Selling Tips
Buying Tips
Explore
Opinions
Are Suburban Condos In Singapore Still Affordable? Here’s What The Data Actually Shows
TLDR Suburban condos in Singapore remain attractive but affordability has shifted. Data shows that while suburban launches were once significantly cheaper than central projects, the gap has narrowed as suburban...
District 15 Resale Vs New‑Launch Condos — The Real Story For Larger Family Units
TLDR District 15 remains a prime family location in Singapore, with resale condos offering larger layouts and raw space, while new launches provide modern efficiency, facilities, and longer leases. From...
Upgrading to a Condo by Age 35: A Feasible Goal for the Average Singaporean in 2025?
TLDR Upgrading from an HDB flat to a condo by age 35 is technically feasible for median-income Singaporeans, but only with disciplined saving and careful financial planning. At 35, buyers...
The Unforeseen Impact on Your Home Loan in Singapore if Your Spouse Passes Away
TLDR The death of a co-borrower in Singapore can trigger complex home loan challenges beyond simply taking over repayments. Banks reassess the surviving spouse’s eligibility under the Total Debt Servicing...
Selling Your Home in Singapore Independently: 7 Key Considerations
TLDR Selling your home in Singapore independently can save on agent commissions but requires significant effort and the right circumstances. Success is most likely if you already have interested buyers,...
Advanced Search
Advanced Search
Your search results
Blog Archives
Ultimate Handbook on HDB Income Ceilings for BTO, Resa...
TLDR Owning an HDB home in Singapore depends largely on income ceilings. The HDB income ceiling limits monthly household earnings to ensure public housing remains accessible. For families, the ceiling ranges from $12,000 to $16,000, depending on the flat type. Singles have a ceiling of $7,000 for most 2-room flats, but higher incomes can opt for resale flats or executive condominiums (ECs). The income …
What Difference in One Year After the ABSD Hike in Apr...
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 buyers taking a dominant role. Americans now lead among …
UNCOVERING the Secret to Profitable Small Boutique Con...
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 performers, with significant activity in Katong/Joo Chiat. Larger units …
Can You Still Make Money from Older Freehold Condos in...
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 over time. The prime profit window for freehold condos …
Methods to Beat ABSD and Own Multiple Properties in 20...
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 considerations and implications, such as financial requirements, legal aspects, …
6 Compelling Reasons Why 3-Bedroom Condos Might Shrink...
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 being less efficient, developers rushing to beat ABSD deadlines, …
6 Indicators and Measures to Determine if Your Home Ha...
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 the property’s appreciation and expenses incurred over ownership (e.g., …
3 Errors to Steer Clear of When Transitioning from Pri...
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 months before buying an HDB resale flat and may …
Should You Keep Your Resale HDB Flat When Buying a Pri...
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 considerations. The flat’s age affects appreciation and loan value. …
Discover Affordable Executive Condos in 2024 Starting ...
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 and competitive pricing, making them attractive investments. The market …
I Decided to Pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Du...
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 unit in One-North, close to NUS and amenities his …
The Influence of Soaring Land Costs on Singapore’...
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 global economic conditions play a crucial role in shaping …
