgrade” to Landed Living

Jayson Ang – October 3, 2024 –

TLDR Over the past two decades in Singapore, the trend of HDB residents upgrading to landed properties has fluctuated. While...

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 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,...

Mandarin Top 5

Beyond Marina Bay Sands: Uncovering Singapore’s 5 Little-Known Secrets

Jayson Ang – July 29, 2023 –

Beyond Marina Bay Sands: Uncovering Singapore's 5 Little-Known Secrets Singapore is a small country with a rich history and culture....

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

The Hidden Hurdles of Purchasing a BTO Flat in Singapore: Unveiling 4 Lesser-Known Challenges During the 5-Year MOP

Jayson Ang – September 26, 2024 –

TLDR When contemplating the purchase or sale of a property under the Minimum Occupancy Period (MOP), it's crucial to consider...

All Buying Tips

Integrated Developments: Do They Live Up to the Hype? Check Out These Five Factors

Jayson Ang – March 3, 2024 –

TLDR Integrated developments in Singapore offer a one-stop solution for residents by combining residential, commercial, and transport elements in one...