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 …


Top 5 Best Unique Nighttime Experiences in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Best Unique Nighttime Experiences in Singapore

Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its stunning skyline and diverse culture, truly comes alive at night. As the sun...
Read More
Why There’s No Perfect Time to Enter the Market
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

Why There’s No Perfect Time to Enter the Market

TLDR When it comes to property transactions, understanding the factors influencing rising prices is crucial. The pandemic has driven up...
Read More
Transaction Volumes Remained Subdued Due To The Dearth Of Inventory In Q4 2022
All Reports

Transaction Volumes Remained Subdued Due To The Dearth Of Inventory In Q4 2022

TLDR The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Flash Estimates for Q4 2022 show a 0.1% increase in non-landed private home prices...
Read More
Singapore Living: 5 Must-Know Factors for Choosing the Perfect Neighborhood
Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

Singapore Living: 5 Must-Know Factors for Choosing the Perfect Neighborhood

Singapore Living: 5 Must-Know Factors for Choosing the Perfect Neighborhood When it comes to purchasing a property in Singapore, the...
Read More
Beyond Tenure: Why These Buyers Chose Older Leasehold Condos in Singapore
All Buying Tips Opinion

Beyond Tenure: Why These Buyers Chose Older Leasehold Condos in Singapore

TLDR Older leasehold condos in Singapore may face skepticism but offer key benefits such as affordability, location, and flexibility. Three...
Read More
The Unexpected Choices: Why Some Singaporean Homebuyers Opt for Smaller Condos (Even When They Could Afford More Space)
All Opinion Selling Tips

The Unexpected Choices: Why Some Singaporean Homebuyers Opt for Smaller Condos (Even When They Could Afford More Space)

TLDR In Singapore's property market, buyers often prioritize factors beyond just size. Many choose smaller units within their budget due...
Read More
The Future Of Singapore Property Investing: 5 Trends To Watch Out For
Mandarin Top 5

The Future Of Singapore Property Investing: 5 Trends To Watch Out For

The future of Singapore's property market is shaped by several emerging trends that reflect cautious optimism, enviable locations, and sociable...
Read More
Top 5 Factors : What Is Considered “Luxury” In The Singapore Property Market?
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors : What Is Considered “Luxury” In The Singapore Property Market?

The Singapore property market is known for its high-quality residential properties, attracting both local and international buyers. Luxury real estate...
Read More
Top 5 : Long-Term Economic Impacts Of Foreign Real Estate Investment In Singapore’s Luxury Condo Market?
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Long-Term Economic Impacts Of Foreign Real Estate Investment In Singapore’s Luxury Condo Market?

Singapore has long been a preferred destination for foreign real estate investors, particularly in the luxury condo market. The city-state's...
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
Top 5 Factors : What I Wish I Had Known about Singapore Property Market
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors : What I Wish I Had Known about Singapore Property Market

Singapore's property market has always been an attractive investment option for both local and foreign investors. With its stable economy,...
Read More
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Singapore Real Estate
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Singapore Real Estate

Investing in Singapore's real estate market can be a lucrative venture, given the city-state's status as a global financial hub...
Read More
Navigating the Levels of Financial Well-being: From Basic Sustenance to Enduring Legacy
All Buying Tips Opinion

Navigating the Levels of Financial Well-being: From Basic Sustenance to Enduring Legacy

TLDR The journey to financial wealth involves progressing through seven stages, from Survival to Legacy, each with distinct goals and...
Read More
Why It’s Not Financially Sensible to Pay Off Your HDB Flat Home Loan in Advance
All Buying Tips

Why It’s Not Financially Sensible to Pay Off Your HDB Flat Home Loan in Advance

TLDR When deciding whether to repay your HDB flat loan early, consider the limitations of not being able to obtain...
Read More
4 Fresh Trends among Young Homebuyers Could Shake Things up in Singapore’s Real Estate Scene
All Buying Tips

4 Fresh Trends among Young Homebuyers Could Shake Things up in Singapore’s Real Estate Scene

TLDR Younger generation in Singapore is reshaping house hunting by showing a preference for quality of life over location. Millennials...
Read More
What Impact Will Decreasing US Interest Rates Have on Homeowners in Singapore?
All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

What Impact Will Decreasing US Interest Rates Have on Homeowners in Singapore?

TLDR The Fed’s recent 0.5% rate cut is likely to lower Singapore’s SORA-based home loan rates, benefiting those with bank...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons : Why Singapore’s Property Market Is the Best Place to Invest for Long-Term Growth – Expert Analysis!
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : Why Singapore’s Property Market Is the Best Place to Invest for Long-Term Growth – Expert Analysis!

TLDR Singapore’s property market stands out for long-term investment due to its strong economy, stable government policies, high rental demand,...
Read More
When will En-Bloc set to Become Reality Beyond 2023?
All Opinion Selling Tips

When will En-Bloc set to Become Reality Beyond 2023?

TLDR The real estate market is experiencing a lull in en-bloc activities due to various factors. Higher Additional Buyer’s Stamp...
Read More
Using CPF Funds to Finance Your HDB Flat or Private Property in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide
All Buying Tips

Using CPF Funds to Finance Your HDB Flat or Private Property in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the extent to which your CPF savings can be utilized for the acquisition of a HDB home in Singapore,...
Read More
5 Facilities Selling Points Condo Sellers Should Emphasize To Entice Potential Buyers
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

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

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

Compare Listings