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6 Factors Making Singaporean Properties Difficult to Sell (Even in a Strong Market)
TLDR Properties in Singapore may linger on the market due to several key factors. Small boutique developments face price volatility, while mega-developments suffer from intense competition amid many listings. Tenanted...
The New Condo Rule: How GFA Harmonization Makes New Launches “Pricier” and What It Means for Buyers
TLDR GFA Harmonization standardizes Gross Floor Area measurements across Singapore government agencies, removing non-usable spaces like oversized planter boxes, air-con ledges, and strata voids from condo floor area calculations. This...
The Rise of New Launch 2-Bedroom Condos: Why Homebuyers are Prioritizing Them Over Resale Options in 2025
TLDR Two-bedroom condominiums are shifting from primarily rental investments to popular family homes, especially among small families and HDB upgraders, due to rising home prices forcing size compromises. New launch...
2-Bedroom vs. 2+Study Units: A Decade of Performance Analysis
TLDR Over the past decade, 2+Study units (compact 3-bedroom layouts) consistently outperformed standard 2-bedroom units in resale gains across most projects, both for long-term and short-term holdings. Examples include Stirling...
Increased Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) Rates in Singapore: Implications for Buyers and Sellers
TLDR From July 4, 2025, Singapore reinstates Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) rates to 2017 levels, with rates of 16%, 12%, 8%, and 4% for properties sold within 1, 2, 3,...
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Category Archives: Buying Tips
Timing the Singapore Property Market: A Data-Driven An...
TLDR Historical data of Singapore’s property market shows seasonal trends: Q1 (January to March) often has price dips, making it a potentially better time to buy, while Q2 (April to June) tends to see price gains, favoring sellers. Q3 sees demand rebound after the Hungry Ghost Month, contributing to price increases, and Q4 also shows price dips as sellers rush to close deals before …
Will Property Owners Earn More By Keeping Residential ...
TLDR In Singapore, holding a residential property longer typically yields higher profits—averaging $665,000 after 20 years, versus $200,000 for 5–10 years. Most owners sell within 10 years, but freehold and landed homes are kept longer and tend to be more profitable. However, holding an unprofitable property too long can increase losses. Executive condos often deliver strong short-term gains due to government subsidies. The best …
$1.5 Million HDB Flats: Their Locations and Reasons Be...
TLDR Singapore’s HDB resale market has entered a new phase, with at least 13 flats sold for $1.5 million or more—most transacted between May and July 2024. These record-breaking flats are usually large (jumbo, maisonette, or 5-room DBSS), in central locations like Tiong Bahru, Bishan, Toa Payoh, and Pinnacle@Duxton, and often situated on upper floors of mega developments. Demand is driven by scarcity, size, …
5 Warning Signs of New Launch Condominiums That Certai...
TLDR When buying a new launch condo, don’t just rely on show flats or sales pitches—look deeper. Watch out if nearby land plots have been sold for less, as this may affect your resale value. High agent commissions and sudden spikes in advertising could signal slow-moving projects. Be cautious with claims about school proximity; not all blocks may qualify for priority enrolment. Always ask …
HDB Owners Have Identified This Reason as the Primary ...
TLDR High property prices in Singapore make it difficult for most to upgrade from HDB flats to private condos, despite periodic calls to relax policies like the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for upgraders. The ABSD controls demand and helps prevent runaway price increases by discouraging rushed upgrades and encouraging realistic resale pricing. Executive Condominiums (ECs) are an exception, as they don’t require upfront …
5 Frequently Heard Sales Pitches from Agents Encouragi...
TLDR While some agents may discourage resale condos due to personal incentives, the difference in profits between resale and new launches is minimal—91% of resale buyers and 89.8% of new launch buyers made profits in recent years. Arguments against resale condos, such as higher renovation costs, less efficient layouts, and greater mortgage expenses, are often overstated and depend on individual projects and circumstances. Renovation …
Is It Wise to Make a Partial Prepayment on Your Home L...
TLDR Partial prepayment of your home loan means paying off a chunk of your mortgage early to lower future monthly repayments, especially as interest rates have risen since 2022. This strategy isn’t for everyone—it depends on factors like lock-in penalties, CPF usage, remaining loan tenure, and your financial goals. While prepaying can help reduce debt faster and manage higher monthly payments, you should be …
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, …
