Fraud Blocker
Your search results

Why Aren’t Spacious, Wallet-Friendly Homes Our Reality Yet?

Posted by Jayson Ang on April 17, 2024
| 0

TLDR

The article discusses the current housing market in Singapore, focusing on the challenges faced by individuals like Sherlyn Tan and Fatin Zakiah Saiful Imran in purchasing their desired properties. It also touches on the impact of population growth on housing demand and the strategies suggested by experts to manage it. Additionally, it highlights the importance of maintaining an adequate population size for economic growth. Lastly, it provides advice on whether to buy, sell, or wait in the current real estate scenario.

Sherlyn Tan, a communications undergraduate, has twice encountered setbacks in her attempts to secure a Build-to-Order (BTO) flat. She fondly recalls the five-room Bedok flat her parents purchased in the late 1990s for S$300,000.

Fast forward to today, the cost of a similar BTO flat in the same vicinity has skyrocketed to as much as S$737,000. Growing up in Bedok, Sherlyn, now 23, confesses her concerns about affording a home near her parents due to escalating prices.

On a similar note, Fatin Zakiah Saiful Imran, aged 35, recently welcomed her third child into the world. The prospect of upsizing from their current four-room BTO to a larger dwelling is very much on the horizon for her family.

Fatin, a technical support engineer, expressed that a primary motivation behind their potential move is the quest for more space – something they see as only achievable through purchasing a resale flat. She added that the current BTO offerings are generally of a similar size, with not all projects featuring five-room flats for sale.

Interestingly, the Ministry of National Development announced in April of the previous year that the dimensions of HDB flats have remained consistent since 1997. Meanwhile, the average household sizes have seen a decline.

“Singapore’s land limitations necessitate a careful balance between the dimensions of HDB flats and their availability,” stated the ministry, addressing a legislative inquiry about the possibility of expanding the average size of HDB flats.

According to Mr. Tan Wei Ming, Director of Research and Consultancy at Savills Singapore, one approach to temper housing demand is by regulating population growth, particularly by moderating immigration influx.

Mr. Lim Jia Hao from CGS-CIMB suggested that theoretically, decreasing Singapore’s population could somewhat curb housing demand. However, if such an action were taken to an extreme, it would ultimately be harmful in the long run, considering Singapore’s rapidly ageing populace.

“The number of youths is dwindling and the population is growing older at a fast pace. The population will diminish eventually. What then becomes of your property or vehicle when there’s no one interested in buying?” He questioned.

He further emphasized that maintaining an adequate population size is crucial for Singapore to continue its economic expansion and create prosperous employment opportunities.

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 Tourist Attractions in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Singapore

Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Singapore Singapore, a vibrant city-state located in Southeast Asia, is known for its diverse culture,...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons : How Investing in a Luxury Condominium in Singapore Can Boost Your Portfolio
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : How Investing in a Luxury Condominium in Singapore Can Boost Your Portfolio

Investing in a luxury condominium in Singapore is an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolio and enjoy...
Read More
Top 5 Thai Restaurants in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Thai Restaurants in Singapore

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, is a food lover's paradise. Among the myriad of dining options available,...
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
Top 5 Tips : How to Choose the Right Type of Property to Invest in Singapore – Expert Tips and Analysis!
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tips : How to Choose the Right Type of Property to Invest in Singapore – Expert Tips and Analysis!

Investing in property has long been a popular method for growing wealth in Singapore. With million-dollar HDBs being sold and...
Read More
Top 5 : Best Architectural Marvels in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Best Architectural Marvels in Singapore

Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its diverse culture and stunning skyline, is also home to some of the most...
Read More
Quick Guide for Condo Sellers: Timeline to Sell Condo in 2023
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Quick Guide for Condo Sellers: Timeline to Sell Condo in 2023

TLDR When selling a condominium in Singapore, understanding the critical steps is key. First, ensure you are not liable for...
Read More
Why Aren’t Spacious, Wallet-Friendly Homes Our Reality Yet?
All Opinion

Why Aren’t Spacious, Wallet-Friendly Homes Our Reality Yet?

TLDR The article discusses the current housing market in Singapore, focusing on the challenges faced by individuals like Sherlyn Tan...
Read More
I Regret Buying A DBSS: 5 Homeowners Share Their Biggest Regrets
All Buying Tips Opinion

I Regret Buying A DBSS: 5 Homeowners Share Their Biggest Regrets

TLDR Singapore's DBSS scheme faced challenges such as design flaws, developer responsiveness issues, and restrictions on selling. Residents reported various...
Read More
Top 5 Places to Buy Local Art in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Places to Buy Local Art in Singapore

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and traditions, is not only known for its breathtaking cityscape, delectable food, and shopping...
Read More
5 Things to do When You Go For A Property Viewing In Singapore
Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

5 Things to do When You Go For A Property Viewing In Singapore

5 Things to do When You Go For A Property Viewing In Singapore Here are 5 things to keep in...
Read More
Would It Be More Better To Engage One Property Agent Or Multiple Agents In The Selling Process?
All Selling Tips

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

TLDR When planning to sell your property, you have the option to work with one agent exclusively or non-exclusively. Engaging...
Read More
Bayshore: Reinventing the Experience of Living by the Beach
All Buying Tips Opinion

Bayshore: Reinventing the Experience of Living by the Beach

TLDR When deciding on buying or selling property in Bayshore, consider the recent developments and potential future growth. With a...
Read More
Discover the Best Breakfast in Singapore: Top 5 Must-Try Spots!
Mandarin Top 5

Discover the Best Breakfast in Singapore: Top 5 Must-Try Spots!

Trying out some of the best breakfast places, I've put together a list of the top 5 must-try breakfast spots...
Read More
Should I Buy In A Newly MOP HDB Or An Older Resale HDB?
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Should I Buy In A Newly MOP HDB Or An Older Resale HDB?

TLDR When deciding between a recently MOP-ed HDB property and an older resale HDB property in Singapore, various factors come...
Read More
Reasons Why En-Bloc Sales Are Expected to Remain Slow in 2025
All Opinion

Reasons Why En-Bloc Sales Are Expected to Remain Slow in 2025

TLDR From 2014 to 2024, the en-bloc market has faced challenges due to fluctuating cooling measures and a shift from...
Read More
Singapore’s Housing Phenomenon: A Success Tale Calling for Tweaks – Insights from the Experts
All Opinion

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

TLDR Singapore's housing system has been praised for its effectiveness in meeting citizens' homeownership desires. The public housing program by...
Read More
Thinking About Investing In An Old Landed Property In Singapore? 7 Crucial Tips To Keep In Mind Before You Make Your Move
All Buying Tips

Thinking About Investing In An Old Landed Property In Singapore? 7 Crucial Tips To Keep In Mind Before You Make Your Move

TLDR Older properties come with unique challenges due to outdated design elements, potential roofing issues, odd land shapes, basement drawbacks,...
Read More
Experience The Best Of Southeast Asia: 5 Must-See Destinations After Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Experience The Best Of Southeast Asia: 5 Must-See Destinations After Singapore

Singapore is a great starting point for travelers looking to explore the region. From Singapore, there are many great destinations...
Read More
How Can Decoupling Help You in Buying a Second Property?
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

How Can Decoupling Help You in Buying a Second Property?

TLDR Decoupling property ownership in Singapore can help you avoid hefty Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty fees when purchasing a second...
Read More

Compare Listings