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 …


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
5 Tips : Riding the Wave: How to Profit from the Upcoming Boom in Singapore’s Property Market
Mandarin Top 5

5 Tips : Riding the Wave: How to Profit from the Upcoming Boom in Singapore’s Property Market

Singapore's property market has always been a hot topic among investors and homebuyers alike. With million-dollar HDBs being sold and...
Read More
Top 5 Factors: Singapore Property Market: Attractive Investment Opportunity Despite Cooling Measures
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors: Singapore Property Market: Attractive Investment Opportunity Despite Cooling Measures

The Singapore property market has always been a popular investment choice for both local and foreign investors, thanks to its...
Read More
Top 5 Things to Do in Singapore on a Rainy Day
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Things to Do in Singapore on a Rainy Day

Singapore, the beautiful island city-state, is known for its sunny weather and stunning attractions. However, even in this tropical paradise,...
Read More
Top 5 Best Secret Gardens in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Best Secret Gardens in Singapore

Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture, is also home to a plethora of hidden...
Read More
Top 5 Instagram-Worthy Spots in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Instagram-Worthy Spots in Singapore

Singapore, a beautiful city-state known for its stunning architecture, lush greenery, and vibrant culture, is a photographer's paradise. The island...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons : Why Do Singaporeans Still Flood The Property Market?
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : Why Do Singaporeans Still Flood The Property Market?

Singapore's property market has been a hot topic of discussion for many years, with its resilience and growth attracting both...
Read More
UNCOVERING the Secret to Profitable Small Boutique Condos! 
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

UNCOVERING the Secret to Profitable Small Boutique Condos! 

TLDR Boutique condos, with fewer than 100 units, are known for price fluctuations due to infrequent transactions and higher upkeep...
Read More
Singapore Sights & Sounds: 5 Must-Know Facts From the Little Red Dot
Mandarin Top 5

Singapore Sights & Sounds: 5 Must-Know Facts From the Little Red Dot

Singapore, affectionately known as the Little Red Dot, is a vibrant city-state in Southeast Asia that boasts a unique blend...
Read More
Navigating Property Purchases in Singapore: Why Going Without an Agent Can Be Risky
All Buying Tips

Navigating Property Purchases in Singapore: Why Going Without an Agent Can Be Risky

TLDR Many homebuyers hesitate to engage their own real estate agent due to misconceptions about costs and conflicts of interest....
Read More
Why Can’t We Buy Low, Sell High?
All Opinion

Why Can’t We Buy Low, Sell High?

Madam Tan voiced that approximately two years ago, when her apartment hit its minimum occupation period, she and her spouse...
Read More
Calculating Your Property’s Annual Value in Singapore 2024: A Simple Guide!
All Blog Posts

Calculating Your Property’s Annual Value in Singapore 2024: A Simple Guide!

TLDR Understanding your property's annual value is crucial for determining property taxes in Singapore. The annual value is based on...
Read More
5 Qualities to Look for in an Agent to Ensure a Smooth Transaction
Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

5 Qualities to Look for in an Agent to Ensure a Smooth Transaction

5 Qualities to Look for in an Agent to Ensure a Smooth Transaction Here are 5 qualities to look for...
Read More
5 Risks Upgraders Should Be Aware of To Avoid Financial Troubles When Progressing Their Property
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

5 Risks Upgraders Should Be Aware of To Avoid Financial Troubles When Progressing Their Property

TLDR The article delves into the intricacies of property asset progression in Singapore's real estate market. It highlights the risks...
Read More
5 Smart Techniques That Resourceful Homebuyers Utilize to Overcome Restrictions on Home Loans
All Buying Tips

5 Smart Techniques That Resourceful Homebuyers Utilize to Overcome Restrictions on Home Loans

TLDR When it comes to navigating the complex world of home loans and property acquisition, it's crucial to be aware...
Read More
Top 5 Tea Rooms in Singapore for High Tea
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tea Rooms in Singapore for High Tea

Singapore, a melting pot of diverse cultures and culinary delights, offers an exquisite high tea experience that caters to both...
Read More
What Might Occur If We Ease Property Cooling Measures?
All Opinion

What Might Occur If We Ease Property Cooling Measures?

TLDR To assess if Singapore’s property cooling measures are working, compare our actions with China, which is applying the opposite...
Read More
Is it Better to Sell Your Newly Launched Condo Before or After Completion? Here’s What the Statistics Indicate
All Opinion Selling Tips

Is it Better to Sell Your Newly Launched Condo Before or After Completion? Here’s What the Statistics Indicate

TLDR Determining the best time to sell a newly launched condo involves weighing the benefits of selling before or after...
Read More
Top 5 Best Scenic Drives in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Best Scenic Drives in Singapore

Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture, also offers some of the most picturesque driving...
Read More
Singapore’s Property Jungle: A Guide to Every Development Type
All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Singapore’s Property Jungle: A Guide to Every Development Type

TLDR Singapore’s real estate market features a diverse mix of property types—public HDB flats, executive condominiums, private condos, landed homes...
Read More

Compare Listings