TLDR When buying a resale flat in Singapore, make sure to walk around the neighborhood to assess actual distances, check the unit's orientation using a mobile app, test the water...
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 future changes must be done carefully to protect its charming appeal and unique low-rise village atmosphere. However, do not be misled by its attractive exterior,...
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Ultimate Handbook on HDB Income Ceilings for BTO, Resale Flats, and Executive Condominiums
TLDR Owning an HDB home in Singapore depends largely on income ceilings. The HDB income ceiling limits monthly household earnings to ensure public housing remains accessible. For families, the ceiling ranges from $12,000 to $16,000, depending on the flat type. Singles have a ceiling of $7,000 for most 2-room flats, but higher incomes can opt...
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Unveiling the Secrets: How Foreigners Can Buy Property in Singapore – 6 Essential Steps to Follow
TLDR Foreign investors find Singapore attractive due to its stable governance and transparent business practices. Foreigners, including Permanent Residents (PRs), have specific rules for buying property. PRs can purchase resale HDB flats, resale executive condominiums (ECs), and private condos, while non-PR foreigners are limited to private properties and landed properties in Sentosa Cove with special...
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Calculating Your Property’s Annual Value in Singapore 2024: A Simple Guide!
TLDR Understanding your property's annual value is crucial for determining property taxes in Singapore. The annual value is based on the estimated gross annual rent, excluding furniture and maintenance fees. You can check this value via the IRAS website using SingPass. Property tax rates differ for owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties. For owner-occupied homes, rates range...
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Unveiling 4 Scenarios of CPF Accrued Interest Impact on Property Owners
TLDR When selling your first home, be aware of CPF accrued interest, which is the interest that would have accumulated on your CPF savings if you hadn’t used them for your home. This interest must be repaid upon selling your home if CPF funds were used. Calculating this interest is straightforward through the CPF Online...
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What Difference in One Year After the ABSD Hike in April 2023?
TLDR The recent hike in ABSD rates, especially the increase from 30% to 60% for foreign buyers, has dramatically affected Singapore's property market. Introduced on April 26, 2023, these measures aim to cool the market amidst soaring prices and high demand. This is the fourth adjustment since 2011. Foreign buyer transactions have plummeted, with local...
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When Should You Consider Lowering the Price of Your Property That Has Been on the Market for Months?
TLDR Selling a property can be challenging without the right price strategy. Adjust your asking price to attract more buyers and avoid long market stays. Overpricing can deter potential buyers, but minor reductions can improve search visibility. Regularly reassess your listing’s age and market trends to stay competitive. Establish a clear timeline for price adjustments...
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UNCOVERING the Secret to Profitable Small Boutique Condos!
TLDR Boutique condos, with fewer than 100 units, are known for price fluctuations due to infrequent transactions and higher upkeep costs. Despite challenges, they attract buyers seeking exclusivity. From 2014 to 2024, notable projects like LA SUISSE and LE CONNEY PARK showed annualized returns between 6.8% and 1.5%. Districts 10 and 15 emerged as top...
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Thinking of Selling Your Home in 2024? 5 Vital Realities Every Seller Must Face
TLDR From 2022 to 2024, Singapore's housing market underwent significant changes, with a shift from scarcity to a boom in condos and flats. Rising prices and ABSD regulations have created challenges for sellers and buyers. New launch condos are notably expensive, pushing many to consider resale options. Sellers face high down payments and additional costs...
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Can You Still Make Money from Older Freehold Condos in Singapore
TLDR While freehold condos might seem like a solid investment, the rise of new developments and aging buildings cast doubt on their long-term value. Data shows that younger freehold condos under 10 years old have a higher average price per square foot compared to older ones. Leasehold condos, while initially cheaper, close the price gap...
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Methods to Beat ABSD and Own Multiple Properties in 2024 (Updated)
TLDR Navigating the Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD) in Singapore can be daunting for property investors. To save on ABSD and own multiple properties, consider strategies like joint ownership, decoupling, buying under a child's name, property trust for children under 21, dual-key layouts, or buying under a trusted friend/family member's name. Each method has its...
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6 Compelling Reasons Why 3-Bedroom Condos Might Shrink Further
TLDR Three-bedroom units in Singapore have significantly downsized from 1,700-1,800 sq. ft. in the 1980s to around 1,000 sq. ft. today. Recent launches show sizes ranging from 893 to 1,302 sq. ft., with some extreme cases as small as 624 sq. ft. Key reasons include rising property values, URA's focus on smaller units, older units...
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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 your home could be lucrative are increased interest in your neighborhood and frequent flyers from real estate agents. To evaluate potential gains, check recent transactions of similar properties using HDB or URA services. Consider both...
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3 Errors to Steer Clear of When Transitioning from Private Property to an HDB Flat
TLDR Homeowners may downsize from private properties to HDB flats for various reasons, such as financial benefits and lower maintenance costs. Downsizing can be challenging, with common pitfalls including not arranging short-term housing and misunderstanding loan and grant eligibility. Temporary accommodation options include renting, co-living, or staying with relatives. Private property owners must wait 15...
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Should You Keep Your Resale HDB Flat When Buying a Private Property? 5 Key Factors to Consider
TLDR In Singapore, owning both an HDB flat and a private property has become complicated due to factors like Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) and high down payments. Keeping a flat while buying a private property is subject to citizenship and property acquisition order. ABSD rates, rental income, property appreciation, and maintenance costs are essential...
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6 Reasons to Think Twice Before Hiring a Friend or Family Member as Your Agent
TLDR In Singapore, hiring a friend or family member as your property agent can be risky. Disclosing sensitive financial details may lead to complications or jealousy. They might not offer top-notch service if they lack experience in your specific needs. Social norms can make it hard to ask critical questions or fire them if needed....
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7 Essential Tips for Finding Your Perfect Retirement Home
TLDR Searching for a forever home should balance heart and practicality. Avoid homes with stairs, high cabinets, big kitchens, and complex fixtures that become hard to maintain as you age. Be cautious of properties with past en-bloc bids, opt for homes with built-in safety features, and consider long-term accessibility over quick convenience. Leasehold properties can...
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Discover Affordable Executive Condos in 2024 Starting at $560,000
TLDR The Executive Condos (ECs) offer affordable options compared to private properties in Singapore. Despite price variations, most ECs remain under $1.3 million and $1,300 per square foot. Notable affordable ECs close to or having reached the Minimum Occupancy Period include The Criterion, Parc Life, Northwave, The Visionaire, and Wandervale. These properties have unique features...
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Are Cluster Landed Homes Still a Good Investment? Analyzing Their Performance Over the Past Decade
TLDR When it comes to cluster housing, freehold properties like Bishopsgate Residences command top prices, whereas bargains can be found in older leasehold options like Northshore Bungalows and Sungrove. Unique factors like location, unit size, and tenure influence prices and profitability. Making generalizations is challenging due to limited transaction volumes and property idiosyncrasies. Factors such...
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I Decided to Pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty to Purchase a Condominium While Retaining My HDB: My Reasons
TLDR Despite a 20% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for second properties in Singapore, Yang chose to hold onto his HDB flat and purchase a two-bedroom condo. Yang downsized from his 5-room flat in Tampines to a 4-room in Bedok, driven by practicality after his wife's passing and his daughter's growing independence. He picked a...
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