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...
Why Cash Over Valuation (COV) Doesn’t Matter Anymore
TLDR HDB’s old strategy of hiding Cash Over Valuation (COV) data isn’t cooling Singapore’s resale flat market anymore. Prices keep breaking records, driven by cash-rich right-sizers from the private market...
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Are Million-Dollar HDB Landed Homes Still Worth A Look In 2025 Despite Their Age?
TLDR Old HDB landed homes, like those in Whampoa, are rare and now fetch over $1.5 million, but their value growth has slowed sharply compared to regular flats. Over the...
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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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Pitfalls of Owning a Boutique Condo: 5 Insider Insights You’ll Wish You Knew Earlier
TLDR When considering boutique condos, be mindful of potential drawbacks such as dominating families influencing rules, lack of privacy due to close quarters, high maintenance fees from exclusive management, vulnerability...
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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...
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What Is An Affordable Home In Singapore?
TLDR Affordable housing in Singapore is about more than just having a roof over your head—it’s about survival and opportunity. Rising home prices near workplaces and good schools force tough...
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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...
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Why Can’t Everyone Have Homes In Good Locations?
TLDR In a nutshell, the Singapore property market is undergoing significant changes, with the introduction of a new housing classification system that offers increased subsidies for properties in prime locations....
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Singapore’s Population Hits 6.11M — What It Means for Housing Demand
TLDR Singapore’s population has reached a record 6.11 million, driven mainly by non-residents rather than local births. With fertility at just 0.97 and smaller household sizes becoming the norm, developers...
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Calculating Your Property’s Annual Value in Singapore 2024: A Simple Guide!
TLDR Understanding your property's annual value is crucial for determining property taxes in Singapore. The annual value is based on the estimated gross annual rent, excluding furniture and maintenance fees....
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Can You Skip the 15-Month Wait When Selling Private and Buying Resale HDB?
TLDR The 15-month wait-out rule requires private homeowners to sell their property and wait 15 months before buying a resale HDB flat, with exceptions for seniors aged 55+ purchasing 4-room...
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Buy a $1M Resale HDB or a $1M Resale Condo?
TLDR When comparing a million-dollar HDB flat to a private property of the same value, the HDB flat offers more living space, making it suitable for families. Condos, on the...
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Are We Truly Headed For A Slowdown? How Will This Affect Property Prices?
TLDR The pandemic-induced recession has surprisingly boosted property prices in Singapore, defying conventional economic trends. Factors like cost-push inflation, limited housing supply, and excess liquidity in the market are driving...
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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...
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Case Study : With Income Of $180K per Annum, Which Options Should I Choose?
TLDR When making property decisions in Singapore, it's crucial to consider various factors like affordability, loan-to-value ratios, and CPF requirements. Options include upgrading to a freehold condo in specific districts,...
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What’s Needed For Singapore To Lift Those Cooling Measures?
TLDR The blog post discusses the recent relaxation of real estate restrictions in Hong Kong, contrasting with Singapore's stricter regulations. It explores the impact on foreign investors, cultural influences, and...
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3 Steps to Protect Yourself from Real Estate Scams in Singapore
Lately, there has been an increase in scams related to real estate. Scammers are pretending to be real estate agents in order to trick consumers into paying fake deposits or...
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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...
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Can You Still Make Money from Older Freehold Condos in Singapore
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...
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Invest During the Bearish & Exit During the Bullish
TLDR A comprehensive overview of the real estate market trends, emphasizing the importance of strategic property analysis and investment decisions. It discusses key factors such as market sentiments, property valuation,...
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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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What Is The Cost Of Constructing A Landed Property In Singapore?
TLDR Building a landed property in Singapore can be a costly endeavor, with prices ranging from $300 to $500 per square foot for a built-up area. For a 3,000 square foot home, expect to spend around $1.2 million on construction alone, excluding land costs. Factors like the number of levels, basement inclusion, and demolition of...
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Is Renting Out Your HDB to Live in a Condo a Smart Move? How Rentvesting Can Help You Save Money
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...
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“I Kept My Condo Empty for 7 Years” – Here’s What Singaporeans Living Overseas Do With Their Properties Back Home
TLDR In today's global workforce, many Singaporeans find themselves working abroad, raising questions about the management of their local properties. Whether it's seeking special authorization to rent out HDB flats before the Minimum Occupation Period, keeping condos unoccupied for legacy reasons, managing rentals from afar, or offering property to family temporarily, each scenario reflects diverse...
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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...
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With a population of 6.04 million in Singapore, who are the winners and losers in the property market?
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...
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Reasons Why En-Bloc Sales Are Expected to Remain Slow in 2025
TLDR From 2014 to 2024, the en-bloc market has faced challenges due to fluctuating cooling measures and a shift from housing surplus to shortage. Developers struggle with a five-year timeframe to sell projects before facing Additional Buyer Stamp Duty (ABSD), making land replenishment cycles difficult. Government Land Sales (GLS) create stiff competition, favored by developers...
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When Should You Consider Investing in Singapore Property, and When Should You Avoid It?
TLDR Investing in real estate is a complex decision influenced by personal goals, investment horizon, rental plans, and financial liquidity. Property valuation is subjective, varying among different buyers based on their unique needs and perspectives. Before investing, consider factors like your investment timeline, specific financial objectives, potential rental income, invisible costs such as emotional stress,...
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Why Selling Your Own HDB Flat May Be More Challenging Than You Anticipate: 7 Hidden Challenges to Prepare For
TLDR Selling your flat can be a daunting task, not because of the paperwork but due to challenges in marketing and dealing with potential buyers. Handling numerous inquiries, dedicating weekends for viewings, dealing with no-shows, and facing critical remarks about your home can be overwhelming. Additionally, some buyers may lack proper financial approvals, complicating the...
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Is it Possible for the Government to Truly “Reclaim Your Home” in Singapore?
The Singaporean government possesses considerable authority to reclaim land, whether freehold or not, in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act. Thankfully, this authority has been exercised infrequently since the 1960s, a period during which it was essential for constructing mass housing and restructuring the city. However, this does not imply that it has been entirely...
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