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Why One Family Chose a New Launch 4-Bedroom Unit at Lentor Mansion Over a Resale Condo
TLDR NM’s family chose to buy a 4-bedroom unit at the new launch Lentor Mansion despite elevated condo prices, after weighing practical needs, personal preferences, and financial considerations. They needed...
Selling Your Singapore Condo? Don’t Overlook This Critical Factor
TLDR When selling a condo in Singapore, the number of units listed in the same development plays a crucial role. High listing volume can reduce buyer urgency and extend the...
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....
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,...
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...
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Category Archives: Buying Tips
How to Identify an “Undervalued Property” in Singapore...
TLDR Undervalued properties are harder to find in Singapore due to market transparency, but deals still exist. Target areas with new or recent launches—resale condos nearby may be underpriced before prices adjust. Watch for small price gaps between premium and standard units, and look out for bargains at property auctions or from foreign sellers needing quick sales in prime districts. Boutique developments and the …
What’s A Fair Price For An HDB Flat in 2025? A S...
TLDR There’s no single “fair” price for HDB resale flats—what’s fair depends on your needs, motivation, and timing. To navigate the market, track transaction activity in your target area, study how long listings stay unsold, and compare actual recent sale prices for similar units (not just asking prices). Inspect renovation needs to avoid hidden costs or use flaws as negotiation leverage. Understanding seller motivations …
The COV Conundrum: Navigating Singapore’s Proper...
TLDR Cash Over Valuation (COV) is the difference between a property’s official valuation and the price a buyer is willing to pay, and it must be covered in cash. In Singapore, COV is common for both HDB and private properties, especially in high-demand areas or units with unique features. Banks only lend based on the official valuation, so any premium is out-of-pocket. Factors like …
Common Misconceptions About Buying Property in Singapo...
TLDR Singapore’s Core Central Region (CCR) is often seen as a safe, luxurious, and exclusive property segment. However, this view oversimplifies reality. The CCR includes prime districts like Orchard, Marina Bay, and Sentosa, but not all properties here are luxury or freehold, and freehold status is less unique in the CCR. The CCR market is more volatile than other regions, with recent price declines …
Exploring the Allure of Freehold Titles Among Singapor...
TLDR Freehold properties remain highly attractive in Singapore due to their scarcity, lasting value, and legacy potential. Buyers are drawn by the ability to pass assets down through generations, especially when these properties are well-located near MRT stations or top schools. Historical data shows strong long-term capital appreciation, with some owners gaining nearly $900,000 over 13 years. However, not every investment is successful—timing, location, …
Singapore’s Property Jungle: A Guide to Every De...
TLDR Singapore’s real estate market features a diverse mix of property types—public HDB flats, executive condominiums, private condos, landed homes (including bungalows, semi-detached, terrace houses), and unique strata landed options. Commercial properties span offices, business parks, shophouses, and retail spaces, while hospitality developments include hotels and serviced apartments. Each serves different lifestyle and investment needs, influenced by ownership rules and market demand. Shophouses stand …
Breaking the New Launch Conflict: Leasehold or Freehol...
TLDR Freehold properties in Singapore offer indefinite ownership but come with a 15–25% premium over 99-year leasehold units. Despite common beliefs, freehold doesn’t always guarantee better returns. Over the past decade, leasehold condos outperformed freeholds, rising 45.9% vs. 35.9% (2013–2023), mainly due to better locations and lower entry prices. Rental yields are usually higher for leaseholds, as tenants don’t value tenure. However, leasehold values …
Are Million-Dollar HDB Landed Homes Still Worth A Look...
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 past decade (2014–2024), standard HDB flats—especially executive units—have outperformed these landed homes, mainly due to lease decay and stricter CPF rules that limit financing for older properties. While these houses offer unique lifestyle perks …
5 Untold Risks Of Buying An Old Freehold Condo In Sing...
TLDR Old freehold condos in Singapore may seem attractive due to lower prices, but they come with hidden pitfalls. Longstanding management committees can resist change, leading to politics and even corruption. Mixed-use spaces often suffer from poor retail curation, exposing residents to undesirable tenants. Outdated designs mean inadequate shelter from rain and inconvenient layouts for the elderly. Maintenance costs can spike due to aging …
Are Resale HDBs Really Unaffordable In 2025?
TLDR Singapore’s housing debate is fueled by headlines about million-dollar flats, but most resale 4-room flats in over 10 estates cost less than $600,000. Sticker shock is normal—it doesn’t mean homes are out of reach. Focus on average prices in your preferred areas instead of extremes. While prime locations cost more, reasonably priced options do exist, especially outside the city center. Most buyers land …
Should You Make A Partial Prepayment On Your Home Loan...
TLDR Partial prepayments on home loans can lower your monthly payments and reduce long-term interest, but the decision isn’t always straightforward. With rising interest rates post-Covid and uncertain future rate trends, more homeowners are considering this option. Key factors to consider include potential lock-in penalties from banks (often 1.5% of the prepaid amount), opportunity costs if using CPF (2.5% guaranteed interest), and whether you …
Why Cash Over Valuation (COV) Doesn’t Matter Any...
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 …
