Fraud Blocker
Your search results

Lessons from the Rollercoaster Ride: Homebuyers Share Their Singapore Housing Market Experiences

Posted by Jayson Ang on April 11, 2024
| 0

TLDR

The Singapore housing market is a rollercoaster of unpredictable changes. Three homebuyers share their experiences: Tristan waited too long due to cooling measures, Daniel sold too soon and spent years renting, and Steven bought small units too early. It’s hard to give one-size-fits-all advice on buying or selling property. Seek strategic real estate advice and connect with the right buyers for success.

The Singapore housing market is a lot like a rollercoaster ride – unpredictable and full of ups and downs. Changes can happen in the blink of an eye and sometimes, decisions that seemed smart at the time can end up being not-so-smart later on.

We’ve put together some stories from homebuyers who have faced this truth head-on.

Let’s see if we can learn something from their experiences.

1. Playing the Waiting Game with “Temporary” Cooling Measures

Meet Tristan, who back in 2011, almost bought a second condo. His thought process was simple: “We were thinking of buying a small unit for my daughter who was renting at the time. The plan was for her to live there until she bought her own place, and then we could rent it out.”

But then the government introduced a three per cent ABSD (Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty). Tristan thought this was just a temporary measure. He asked his agent if he should wait until it was removed. She suggested it might not be a bad idea. So, he waited.

Fast forward to 2013, and the ABSD increased to ten per cent. That’s when Tristan decided to buy, but he ended up with a less desirable unit and paid the seven per cent ABSD unnecessarily.

To add insult to injury, property prices had gone up from around $1,100 to over $1,300 psf during his waiting period. And today, the ABSD is even steeper, standing at 20 per cent for a second property purchase.

2. Selling Too Soon And Spending Years Renting

Then there’s Daniel, who sold his unit one year from completion. “The location was perfect – just minutes from my office and close to my in-laws. But the buyer was keen, and the return looked good,” he explains.

After selling, however, Daniel couldn’t find a suitable replacement. He ended up renting in various places over the next 4.5 years, until he finally bought his current unit – which is less than a km from his original one!

3. Investing Too Soon And Buying Units That Were Too Small

Steven was always excited about property investment. By the age of 30, he had bought two one-bedroom units with the help of his dad and uncle. But when he decided to settle down few years later, he realized both units were too small for a family. He had to sell them at a time when the market wasn’t so good.

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 …


Avoid The Possibility Of Negative Cash Sales: Find Out How Much Your HDB Has To Appreciate To Steer Clear Of It!
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Avoid The Possibility Of Negative Cash Sales: Find Out How Much Your HDB Has To Appreciate To Steer Clear Of It!

TLDR When selling your property, watch out for negative cash sales that could leave you with no money after CPF...
Read More
5 Things to Know About Singapore’s Freehold & Leasehold Properties
Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

5 Things to Know About Singapore’s Freehold & Leasehold Properties

5 Things to Know About Singapore's Freehold & Leasehold Properties Here are 5 things you need to know about Singapore's...
Read More
Craving Dream Homes in the Urban Jungle: The Singaporean Dilemma Unveiled
All Buying Tips Opinion

Craving Dream Homes in the Urban Jungle: The Singaporean Dilemma Unveiled

TLDR The housing landscape in Singapore reflects evolving aspirations and desires, especially among the younger generation. Owning private property is...
Read More
Superstitions in the Real Estate Market : How Does it Impact Resale Value?
All Buying Tips

Superstitions in the Real Estate Market : How Does it Impact Resale Value?

TLDR When navigating the Singapore property market, it's crucial to consider various superstitious beliefs that can impact your decisions. From...
Read More
Top 5 Street Food Markets in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Street Food Markets in Singapore

Singapore, a melting pot of diverse cultures, offers an incredible array of street food that tantalizes the taste buds of...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons : Why Investing in Singapore’s Property Market Is a Smart Move for Millennials – Expert Analysis!
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : Why Investing in Singapore’s Property Market Is a Smart Move for Millennials – Expert Analysis!

In recent years, Singapore has emerged as a global financial hub and a prime destination for property investments. The city-state's...
Read More
Top 5 Hawker Centres in Singapore for Local Food
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Hawker Centres in Singapore for Local Food

Singapore, a melting pot of diverse cultures and rich culinary heritage, is home to some of the most delectable local...
Read More
Why Can’t More People Own Private Property?
All Opinion

Why Can’t More People Own Private Property?

TLDR The blog post discusses the aspirations of individuals like Siti and Mr. Tan regarding property ownership in Singapore. Siti...
Read More
Snag a Sentosa Condo for 40% Off? Should You Consider It!
All Opinion

Snag a Sentosa Condo for 40% Off? Should You Consider It!

TLDR The Residences at W Singapore Sentosa Cove has slashed prices by over 40%, but there are important details to...
Read More
5 Frequently Heard Sales Pitches from Agents Encouraging You to Choose a New Development Instead of a Resale Condo: How Accurate Are They?
All Buying Tips Opinion

5 Frequently Heard Sales Pitches from Agents Encouraging You to Choose a New Development Instead of a Resale Condo: How Accurate Are They?

TLDR While some agents may discourage resale condos due to personal incentives, the difference in profits between resale and new...
Read More
Top 5 Factors That Real Estate Investors Should Consider When Selecting A Luxury Condo In Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors That Real Estate Investors Should Consider When Selecting A Luxury Condo In Singapore

Investing in a luxury condominium in Singapore is an attractive option for real estate investors seeking high-quality properties with potential...
Read More
5 Techniques for Identifying Undervalued Properties in Singapore 2023
All Buying Tips Opinion

5 Techniques for Identifying Undervalued Properties in Singapore 2023

TLDR To spot undervalued properties in Singapore's real estate market, focus on market value, location, and unique features. Consider "up...
Read More
Strategies for Overcoming ABSD and Acquiring Multiple Properties in 2023 (Revised)
All Buying Tips

Strategies for Overcoming ABSD and Acquiring Multiple Properties in 2023 (Revised)

TLDR When it comes to navigating the Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD) in Singapore, there are legal strategies available to...
Read More
The Best Time to Invest in Singapore’s Property Market: Timing is Everything
Mandarin Top 5

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
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
Should I Buy In A Newly MOP HDB Or An Older Resale HDB?
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Should I Buy In A Newly MOP HDB Or An Older Resale HDB?

TLDR When deciding between a recently MOP-ed HDB property and an older resale HDB property in Singapore, various factors come...
Read More
Top 5 Factors : Why Singapore’s Luxury Property Market Still Has Room For Growth
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors : Why Singapore’s Luxury Property Market Still Has Room For Growth

Singapore's luxury property market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, with private home sales in the Core Central...
Read More
How Can You Prepare for Retirement in an Expensive Real Estate Market? Discover Your Options Now!
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

How Can You Prepare for Retirement in an Expensive Real Estate Market? Discover Your Options Now!

TLDR The article discusses the challenges of investing in a second property for retirement amidst Singapore's real estate market conditions....
Read More
From Garden City to Smart Nation: Singapore’s Top 5 Goals Building a Sustainable and Livable City
Mandarin Top 5

From Garden City to Smart Nation: Singapore’s Top 5 Goals Building a Sustainable and Livable City

Singapore is a small island city-state with a population of over 5 million people. Its urban landscape is constantly evolving,...
Read More
Singapore’s Top 5 Property Investment Hotspots for 2024
Mandarin Top 5

Singapore’s Top 5 Property Investment Hotspots for 2024

As one of the world's leading financial centers, Singapore has always been a popular destination for property investment. With a...
Read More
1 2 3 35

Compare Listings