TLDR Many homebuyers hesitate to engage their own real estate agent due to misconceptions about costs and conflicts of interest. However, having a dedicated buyer’s agent offers key benefits, such...
Singapore Homebuyers: Finding Hidden Value in ‘Undesirable’ Property Traits
TLDR Many perceived drawbacks in Singapore’s property market—such as mortgage lock-ins, leasehold status, west-facing units, nearby construction, inefficient spaces, and older car parks—can actually become opportunities for savvy buyers. For...
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35 Brand New Condominiums Nearing Their ABSD Deadline 2023
TLDR The blog post discusses the looming ABSD deadline for several new launch condos in 2023, highlighting the impact on developers and potential discounts for buyers. Specific projects like Riviere,...
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When Should You Consider Investing in Singapore Property, and When Should You Avoid It?
TLDR Investing in real estate is a complex decision influenced by personal goals, investment horizon, rental plans, and financial liquidity. Property valuation is subjective, varying among different buyers based on...
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When to Strike Gold: The Ultimate Guide to Selling Your House in Singapore!
TLDR When deciding the best time to sell your property, consider various factors such as market trends, financial goals, and personal circumstances. Setting specific benchmarks for selling, analyzing market conditions,...
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Here Are 6 Interesting Facts About The Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) That Not Many People Know About In Singapore
TLDR When it comes to understanding the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) set by the Housing Development Board (HDB) in Singapore, there are several key points to consider before purchasing your...
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Find Your Dream Home: Top 5 Property Investments for Families in Singapore
As one of the most prosperous countries in the world, Singapore is an attractive destination for families looking to invest in property. With a diverse range of neighborhoods and property...
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6 Essential Tips for Singaporean New Homebuyers
TLDR Best practices for first-time homebuyers, the key points include setting clear and detailed goals, planning a realistic housing budget, keeping a savings buffer, researching property prices, carefully considering bank...
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Are Million-Dollar HDB Landed Homes Still Worth A Look In 2025 Despite Their Age?
TLDR Old HDB landed homes, like those in Whampoa, are rare and now fetch over $1.5 million, but their value growth has slowed sharply compared to regular flats. Over the...
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What is a Tenancy Agreement (TA)
TLDR When it comes to understanding property jargon, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specifics of a Tenancy Agreement (TA) in Singapore. This legal document outlines the rights and...
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Tips for Choosing the Home of Your Dreams
TLDR Decoding the Singapore property market can be challenging, but understanding key factors like property size, location, and lease tenure is crucial. Consider proximity to amenities, good schools, and future...
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Should Foreign Buyers Be Deterred By the 30% ABSD?
TLDR Foreign buyers interested in private residential properties in Singapore is a common sight due to the country's positive reputation and stable environment. Despite a decline in foreign buyer participation...
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Neighbourhood Estate Guide: Is Holland Village the Most Charming and Relaxed of HDB Estates?
According to the 2014 master plan, Holland Village was given the prestigious title of an "identity node," confirming its status as a place with distinct character and charm. Therefore, any...
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Strategies for Overcoming ABSD and Acquiring Multiple Properties in 2023 (Revised)
TLDR When it comes to navigating the Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD) in Singapore, there are legal strategies available to help investors save on costs and own multiple properties. Key...
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5 Disastrous Property Transaction Nightmares (and How to Avoid Them)!
TLDR When attempting to sell your property, various worst-case scenarios can hinder the sale process significantly. These scenarios include buyers backing out due to financial issues, negative sales leading to...
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Why Cash Over Valuation (COV) Doesn’t Matter Anymore
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...
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Is It Better To Purchase A Larger HDB Or A Smaller Condo For $1 Million In 2025?
TLDR When comparing a large, centrally located resale flat (e.g., 5-room HDB) with a small condo around the $1 million mark, the key trade-offs are space versus facilities and investment...
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What Is The Best Location To Purchase A House To Ensure Your Child Has The Highest Probability Of Attending A Well-Renowned Primary School?
TLDR Parents often seek homes within 1km of desired primary schools to increase enrollment chances. Consider oversubscription rates and population density. Properties near popular schools like Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) and...
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What Is An Affordable Home In Singapore?
TLDR Affordable housing in Singapore is about more than just having a roof over your head—it’s about survival and opportunity. Rising home prices near workplaces and good schools force tough...
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Leasehold vs. Freehold Condos in Singapore: A Decade of Data
TLDR In Singapore’s property market (2014-2024), leasehold condos often outperform freehold in short-term holding (around 10 years) due to lower prices and stronger gains. Freehold properties show better returns mainly...
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Should You Pay For A Buyer Agent?
TLDR The idea of making buyers pay their own property agents in Singapore, as suggested by SEAA, makes sense in theory but faces big hurdles in practice. While splitting commissions...
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Integrated Developments and Condo Values: A Look at Sengkang Grand Residences
TLDR The impact of the new integrated development, Sengkang Grand Residences, on nearby condo prices was studied by comparing it with neighboring developments like The Quartz and Jewel @ Buangkok. While Sengkang Grand Residences itself showed the lowest price appreciation due to its higher launch price, its close neighbors saw price gains in line with...
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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 does not negatively impact condo prices or profitability. In fact, condos closer to light industrial areas showed higher returns on investment (ROI) and better profitability over 10 years compared to those further away. Factors such...
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The Myth of Cheaper New Condos from Lower Land Prices in Singapore
TLDR Lower Government Land Sales (GLS) prices do not automatically lead to cheaper new launch condos in Singapore. Developers base pricing more on market demand and willingness to pay, often absorbing land cost savings as profit rather than passing them to buyers. While small discounts or incentives might appear, broad price reductions are unlikely. Property...
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Singapore’s Aging Population: Is the Housing Market Ready?
TLDR Singapore is rapidly aging, with one in four citizens expected to be over 65 by 2030. Current housing models, like the 99-year lease and small-scale senior initiatives, fall short of meeting seniors' diverse and growing needs. Existing schemes provide limited options and often lack space or community feel, while pilot projects are not comprehensive...
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Beyond Tenure: Why These Buyers Chose Older Leasehold Condos in Singapore
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...
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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 3%, sometimes outperforming newer developments. The COVID-19 pandemic increased demand for affordable, larger units suitable for Work From Home, boosting prices of older condos. While lease decay remains a long-term concern, these properties offer strong...
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The 15-Month Wait-Out Period: An Unnecessary Burden in a Challenging Economy
TLDR The 15-month wait-out period introduced in September 2022 requires private property owners to wait before buying a resale or BTO HDB flat, aiming to curb million-dollar HDB transactions by limiting demand from private owners. However, despite reducing private owner purchases of million-dollar flats from 34% to 12%, the total number of such transactions rose...
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The Unexpected Choices: Why Some Singaporean Homebuyers Opt for Smaller Condos (Even When They Could Afford More Space)
TLDR In Singapore's property market, buyers often prioritize factors beyond just size. Many choose smaller units within their budget due to better layouts, locations close to MRT stations, or newer developments offering efficient designs and fewer renovation costs. Older homeowners may downsize strategically to better match family needs and boost retirement savings. Investors might prefer...
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Love Across Borders: Navigating Singapore’s Housing Choices for Mixed-Nationality Couples
TLDR Marriages between Singaporeans and foreigners now make up about 20% of all marriages, but housing options for these couples remain limited. Mixed-nationality couples face challenges owning HDB flats, as only the Singaporean spouse can officially own resale flats, with the foreign spouse as an “Essential Occupant.” Rising resale prices and uncertain Permanent Resident status...
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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 reach their Minimum Occupancy Period (MOP), flooding the resale market. This creates a brief “MOP window” where early sellers can command higher prices due to limited lease decay and fresh conditions. However, the market will...
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The Integrated Living Experience: Benefits and Drawbacks of Condos Above an MRT
TLDR Integrated developments in Singapore combine residential units with commercial spaces and direct MRT access, offering convenience and car-free living. Residents appreciate easy access to amenities and increased social visits. However, common complaints include confusing layouts with multiple lobbies and lift systems that complicate navigation for visitors and deliveries. The success of these developments also...
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Beyond Profit: Singaporean Homeowners Share Stories of Purpose-Driven Property Purchases
TLDR In Singapore, some homeowners prioritize personal comfort, convenience, and family needs over financial gains in property purchases. YC bought a familiar condominium she had rented for years despite its aging lease and less attractive location, valuing emotional connection and space. Aaron chose a less appealing walk-up apartment near his workplace for convenience, accepting minimal...
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New Condo Sales Surge: Decoding Singaporeans’ Enthusiasm Despite “High” Prices
TLDR Recent strong condo sales in Singapore, including Emerald of Katong’s 99% take-up during launch, challenge perceptions of unaffordability. Key reasons include pent-up demand after limited launches in early 2024, attractive mega-developments in strategic locations near MRTs, and optimism fueled by US interest rate cuts lowering borrowing costs. Additionally, investors are redeploying gains from stocks...
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Purchasing Older HDB Resale Flats: Key Considerations When the Flat Outlives You
TLDR HDB flats have a 99-year lease, and key housing schemes require the lease to cover the youngest owner until age 95. If the flat is five or more years older than the buyer, CPF usage, HDB grants, loan amounts, and eligibility for the Lease Buyback Scheme are all reduced or restricted. Buyers should be...
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Dispelling Common Myths: Navigating Singapore’s Property Market in 2025
TLDR Singapore’s property market in 2025 is fast-moving and different from five years ago. Buyers often overestimate available options due to multiple listings and rapid sales of new launches. Comparing price per square foot (PSF) can be misleading because of recent changes in floor area calculations. Property agents now offer varied services with different commission...
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Uncovering Hidden Details: Key Questions to Ask at a New Launch Condo Show Flat
TLDR Show flats can be impressive but may hide important details. Buyers should ask about room sizes, furniture fit, balcony usability, appliance spaces, and bathroom plumbing. Check countertop materials, ceiling heights, and lift availability to avoid future issues. Sales teams highlight strengths, so verify facts across projects and seek independent advice to make informed decisions....
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The Unsung Importance of Property Finishing: More Than Just Aesthetics
TLDR Many homebuyers overlook the importance of high-quality finishes in properties, assuming they will renovate later or that tenants won’t pay more for premium materials. However, poor finishes can lead to costly premature renovations, reduced rentability due to unattractive units, safety hazards like rust or broken tiles, pest infestations from water seepage and gaps, and...
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Navigating Property Purchases in Singapore: Why Going Without an Agent Can Be Risky
TLDR Many homebuyers hesitate to engage their own real estate agent due to misconceptions about costs and conflicts of interest. However, having a dedicated buyer’s agent offers key benefits, such as spotting critical contract issues, preventing avoidable expenses, identifying unauthorized property modifications, and streamlining the property search with verified data. Without an agent, buyers risk...
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Timing the Market: Lessons from Singapore’s Property Price Fluctuations
TLDR Singapore’s property market has seen price declines during major crises such as the 1985-1989 pre-recession, 1996-1998 Asian Financial Crisis, 2000-2004 dot-com bubble and SARS, 2008 Global Financial Crisis, and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. However, timing these dips is difficult because recovery periods are often quick, and market windows for buying at the bottom are...
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Leasehold vs. Freehold Condos in Singapore: A Decade of Data
TLDR In Singapore’s property market (2014-2024), leasehold condos often outperform freehold in short-term holding (around 10 years) due to lower prices and stronger gains. Freehold properties show better returns mainly over longer periods, especially for older buildings. Newer freeholds are more volatile and don’t guarantee quick profits. Leasehold leads in new-to-resale sales, while older freeholds...
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