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 …

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Questions Should Investors Be Asking Before Investing In Singapore’s High-End Rental Market

Jayson Ang – February 1, 2025 –

Singapore's high-end rental market has been a hot topic of discussion among investors worldwide. With the city-state's robust economy, excellent...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Why Are Singapore Property Agents So Keen on New Launch Condos? Unpacking the Motivations in 2025

Jayson Ang – June 11, 2025 –

TLDR In Singapore’s 2025 property market, agents’ strong preference for recommending new launch condos is less about chasing commissions and...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Is It Better To Purchase A Larger HDB Or A Smaller Condo For $1 Million In 2025?

Jayson Ang – August 14, 2025 –

TLDR When comparing a large, centrally located resale flat (e.g., 5-room HDB) with a small condo around the $1 million...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Top Reasons Why Chinese Love to Invest in Singapore Property Market Today

Jayson Ang – May 23, 2023 –

Here are the top 5 reasons why Chinese love to invest in Singapore's property market today. 1. Political stability: Singapore...

All Buying Tips

What Are The Key Factors That Contribute To Property Valuations And Why Are They So Crucial?

Jayson Ang – October 23, 2023 –

TLDR Understanding property valuations is crucial for both buyers and sellers in the real estate market. Property valuations involve two...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

What is a Tenancy Agreement (TA)

Jayson Ang – July 21, 2023 –

TLDR When it comes to understanding property jargon, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specifics of a Tenancy Agreement...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

35 Brand New Condominiums Nearing Their ABSD Deadline 2023

Jayson Ang – March 4, 2023 –

TLDR The blog post discusses the looming ABSD deadline for several new launch condos in 2023, highlighting the impact on...

All Opinion

What Might Occur If We Ease Property Cooling Measures?

Jayson Ang – July 21, 2025 –

TLDR To assess if Singapore’s property cooling measures are working, compare our actions with China, which is applying the opposite...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

I Decided to Pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty to Purchase a Condominium While Retaining My HDB: My Reasons

Jayson Ang – October 15, 2024 –

TLDR Despite a 20% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for second properties in Singapore, Yang chose to hold onto his...

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...

All Buying Tips Opinion Reports

Are Million-Dollar HDB Landed Homes Still Worth A Look In 2025 Despite Their Age?

Jayson Ang – October 5, 2025 –

TLDR Old HDB landed homes, like those in Whampoa, are rare and now fetch over $1.5 million, but their value...

All Opinion Selling Tips

Great Reasons for Condo Owners to Sell upon Reaching TOP – A Guide to Sub-Sale Transactions

Jayson Ang – August 17, 2023 –

TLDR A recent sub-sale transaction in Midtown Modern set a new record with a 2-bedroom home selling at $3,150 psf....

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Street Food Markets in Singapore

Jayson Ang – September 8, 2024 –

Singapore, a melting pot of diverse cultures, offers an incredible array of street food that tantalizes the taste buds of...

Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

Don’t Get Scammed: The Top 5 Red Flags To Watch Out For In Singapore’s Property Market

Jayson Ang – July 14, 2023 –

Don't Get Scammed: The Top 5 Red Flags To Watch Out For In Singapore's Property Market When it comes to...

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Timing the Market: Lessons from Singapore’s Property Price Fluctuations

Jayson Ang – December 18, 2025 –

TLDR Singapore’s property market has seen price declines during major crises such as the 1985-1989 pre-recession, 1996-1998 Asian Financial Crisis,...