TLDR While freehold condos might seem like a solid investment, the rise of new developments and aging buildings cast doubt on their long-term value. Data shows that younger freehold condos under 10 years old have a higher average price per square foot compared to older ones. Leasehold condos, while initially cheaper, close the price gap...

TLDR Navigating the Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD) in Singapore can be daunting for property investors. To save on ABSD and own multiple properties, consider strategies like joint ownership, decoupling, buying under a child's name, property trust for children under 21, dual-key layouts, or buying under a trusted friend/family member's name. Each method has its...

TLDR Three-bedroom units in Singapore have significantly downsized from 1,700-1,800 sq. ft. in the 1980s to around 1,000 sq. ft. today. Recent launches show sizes ranging from 893 to 1,302 sq. ft., with some extreme cases as small as 624 sq. ft. Key reasons include rising property values, URA's focus on smaller units, older units...

TLDR The booming real estate market presents opportunities for homeowners to profit from selling their properties. Two key signs that your home could be lucrative are increased interest in your neighborhood and frequent flyers from real estate agents. To evaluate potential gains, check recent transactions of similar properties using HDB or URA services. Consider both...

TLDR Homeowners may downsize from private properties to HDB flats for various reasons, such as financial benefits and lower maintenance costs. Downsizing can be challenging, with common pitfalls including not arranging short-term housing and misunderstanding loan and grant eligibility. Temporary accommodation options include renting, co-living, or staying with relatives. Private property owners must wait 15...

TLDR In Singapore, owning both an HDB flat and a private property has become complicated due to factors like Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) and high down payments. Keeping a flat while buying a private property is subject to citizenship and property acquisition order. ABSD rates, rental income, property appreciation, and maintenance costs are essential...

TLDR In Singapore, hiring a friend or family member as your property agent can be risky. Disclosing sensitive financial details may lead to complications or jealousy. They might not offer top-notch service if they lack experience in your specific needs. Social norms can make it hard to ask critical questions or fire them if needed....

TLDR Searching for a forever home should balance heart and practicality. Avoid homes with stairs, high cabinets, big kitchens, and complex fixtures that become hard to maintain as you age. Be cautious of properties with past en-bloc bids, opt for homes with built-in safety features, and consider long-term accessibility over quick convenience. Leasehold properties can...

TLDR The Executive Condos (ECs) offer affordable options compared to private properties in Singapore. Despite price variations, most ECs remain under $1.3 million and $1,300 per square foot. Notable affordable ECs close to or having reached the Minimum Occupancy Period include The Criterion, Parc Life, Northwave, The Visionaire, and Wandervale. These properties have unique features...

TLDR When it comes to cluster housing, freehold properties like Bishopsgate Residences command top prices, whereas bargains can be found in older leasehold options like Northshore Bungalows and Sungrove. Unique factors like location, unit size, and tenure influence prices and profitability. Making generalizations is challenging due to limited transaction volumes and property idiosyncrasies. Factors such...

TLDR Despite a 20% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for second properties in Singapore, Yang chose to hold onto his HDB flat and purchase a two-bedroom condo. Yang downsized from his 5-room flat in Tampines to a 4-room in Bedok, driven by practicality after his wife's passing and his daughter's growing independence. He picked a...

TLDR When choosing a condo, it's crucial to look beyond MRT station proximity, developer reputation, and price. Overlooked details can become significant issues, such as the limited number of parking spaces, lack of covered parking, and the absence of a front door in show flats. Hidden costs for facility bookings, rigid interior layouts that restrict...

Should You Buy, Sell or Wait? If you're reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell? It's difficult to give an exact answer since everyone's situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work...

TLDR When it comes to understanding the fluctuations in land prices in Singapore, historical patterns reveal significant spikes and dips due to various economic crises and market influences. The year 2017 marked a pivotal surge in land prices, surpassing $1,000 per square foot for the first time. Factors such as government policies, en-bloc sales, and...

TLDR Over the past two decades in Singapore, the trend of HDB residents upgrading to landed properties has fluctuated. While HDB upgraders once made up a significant portion of landed home buyers, the percentage has decreased over time. Terrace houses are the most popular choice among HDB upgraders due to affordability and availability. The price...

TLDR The Singapore property market has experienced fluctuations, impacting private home prices. Understanding your financial capacity is crucial when considering a private property investment. Additionally, the URA Master Plan plays a vital role in determining a property's potential. Selling a condo successfully involves highlighting key facilities to attract buyers. Enhancing your home's value before selling...

TLDR When contemplating the purchase or sale of a property under the Minimum Occupancy Period (MOP), it's crucial to consider various factors beyond financial implications. Issues such as potential lease decay, inconvenience in schooling arrangements, problematic neighbors, and superstitions can significantly impact one's living experience. The MOP may hinder flexibility in responding to unforeseen life...

TLDR When it comes to property ownership, Charles learned valuable lessons through his journey as a youthful homeowner. From opting for private property over an HDB flat to facing common pitfalls such as accumulating possessions and underestimating financial implications, Charles highlights the importance of a solid investment plan. Facing challenges during the Covid pandemic, he...

TLDR When deciding between a new condo or an older resale unit, consider the differences in design features. Older condos may offer unique characteristics like separate living and dining spaces, direct living room entry, and traditional staircases, while newer condos lean towards open layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, and minimalistic designs. Balconies, AC ledges, and cabinetry handles...

TLDR The world of property investment and real estate trends offers vast opportunities. Stay informed with effective property investment strategies and current market trends for long-term success. Financial planning is crucial for a secure future through property ownership and rental income. Multiple properties can generate steady passive income and build long-term wealth. Owning properties diversifies...