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HDB’s Policy Shift for Young Couples: Progressive Step or Cause for Concern?
TLDR Starting July 2025, HDB will let young couples—where at least one partner is a full-time student or NSF—defer income assessment for BTO loans until flat key collection. This helps...
Singapore Distressed Property Market in 2025: Separating Fact from Fiction
TLDR Mortgagee sale listings in Singapore rose in Q1 2025, mainly due to higher interest rates in recent years. Despite more distressed properties hitting the market, bargains are rare—banks set...
Why Are Singapore Property Agents So Keen on New Launch Condos? Unpacking the Motivations in 2025
TLDR In Singapore’s 2025 property market, agents’ strong preference for recommending new launch condos is less about chasing commissions and more about adapting to current realities: commission differences between new...
Three Singaporeans Share Their Experiences of Co-Owning a Property with Friends
TLDR In Singapore, some individuals venture into property investments with unrelated partners, driven by opportunities and personal circumstances. Jim, leaving finance during the 2009 crisis, invested in real estate with...
Is it Better to Sell Your Newly Launched Condo Before or After Completion? Here’s What the Statistics Indicate
TLDR Determining the best time to sell a newly launched condo involves weighing the benefits of selling before or after the project's completion. Selling early can lead to quicker profits...
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HDB’s Policy Shift for Young Couples: Progressiv...
TLDR Starting July 2025, HDB will let young couples—where at least one partner is a full-time student or NSF—defer income assessment for BTO loans until flat key collection. This helps more young Singaporeans apply for flats earlier, basing loan eligibility on their future, likely higher incomes. While it makes homeownership more accessible and may boost family formation, it could also increase demand and competition …
Singapore Distressed Property Market in 2025: Separati...
TLDR Mortgagee sale listings in Singapore rose in Q1 2025, mainly due to higher interest rates in recent years. Despite more distressed properties hitting the market, bargains are rare—banks set reserve prices based on fair market value, not desperation. Only about 5% of mortgagee auctions end in a sale, as most buyers negotiate privately afterward. Desirable properties seldom reach auction; those that do often …
The Ultimate Checklist for Work-From-Home Homebuyers i...
TLDR Remote work has changed what makes an ideal home—buyers now need to prioritize productivity and well-being alongside location and price. Open-concept layouts can hurt focus, so look for homes with private or convertible office spaces. Pay attention to noise issues from layouts, neighboring units, or nearby roads, and consider higher floors or soundproofing. Dual-key units offer dedicated office separation and rental flexibility. Outdoor …
Singapore Homebuyers: Finding Hidden Value in ‘U...
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 example, mortgage lock-ins can secure lower interest rates if you don’t plan to refinance soon; leasehold properties offer strong rental yields without the premium of freehold status; and west-facing units may not matter for …
Why Are Singapore Property Agents So Keen on New Launc...
TLDR In Singapore’s 2025 property market, agents’ strong preference for recommending new launch condos is less about chasing commissions and more about adapting to current realities: commission differences between new launches and resale have narrowed, while limited resale inventory means fewer viable options for buyers. New launches also offer streamlined viewing experiences and more transactional certainty, reducing risks for both agents and buyers. Developers …
Three Singaporeans Share Their Experiences of Co-Ownin...
TLDR In Singapore, some individuals venture into property investments with unrelated partners, driven by opportunities and personal circumstances. Jim, leaving finance during the 2009 crisis, invested in real estate with an ex-colleague, turning an old apartment into a bed-and-breakfast. They maintain a stable business relationship, focusing on shared goals. John, unable to buy an HDB flat as a Malaysian, co-purchased a flat with a …
Is it Better to Sell Your Newly Launched Condo Before ...
TLDR Determining the best time to sell a newly launched condo involves weighing the benefits of selling before or after the project’s completion. Selling early can lead to quicker profits and less competition, while waiting until completion might attract more buyers and higher prices, albeit with potential risks like construction issues. Data from various condo sales since 2018 indicates that selling after the Temporary …
The Importance of Caution Regarding Property Oversuppl...
TLDR Recent challenges in China’s real estate sector reveal valuable lessons for Singaporeans, emphasizing the importance of understanding governmental interventions in property markets. While China’s cultural preference for home ownership and speculative investments mirrors Singapore’s, policy changes in both countries highlight potential risks for homeowners. Singapore’s history of significant policy shifts, such as the Built-To-Order system and en-bloc sales facilitation, showcases the delicate balance …
Is Lifelong Renting a Viable Option in Singapore?
TLDR In Singapore, while the majority aspire to own homes, a small segment opts for lifelong renting, driven by personal preference or necessity. Lifelong renters enjoy freedom of mobility, superior investment opportunities, and flexibility in adapting to life changes. Renting allows them to keep their capital liquid and avoid the hassles of home maintenance. However, it requires financial acumen and is feasible mainly for …
Property Unpacked: Is GLS Impacting Property Values?
TLDR The Government Land Sales (GLS) program in Singapore is critical for developers to obtain development land, with sites released biannually. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) manages non-industrial land sales, while the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) oversees industrial sites. GLS sites are categorized into confirmed and reserve lists, with confirmed sites available on specific dates and reserve sites requiring developer interest to …
I Wouldn’t Rely Too Heavily On Discounts Related...
TLDR The ABSD discount arises when developers approach their five-year deadline to sell 90% of units, facing a 40% penalty on land price for unsold units. Although 44 projects from 2021-2023 were extended, reasons remain vague, raising transparency concerns. Critics argue this favors wealthy buyers who can wait for discounts on high-priced units. Developers rarely offer individual unit discounts, even under ABSD penalties. For …
What Is The Cost Of Constructing A Landed Property In ...
TLDR Building a landed property in Singapore can be a costly endeavor, with prices ranging from $300 to $500 per square foot for a built-up area. For a 3,000 square foot home, expect to spend around $1.2 million on construction alone, excluding land costs. Factors like the number of levels, basement inclusion, and demolition of existing structures can increase expenses. Additions and Alterations (A&A) …
