TLDR
Older leasehold condos in Singapore may face skepticism but offer key benefits such as affordability, location, and flexibility. Three homeowners shared their experiences: CH and his wife, both self-employed, chose an older leasehold condo for its sea view and price under $1.2M, preserving future purchase options. SY bought Pearl Bank Apartment near Chinatown for convenience and profited significantly from its 2018 en bloc sale. GT needed space for a home-based business and found a leasehold unit near Jurong East that fit his budget and lifestyle. These stories show that older leasehold condos can be smart choices for affordability, en bloc potential, and unique needs. Whether to buy, sell, or wait depends on personal circumstances, and expert advice can help tailor a strategic plan based on market data and individual goals.
In the Singapore property market, older leasehold condos often face skepticism, with many buyers preferring the perceived permanence of freehold properties. However, for some, the practical advantages and unique opportunities offered by older leasehold developments outweigh the concerns about tenure. Here are the stories of three homeowners who chose this path and have no regrets:
For CH, a Malaysian working in Singapore, and his self-employed Singaporean wife, affordability was a primary concern. As both are self-employed, their variable income is subject to a 30% reduction for Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) calculations, limiting their maximum loan amount and requiring a larger down payment. The inherent uncertainty of self-employment, including the fear of dry spells, added to their financial considerations.
After exploring various options, including properties in Malaysia, they found a unit in an older leasehold condo on the East Coast that met their size and budget requirements. Despite the condo’s age (dating back to 1986) and large size (over 1,000 units), the sea view and privacy won them over. The attractive price per square foot ($1,279 psf for a 937 sq. ft. unit) was a significant factor, as their agent highlighted the rarity of finding such a large unit with a sea view at that price, even for a leasehold property.
The total cost of under $1.2 million allowed them to purchase the condo entirely under CH’s wife’s name, preserving his eligibility to purchase another property in the future. With a remaining lease of 60 years, the couple, in their early forties, is not concerned about the long term and may hold the condo until the end of its lease.
SY’s experience with Pearl Bank Apartment (now redeveloped as One Pearl Bank) in Chinatown highlights the potential for older leasehold properties to offer both desirable locations and en bloc windfalls. Despite warnings from family and friends about the condo’s age (built in 1976) and reputation, SY and his spouse chose it for its proximity to their frequented temple and the vibrant Chinatown area, offering convenient access to amenities and public transport.
SY’s decision proved to be a wise one when CapitaLand acquired Pearl Bank Apartment in 2018 for $728 million. The en bloc sale resulted in significant gains for the owners, with units receiving between $1.8 million and $4.9 million. SY’s gains surpassed those of his siblings who had purchased newer properties. While he didn’t purchase a unit in the redeveloped One Pearl Bank due to changing living circumstances, he considers his decision to buy at Pearl Bank Apartment one of his best, with the sale proceeds covering the cost of his current resale condo.
GT, a product design and prototyping professional, sought a home that could also serve as his office and showroom. His need for ample space within a fixed budget led him to consider leasehold properties. When his agent showed him a 1,180+ sq. ft. unit in Lakeshore (lease from 2002), he immediately envisioned how he could adapt the space to his needs.
GT planned to merge two bedrooms to create a combined bedroom/office space and utilize the study area as a separate gallery. The unit’s price, approximately $1.6 million, was within his budget, making it a feasible option after selling his previous two-bedroom unit. GT does not consider the leasehold tenure of Lakeshore to be particularly old and is open to upgrading in the future. For now, he enjoys the convenience of living near Jurong East.
These stories demonstrate that while “old and leasehold” may not be the preferred combination for many, older leasehold condos can offer compelling advantages, including affordability, desirable locations, en bloc potential, and the flexibility to accommodate unique needs and lifestyles.
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.
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