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 …


Singapore Property Investing: Is It Better To Flip Or Hold?
Mandarin Top 5

Singapore Property Investing: Is It Better To Flip Or Hold?

Investing in Singapore property can be a profitable venture, but investors must choose the right strategy to maximize their returns....
Read More
Top 5 : Greatest Challenges That Investors Face In Singapore’s Real Estate Market
Mandarin Top 5

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

Singapore's real estate market is a dynamic and attractive investment landscape for both local and international investors. Known for its...
Read More
Discover the Top 11 Most Outstanding Condominiums in Singapore’s Holland Village Areas
All Blog Posts Top List

Discover the Top 11 Most Outstanding Condominiums in Singapore’s Holland Village Areas

Originally established in the early 1900s by Singapore's Dutch community, Holland Village was originally a residential area home to British...
Read More
Why En Blocs Often Fail to Succeed
All Opinion

Why En Blocs Often Fail to Succeed

TLDR In this blog post, the focus is on the challenges and complexities of en-bloc transactions in Singapore's property market....
Read More
Mortgage Interest : The True Cost of Buying and Owning Properties in Singapore
All

Mortgage Interest : The True Cost of Buying and Owning Properties in Singapore

TLDR When considering buying a property in Singapore, it's crucial to understand the true costs and risks involved. High monthly...
Read More
Top 5 Cafes in Singapore for Brunch
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Cafes in Singapore for Brunch

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and flavors, offers an incredible array of culinary experiences to tantalize your taste buds....
Read More
Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Commercial Property in Singapore – Expert Insights!
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Commercial Property in Singapore – Expert Insights!

Singapore, a thriving business hub in Southeast Asia, offers a robust real estate market with diverse investment opportunities. While residential...
Read More
Exploring Singapore: The Top 5 Surprising Facts You Never Knew
Mandarin Top 5

Exploring Singapore: The Top 5 Surprising Facts You Never Knew

Singapore, a city-state in Southeast Asia, is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and vibrant food scene. This...
Read More
Unveiling the Secrets: How Foreigners Can Buy Property in Singapore – 6 Essential Steps to Follow
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Unveiling the Secrets: How Foreigners Can Buy Property in Singapore – 6 Essential Steps to Follow

TLDR Foreign investors find Singapore attractive due to its stable governance and transparent business practices. Foreigners, including Permanent Residents (PRs),...
Read More
5 Factors : Why Singapore’s Property Market Is Still A Safe Haven For Investors
Mandarin Top 5

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

Real estate investment has always been a popular choice for investors looking to generate passive income and build long-term wealth....
Read More
Beware! Spot These Warning Signs Before Making a Home Purchase!
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Beware! Spot These Warning Signs Before Making a Home Purchase!

TLDR When purchasing a property in Singapore, it is crucial to thoroughly assess various aspects of the home to avoid...
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
4 Simple Strategies to Help Future Homeowners Save Money
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

4 Simple Strategies to Help Future Homeowners Save Money

TLDR When it comes to being a new homeowner, it's essential to prioritize regular maintenance to avoid costly repairs down...
Read More
Is the Dream of Homeownership Becoming a Steeper Climb?
All Opinion Reports

Is the Dream of Homeownership Becoming a Steeper Climb?

TLDR The article discusses the evolving trends in the Singaporean real estate market, focusing on the affordability and accessibility of...
Read More
Top 5 : Benefits of Investing in Newer vs. Older Singapore Property Market Condos for International Buyers
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Benefits of Investing in Newer vs. Older Singapore Property Market Condos for International Buyers

Singapore's property market has always been an attractive investment option for international buyers, thanks to its stable economy, strategic location,...
Read More
Singapore’s Property Market: Will the Newly Proposed 2023 Cooling Measures, Including a 60% Foreigner ABSD, Make Waves or Mere Ripples?
All Opinion

Singapore’s Property Market: Will the Newly Proposed 2023 Cooling Measures, Including a 60% Foreigner ABSD, Make Waves or Mere Ripples?

TLDR The recent surge in Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) rates in Singapore targets mainly foreigners and entities, with rates...
Read More
Top 5 Sushi Restaurants in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Sushi Restaurants in Singapore

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and culinary delights, is known for its diverse and vibrant food scene. Among the...
Read More
The 5 Hottest Neighborhoods in Singapore for Real Estate Investment
Mandarin Top 5

The 5 Hottest Neighborhoods in Singapore for Real Estate Investment

Hey everyone! Today I want to share with you the 5 hottest neighborhoods in Singapore for real estate investment.  These...
Read More
Five Pitfalls of Selling a Home for the First Time
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Five Pitfalls of Selling a Home for the First Time

TLDR When selling your first home, avoid holding out for a better offer as it may backfire. Let your agent...
Read More
Top 5 Benefits Of Singapore’s Cooling Measures For Home Buyers
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Benefits Of Singapore’s Cooling Measures For Home Buyers

Singapore's real estate market has experienced rapid growth in recent years, leading to concerns about affordability and sustainability. In response,...
Read More

Compare Listings