Originally established in the early 1900s by Singapore's Dutch community, Holland Village was originally a residential area home to British Army personnel and their families. Plantations, colonial estates and nurseries...
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...
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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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Will Your HDB Flat Provide For Your Retirement?
TLDR Singapore's property market presents challenges with high prices, particularly in private housing, while public housing remains relatively more affordable. As the retirement age increases, considerations about HDB flats as...
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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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6 Myths About Using Your CPF For Housing
TLDR When it comes to purchasing a house in Singapore using CPF funds, there are several myths that need to be debunked. From the misconception that grant money needs to...
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The Illusion of Waiting: Why Cooling Measures Might Not Guarantee Cheaper Properties in Singapore
TLDR Cooling measures in Singapore’s property market don’t guarantee cheaper homes. While they aim to slow price growth, history shows each market peak rebounds higher, making “wait-and-see” strategies risky. Different...
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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,...
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7 Essential Tips for Finding Your Perfect Retirement Home
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....
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Here Are 6 Interesting Facts About The Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) That Not Many People Know About In Singapore
TLDR When it comes to understanding the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) set by the Housing Development Board (HDB) in Singapore, there are several key points to consider before purchasing your...
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The Unconventional Wisdom: Why Choosing a Home You Love Over Pure Profit May Be Singapore’s Smartest Move
TLDR In Singapore’s property market, prioritizing a home you genuinely love over chasing maximum profit may be the smarter long-term move. While financial gains are tempting, homes are more than...
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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...
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Avoid The Possibility Of Negative Cash Sales: Find Out How Much Your HDB Has To Appreciate To Steer Clear Of It!
TLDR When selling your property, watch out for negative cash sales that could leave you with no money after CPF refunds. Consider factors like property appreciation, loan repayments, and market...
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The Hidden Hurdles of Purchasing a BTO Flat in Singapore: Unveiling 4 Lesser-Known Challenges During the 5-Year MOP
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...
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Singapore Private Residential Market Outlook 2023
TLDR The Singapore residential property market has shown resilience in 2022, with price growth in both private housing and HDB resale flat segments. Despite uncertainties like rising interest rates and...
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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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$1.5 Million HDB Flats: Their Locations and Reasons Behind Being Singapore’s Priciest Public Housing
TLDR Singapore’s HDB resale market has entered a new phase, with at least 13 flats sold for $1.5 million or more—most transacted between May and July 2024. These record-breaking flats...
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Housing Affordability in 2023: Is Singapore Property Truly Unaffordable?
TLDR Singapore’s property market faces challenges with high prices, especially in private housing. While public housing remains more affordable, the gap between property prices and salaries raises concerns. The market...
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Should You Make A Partial Prepayment On Your Home Loan In 2025?
TLDR Partial prepayments on home loans can lower your monthly payments and reduce long-term interest, but the decision isn’t always straightforward. With rising interest rates post-Covid and uncertain future rate...
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Why En Blocs Often Fail to Succeed
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...
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The Paradox: Why New Launch Condos in Singapore Are Flying Off the Shelves Despite Affordability Concerns
TLDR Despite widespread online complaints about housing affordability, new launch condos in Singapore continue to sell rapidly. HDB resale prices climbed another 2.5% last quarter, with over half of transactions...
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Unveiling the Secrets: How Foreigners Can Buy Property in Singapore – 6 Essential Steps to Follow
TLDR Foreign investors find Singapore attractive due to its stable governance and transparent business practices. Foreigners, including Permanent Residents (PRs), have specific rules for buying property. PRs can purchase resale HDB flats, resale executive condominiums (ECs), and private condos, while non-PR foreigners are limited to private properties and landed properties in Sentosa Cove with special...
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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. You can check this value via the IRAS website using SingPass. Property tax rates differ for owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties. For owner-occupied homes, rates range...
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Unveiling 4 Scenarios of CPF Accrued Interest Impact on Property Owners
TLDR When selling your first home, be aware of CPF accrued interest, which is the interest that would have accumulated on your CPF savings if you hadn’t used them for your home. This interest must be repaid upon selling your home if CPF funds were used. Calculating this interest is straightforward through the CPF Online...
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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 aim to cool the market amidst soaring prices and high demand. This is the fourth adjustment since 2011. Foreign buyer transactions have plummeted, with local...
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When Should You Consider Lowering the Price of Your Property That Has Been on the Market for Months?
TLDR Selling a property can be challenging without the right price strategy. Adjust your asking price to attract more buyers and avoid long market stays. Overpricing can deter potential buyers, but minor reductions can improve search visibility. Regularly reassess your listing’s age and market trends to stay competitive. Establish a clear timeline for price adjustments...
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UNCOVERING the Secret to Profitable Small Boutique Condos!
TLDR Boutique condos, with fewer than 100 units, are known for price fluctuations due to infrequent transactions and higher upkeep costs. Despite challenges, they attract buyers seeking exclusivity. From 2014 to 2024, notable projects like LA SUISSE and LE CONNEY PARK showed annualized returns between 6.8% and 1.5%. Districts 10 and 15 emerged as top...
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Thinking of Selling Your Home in 2024? 5 Vital Realities Every Seller Must Face
TLDR From 2022 to 2024, Singapore's housing market underwent significant changes, with a shift from scarcity to a boom in condos and flats. Rising prices and ABSD regulations have created challenges for sellers and buyers. New launch condos are notably expensive, pushing many to consider resale options. Sellers face high down payments and additional costs...
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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 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...
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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, 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...
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6 Compelling Reasons Why 3-Bedroom Condos Might Shrink Further
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...
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6 Indicators and Measures to Determine if Your Home Has Unrecognized Profits
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...
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3 Errors to Steer Clear of When Transitioning from Private Property to an HDB Flat
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...
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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 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...
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6 Reasons to Think Twice Before Hiring a Friend or Family Member as Your Agent
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....
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7 Essential Tips for Finding Your Perfect Retirement Home
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...
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Discover Affordable Executive Condos in 2024 Starting at $560,000
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...
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Are Cluster Landed Homes Still a Good Investment? Analyzing Their Performance Over the Past Decade
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...
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I Decided to Pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty to Purchase a Condominium While Retaining My HDB: My Reasons
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...
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7 Lesser-Known ‘Minor’ Condo Problems That Could Lead to Major Issues Down the Line
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...
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The Changing Faces of Orchard Road
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...
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