Transaction Volumes Remained Subdued Due To The Dearth Of Inventory In Q4 2022
TLDR The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Flash Estimates for Q4 2022 show a 0.1% increase in non-landed private home prices...
Read More
Beyond the First Glance: What Astute Buyers (and Agents) Look for During Property Viewings
TLDR
Property viewings are most valuable when strategically timed, not just repeated. Buyers often revisit homes at convenient hours, but this risks missing critical insights. Key factors to assess include sun exposure at midday and late afternoon, which can reveal heat issues; weekday versus weekend activity levels, which highlight noise and facility crowding; and environmental sounds like cicadas or crickets, which can exceed traffic noise. Proximity to places of worship should be checked during service times to gauge traffic and noise, while observing neighbors at home can uncover potential lifestyle disruptions. Ultimately, multiple viewings should be planned to capture different conditions, ensuring buyers make informed decisions beyond surface impressions.
The adage “always view a resale property more than once” is widely accepted, yet its execution often lacks strategic intent. While most buyers do revisit a property, the timing and focus of these subsequent viewings can be arbitrary, sometimes even left entirely to the realtor’s convenience. This can lead to missed opportunities for crucial observations.
For example, a couple recently viewed a home three times, consistently scheduling their visits around 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM due to post-work convenience. While extra viewings can help identify defects and sense the property’s general “vibe,” a fixed viewing time means overlooking significant aspects. Issues such as intense sun glare at different times of day, varying noise levels, or the occupancy of shared facilities remain unassessed.
Therefore, multiple viewings are truly beneficial only when strategically timed to reveal different facets of the property and its environment. Here are key aspects to consider:
- Sun Exposure and Heat Management: Schedule viewings around noon and just before 5 PM to assess sun glare and heat gain. This is particularly important for those who work from home or have pets, as it reveals whether the living space transforms into an “oven.”
- Weekday vs. Weekend Activity Levels: Observe noise levels and facility usage on both weekdays and weekends. Some condominiums experience a significant surge in activity and noise during weekends due to residents hosting large groups. Facilities like BBQ pits or tennis courts might be booked solid, revealing potential overcrowding not apparent during weekday viewings. This phenomenon isn’t always tied to the number of units but often reflects the communal habits of the residents.
- Environmental Sounds (Crickets and Cicadas): For landed properties or low-floor units, pay attention to ambient insect noise. While road noise typically ranges from 70-85 dB, a chorus of cicadas or crickets can reach 90-100+ dB. Cicadas are usually active during the day, while crickets are nocturnal, making their chirping more disruptive during typical resting hours. This level of natural sound can surprisingly exceed that of traffic.
- Impact of Nearby Places of Worship: If a property is near a place of worship, visit during service times. This provides a realistic assessment of noise levels and, more critically, traffic congestion. Certain areas, like Siglap, are known for significant traffic issues on Sundays due to worship sessions, although traffic wardens often help manage the flow.
- Neighborly Interactions: If neighbors are absent during your initial viewing, try to schedule another visit when they are likely to be home. This allows you to gauge potential noise issues or other disruptions from adjacent units. There have been instances where buyers discovered post-purchase that their neighbors’ activities (e.g., frequent social gatherings) significantly impacted their living experience.
While a property agent can provide additional insights, the core principle is that multiple viewings are only meaningful when they are deliberately planned to uncover specific information about the property and its surroundings.
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 …
5 Key Factors that Affect Singapore’s Property Prices
Singapore, a thriving city-state known for its impressive skyline and robust economy, has one of the most dynamic and competitive...
Read More
HDB Market Outlook 2023
TLDR: Understanding the HDB Market Outlook 2023 The HDB resale market showed resilience in 2022, with significant growth in sales...
Read More
5 Dangerous Ideas Singapore Property Investors Have
Singapore's property market has always been a hot topic among investors, both local and international. With its strong economy, stable...
Read More
The Secret Strategies of Singapore’s Property Tycoons: Lessons You Can Learn
The Singapore property market has always been a hot topic for both locals and foreign investors. With its stable economy,...
Read More
Top 5 Factors Should Be Taken Into Consideration When Choosing The Right Neighborhood To Invest In Singapore’s Real Estate Market
Singapore's real estate market is known for its stability and potential for growth, making it an attractive investment destination for...
Read More
Punggol Northshore HDB Flats Reaching MOP: Navigating the Resale Window
TLDR In 2025, around 1,765 HDB flats from Northshore Residences I & II and Northshore StraitsView in Punggol’s Northshore will...
Read More
Get Into Core Central Region Before Big Price Adjustments
TLDR Jayson Ang discusses the essential factors to consider when seeking a property for investment. By analyzing the safe entry...
Read More
Navigating Singapore’s Real Estate Market: The Truth Behind 5 Common Misconceptions
The real estate market in Singapore is known for its stability and attractiveness to investors both locally and internationally. However,...
Read More
44 Exciting New Condo Launches in 2024 Starting at $1,402!
Alright, let's talk about 2024. We're not expecting the same kind of shortages we've seen after COVID-19. Some folks are...
Read More
The Unforeseen Impact on Your Home Loan in Singapore if Your Spouse Passes Away
TLDR The death of a co-borrower in Singapore can trigger complex home loan challenges beyond simply taking over repayments. Banks...
Read More
Evaluating Property Investments: Pros and Cons to Keep in Mind
TLDR: Key Takeaways from the Blog Post Singapore's real estate market offers both pros and cons for investors. The advantages...
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
The Real Impact of Industrial Areas on Condo Prices: A Tale of Two Towns
TLDR A case study comparing condos near light industrial areas in Yishun and Bishan found that proximity to these zones...
Read More
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 : Reasons why Freehold Properties Cost More in Singapore
Freehold properties, a term often heard in the real estate market, are properties that are "free from hold" of any...
Read More
Top 5 Luxury Dining Experiences in Singapore
Singapore, known as the Lion City, is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and luxury experiences. With its rich history,...
Read More
The Top 5 Features to Look for When Buying a Luxury Property in Singapore – Expert Insights!
Singapore, a thriving financial hub and one of the world's wealthiest nations, has become an attractive destination for luxury property...
Read More
Discover Singapore: 5 Must-See Attractions for a Culture Lovers’ Paradise
Singapore, a bustling metropolis in Southeast Asia, is a melting pot of cultures and traditions that offers a unique blend...
Read More
I Regret Buying A DBSS: 5 Homeowners Share Their Biggest Regrets
TLDR Singapore's DBSS scheme faced challenges such as design flaws, developer responsiveness issues, and restrictions on selling. Residents reported various...
Read More