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...
Can Your HDB Flat Safeguard Your Retirement?
TLDR The HDB market has seen significant changes over the years, with many young owners looking to upgrade to private properties. Government cooling measures have impacted HDB prices, but opportunities...
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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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The Dilemma of Retaining Your HDB Flat While Owning a Condo in Singapore (2025)
TLDR Singaporean citizens can own both an HDB flat and a condominium if the HDB was purchased first and after the 5-year Minimum Occupancy Period, but buying a condo after...
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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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Beyond the First Glance: What Astute Buyers (and Agents) Look for During Property Viewings
TLDR Property viewings are most valuable when strategically timed, not just repeated. Buyers often revisit homes at convenient hours, but this risks missing critical insights. Key factors to assess include...
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Which Is Better For You: A 99-Year Leasehold Or Freehold Property Tenure?
TLDR When it comes to the choice between leasehold and freehold properties in Singapore, several factors must be considered. Leasehold properties are typically cheaper, offer higher rental yields, and can...
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Crucial Facts : All First Time Buyers Need to Know
TLDR When it comes to property investment for first-time buyers in Singapore, careful planning and early action are key. Consider options beyond public housing for better future prospects. Analyze market...
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What Difference in One Year After the ABSD Hike in April 2023?
TLDR The recent hike in ABSD rates, especially the increase from 30% to 60% for foreign buyers, has dramatically affected Singapore's property market. Introduced on April 26, 2023, these measures...
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35 Brand New Condominiums Nearing Their ABSD Deadline 2023
TLDR The blog post discusses the looming ABSD deadline for several new launch condos in 2023, highlighting the impact on developers and potential discounts for buyers. Specific projects like Riviere,...
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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...
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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,...
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Why It’s Not Financially Sensible to Pay Off Your HDB Flat Home Loan in Advance
TLDR When deciding whether to repay your HDB flat loan early, consider the limitations of not being able to obtain a home equity loan and the decreased cash reserve. Repaying...
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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...
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Would It Be More Better To Engage One Property Agent Or Multiple Agents In The Selling Process?
TLDR When planning to sell your property, you have the option to work with one agent exclusively or non-exclusively. Engaging multiple agents can widen your reach to potential buyers, but...
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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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Singapore Property Prices in 30 Years: Understanding Their Unique Inflationary Trajectory
TLDR Singapore’s property market has shown a unique inflationary trajectory over the past 30 years, consistently outpacing general consumer inflation. While everyday goods like meals or medical bills rose at...
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HDB Owners Missing Out on the “Ultimate Upgrade” to Landed Living
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...
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Are Early Bird Discounts At New Launches Genuine Or A Marketing Gimmick?
TLDR When considering investing in new property projects, understanding developers' pricing strategies is crucial. Early bird discounts are not just sales tactics; they help developers manage risks and maintain profits....
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Navigating the Unique Landscape of the 2025 Singapore Property Market
TLDR The 2025 Singapore property market faces distinct challenges, including a shift toward Core Central Region (CCR) new launches, limited resale HDB supply, and the impact of strict cooling measures...
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5 Techniques for Identifying Undervalued Properties in Singapore 2023
TLDR To spot undervalued properties in Singapore's real estate market, focus on market value, location, and unique features. Consider "up and coming" areas near amenities for growth potential. Look for...
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The Surprising Truths of Home Ownership: How Health Challenges Led a Homeowner to Relocate
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....
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What Impact Will Decreasing US Interest Rates Have on Homeowners in Singapore?
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...
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Multiple Property Ownership in Singapore: A Different Landscape in 2025
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...
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What Might Occur If We Ease Property Cooling Measures?
TLDR To assess if Singapore’s property cooling measures are working, compare our actions with China, which is applying the opposite strategy by trying to revive its real estate sector. China recently cut mortgage rates and raised the maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, while Singapore tightened borrowing criteria and reduced LTVs. If China’s moves spark a rebound...
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Reduced Lease Durations for HDB Flats: What Potential Savings Could Your Property Offer?
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%...
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6 Possible Risks of Purchasing a One-Bedroom Apartment in Singapore: Key Considerations to Be Aware Of
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,...
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Navigating the 2025 Singapore Property Market: Why Informed Buyers Can Stay Confident
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...
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The Uncomfortable Truth About Homeownership and Relationships in Singapore
TLDR Property ownership and prenuptial agreements are key for married couples in Singapore. Joint ownership (either joint tenancy or tenancy-in-common) affects how property is divided if things go wrong. HDB’s “Owner and Essential Occupier” structure gives no legal claim to non-owners. Prenups aren’t strictly binding but help clarify asset division and reduce disputes. Choosing the...
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Executive Condos in Singapore: Have They Outgrown the “Sandwich Class” Label?
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...
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HDB’s Policy Shift for Young Couples: Progressive Step or Cause for Concern?
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...
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Singapore Distressed Property Market in 2025: Separating Fact from Fiction
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....
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The Ultimate Checklist for Work-From-Home Homebuyers in Singapore: Beyond the Basics
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...
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Singapore Homebuyers: Finding Hidden Value in ‘Undesirable’ Property Traits
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...
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Why Are Singapore Property Agents So Keen on New Launch Condos? Unpacking the Motivations in 2025
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...
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Three Singaporeans Share Their Experiences of Co-Owning a Property with Friends
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...
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Is it Better to Sell Your Newly Launched Condo Before or After Completion? Here’s What the Statistics Indicate
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...
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The Importance of Caution Regarding Property Oversupply in Singapore
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...
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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,...
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Property Unpacked: Is GLS Impacting Property Values?
TLDR The Government Land Sales (GLS) program in Singapore is critical for developers to obtain development land, with sites released biannually. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) manages non-industrial land sales, while the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) oversees industrial sites. GLS sites are categorized into confirmed and reserve lists, with confirmed sites available on...
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I Wouldn’t Rely Too Heavily On Discounts Related To ABSD This Year
TLDR The ABSD discount arises when developers approach their five-year deadline to sell 90% of units, facing a 40% penalty on land price for unsold units. Although 44 projects from 2021-2023 were extended, reasons remain vague, raising transparency concerns. Critics argue this favors wealthy buyers who can wait for discounts on high-priced units. Developers rarely...
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