TLDR In this blog post, the focus is on the challenges and complexities of en-bloc transactions in Singapore's property market. It highlights the emotional and financial aspects involved in such...
Methods to Beat ABSD and Own Multiple Properties in 2024 (Updated)
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,...
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5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Hiring an Agent Instead of DIY-ing It
TLDR Understanding the complexities of the real estate market and transactions can be overwhelming. Enlisting the help of a real estate agent can provide you with professional knowledge, non-emotional negotiations,...
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The Emergence of Million-Dollar HDB Flats in Singapore: Could This Become the Standard Moving Forward?
TLDR Understanding the nuances of the HDB property market in Singapore, especially the trend of million-dollar flats, requires a deep dive into historical data and market dynamics. Various factors, such...
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Transforming Your Home Loan Situation with Rate Cuts
TLDR When comparing fixed and floating mortgage rates, the present fixed rate of 3% is favorable, but predictions hint at rates dropping further in 2024. Choosing between fixed rate packages...
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Beyond the Premium: Why Some Singaporean Homebuyers Steer Clear of Top-Floor Properties
TLDR Top-floor condominium units in Singapore often come at a premium price and are associated with luxury, but they have notable drawbacks. These include higher costs with uncertain investment returns,...
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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...
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Great Reasons for Condo Owners to Sell upon Reaching TOP – A Guide to Sub-Sale Transactions
TLDR A recent sub-sale transaction in Midtown Modern set a new record with a 2-bedroom home selling at $3,150 psf. Selling before TOP can lead to substantial profits, even after...
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Should You Pay For A Buyer Agent?
TLDR The idea of making buyers pay their own property agents in Singapore, as suggested by SEAA, makes sense in theory but faces big hurdles in practice. While splitting commissions...
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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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CPF Accrued Interest On Housing: Learn What It Is and How to Calculate It
TLDR Understanding the CPF accrued interest on housing loans is crucial for Singaporean homeowners. When using CPF funds to finance a property, repayment includes the principal amount borrowed plus accrued...
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Dispelling Common Myths: Navigating Singapore’s Property Market in 2025
TLDR Singapore’s property market in 2025 is fast-moving and different from five years ago. Buyers often overestimate available options due to multiple listings and rapid sales of new launches. Comparing...
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Buying HDB Resale : How to Minimise COV
TLDR Understanding Cash Over Valuation (COV) is crucial when buying a resale HDB flat in Singapore. COV is the additional amount paid above the property's official valuation. Factors influencing COV...
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Should You Keep Your Resale HDB Flat When Buying a Private Property? 5 Key Factors to Consider
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...
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When will En-Bloc set to Become Reality Beyond 2023?
TLDR The real estate market is experiencing a lull in en-bloc activities due to various factors. Higher Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) rates, the government's release of Government Land Sales...
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Beyond Profit: Singaporean Homeowners Share Stories of Purpose-Driven Property Purchases
TLDR In Singapore, some homeowners prioritize personal comfort, convenience, and family needs over financial gains in property purchases. YC bought a familiar condominium she had rented for years despite its...
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It Seems Like Less Folks Living In HDB Flats Are Chasing After The Dream Of Owning A Condo
TLDR The Singapore property market is experiencing a decline in condo purchases by HDB flat owners due to multiple property restrictions and increasing mortgage rates. The restrictions include higher stamp...
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Don’t Miss Out: Take Control of Your Life in Your 30s and 40s
TLDR The stages of wealth management vary from ages 30 to 80, with different focuses and considerations at each stage: Age 30-40 (Wealth Accumulation): This period is for accumulating wealth,...
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Why Can’t We Buy Low, Sell High?
Madam Tan voiced that approximately two years ago, when her apartment hit its minimum occupation period, she and her spouse deliberated over selling their abode, considering the favorable conditions for...
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What is Your Next Step in the Property Market?
When you flip open the papers or turn on the news nowadays, the common buzzwords are "INFLATION", " INTEREST RATE HIKES" & " LOOMING RECESSION". These aforementioned occurrences do intrinsically...
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Should I Move to a Private Property?
TLDR When considering an upgrade from HDB to private property in Singapore, it's essential to understand the differences and implications. Private properties offer more investment prospects and flexibility in terms...
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6 Ultra-Private Condominiums in Singapore Offering Unparalleled Seclusion
TLDR This article highlights six luxury condominiums in Singapore that offer exceptional privacy by having no direct neighbors on the same floor, appealing to buyers seeking tranquility and exclusivity. Skypark @ Somerset has 56 units with private lifts and large layouts, ideal for multi-generational families. Boulevard Vue features 28 units, each on a private floor,...
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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 units deter most buyers due to viewing difficulties and untidiness. Multiple decision-makers, especially co-owners, can stall or derail sales. Sellers resisting basic maintenance or staging...
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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 change encourages more efficient layouts, improving usable living space despite smaller nominal unit sizes. Early adopters like Lentor Modern show fewer space-wasting features, leading to...
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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 two-bedroom units priced around $1.8 to $2 million attract more buyers than cheaper, often larger resale two-bedrooms ($1.4 to $1.6 million), largely due to layout...
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The “Sell One, Buy Two” Strategy in 2025: Real Stories from Singaporean Homeowners
The "Sell One, Buy Two" strategy gained popularity in Singapore after the Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) was introduced in 2011. This approach involves selling an existing property and using the proceeds to acquire two new properties under separate ownership (typically between spouses). The common goal is to secure a larger unit for the family...
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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 Residences and Parc Esta, where 2+Study units recorded significantly higher profit margins. Rental yields, however, tend to be slightly higher for regular 2-bedroom units due...
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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, and 4 years respectively. No SSD applies from the fifth year onwards. This change aims to curb speculation by extending the holding period before tax...
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The 99-to-1 Property Split Strategy: Legality and Risks
TLDR The 99-to-1 property ownership split in Singapore, where one spouse holds 99% and the other 1%, is used to reduce Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) when buying multiple properties. However, a recent High Court case (Hillcrest Arcadia) revealed that beneficial ownership depends on actual financial contributions, not just title shares. The court indicated that...
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The Evolving Landscape of HDB Upgrading in Post-COVID Singapore
TLDR The post-COVID Singapore property market has grown more complex, especially for HDB upgraders facing higher interest rates, cooling measures, and tighter resale supply. Two-bedroom condos, especially those with two bathrooms, are gaining popularity among small families, challenging traditional preferences. The Core Central Region (CCR) is seeing fewer foreign buyers due to increased Additional Buyer’s...
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A First-Time Condo Buyer’s Guide to Evaluating Property Developers in Singapore
TLDR When buying a new launch condominium in Singapore, a developer’s reputation is crucial since buyers rely on trust and projected quality. The BCA Developer Quality Banding assesses developers’ workmanship over six years, with Band 1 or 2 indicating high quality. Buyers should check both developer and builder ratings on the BCA Quality Housing Portal....
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Pasir Ris: A Quiet Transformation into a Family Hotspot
TLDR Pasir Ris has transformed over the past decade from a quiet beach town into a family-friendly hotspot, driven by comprehensive upgrades in education, amenities, transport, and green spaces. New MOE kindergartens, school mergers with improved facilities, and the Overseas Family School campus have enhanced educational options. Lifestyle improvements include the Pasir Ris Central Hawker...
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The Perils of Subletting in Singapore: Why Paying Rent On Time Isn’t Always Enough
TLDR Subtenants often mistakenly believe that paying rent consistently guarantees security. However, their rights are limited since the main tenant holds the primary lease with the landlord. The Maxi Coffee Bar case illustrates the risks: despite paying rent, the subtenant was abruptly evicted when the main tenant broke the lease and failed to pay the...
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Is Housing Policy an Unintended Factor in Singapore’s Birth Rate?
TLDR Singapore’s housing policies contribute to its declining birth rate through a complex mix of factors beyond just price. Flat sizes have shrunk significantly, with newer “Prime” and “Plus” flats lacking larger 5-room options, limiting space for growing families. Long waiting times for BTO flats delay household formation, causing couples to postpone having more children...
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The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone: A New Chapter, Not Just “Iskandar 2.0”
TLDR The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), launched in January 2025, is a bilateral effort aimed at sustainable economic growth in southern Johor, focusing on manufacturing, logistics, digital economy, and green energy. Unlike the early 2000s Iskandar project, JS-SEZ benefits from strong Singapore-Malaysia collaboration, streamlined regulations, and significant incentives like low corporate tax rates. Key...
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URA’s Draft Master Plan 2025: A Blueprint for 80,000 New Homes Across 10+ Estates
TLDR The URA Draft Master Plan 2025 outlines the creation of 80,000 new homes across more than 10 estates over 10-15 years, addressing Singapore’s high property prices. Key redevelopment areas include Newton/Monk’s Hill/Scotts Road with around 5,000 private homes featuring mixed-use spaces and greenery; Paterson/Orchard MRT with about 1,000 homes in a vertical village combining...
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Is Great World Quietly Becoming Central Singapore’s Most Livable Locale?
TLDR Great World, located in Singapore’s Core Central Region (CCR), offers a unique blend of heritage, community, and convenience distinct from the glitzy Orchard Road or Marina Bay. Known historically for its amusement park and close-knit neighborhood vibe, it remains popular among multigenerational families seeking larger, family-friendly condos like Rivergate and Martin Modern. The area...
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Most Buyers Miss This Condo Checklist Item — Until It’s Too Late
TLDR When buying a condo, many overlook the importance of the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) and its finances. Beyond location and facilities, the MCST’s competence, the state of the sinking fund, and the developer’s track record directly affect long-term costs and living standards. Reviewing AGM minutes, audited accounts, and by-laws reveals community priorities and...
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Should You Pay Extra for a Private Condo When the EC Next Door Looks Identical?
TLDR Singapore’s executive condominiums (ECs) have improved significantly, now matching private condos in design and facilities but at lower prices. In some areas like Punggol, EC resale prices are even higher than nearby private condos, challenging the traditional price hierarchy. This shift pressures private condo developers to differentiate through unique layouts, superior materials, and exclusive...
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Why Older Freehold Condominiums Are Losing Their Edge in En‑Bloc Deals (2025)
TLDR Older freehold condominiums in Singapore are losing their edge in en‑bloc deals due to several structural shifts. Developers increasingly prefer Government Land Sales (GLS) sites, which offer certainty, lower costs, and faster timelines compared to the complexities of collective sales. Rising replacement-home prices push owners to demand higher payouts, widening the gap between seller...
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URA 2025 Draft Master Plan: 6 Under The Radar Changes You May Have Missed
TLDR The URA 2025 Draft Master Plan outlines major developments in Singapore over the next 10-15 years, with 80,000 new homes across 10 estates. Key under-the-radar changes include Changi East's Terminal 5 with integrated transport hubs, Yishun’s densification replacing golf courses and camps, Queenstown’s heritage estate revamp, Ang Mo Kio’s school-land conversion for housing, Tanah...
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