Fraud Blocker
Your search results

Why Cash Over Valuation (COV) Doesn’t Matter Anymore

Posted by Jayson Ang on September 20, 2025
| 0

TLDR

HDB’s old strategy of hiding Cash Over Valuation (COV) data isn’t cooling Singapore’s resale flat market anymore. Prices keep breaking records, driven by cash-rich right-sizers from the private market and sky-high private property prices making million-dollar HDBs look reasonable. Without public COV data, buyers only see final transacted prices, pushing future prices even higher. Public perception is key—if $2 million HDB deals become common, HDB’s stance may backfire. The market faces a critical test in 2025. Whether to buy, sell, or wait depends on individual circumstances. Strategic advice and a data-driven approach are crucial for making informed decisions in today’s unpredictable market.

The COV secret sauce isn’t working anymore. Record-breaking prices keep coming: $1.73 million yesterday, $1.88 million today in Bishan. That last one’s a maisonette from 1991 – practically a spring chicken among its kind, given HDB stopped building these units in 1995.

Remember 2014? When resale prices went wild, HDB played its trump card: hiding COV data. Buyers and sellers had to shake hands on price before seeing valuations. Overpay? Too bad – loans won’t cover that premium. The strategy worked beautifully then. Zero COV became standard, and prices took a nice, long nap.

Until Covid hit.

Why isn’t this old trick working now? First, meet the right-sizers. These folks just sold private properties at peak prices. They’re swimming in cash and happy to overpay for their forever HDB home. Who needs to worry about COV when you’re sitting on a private property windfall?

Private market prices aren’t helping either. That $1.4 million Henderson flat from 2022 looks almost quaint now. When private options hit $2 million, a million-dollar HDB starts making twisted sense.

Here’s the real deal: past transactions drive future prices. We see final prices but not COV amounts. Was that $800,000 flat really worth $800,000, or did someone pay $100,000 over value? Nobody knows. The next buyer just sees $800,000 and builds from there.

HDB faces a critical challenge: keeping flats under $2 million. They’ve already flagged one misleading $2 million listing (it was actually two units). But public perception is everything. If that $1.88 million Bishan unit sells, and others follow, HDB’s “unrealistic” stance might backfire spectacularly.

They pulled one rabbit from the hat with COV concealment. Time for another trick? 2025 should tell.

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 …


Four Things to Avoid When Renting Out an HDB Flat
All

Four Things to Avoid When Renting Out an HDB Flat

TLDR Renting out an HDB flat in Singapore can be a lucrative source of secondary income. Key considerations include adhering...
Read More
Top 5 Cocktail Bars in Singapore for a Night Out
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Cocktail Bars in Singapore for a Night Out

Singapore, the vibrant city-state known for its impressive skyline and diverse culture, is also home to an exceptional cocktail scene....
Read More
Top 5 Tips : Spot These Warning Signs Before Making a Home Purchase!
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tips : Spot These Warning Signs Before Making a Home Purchase!

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. It's essential to...
Read More
5 Points : Singapore’s Property Market vs. Stock Market: Which is the Better Investment Option?
Mandarin Top 5

5 Points : Singapore’s Property Market vs. Stock Market: Which is the Better Investment Option?

Investing is an important aspect of personal finance and can be a valuable way to grow wealth over time. However,...
Read More
Top 5 Factors That Real Estate Investors Should Consider When Selecting A Luxury Condo In Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors That Real Estate Investors Should Consider When Selecting A Luxury Condo In Singapore

Investing in a luxury condominium in Singapore is an attractive option for real estate investors seeking high-quality properties with potential...
Read More
The Best Time to Invest in Singapore’s Property Market: Timing is Everything
Mandarin Top 5

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

Investing in the property market is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and analysis. One crucial factor that determines...
Read More
35 Brand New Condominiums Nearing Their ABSD Deadline 2023
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

35 Brand New Condominiums Nearing Their ABSD Deadline 2023

TLDR The blog post discusses the looming ABSD deadline for several new launch condos in 2023, highlighting the impact on...
Read More
I Wouldn’t Rely Too Heavily On Discounts Related To ABSD This Year
All Buying Tips Opinion

I Wouldn’t Rely Too Heavily On Discounts Related To ABSD This Year

TLDR The ABSD discount arises when developers approach their five-year deadline to sell 90% of units, facing a 40% penalty...
Read More
Learn How To Negotiate For The Best Price When Purchasing a Resale HDB Flat
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Learn How To Negotiate For The Best Price When Purchasing a Resale HDB Flat

Navigating the complexities of purchasing a resale HDB flat requires honing negotiation skills and market awareness. Understanding property valuations, seller...
Read More
The Lease Buyback Scheme Is A Strategy That Could Help You Retire Comfortably In Your HDB Flat
All Opinion Selling Tips

The Lease Buyback Scheme Is A Strategy That Could Help You Retire Comfortably In Your HDB Flat

TLDR The Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) trend among older Singaporeans is slowly gaining momentum, despite initial reluctance. The scheme allows...
Read More
Singapore Property Swapper
All Blog Posts

Singapore Property Swapper

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...
Read More
Top 5 Factors: Singapore Property Market: Attractive Investment Opportunity Despite Cooling Measures
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors: Singapore Property Market: Attractive Investment Opportunity Despite Cooling Measures

The Singapore property market has always been a popular investment choice for both local and foreign investors, thanks to its...
Read More
Top 5 : Why Ultra-Rich Foreigners Will Still Buy Property In Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Why Ultra-Rich Foreigners Will Still Buy Property In Singapore

Singapore, a small island nation in Southeast Asia, has been steadily gaining recognition as a hotspot for the ultra-wealthy to...
Read More
Singapore’s Urban Landscape Transformation: 5 Key Things You Need to Know
Mandarin Top 5

Singapore’s Urban Landscape Transformation: 5 Key Things You Need to Know

Singapore's urban landscape has undergone significant changes over the years, with the city constantly evolving to create a sustainable and...
Read More
The Myth of Cheaper New Condos from Lower Land Prices in Singapore
All Buying Tips Opinion

The Myth of Cheaper New Condos from Lower Land Prices in Singapore

TLDR Lower Government Land Sales (GLS) prices do not automatically lead to cheaper new launch condos in Singapore. Developers base...
Read More
Top 5 Factors to Look for in a Property Developer
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors to Look for in a Property Developer

With a highly competitive property market, it's crucial to choose a property developer that you can trust to deliver quality...
Read More
How Can Real Estate Investment Help You to Combat Inflation?
All Blog Posts Opinion

How Can Real Estate Investment Help You to Combat Inflation?

TLDR When it comes to real estate investments in Singapore amidst rising inflation rates, consider strategies such as capitalizing on...
Read More
What Happens To Your Housing Loan Once You Sell Your House?
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

What Happens To Your Housing Loan Once You Sell Your House?

TLDR When selling your home in Singapore, ensure you pay off your outstanding home loan, refund any CPF monies used,...
Read More
Why Home Staging Is Important In A Competitive Real Estate Market
All Selling Tips

Why Home Staging Is Important In A Competitive Real Estate Market

Singapore's property scene has always been a powerhouse, effortlessly combining the new with the old. It's a real estate playground...
Read More
Timing the Market: Lessons from Singapore’s Property Price Fluctuations
All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

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

TLDR Singapore’s property market has seen price declines during major crises such as the 1985-1989 pre-recession, 1996-1998 Asian Financial Crisis,...
Read More
1 15 16 17 18 19 34

Compare Listings