Top 5 Best Scenic Drives in Singapore
Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture, also offers some of the most picturesque driving...
Read More
Are Resale HDBs Really Unaffordable In 2025?
TLDR
Singapore’s housing debate is fueled by headlines about million-dollar flats, but most resale 4-room flats in over 10 estates cost less than $600,000. Sticker shock is normal—it doesn’t mean homes are out of reach. Focus on average prices in your preferred areas instead of extremes. While prime locations cost more, reasonably priced options do exist, especially outside the city center. Most buyers land in the middle, not at the market’s edges. Careful planning and realistic expectations help thousands of Singaporeans buy homes every year.
Let’s tackle the “A” word. Affordability – just mentioning it about Singapore housing lights fires. Say resale flats are affordable, you’re labeled an elite snob. Call them unaffordable, you’re branded entitled. Middle ground? Seems nobody wants to hear it.
Why such raw nerves? Even Singaporeans who meet the sacred 3-3-5 rule (30% down payment, 30% monthly income for payments, price within 5 times annual income) wince at their housing costs. Tell someone they can “comfortably afford” to spend 30% of their income for 25 years – watch their face fall. Only financial monks might celebrate such news.
Million-dollar flat headlines don’t help. That $1.73 million record-breaker sent shock waves through the market. Sure, these prices are outliers, but with only four towns left untouched by the million-dollar club, anxiety spreads like wildfire.
Some face tougher reality checks. Permanent Resident couples can’t access BTO flats. Neither can those who need immediate escape from toxic homes, or singles facing eligibility walls. Cold policy numbers might suggest options exist, but today’s volatile economy turns those options into stress-filled gambles.
Here’s a sanity-saving tip: focus on the middle. Most resale flats won’t hit seven figures, just as they won’t drop below $300,000. These extreme prices grab headlines but rarely reflect your likely buying or selling scenario.
Instead, study average prices in your target neighborhoods. Those numbers tell the real story of what you’ll face in 2024’s market. Million-dollar unicorns make news, but median prices guide smart decisions.
| Towns | 3 Room | 4 Room | 5 Room |
| JURONG WEST | $369,658 | $509,284 | $602,970 |
| JURONG EAST | $389,317 | $513,220 | $651,291 |
| CHOA CHU KANG | $413,921 | $518,604 | $609,511 |
| WOODLANDS | $409,394 | $527,699 | $636,551 |
| YISHUN | $414,418 | $531,592 | $661,228 |
| BUKIT PANJANG | $413,711 | $544,528 | $668,430 |
| MARINE PARADE | $449,492 | $561,947 | $960,199 |
| SEMBAWANG | $459,703 | $569,544 | $617,621 |
| HOUGANG | $421,873 | $583,508 | $731,117 |
| BUKIT BATOK | $407,479 | $586,063 | $747,430 |
| BEDOK | $399,486 | $589,042 | $749,271 |
| PASIR RIS | $538,139 | $599,621 | $701,386 |
| SENGKANG | $485,759 | $604,296 | $666,123 |
| TAMPINES | $469,831 | $630,883 | $747,600 |
| SERANGOON | $426,312 | $632,852 | $770,853 |
| PUNGGOL | $494,098 | $634,068 | $724,897 |
| ANG MO KIO | $419,576 | $640,702 | $872,839 |
| BUKIT TIMAH | $476,250 | $673,491 | $1,060,557 |
| CLEMENTI | $426,630 | $704,774 | $960,688 |
| BISHAN | $480,013 | $732,118 | $998,656 |
| GEYLANG | $413,789 | $742,209 | $868,979 |
| TOA PAYOH | $428,402 | $795,078 | $986,826 |
| KALLANG/WHAMPOA | $471,883 | $839,812 | $903,992 |
| CENTRAL AREA | $490,564 | $843,087 | $1,106,684 |
| BUKIT MERAH | $496,340 | $847,775 | $976,105 |
| QUEENSTOWN | $452,294 | $881,751 | $1,039,370 |
The Numbers Tell A Different Story
Breathe easier: in 11 of 26 estates, 4-room flats still sell below $600,000. Older units? Even cheaper. These aren’t headline-grabbing numbers, but they’re real options for real buyers.
Singapore prices convenience. That’s our reality. MRT-adjacent flats command premiums. With COE prices touching the stratosphere, many choose to trade car keys for prime locations. Better to pay more for a well-connected flat than feed the COE monster.
Does $500,000 or $600,000 sound comfortable? No. Will it ever? Also no. We’re talking about the biggest purchase most people make in their lives. That number will always look intimidating, whether you’re scanning property listings or signing loan papers.
But here’s the truth: between million-dollar unicorns and budget-friendly options, most buyers land somewhere in the middle. The market offers more choices than headlines suggest. Your dream home might not sit next to an MRT station or boast panoramic views, but it exists – at prices that won’t require selling vital organs.
Remember this: feeling sticker shock doesn’t mean homes are unaffordable. It means you’re normal. Nobody skips to the bank with their down payment. But thousands of Singaporeans make it work every year, without magic or mystery. Just careful planning and realistic expectations.
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 …
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
Superstitions in the Real Estate Market : How Does it Impact Resale Value?
TLDR When navigating the Singapore property market, it's crucial to consider various superstitious beliefs that can impact your decisions. From...
Read More
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
What’s Needed For Singapore To Lift Those Cooling Measures?
TLDR The blog post discusses the recent relaxation of real estate restrictions in Hong Kong, contrasting with Singapore's stricter regulations....
Read More
When Is the Right Time to Sell Your House?
TLDR When deciding to sell your house in Singapore's competitive real estate market, timing is crucial. Selling during a seller's...
Read More
Revival of Singapore Luxury Housing Market in 2023
TLDR The property market in Singapore has witnessed significant shifts in the past two years, with a surge in prices...
Read More
Downpayment For Condo: How Much Do First-Timers Need In Singapore?
TLDR The blog post delves into the complexities of condo downpayments in Singapore in light of the impact of Covid-19...
Read More
5 Things to Know About Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment and Landscape Changes
As one of the world's most densely populated cities, Singapore has undergone significant urban redevelopment over the past few decades...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Commercial Property in Singapore – Expert Insights!
Singapore, a thriving business hub in Southeast Asia, offers a robust real estate market with diverse investment opportunities. While residential...
Read More
Debunked! 6 Popular Property Myths of 2023, Including the 99-1 Loophole – Legal or Not?
TLDR This blog post delves into various aspects of the Singapore property market, including topics such as decoupling, 99-1 property...
Read More
Is the Singapore Property Market Set for a Dip in 2024?
TLDR The Singapore property market is experiencing shifts with Morgan Stanley adjusting its outlook on major developers. A forecast predicts...
Read More
Top 5 Boutique Shopping Streets in Singapore
Singapore, a cosmopolitan city-state known for its vibrant culture and diverse shopping scene, offers a unique blend of modern malls...
Read More
5 Key Insights to Take Away from the Latest 2022 Cooling Measures
TLDR Affordability of HDB Market: Government is focused on ensuring affordable public housing and may increase supply if needed. Long-term...
Read More
A Guide to Purchasing a New Launch Condo in Singapore in 2023
TLDR When buying a new launch condo in Singapore, start by planning your finances to determine loan and property limits....
Read More
Top 5 Hawker Centres in Singapore for Local Food
Singapore, a melting pot of diverse cultures and rich culinary heritage, is home to some of the most delectable local...
Read More
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Singapore Real Estate
Investing in Singapore's real estate market can be a lucrative venture, given the city-state's status as a global financial hub...
Read More
Should You Purchase a Small Landed Home or a Larger Condo? Insights from Singaporeans
TLDR When deciding between a compact landed house and a spacious condominium, consider key factors like security, parking, maintenance costs,...
Read More
How Will Singapore’s Development Influence The Real Estate Markets In Bedok, Changi, Pasir Ris, And Tampines : 2023
TLDR You will find detailed insights into upcoming housing developments in the East of Singapore, specifically in areas like Bayshore,...
Read More
The Influence of Soaring Land Costs on Singapore’s Real Estate Market: A Look at Land Price Trends Since 1992
TLDR When it comes to understanding the fluctuations in land prices in Singapore, historical patterns reveal significant spikes and dips...
Read More