Your search results

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

Posted by Jayson Ang on March 14, 2025

| 0

TLDR

Determining the best time to sell a newly launched condo involves weighing the benefits of selling before or after the project’s completion. Selling early can lead to quicker profits and less competition, while waiting until completion might attract more buyers and higher prices, albeit with potential risks like construction issues. Data from various condo sales since 2018 indicates that selling after the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) often yields slightly better returns, with a 1.4% improvement on average. However, the timing difference is marginal, and decisions should consider market conditions, project specifics, and personal financial strategies. Understanding the Sellers Stamp Duty (SSD) and market trends is crucial for maximizing investment returns in Singapore’s property market.

There has been significant interest in figuring out the best time to sell your newly launched condo, especially as more units from recent developments are approaching completion.

Should you sell before the condo is finished? Selling early allows for quicker access to profits and opens up opportunities for other potential investments. Furthermore, selling sooner can mean facing less competition, particularly if your unit is part of a large-scale development.

Conversely, there are benefits to waiting until the project is completed. You might see an uptick in demand from buyers eager to move in, and if the condo exceeds expectations, it could command a higher price. However, there’s a risk that any construction quality issues could surface, which might negatively affect your selling price.

So, does selling early genuinely offer greater profitability, and how does the timing of your sale influence your returns? We examined data from various condo sales to uncover the answers:

Projects that we used for comparison

We compared private, non-landed projects launched since 2018. We also looked at new resale and new sub-sale transactions for comparison.

Project	New Sale to Resale (Vol)	New Sale to Sub Sale (Vol)	Total Volume
AMBER 45	10	1	11
AVENUE SOUTH RESIDENCE	37	2	39
BUKIT 828	1	1	2
DAINTREE RESIDENCE	8	16	24
FOURTH AVENUE RESIDENCES	2	13	15
JADESCAPE	45	80	125
JUI RESIDENCES	7	2	9
KOPAR AT NEWTON	1	15	16
MARGARET VILLE	31	4	35
MAYFAIR GARDENS	13	14	27
MIDWOOD	6	6	12
NYON	3	1	4
OLLOI	1	1	2
PARC ESTA	56	169	225
PARK COLONIAL	52	56	108
REZI 24	1	4	5
STIRLING RESIDENCES	107	84	191
THE ANTARES	2	2	4
THE GARDEN RESIDENCES	69	4	73
THE JOVELL	4	10	14
THE TAPESTRY	97	19	116
THE VERANDAH RESIDENCES	4	10	14
TREASURE AT TAMPINES	61	275	336
TWIN VEW	43	45	88
VERDALE	1	1	2
WHISTLER GRAND	48	57	105
Total Transactions	674	928	1602

Avenue South Residence transactions were initially recorded as Sub Sale. We changed them to “Resale” for analysis because it was believed that the residence was ready for move-in earlier. We used March 2023 as the date for considering these transactions as Resale instead of Sub Sale.

A look at overall returns

Project	New Sale to Resale	New Sale to Sub Sale	Grand Total	Which is better?	Difference
AMBER 45	+15.1%	+6.1%	+14.3%	Sell After TOP	+9.0%
AVENUE SOUTH RESIDENCE	+14.7%	+13.7%	+14.6%	Sell After TOP	+0.9%
BUKIT 828	+8.9%	-4.6%	+2.1%	Sell After TOP	+13.6%
DAINTREE RESIDENCE	+21.6%	+22.2%	+22.0%	Sell Before TOP	-0.5%
FOURTH AVENUE RESIDENCES	+17.8%	+8.4%	+9.7%	Sell After TOP	+9.4%
JADESCAPE	+25.8%	+22.0%	+23.4%	Sell After TOP	+3.8%
JUI RESIDENCES	+9.3%	+11.5%	+9.8%	Sell Before TOP	-2.2%
KOPAR AT NEWTON	+11.6%	+12.7%	+12.6%	Sell Before TOP	-1.1%
MARGARET VILLE	+17.1%	+11.1%	+16.4%	Sell After TOP	+6.0%
MAYFAIR GARDENS	+10.3%	+9.8%	+10.0%	Sell After TOP	+0.5%
MIDWOOD	+18.4%	+20.9%	+19.7%	Sell Before TOP	-2.5%
NYON	+16.3%	+13.2%	+15.5%	Sell After TOP	+3.1%
OLLOI	+24.0%	+17.5%	+20.7%	Sell After TOP	+6.5%
PARC ESTA	+29.1%	+22.7%	+24.3%	Sell After TOP	+6.4%
PARK COLONIAL	+20.8%	+15.7%	+18.1%	Sell After TOP	+5.1%
REZI 24	+4.3%	+7.3%	+6.7%	Sell Before TOP	-2.9%
STIRLING RESIDENCES	+24.2%	+20.1%	+22.4%	Sell After TOP	+4.1%
THE ANTARES	+19.2%	+12.9%	+16.1%	Sell After TOP	+6.3%
THE GARDEN RESIDENCES	+13.5%	+8.2%	+13.2%	Sell After TOP	+5.3%
THE JOVELL	+22.7%	+16.9%	+18.5%	Sell After TOP	+5.9%
THE TAPESTRY	+16.6%	+11.6%	+15.8%	Sell After TOP	+5.0%
THE VERANDAH RESIDENCES	+13.3%	+10.2%	+11.1%	Sell After TOP	+3.1%
TREASURE AT TAMPINES	+23.5%	+21.8%	+22.1%	Sell After TOP	+1.7%
TWIN VEW	+22.6%	+17.0%	+19.8%	Sell After TOP	+5.6%
VERDALE	+12.8%	+13.9%	+13.3%	Sell Before TOP	-1.1%
WHISTLER GRAND	+30.7%	+24.6%	+27.4%	Sell After TOP	+6.1%
Average	+21.3%	+19.9%	+20.5%	Sell After TOP

New resale transactions were slightly better, suggesting it’s often wiser to sell after TOP. However, the difference isn’t significant. In six projects where selling before TOP was advantageous, three only had one new resale transaction, and Jui Residences had two, making it tough to reach solid conclusions. Midwood stands out, as selling after TOP increased value by 2.5 percent.

We need to note that prices increased a lot after Covid

In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, the housing shortage led to a significant increase in home prices. As a result, we would anticipate that new units compared to resale properties would exhibit stronger performance, as they likely have appreciated due to extended time in the market.

Below are the holding periods for the different transactions:

Project	New Sale to Resale	New Sale to Sub Sale	Grand Total
AMBER 45	4.4 Years	3.2 Years	4.3 Years
AVENUE SOUTH RESIDENCE	4.0 Years	3.1 Years	3.9 Years
BUKIT 828	4.0 Years	1.6 Years	2.8 Years
DAINTREE RESIDENCE	3.7 Years	3.3 Years	3.4 Years
FOURTH AVENUE RESIDENCES	3.6 Years	3.6 Years	3.6 Years
JADESCAPE	4.1 Years	3.7 Years	3.8 Years
JUI RESIDENCES	4.6 Years	3.4 Years	4.3 Years
KOPAR AT NEWTON	4.0 Years	3.6 Years	3.6 Years
MARGARET VILLE	4.4 Years	3.5 Years	4.3 Years
MAYFAIR GARDENS	4.6 Years	4.1 Years	4.3 Years
MIDWOOD	3.2 Years	3.1 Years	3.1 Years
NYON	3.9 Years	3.5 Years	3.8 Years
OLLOI	3.9 Years	2.2 Years	3.1 Years
PARC ESTA	4.3 Years	3.7 Years	3.8 Years
PARK COLONIAL	4.9 Years	3.7 Years	4.3 Years
REZI 24	3.5 Years	4.0 Years	3.9 Years
STIRLING RESIDENCES	4.3 Years	3.6 Years	4.0 Years
THE ANTARES	3.7 Years	3.9 Years	3.8 Years
THE GARDEN RESIDENCES	4.1 Years	3.4 Years	4.0 Years
THE JOVELL	4.2 Years	3.5 Years	3.7 Years
THE TAPESTRY	4.6 Years	3.3 Years	4.4 Years
THE VERANDAH RESIDENCES	5.7 Years	4.7 Years	5.0 Years
TREASURE AT TAMPINES	3.8 Years	3.7 Years	3.7 Years
TWIN VEW	4.9 Years	3.4 Years	4.2 Years
VERDALE	3.6 Years	3.4 Years	3.5 Years
WHISTLER GRAND	4.1 Years	3.5 Years	3.8 Years
Average	4.3 Years	3.7 Years	3.9 Years

For Midwood, the average time between buying and selling is similar for both sub sales and resales, so the holding period isn’t significant for this condo.

Generally, if you wait until after the TOP to sell, the results improve by about 1.4 per cent, which is due to an eight-month difference in the holding period.

In general, the findings indicate that the timing of this brief scale does not significantly impact the results

It’s wise to follow a basic strategy for property buying: purchase when you can hold onto the investment and weather market downturns.

The Sellers Stamp Duty (SSD) imposes a 12% tax on the sale price if a unit is sold within the first year, dropping to 8% and then 4% in following years. This is why many sub sales happen in the fourth year, after the SSD period.

Decisions often depend on the specific project. For a luxury condo with fewer competitors and a promising outlook, waiting might be advantageous as buyers may pay more for something they like.

In contrast, for mass-market launches, timing can be crucial. If you bought early and others bought later, selling before more listings appear could be wise, even if you risk missing a higher price later.

Finally, private property prices are rising slowly and struggling to exceed $2,200 per square foot, affecting sub sale transactions. Buyers should be ready to hold their properties longer than expected, possibly needing to sell well after the official completion date.

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 …

All Reports

21 Condominiums with Landed Properties Available for Foreign Purchase in Singapore

Jayson Ang – November 17, 2025 –

TLDR Foreigners who want landed living in Singapore but cannot buy traditional landed homes (except in Sentosa Cove) can consider...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Three Singaporeans Share Their Experiences of Co-Owning a Property with Friends

Jayson Ang – March 18, 2025 –

TLDR In Singapore, some individuals venture into property investments with unrelated partners, driven by opportunities and personal circumstances. Jim, leaving...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Making Sense of 99-Year Landed Home Investments in Singapore

Jayson Ang – August 25, 2024 –

TLDR Investing in a 99-year leasehold landed property in Singapore can be a lucrative venture due to the country's land...

Mandarin Top 5

Maximize Your Property Investment: 5 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent in Singapore

Jayson Ang – March 23, 2024 –

Buying a property in Singapore can be a daunting task, especially for first-time buyers. It is important to have a...

All Opinion Selling Tips

Reduced Lease Durations for HDB Flats: What Potential Savings Could Your Property Offer?

Jayson Ang – July 17, 2025 –

TLDR Shorter lease HDB flats are typically about 22–25% cheaper than their 99-year counterparts, based on both resale and BTO...

All Buying Tips

3 Exciting Residential Sites Coming Soon!

Jayson Ang – June 20, 2024 –

TLDR The Lion City is undergoing rejuvenation with upcoming developments in coveted areas like Clementi and sites near MRT stations....

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Understanding Government Land Sales (GLS) and Their Influence on Singapore’s Property Market

Jayson Ang – July 23, 2026 –

TLDR Singapore’s Government Land Sales (GLS) Programme is a key tool used by the government to manage land supply and...

All Buying Tips Opinion

The Influence of Soaring Land Costs on Singapore’s Real Estate Market: A Look at Land Price Trends Since 1992

Jayson Ang – October 7, 2024 –

TLDR When it comes to understanding the fluctuations in land prices in Singapore, historical patterns reveal significant spikes and dips...

All Buying Tips

What Is Cash Over Valuation in HDB (COV)

Jayson Ang – November 8, 2023 –

TLDR Cash Over Valuation (COV) in HDB resale flats occurs when the purchase price exceeds HDB's valuation. COV cannot be...

All Buying Tips

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

Jayson Ang – March 18, 2024 –

TLDR Younger generation in Singapore is reshaping house hunting by showing a preference for quality of life over location. Millennials...

All Buying Tips Opinion

The Dilemma of Retaining Your HDB Flat While Owning a Condo in Singapore (2025)

Jayson Ang – June 23, 2026 –

TLDR Singaporean citizens can own both an HDB flat and a condominium if the HDB was purchased first and after...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Increased Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) Rates in Singapore: Implications for Buyers and Sellers

Jayson Ang – May 18, 2026 –

TLDR From July 4, 2025, Singapore reinstates Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) rates to 2017 levels, with rates of 16%, 12%,...

All Buying Tips Opinion

6 Possible Risks of Purchasing a One-Bedroom Apartment in Singapore: Key Considerations to Be Aware Of

Jayson Ang – July 13, 2025 –

TLDR One-bedroom condos in Singapore are attractive for their lower entry price and rental potential, but buyers should be aware...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Executive Condos in Singapore: Have They Outgrown the “Sandwich Class” Label?

Jayson Ang – July 1, 2025 –

TLDR The Executive Condominium (EC) scheme, once intended as affordable “sandwich class” housing, is now acting more like a lottery...

All Buying Tips Opinion

7 Frequently Overlooked Questions That New Condo Buyers Should Ask At The Showflat To Avoid Any Regrets In The Future!

Jayson Ang – January 29, 2024 –

TLDR Newly launched condominium buyers face uncertainties about price changes, proximity to schools, construction methods, maintenance costs, elevator availability, commercial...