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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 En-Bloc Sales of Condominiums Turned into a Specul...
TLDR En-bloc sales—where owners collectively sell an entire property for redevelopment—have become a key feature of Singapore’s private property market, but this wasn’t always the case. The first such sale was likely five bungalows turned into Anderson 18 in 1979/80, not Cosy Mansions as some believe. The en-bloc trend accelerated when the government began sharing future urban plans via Development Guide Plans, highlighting redevelopment …
What Impact Will Decreasing US Interest Rates Have on ...
TLDR The Fed’s recent 0.5% rate cut is likely to lower Singapore’s SORA-based home loan rates, benefiting those with bank loans in the short term. However, not all borrowers will gain equally—those on longer SORA periods or locked-in fixed rates may not see immediate savings, and refinancing can incur penalties. HDB loan rates and loan qualification criteria (TDSR/MSR) remain unaffected as banks still use …
Multiple Property Ownership in Singapore: A Different ...
TLDR Owning multiple properties in Singapore in 2025 is tougher due to higher Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), stricter Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits, and Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) rules. ABSD can reach up to 30-35% for second and later properties, increasing costs greatly. Tighter LTV limits and TDSR reduce borrowing capacity. Higher taxes and maintenance fees also affect cash flow. While strategies like dual-key …
6 Possible Risks of Purchasing a One-Bedroom Apartment...
TLDR One-bedroom condos in Singapore are attractive for their lower entry price and rental potential, but buyers should be aware of key risks. These units can lack flexibility for changing personal needs (like accommodating family or future life events) due to limited space. Resale and rental prospects depend heavily on location, supply of similar units, and market sentiment. Selling a private condo also triggers …
Navigating the 2025 Singapore Property Market: Why Inf...
TLDR Despite global economic uncertainties, Singapore’s property market remains resilient due to robust financial regulations, conservative loan assessments, and effective government cooling measures. Stringent lending policies like MSR and TDSR prevent over-leveraging, while new LTV limits ensure buyers have enough equity. Self-employed buyers face stricter income assessments, further safeguarding loan stability. Buyers can keep $20,000 in CPF OA as an emergency fund, and HDB …
Executive Condos in Singapore: Have They Outgrown the ...
TLDR The Executive Condominium (EC) scheme, once intended as affordable “sandwich class” housing, is now acting more like a lottery ticket due to rising prices and shrinking price gaps with private condos. Projects like Hundred Palms have shown huge resale gains, making ECs attractive for profit rather than genuine long-term living. Affordability is a growing concern, as even buyers at the income ceiling struggle …
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 …
