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:

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 Blog Posts Buying Tips

5 Facilities Selling Points Condo Sellers Should Emphasize To Entice Potential Buyers

Jayson Ang – May 23, 2023 –

TLDR When selling a condo, focusing on highlighting key facilities like gyms, swimming pools, family-friendly amenities, community gardens, and clubhouse...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Historical Landmarks in Singapore

Jayson Ang – April 24, 2024 –

Singapore, a bustling cosmopolitan city-state, is known for its rich history and diverse cultural heritage. This small yet vibrant nation...

All Blog Posts

3 Steps to Protect Yourself from Real Estate Scams in Singapore

Jayson Ang – December 17, 2022 –

Lately, there has been an increase in scams related to real estate. Scammers are pretending to be real estate agents...

All Blog Posts Opinion

When Should You Consider a Shorter/Longer Home Tenure?

Jayson Ang – May 8, 2023 –

TLDR Understanding the benefits of long-term home loans is crucial for financially conservative individuals in Singapore. Opting for a longer...

Mandarin Top 5

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

Jayson Ang – December 23, 2024 –

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

All Buying Tips Selling Tips

The Emergence of Million-Dollar HDB Flats in Singapore: Could This Become the Standard Moving Forward?

Jayson Ang – July 28, 2024 –

TLDR Understanding the nuances of the HDB property market in Singapore, especially the trend of million-dollar flats, requires a deep...

All Blog Posts Opinion

Unveiling the Truth: Why Freehold is Not Always the Optimal Choice for Property Investment

Jayson Ang – January 4, 2023 –

TLDR When it comes to investing in real estate in Singapore, traditional beliefs may not always hold true in today's...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Best Street Art Murals in Singapore

Jayson Ang – December 17, 2024 –

Singapore, a vibrant and multicultural city-state, is not only known for its iconic landmarks and delicious cuisine but also for...

Mandarin Top 5

Maximize Your Property Investment: 5 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent in Singapore

Jayson Ang – March 23, 2024 –

Buying a property in Singapore can be a daunting task, especially for first-time buyers. It is important to have a...

All Selling Tips

Would It Be More Better To Engage One Property Agent Or Multiple Agents In The Selling Process?

Jayson Ang – August 3, 2023 –

TLDR When planning to sell your property, you have the option to work with one agent exclusively or non-exclusively. Engaging...

All Opinion

Singapore’s Housing Phenomenon: A Success Tale Calling for Tweaks – Insights from the Experts

Jayson Ang – February 17, 2024 –

TLDR Singapore's housing system has been praised for its effectiveness in meeting citizens' homeownership desires. The public housing program by...

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...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Pros of Buying a New Development

Jayson Ang – March 3, 2024 –

Deciding whether to buy a new development or a resale property can be a challenge. In the next few video...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Factors : Why Singapore’s Property Market Is Still A Safe Haven For Investors

Jayson Ang – May 22, 2024 –

Real estate investment has always been a popular choice for investors looking to generate passive income and build long-term wealth....

All Buying Tips Opinion

3 Things You Need to Know if You Are Buying a Second Property

Jayson Ang – August 21, 2023 –

TLDR When considering buying a second property in Singapore, ensure eligibility by meeting the Minimum Occupancy Period (MOP) and understanding...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Instagram-Worthy Spots in Singapore

Jayson Ang – February 21, 2024 –

Singapore, a beautiful city-state known for its stunning architecture, lush greenery, and vibrant culture, is a photographer's paradise. The island...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Singapore Property Trends to Watch in 2023: Expert Weigh In

Jayson Ang – May 20, 2023 –

5 Singapore Property Trends to Watch in 2023: Expert Weigh In Top 5 Singapore Property Trends to Watch in 2023...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Reasons : Why Investing In Singapore’s Property Market Can Be A Good Retirement Plan

Jayson Ang – June 22, 2024 –

Investing in Singapore's property market can be a good retirement plan for several reasons. Here are five key factors that...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Live Music Venues in Singapore

Jayson Ang – May 20, 2024 –

Singapore, a vibrant and multicultural city-state, is well-known for its diverse food scene, stunning architecture, and bustling shopping districts. However,...