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 …


The Uncomfortable Truth About Homeownership and Relationships in Singapore
All

The Uncomfortable Truth About Homeownership and Relationships in Singapore

TLDR Property ownership and prenuptial agreements are key for married couples in Singapore. Joint ownership (either joint tenancy or tenancy-in-common)...
Read More
I Regret Buying A DBSS: 5 Homeowners Share Their Biggest Regrets
All Buying Tips Opinion

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
The Top 5 Impact Of Singapore’s Ageing Population On The Property Market And Investment Opportunities
Mandarin Top 5

The Top 5 Impact Of Singapore’s Ageing Population On The Property Market And Investment Opportunities

Singapore's ageing population is having a significant impact on the property market and investment opportunities. The top five effects include:...
Read More
How Can You Prepare for Retirement in an Expensive Real Estate Market? Discover Your Options Now!
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

How Can You Prepare for Retirement in an Expensive Real Estate Market? Discover Your Options Now!

TLDR The article discusses the challenges of investing in a second property for retirement amidst Singapore's real estate market conditions....
Read More
Freehold Properties vs Leasehold Properties: Which is Better?
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

Freehold Properties vs Leasehold Properties: Which is Better?

TLDR When it comes to property investments in Singapore, understanding the differences between leasehold and freehold properties is crucial. This...
Read More
What Might Occur If We Ease Property Cooling Measures?
All Opinion

What Might Occur If We Ease Property Cooling Measures?

TLDR To assess if Singapore’s property cooling measures are working, compare our actions with China, which is applying the opposite...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons Why Singapore’s Luxury Property Market Is Booming – Expert Analysis!
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons Why Singapore’s Luxury Property Market Is Booming – Expert Analysis!

Singapore's luxury property market has been experiencing a significant boom in recent years, attracting the attention of investors and high-net-worth...
Read More
5 Reasons To Invest In UK Property In 2024 Instead Of Saving
All Buying Tips

5 Reasons To Invest In UK Property In 2024 Instead Of Saving

TLDR Investing in UK property in 2024 offers significant advantages over saving due to the potential for long-term value growth,...
Read More
What Happens To Your Housing Loan Once You Sell Your House?
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

What Happens To Your Housing Loan Once You Sell Your House?

TLDR When selling your home in Singapore, ensure you pay off your outstanding home loan, refund any CPF monies used,...
Read More
Housing Affordability in 2023: Is Singapore Property Truly Unaffordable?
All Opinion

Housing Affordability in 2023: Is Singapore Property Truly Unaffordable?

TLDR Singapore’s property market faces challenges with high prices, especially in private housing. While public housing remains more affordable, the...
Read More
Top 5 : Best Hidden Beaches in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Best Hidden Beaches in Singapore

Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture, is also home to some of the most...
Read More
Singapore’s Property Jungle: A Guide to Every Development Type
All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Singapore’s Property Jungle: A Guide to Every Development Type

TLDR Singapore’s real estate market features a diverse mix of property types—public HDB flats, executive condominiums, private condos, landed homes...
Read More
Top 5 Factors Should Be Taken Into Consideration When Choosing The Right Neighborhood To Invest In Singapore’s Real Estate Market
Mandarin Top 5

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
Discovering the Response of Private Property Owners towards the 15-Month Wait-Out Phase
All Buying Tips Selling Tips

Discovering the Response of Private Property Owners towards the 15-Month Wait-Out Phase

TLDR The blog post discusses the impact of the 15-month wait-out period cooling measure on private property owners in Singapore....
Read More
The Myth of Cheaper New Condos from Lower Land Prices in Singapore
All Buying Tips Opinion

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...
Read More
Don’t Miss Out: Take Control of Your Life in Your 30s and 40s
All Blog Posts Opinion

Don’t Miss Out: Take Control of Your Life in Your 30s and 40s

TLDR The stages of wealth management vary from ages 30 to 80, with different focuses and considerations at each stage:...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons : Why Jayson Ang is the Best Property Agent in Singapore. And Why You Should Engage Him Today
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : Why Jayson Ang is the Best Property Agent in Singapore. And Why You Should Engage Him Today

In the bustling city-state of Singapore, the real estate market is highly competitive and constantly evolving. Finding the perfect property...
Read More
Exploring the Allure of Freehold Titles Among Singaporeans
All Buying Tips Reports Selling Tips

Exploring the Allure of Freehold Titles Among Singaporeans

TLDR Freehold properties remain highly attractive in Singapore due to their scarcity, lasting value, and legacy potential. Buyers are drawn...
Read More
6 Indicators and Measures to Determine if Your Home Has Unrecognized Profits
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

6 Indicators and Measures to Determine if Your Home Has Unrecognized Profits

TLDR The booming real estate market presents opportunities for homeowners to profit from selling their properties. Two key signs that...
Read More
A Step-by-Step Guide To Upgrading From an HDB Flat To Your a Private Property
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

A Step-by-Step Guide To Upgrading From an HDB Flat To Your a Private Property

TLDR Understanding the complexities of upgrading from an HDB flat to a private property in Singapore involves selling your HDB...
Read More
1 2 3 32

Compare Listings