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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...
Singapore’s Aging Population: Is the Housing Market Ready?
TLDR Singapore is rapidly aging, with one in four citizens expected to be over 65 by 2030. Current housing models, like the 99-year lease and small-scale senior initiatives, fall short...
Beyond Tenure: Why These Buyers Chose Older Leasehold Condos in Singapore
TLDR Older leasehold condos in Singapore may face skepticism but offer key benefits such as affordability, location, and flexibility. Three homeowners shared their experiences: CH and his wife, both self-employed,...
Challenging the Myth of Lease Decay: Older Leasehold Condos Outperforming Newer Ones
TLDR Older leasehold condos in Singapore, particularly those built in the 1980s and 1990s, have shown annualised price growth exceeding 3%, sometimes outperforming newer developments. The COVID-19 pandemic increased demand...
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Category Archives: Selling Tips
A Timeline of Property Cooling Measures in Singapore T...
TLDR Since 2009, Singapore has implemented over 15 rounds of property cooling measures to curb speculation and keep homes affordable. These include tightening loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, raising Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), introducing the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR), shortening loan tenures, and imposing higher taxes on foreign buyers and those with multiple properties. Despite these steps, both HDB and private home prices have …
The Surprising Truths of Home Ownership: How Health Ch...
When thinking about staircases, light switch locations, selling our home, and similar topics, many plan for retirement, assuming these issues are less relevant to younger people. However, life can be unpredictable; health problems might require these changes sooner than expected. This was the case for KL, who was diagnosed with cancer in his late forties. Here’s how this affected his home ownership: When landed …
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 …
Reduced Lease Durations for HDB Flats: What Potential ...
TLDR Shorter lease HDB flats are typically about 22–25% cheaper than their 99-year counterparts, based on both resale and BTO market data. For example, a 4-room resale flat with 60–70 years left on the lease is around 22% less costly than one with nearly a full lease. Similarly, 2-room Flexi BTO flats show a 40% price drop for a 45-year lease compared to a …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Is Renting Out Your HDB to Live in a Condo a Smart Mov...
TLDR Rentvesting is a strategy where individuals rent a home in their desired location while purchasing investment properties in more affordable areas. This concept is increasingly popular in Singapore as it allows people to upgrade their lifestyle by living in a rented condo without incurring significant debt or additional taxes like the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD). By renting out their HDB flats and …
4 Intriguing Property Trends in Singapore for 2024
TLDR The dynamic shifts in Singapore’s real estate market following Covid, highlighting three key trends: the surprising resilience of the luxury property sector despite heightened ABSD rates, the cautious approach of developers towards prime land availability, and the growing willingness of younger buyers to overlook lease decay in favor of location. The luxury market has seen a rise in resale activity and prices, driven …
With a population of 6.04 million in Singapore, who ar...
There has been significant outcry regarding Singapore’s population hitting a record high of 6.04 million, largely due to an increase in non-residents (which rose by approximately five per cent from the prior year). This issue is particularly sensitive for many Singaporeans, who already perceive our small island as overcrowded and believe there is excessive competition for resources, especially housing. Additionally, there is a belief …
