Property Advice

Couldn’t Get Your BTO Flat Of Choice? Here Are 5 Alternative Steps To Take

The BTO launch exercise is over, and the dust has settled. Amid the debris, you get the dreaded email, telling you in a few curt lines that your application is unsuccessful. Before you throw something at the screen, know that…

• 20 Sep 2020
• 6 min read
• 2

You Have Enough To Pay Off Your Home Loan Early; But Should You?

It is a miracle! For years you’ve slogged away at your home loan, thinking you were never going to get it paid. Then lo and behold, long before even your 55th birthday, you check the mortgage and realise: hey, you…

• 1 Sep 2020
• 6 min read
• 0

The Stacked Guide for Foreigners Buying Property in Singapore

Singapore private property is both literally and metaphorically a safe port in the storm. This may be one of the few countries where demand for luxury properties can climb to 11-year highs, precisely because of economic downturns.  But despite its…

• 31 Aug 2020
• 6 min read
• 0

The Stacked Guide To Property Tax And Stamp Duties

Many first-time home owners overestimate the price of their first property. It’s probably due to constant conditioning over social media, news, etc. that remind you how “Singapore is the world’s most expensive city”, etc. But here’s the bit that’s often…

• 28 Aug 2020
• 7 min read
• 0

Resale HDB or Condo: Comparing Floor Plans for Young Couples

Let’s get real. Purchasing a home is daunting, especially for young couples that are priced out of buying a BTO and can only “afford” to look at a resale HDB or condo. Yes, this is for the sandwiched crowd out…

• 25 Aug 2020
• 8 min read
• 3

The Key Things To Prepare For When Inheriting Property In Singapore

Inheriting a property isn’t like inheriting cash, or gold, or an art collection. All those things involve paperwork; but few things involve as much red tape as inheriting a property. To prepare you for what’s to come, we spoke to…

• 14 Aug 2020
• 6 min read
• 6

Loan to Value (LTV): How To Increase The Loan Quantum For Your Property

After five years, you’re ready to sell your flat and make the jump to a private property. Or perhaps you’ve got your heart set on an Executive Condominium, for which you need to use a bank loan. In both cases,…

• 12 Aug 2020
• 7 min read
• 0

Should You Take Up A Deferred Payment Scheme When Buying A Condo?

You’ve had your eye on that new launch condo for a long time; and now that it’s complete, you can even move in right after buying. Well, get ready to be introduced to the Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS) when you…

• 12 Aug 2020
• 6 min read
• 3

7 Major Risk Factors When Counting On An En-bloc Sale

“Don’t worry,” some sellers might tell you, “older properties mean more en-bloc potential”. And that’s how some buyers end up with 40+ year old properties, that they struggle to sell when said en-bloc doesn’t come to pass.  Due to the…

• 9 Aug 2020
• 6 min read
• 0

Should You Upgrade To A Condo, Or Just A Bigger Resale Flat?

So your five year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is up, and you know what the whole internet screams at you to do: upgrade! Sell one, buy two! Buy a prime district condo, it’s more affordable than you think! Etc. Except…

• 1 Aug 2020
• 6 min read
• 1

4 Insider Tips To Buying Property In Singapore

“Overwhelming…” “Stressful…” Ask anyone about buying property in Singapore and I can assure you, these would usually be the first few words that come out of their mouth.  Because buying a home isn’t like buying a fridge from Harvey Norman. …

• 31 Jul 2020
• 5 min read
• 2

What To Look For In An Older Condo Before You Buy

New launch condos have a lot of psychological appeal, until you hear the horror stories – like Laurel Tree and Sycamore Tree condos going unfinished, or the $32 million lawsuit over defects at The Seaview.  Or maybe you’d love to…

• 22 Jul 2020
• 6 min read
• 14

Should You Buy A Resale Flat Or New Launch Condo First?

Even with HDB income ceilings raised ($14,000 per month for new flats and $16,000 per month for Executive Condominiums), there’ll always be a group of sandwiched Singaporeans who’ll feel trapped.  These are the ones who earn too much to buy…

• 17 Jul 2020
• 7 min read
• 6

Always Factor Maintenance Fees into Your Condo-Buying Decision

Condos are the most common form of private property in Singapore; and while most buyers will consider everything from the façade to the size of the air-con ledge, they often miss an important factor: the maintenance fees. Especially so for…

• 10 Jul 2020
• 5 min read
• 0

Should You DIY Or Use A Property Agent?

So like every other person, you’ve probably dwelled on the thought of doing the real estate transaction yourself – after all, a DIY sale can save you enough to pay for the renovation of your next property. And can we…

• 1 Jul 2020
• 7 min read
• 0

Pros and Cons of Buying Property in Phase Two

It’s pretty amazing how long – and how quick – the months of the Circuit Breaker (CB) have passed. A few weeks ago, people were complaining that the isolation was driving them nuts; this week, having to wear pants to…

• 26 Jun 2020
• 6 min read
• 0

New Launch & Resale Condo Timeline: Everything You Need To Know

This is the final part of our 18-part first-time home buyer series. You may refer to the full table below: First Time Home Buyer Guide Financing Approval-in-Principle: Why It’s Your First Step for a Home Loan/Mortgage How Much Can You…

• 24 Jun 2020
• 5 min read
• 0

Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD): A Comprehensive Guide

Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) is, without a doubt, one of the least liked terms in Singapore. This disfavour for ABSD applies not just to Singaporeans (who certainly pay the least hefty ABSD amounts when they buy a residential property), but PRs and Foreigners…

• 24 Jun 2020
• 10 min read
• 4