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 …


5 Factors : Why Singapore’s Property Market Is A Good Hedge Against Inflation
Mandarin Top 5

5 Factors : Why Singapore’s Property Market Is A Good Hedge Against Inflation

As inflation becomes a growing concern for investors worldwide, the stability of Singapore's property market has become an attractive option...
Read More
I Decided to Pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty to Purchase a Condominium While Retaining My HDB: My Reasons
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

I Decided to Pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty to Purchase a Condominium While Retaining My HDB: My Reasons

TLDR Despite a 20% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for second properties in Singapore, Yang chose to hold onto his...
Read More
7 Frequently Overlooked Questions That New Condo Buyers Should Ask At The Showflat To Avoid Any Regrets In The Future!
All Buying Tips Opinion

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

TLDR Newly launched condominium buyers face uncertainties about price changes, proximity to schools, construction methods, maintenance costs, elevator availability, commercial...
Read More
Homeownership, Desire To Upgrade Still Strong Among Youths
All Buying Tips Reports

Homeownership, Desire To Upgrade Still Strong Among Youths

TLDR Young Singaporeans are redefining the "Singapore Dream" with homeownership and property upgrading at its core. Most Gen Zs (85%)...
Read More
Singapore Homes Prices Falling? Is This The Beginning Of A New Trend?”
All Buying Tips Opinion

Singapore Homes Prices Falling? Is This The Beginning Of A New Trend?”

TLDR The Singapore property market has seen a slight dip in private home prices after a significant increase over the...
Read More
Singapore Property Bubble Ahead? My Friends Share My Market Predictions
All Blog Posts Opinion

Singapore Property Bubble Ahead? My Friends Share My Market Predictions

TLDR The author delves into various opinions on the Singapore property market for the year 2023. Experts have differing views...
Read More
I Bought a Mega-Home : Hear 7 Homeowners Spill their Heartfelt Remorse
All Buying Tips Opinion

I Bought a Mega-Home : Hear 7 Homeowners Spill their Heartfelt Remorse

TLDR The article discusses various challenges faced by residents living in massive condo complexes in Singapore. From long elevator wait...
Read More
Top 5 : Best Themed Cafes in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Best Themed Cafes in Singapore

Singapore, a vibrant and diverse city, is known for its eclectic mix of cultures, cuisines, and attractions. Among the many...
Read More
Planning for Retirement: Considerations for Downsizing Your Property
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Planning for Retirement: Considerations for Downsizing Your Property

TLDR Downsizing your home for retirement can bring financial security, closer family ties, and new adventures. Consider the benefits of...
Read More
Top 5 : Dangerous Ideas Singapore Property Investors Have
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Dangerous Ideas Singapore Property Investors Have

Singapore's property market has long been considered a safe and lucrative investment option for both local and foreign investors. The...
Read More
Is Great World Quietly Becoming Central Singapore’s Most Livable Locale?
All

Is Great World Quietly Becoming Central Singapore’s Most Livable Locale?

TLDR Great World, located in Singapore’s Core Central Region (CCR), offers a unique blend of heritage, community, and convenience distinct...
Read More
Top 5 : Places to See Singapore’s Skyline at Night
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Places to See Singapore’s Skyline at Night

Singapore, a bustling metropolis known for its stunning skyline, offers an array of vantage points to witness the city's architectural...
Read More
Are You Considering Paying Off Your Mortgage Loan Ahead of Time? Is It the Right Financial Move?
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Are You Considering Paying Off Your Mortgage Loan Ahead of Time? Is It the Right Financial Move?

TLDR When considering mortgage options in Singapore, it's essential to understand the differences between HDB loans and bank loans. HDB...
Read More
Top 5 Parks and Nature Reserves to Visit in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Parks and Nature Reserves to Visit in Singapore

Singapore, often referred to as the "Garden City," is a vibrant and diverse nation that has made significant strides in...
Read More
Top 5 Best Urban Hiking Trails in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Best Urban Hiking Trails in Singapore

Singapore, known as the Garden City, is a bustling metropolis that offers a multitude of parks and nature reserves for...
Read More
Top 5 Best Instagrammable Spots in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Best Instagrammable Spots in Singapore

Singapore, a vibrant and modern city-state, is known for its stunning architecture, lush green spaces, and colorful streets. With its...
Read More
Top 5 Tips : How to Choose the Best Property Agent in Singapore – Insider Tips and Strategies!
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tips : How to Choose the Best Property Agent in Singapore – Insider Tips and Strategies!

Choosing the right property agent in Singapore can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. A...
Read More
Unforgettable Vacation: The Ultimate Guide To Singapore’s 5 Best Hotels
Blog Posts Mandarin Top 5

Unforgettable Vacation: The Ultimate Guide To Singapore’s 5 Best Hotels

Unforgettable Vacation: The Ultimate Guide To Singapore's 5 Best Hotels It's 五新房产, Singapore is a vibrant and exciting destination, known...
Read More
Singapore Private Residential Market Outlook 2023
All Blog Posts

Singapore Private Residential Market Outlook 2023

TLDR The Singapore residential property market has shown resilience in 2022, with price growth in both private housing and HDB...
Read More
Surprising Prediction: Will Singapore Property Prices Drop in 2024?
All Opinion

Surprising Prediction: Will Singapore Property Prices Drop in 2024?

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

Compare Listings