Your search results

Homeownership, Desire To Upgrade Still Strong Among Youths

Posted by Jayson Ang on September 8, 2025

| 0

TLDR

Young Singaporeans are redefining the “Singapore Dream” with homeownership and property upgrading at its core. Most Gen Zs (85%) and Millennials are prioritizing buying homes, with many aiming to progress from HDB flats to private condos for both lifestyle and investment reasons. However, rising property prices, high interest rates, property taxes, and stricter loan rules are real concerns—25% worry about affordability, and ABSD remains a barrier for many. Despite these challenges, young buyers remain determined and pragmatic, carefully planning each step of their property journey. The desire for bigger homes is balanced by budget constraints, with three-bedroom units being most popular. Overall, homeownership remains a key aspiration, but buyers are adapting strategies to meet evolving financial and lifestyle needs.

The ‘Singapore Dream’ is evolving, but housing remains at its core. Young Singaporeans like Farah, 27, exemplify this new mindset. She’s starting with a five-room BTO in Tengah but already has her sights set on a private condo post-MOP. It’s not just about having a roof overhead – it’s about strategic property progression.

Recent survey findings paint a telling picture. Among Gen Z (21-27), a striking 85% prioritize homeownership, with 59% planning to upgrade to private condos within five years. Take Hanan Zailani, 25, who’s pursuing a practical path: starting with a four-room resale flat while keeping future upgrades in mind.

Millennials (28-43) show similar ambitions, but with more financial muscle. A solid 35% aim for private condos, with most targeting the $1-2 million range. Space matters across generations – three bedrooms appear to be the sweet spot, reflecting both family planning and work-from-home considerations.

Consider Ms Ong’s persistence – four BTO attempts before success. Her story reflects a broader truth: young Singaporeans remain undeterred by housing challenges. They’re adapting their strategies while keeping their property aspirations intact.

While Prime Minister Lawrence Wong speaks of a “Refreshed Singapore Dream” beyond material success, the survey reveals an interesting dynamic: young Singaporeans aren’t abandoning traditional aspirations – they’re redefining them. They want homes that appreciate in value while providing space for life’s evolving needs.

The story isn’t just about ownership – it’s about progression. From BTO to private condo, each step is carefully calculated. Today’s young buyers are both pragmatic and ambitious, balancing immediate needs with long-term investment potential.

Nonetheless, the wish for larger homes is moderated by concerns over affordability. Issues such as property prices, elevated interest rates, property taxes, difficulties in obtaining larger loans, and Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) continue to affect Singaporeans’ aspirations for home ownership.

According to the survey, 25% expressed that the affordability of private homes is a worry. This perspective aligns with transaction data from the first half of 2024, which shows that 64% of non-landed transactions were priced under $2 million, while an additional 26% fell within the $2 million to $3 million bracket. At least 26% of these transactions took place in the Rest of Central Region (RCR).

The disparity in prices between new and resale homes continues to be significant, with median prices in the Rest of Central Region (RCR) and Outside Central Region (OCR) reflecting a gap of approximately 37% and 39%, respectively. At the same time, 17% of survey participants indicated that interest rates have affected their affordability, while 16% reported an impact on their loan eligibility. Additionally, 13% concurred that the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) poses a major obstacle to purchasing their next property.

“Despite the financial challenges that prospective buyers may encounter, most are willing to invest to secure their ideal home, underscoring the value of home ownership as a treasured aspiration for many in Singapore.”

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 Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Is It Wise to Make a Partial Prepayment on Your Home Loan in 2024? Here’s How to Make Your Decision

Jayson Ang – November 13, 2025 –

TLDR Partial prepayment of your home loan means paying off a chunk of your mortgage early to lower future monthly...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Get Into Core Central Region Before Big Price Adjustments

Jayson Ang – February 13, 2023 –

TLDR Jayson Ang discusses the essential factors to consider when seeking a property for investment. By analyzing the safe entry...

All Buying Tips Top List

Tips for Choosing the Home of Your Dreams

Jayson Ang – December 26, 2022 –

TLDR Decoding the Singapore property market can be challenging, but understanding key factors like property size, location, and lease tenure...

All Buying Tips Opinion

The Significance of Choosing the Right Condo: A Real-Life Tale of Two $1.8 Million Investments with Significantly Different Results.

Jayson Ang – August 13, 2024 –

TLDR When contemplating property investments in Singapore, consider various factors like rental performance, unit count, access to train lines, and...

All Opinion

Surprising Prediction: Will Singapore Property Prices Drop in 2024?

Jayson Ang – June 8, 2024 –

TLDR When considering the current real estate market in Singapore, it's crucial to understand the impact of factors such as...

Mandarin Top 5

The Top 5 Renovation Tips For Increasing The Value Of Your Singapore Property Investment

Jayson Ang – July 28, 2024 –

When it comes to increasing the value of your Singapore property investment, strategic renovations can make a significant difference. Here...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Rooftop Bars in Singapore with Amazing Views

Jayson Ang – July 27, 2023 –

Top 5 Rooftop Bars in Singapore with Amazing Views Singapore, the Lion City, is known for its stunning skyline and...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Singapore Must-Dos: Unforgettable Experiences Await!

Jayson Ang – June 29, 2025 –

Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its diverse culture and world-class attractions, offers an array of unforgettable experiences for both...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Dangerous Ideas Singapore Property Investors Have

Jayson Ang – February 19, 2025 –

Investing in property, particularly in a thriving market like Singapore, can be an enticing prospect. However, it's not without its...

Mandarin Top 5

The Best Time to Invest in Singapore’s Property Market: Timing is Everything

Jayson Ang – April 30, 2024 –

Investing in the property market is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and analysis. One crucial factor that determines...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

How Can Decoupling Help You in Buying a Second Property?

Jayson Ang – July 1, 2023 –

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

All Blog Posts

Singapore Property Swapper

Jayson Ang – December 7, 2022 –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1NTnjxDPy4 Jayson Ang, also known as the Singapore Property Swapper, is a certified Propnex agent and top 1% producer who...