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 …


Learn the Essentials of Renting Property in Singapore as a Foreigner
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Learn the Essentials of Renting Property in Singapore as a Foreigner

TLDR Renting in Singapore offers various options for foreigners, such as HDBs, Condos, and even unique properties like heritage homes....
Read More
Sentosa’s Sizzling Property Market: 5 Reasons Chinese Investors are Flocking to Singapore’s Premier Island
Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

Sentosa’s Sizzling Property Market: 5 Reasons Chinese Investors are Flocking to Singapore’s Premier Island

Sentosa's Sizzling Property Market: 5 Reasons Chinese Investors are Flocking to Singapore's Premier Island Here are the top 5 reasons...
Read More
5 Qualities to Look for in an Agent to Ensure a Smooth Transaction
Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

5 Qualities to Look for in an Agent to Ensure a Smooth Transaction

5 Qualities to Look for in an Agent to Ensure a Smooth Transaction Here are 5 qualities to look for...
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 Factors : Investing In Luxury Singapore Properties: Is It Worth It?
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors : Investing In Luxury Singapore Properties: Is It Worth It?

Investing in luxury properties has always been an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals seeking to diversify their investment portfolios. Singapore,...
Read More
Reach Your Goal of Owning a Flat Before You Turn 35 : Money-Saving Strategies
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Reach Your Goal of Owning a Flat Before You Turn 35 : Money-Saving Strategies

TLDR Jayson Ang provides valuable insights on money-saving strategies to achieve the goal of owning a flat before turning 35...
Read More
Challenging the Myth of Lease Decay: Older Leasehold Condos Outperforming Newer Ones
All Buying Tips Opinion

Challenging the Myth of Lease Decay: Older Leasehold Condos Outperforming Newer Ones

TLDR Older leasehold condos in Singapore, particularly those built in the 1980s and 1990s, have shown annualised price growth exceeding...
Read More
Top 5 Best Secret Gardens in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Best Secret Gardens in Singapore

Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture, is also home to a plethora of hidden...
Read More
Top 5 Tips How to Find Your Dream Home in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tips How to Find Your Dream Home in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide

Singapore, a vibrant and dynamic city-state, offers a diverse range of housing options for prospective homebuyers. From condominiums and HDB...
Read More
Top 5 Factors : What I Wish I Had Known about Singapore Property Market
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors : What I Wish I Had Known about Singapore Property Market

Singapore's property market has always been an attractive investment option for both local and foreign investors. With its stable economy,...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons : Why Investing In Singapore’s Property Market Is Recession-Resistant
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : Why Investing In Singapore’s Property Market Is Recession-Resistant

Singapore's property market has long been considered a safe haven for investors, even during times of economic uncertainty. The city-state's...
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
Selling Your Home in Singapore Independently: 7 Key Considerations
All Opinion Selling Tips

Selling Your Home in Singapore Independently: 7 Key Considerations

TLDR Selling your home in Singapore independently can save on agent commissions but requires significant effort and the right circumstances....
Read More
Top 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Property in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Property in Singapore

The top 5 factors to consider when choosing a property in Singapore.  Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time...
Read More
Three Singaporeans Share Their Experiences of Co-Owning a Property with Friends
All Buying Tips Opinion

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

TLDR In Singapore, some individuals venture into property investments with unrelated partners, driven by opportunities and personal circumstances. Jim, leaving...
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
$1.5 Million HDB Flats: Their Locations and Reasons Behind Being Singapore’s Priciest Public Housing
All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

$1.5 Million HDB Flats: Their Locations and Reasons Behind Being Singapore’s Priciest Public Housing

TLDR Singapore’s HDB resale market has entered a new phase, with at least 13 flats sold for $1.5 million or...
Read More
Top 5 Benefits Of Singapore’s Cooling Measures For Home Buyers
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Benefits Of Singapore’s Cooling Measures For Home Buyers

Singapore's real estate market has experienced rapid growth in recent years, leading to concerns about affordability and sustainability. In response,...
Read More
5 Pros of Buying a New Development
Mandarin Top 5

5 Pros of Buying a New Development

Deciding whether to buy a new development or a resale property can be a challenge. In the next few video...
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
1 … 6 7 8 9 10 … 36

Compare Listings