🏡💳 Self-employed and buying your first condo? Getting the loan approved may be harder than getting the keys.
A recent PropertyNet case study involving a self-employed hawker highlights a common financing challenge: irregular income, income documentation and bank assessment can significantly affect borrowing capacity.
For self-employed buyers, banks may look closely at:
📄 Income tax assessments and financial records
📊 Consistency of declared income
🏦 Existing debts and monthly commitments
📉 Variable income and applicable income haircuts
📈 TDSR and the bank's stress-test rate
For a first bank housing loan, the maximum LTV is generally 75%, but qualifying for that loan quantum still depends on your income assessment and TDSR. PropertyNet notes that variable income can be subject to a 30% haircut, which can materially reduce borrowing power for commission-based and self-employed earners.
And when financing takes longer than expected, the knock-on effects can be significant:
⏳ Delayed loan approval
🏠 Delayed completion or key collection
💰 Additional holding or rental costs
📅 More pressure to coordinate the sale and purchase timeline
The lesson is simple: don't wait until you've found your dream condo to find out how much the bank will lend you.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/self-employed-hawker-hdb-loan-rejection-condo-keys-14-month-financing-2026/
📌 For self-employed buyers, financing preparation should happen before the property search, not after you've committed to the purchase.
A recent PropertyNet case study involving a self-employed hawker highlights a common financing challenge: irregular income, income documentation and bank assessment can significantly affect borrowing capacity.
For self-employed buyers, banks may look closely at:
📄 Income tax assessments and financial records
📊 Consistency of declared income
🏦 Existing debts and monthly commitments
📉 Variable income and applicable income haircuts
📈 TDSR and the bank's stress-test rate
For a first bank housing loan, the maximum LTV is generally 75%, but qualifying for that loan quantum still depends on your income assessment and TDSR. PropertyNet notes that variable income can be subject to a 30% haircut, which can materially reduce borrowing power for commission-based and self-employed earners.
And when financing takes longer than expected, the knock-on effects can be significant:
⏳ Delayed loan approval
🏠 Delayed completion or key collection
💰 Additional holding or rental costs
📅 More pressure to coordinate the sale and purchase timeline
The lesson is simple: don't wait until you've found your dream condo to find out how much the bank will lend you.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/self-employed-hawker-hdb-loan-rejection-condo-keys-14-month-financing-2026/
📌 For self-employed buyers, financing preparation should happen before the property search, not after you've committed to the purchase.
PropertyNet.SG
From HDB Loan Rejection to Condo Keys: A Self-Employed Hawker's 14-Month Financing Journey | PropertyNet.SG
How a self-employed Bedok hawker turned a loan rejection into condo keys in 14 months by fixing his NOA, TDSR haircut and cash pledge.
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🇹🇭🏙 Bangkok's next property opportunities may not be where most Singaporean investors are looking.
Medical tourism is becoming more than a healthcare story. Around major medical centres, an entire ecosystem of serviced apartments, extended-stay accommodation, wellness, F&B and retail has developed to serve patients and their families.
But there's an important distinction.
Medical tourism tends to drive rental and hospitality demand, rather than direct property buying demand from medical visitors. The opportunity is therefore more relevant to investors looking at rental-oriented and hospitality-adjacent assets.
Beyond the established areas like Sukhumvit, Thonglor and Ekkamai, Bangkok property experts on the ground are also watching:
🚇 Ram Intra
🛍 Fashion Island
🚆 The wider Pink MRT Line corridor
📈 Areas where infrastructure is arriving before prices fully catch up
The bigger investment lesson?
Infrastructure can come first. Demand follows. Prices may follow later.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/medical-tourism-and-bangkok-s-growth-areas-what-the-experts-on-the-ground-are-saying/
📌When looking overseas, don't just follow where developers are marketing. Look at where infrastructure, real demand and local knowledge intersect.
Medical tourism is becoming more than a healthcare story. Around major medical centres, an entire ecosystem of serviced apartments, extended-stay accommodation, wellness, F&B and retail has developed to serve patients and their families.
But there's an important distinction.
Medical tourism tends to drive rental and hospitality demand, rather than direct property buying demand from medical visitors. The opportunity is therefore more relevant to investors looking at rental-oriented and hospitality-adjacent assets.
Beyond the established areas like Sukhumvit, Thonglor and Ekkamai, Bangkok property experts on the ground are also watching:
🚇 Ram Intra
🛍 Fashion Island
🚆 The wider Pink MRT Line corridor
📈 Areas where infrastructure is arriving before prices fully catch up
The bigger investment lesson?
Infrastructure can come first. Demand follows. Prices may follow later.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/medical-tourism-and-bangkok-s-growth-areas-what-the-experts-on-the-ground-are-saying/
📌When looking overseas, don't just follow where developers are marketing. Look at where infrastructure, real demand and local knowledge intersect.
PropertyNet.SG
Medical tourism and Bangkok's growth areas: What the experts on the ground are saying
Bangkok’s doctors and locals reveal what's really driving the city's property market and where the smart money is going in 2026.
🏡💰 Can you really buy your first condo at 29 on a $6,800 salary?
The answer is yes, but the numbers matter far more than the Instagram photo.
A recent PropertyNet case study follows a single first-time buyer who purchased an OCR new launch condo using the Progressive Payment Scheme. The biggest challenge wasn't simply the monthly mortgage. It was managing the upfront cash, CPF usage, stamp duty and financing requirements.
For a first-time private property buyer:
💵 5% minimum cash downpayment
🏦 Up to 75% LTV for a first housing loan, subject to eligibility
📊 55% TDSR limits total monthly debt commitments
🧾 BSD, legal fees and other upfront costs need to be budgeted
🏗 Progressive payments can spread the financial commitment during construction.
The bigger lesson?
Don't ask only, "How much can I borrow?"
Ask:
📌 How much cash do I need upfront?
📌 How much CPF can I actually use?
📌 What happens if interest rates rise?
📌 Can my income comfortably support the loan over the long term?
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/first-condo-29-6800-salary-real-numbers-2026/
📌 Buying your first condo isn't about proving that you can qualify for the maximum loan. It's about making sure the property still makes sense after all the numbers are accounted for.
The answer is yes, but the numbers matter far more than the Instagram photo.
A recent PropertyNet case study follows a single first-time buyer who purchased an OCR new launch condo using the Progressive Payment Scheme. The biggest challenge wasn't simply the monthly mortgage. It was managing the upfront cash, CPF usage, stamp duty and financing requirements.
For a first-time private property buyer:
💵 5% minimum cash downpayment
🏦 Up to 75% LTV for a first housing loan, subject to eligibility
📊 55% TDSR limits total monthly debt commitments
🧾 BSD, legal fees and other upfront costs need to be budgeted
🏗 Progressive payments can spread the financial commitment during construction.
The bigger lesson?
Don't ask only, "How much can I borrow?"
Ask:
📌 How much cash do I need upfront?
📌 How much CPF can I actually use?
📌 What happens if interest rates rise?
📌 Can my income comfortably support the loan over the long term?
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/first-condo-29-6800-salary-real-numbers-2026/
📌 Buying your first condo isn't about proving that you can qualify for the maximum loan. It's about making sure the property still makes sense after all the numbers are accounted for.
PropertyNet.SG
I Bought My First Condo at 29 on a $6,800 Salary: The Numbers Nobody Posts on Instagram | PropertyNet.SG
A first-time buyer bought a new launch condo at 29 on a $6,800 salary. Here are the real cash, CPF and loan numbers behind the Instagram photo.
🏡✨ Five showflats. One month. A very different view of buying a new launch.
For first-time buyers, the showflat can make everything look bigger, better and more affordable than it really is.
A first-timer couple who visited five new launches in 2026 learnt some important lessons along the way:
📊 A S$2M budget goes much further in the OCR than the RCR or CCR
📐 Don't compare headline psf without understanding the actual liveable area
🏠 Showflat furniture and layouts can make rooms feel significantly larger
💰 Check your LTV, TDSR and stamp duty before falling in love with a unit
📋 Use the same scorecard to compare every project
One of the biggest surprises was GFA harmonisation. Newer projects may appear smaller than older resale condos with the same stated size, but the newer saleable area excludes things like aircon ledges and voids.
The couple eventually focused on the numbers rather than the showroom experience, comparing:
📍 Location & connectivity
💰 Pricing versus comparable projects
📈 Master plan & future growth
🏡 Rental and resale potential
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/showflat-diary-first-timer-couple-five-new-launches-2026/
📌 A showflat is designed to sell you a feeling. Your job as a buyer is to make sure the numbers still make sense after the feeling wears off.
For first-time buyers, the showflat can make everything look bigger, better and more affordable than it really is.
A first-timer couple who visited five new launches in 2026 learnt some important lessons along the way:
📊 A S$2M budget goes much further in the OCR than the RCR or CCR
📐 Don't compare headline psf without understanding the actual liveable area
🏠 Showflat furniture and layouts can make rooms feel significantly larger
💰 Check your LTV, TDSR and stamp duty before falling in love with a unit
📋 Use the same scorecard to compare every project
One of the biggest surprises was GFA harmonisation. Newer projects may appear smaller than older resale condos with the same stated size, but the newer saleable area excludes things like aircon ledges and voids.
The couple eventually focused on the numbers rather than the showroom experience, comparing:
📍 Location & connectivity
💰 Pricing versus comparable projects
📈 Master plan & future growth
🏡 Rental and resale potential
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/showflat-diary-first-timer-couple-five-new-launches-2026/
📌 A showflat is designed to sell you a feeling. Your job as a buyer is to make sure the numbers still make sense after the feeling wears off.
PropertyNet.SG
Diary of a Showflat Month: What a First-Timer Couple Learnt Visiting Five New Launches in 2026 | PropertyNet.SG
A first-time couple tour five Singapore new launches in one month. The showflat lessons, the psf traps, and the framework they wished they had on day one.
🏠📊 Singapore's rental market is becoming increasingly divided by location.
In Q2 2026, private residential rents rose 0.7% islandwide, but the performance wasn't uniform. Prime-area rentals continued to strengthen, while suburban rents softened.
The numbers tell an interesting story:
📈 CCR non-landed rents: +1.2%
➡️ RCR non-landed rents: 0.0%
📉 OCR non-landed rents: -0.3%
🏠 Overall private rents: +0.7%
📊 Islandwide vacancy: 6.4%
At the same time, vacancy remained highest in the CCR at 8.3%, compared with 6.1% in the RCR and 5.6% in the OCR.
So what does this mean?
For landlords, location and tenant profile matter more than ever. A property in a prime location may still command stronger rental growth, while suburban landlords could face more competition as new supply comes through.
For investors, this is a reminder not to look at rental yield alone.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/private-rents-flat-q2-2026-leasing-jump-ccr-suburbs-vacancy/
📌 Singapore's rental market isn't moving as one market anymore. The real opportunity lies in understanding which locations have sustainable tenant demand, not simply chasing the highest headline yield.
In Q2 2026, private residential rents rose 0.7% islandwide, but the performance wasn't uniform. Prime-area rentals continued to strengthen, while suburban rents softened.
The numbers tell an interesting story:
📈 CCR non-landed rents: +1.2%
➡️ RCR non-landed rents: 0.0%
📉 OCR non-landed rents: -0.3%
🏠 Overall private rents: +0.7%
📊 Islandwide vacancy: 6.4%
At the same time, vacancy remained highest in the CCR at 8.3%, compared with 6.1% in the RCR and 5.6% in the OCR.
So what does this mean?
For landlords, location and tenant profile matter more than ever. A property in a prime location may still command stronger rental growth, while suburban landlords could face more competition as new supply comes through.
For investors, this is a reminder not to look at rental yield alone.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/private-rents-flat-q2-2026-leasing-jump-ccr-suburbs-vacancy/
📌 Singapore's rental market isn't moving as one market anymore. The real opportunity lies in understanding which locations have sustainable tenant demand, not simply chasing the highest headline yield.
PropertyNet.SG
Singapore Private Rents Barely Moved in Q2 2026 Despite a 5% Leasing Jump: The CCR-Suburbs Split | PropertyNet.SG
URA data shows private rents rose just 0.7% in Q2 2026 despite a 5.1% leasing jump. Inside the CCR-vs-suburbs split and rising vacancy.
🏡➡️🏙 Sell your HDB first, or buy your condo first?
For HDB upgraders in 2026, the sequence can make a six-figure difference.
If you buy the condo first while still owning your HDB, a Singapore Citizen generally faces 20% ABSD upfront on the second property. For a $1.8M condo, that's $360,000 that has to be paid first, even if you may later qualify for remission.
On the other hand, selling your HDB first avoids that ABSD cash outlay and allows you to plan your next purchase around your actual sale proceeds.
But there is a trade-off.
Sell-first:
💰 No 20% ABSD cash lock-up
🏦 Potentially up to 75% LTV for the new home loan
📊 Know your actual budget before buying
🏠 But you may need temporary accommodation
Buy-first:
🏡 Secure the condo you really want
🚚 Avoid an immediate housing gap
💰 But you need to fund the ABSD upfront
⏳ And the HDB sale must meet the remission deadline
For some upgraders, a bridging loan can help connect the two timelines. But it comes with interest costs and should be planned carefully.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/sell-first-vs-buy-first-hdb-upgraders-2026-timing-bridging-loans-absd/
📌 There is no universally "best" sequence. The right strategy depends on your cash buffer, HDB saleability, financing, target property and timeline.
Before you exercise an OTP, work out both scenarios on paper. The cheapest-looking option isn't always the lowest-risk one.
For HDB upgraders in 2026, the sequence can make a six-figure difference.
If you buy the condo first while still owning your HDB, a Singapore Citizen generally faces 20% ABSD upfront on the second property. For a $1.8M condo, that's $360,000 that has to be paid first, even if you may later qualify for remission.
On the other hand, selling your HDB first avoids that ABSD cash outlay and allows you to plan your next purchase around your actual sale proceeds.
But there is a trade-off.
Sell-first:
💰 No 20% ABSD cash lock-up
🏦 Potentially up to 75% LTV for the new home loan
📊 Know your actual budget before buying
🏠 But you may need temporary accommodation
Buy-first:
🏡 Secure the condo you really want
🚚 Avoid an immediate housing gap
💰 But you need to fund the ABSD upfront
⏳ And the HDB sale must meet the remission deadline
For some upgraders, a bridging loan can help connect the two timelines. But it comes with interest costs and should be planned carefully.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/sell-first-vs-buy-first-hdb-upgraders-2026-timing-bridging-loans-absd/
📌 There is no universally "best" sequence. The right strategy depends on your cash buffer, HDB saleability, financing, target property and timeline.
Before you exercise an OTP, work out both scenarios on paper. The cheapest-looking option isn't always the lowest-risk one.
PropertyNet.SG
Sell-First vs Buy-First for HDB Upgraders in 2026: Timing, Bridging Loans and ABSD Exposure Compared | PropertyNet.SG
Sell-first avoids 20% ABSD outlay but risks a housing gap. Buy-first secures your condo but ties up six-figure cash. Here is how the numbers compare in 2026.
🌊🏙 Another major piece of the Greater Southern Waterfront is taking shape.
The Berlayar Drive GLS site has been awarded to Hong Leong Holdings at about $576.8 million, or $1,515 psf per plot ratio. The site can yield around 400 private residential units, adding another major development opportunity to the Greater Southern Waterfront transformation.
Why buyers should pay attention:
🌊 Part of the wider Greater Southern Waterfront transformation
🚇 Close to future connectivity improvements in the Pasir Panjang / HarbourFront corridor
🏙 Near established employment and lifestyle nodes
🏡 Limited new private housing opportunities in the immediate area
📈 Land cost of $1,515 psf ppr could translate into a significant future launch price benchmark
The bigger story is the land cost.
When developers pay a premium for a site, the eventual project has to be priced accordingly to make the development viable. That makes this tender an important benchmark for buyers watching future launches around Pasir Panjang, Telok Blangah and the Greater Southern Waterfront.
But this is a long-term transformation story. The Greater Southern Waterfront is expected to unfold over 15 to 20 years, so buyers should be careful about paying today's premium purely for tomorrow's potential.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/berlayar-drive-gls-award-2026-greater-southern-waterfront-launch-prices/
📌 The interesting question isn't just how much the land was sold for. It's whether the future transformation can justify the price buyers will eventually have to pay for the homes built on it.
The Berlayar Drive GLS site has been awarded to Hong Leong Holdings at about $576.8 million, or $1,515 psf per plot ratio. The site can yield around 400 private residential units, adding another major development opportunity to the Greater Southern Waterfront transformation.
Why buyers should pay attention:
🌊 Part of the wider Greater Southern Waterfront transformation
🚇 Close to future connectivity improvements in the Pasir Panjang / HarbourFront corridor
🏙 Near established employment and lifestyle nodes
🏡 Limited new private housing opportunities in the immediate area
📈 Land cost of $1,515 psf ppr could translate into a significant future launch price benchmark
The bigger story is the land cost.
When developers pay a premium for a site, the eventual project has to be priced accordingly to make the development viable. That makes this tender an important benchmark for buyers watching future launches around Pasir Panjang, Telok Blangah and the Greater Southern Waterfront.
But this is a long-term transformation story. The Greater Southern Waterfront is expected to unfold over 15 to 20 years, so buyers should be careful about paying today's premium purely for tomorrow's potential.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/berlayar-drive-gls-award-2026-greater-southern-waterfront-launch-prices/
📌 The interesting question isn't just how much the land was sold for. It's whether the future transformation can justify the price buyers will eventually have to pay for the homes built on it.
PropertyNet.SG
Berlayar Drive GLS Awarded at $1,515 psf ppr: What It Means for Greater Southern Waterfront Launch Prices | PropertyNet.SG
Berlayar Drive GLS set a new RCR land-price record at $1,515 psf ppr in 2026. Here is what the Greater Southern Waterfront tender means for future launch prices.
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Will Singapore property prices go up or down in 2026?
It's the question on everyone's mind right now. PropNex CEO Kelvin Fong just shared his outlook on where the market is heading, and it's worth 60 minutes of your time.
He covers:
- Where prices could realistically head in 2026
- The key forces driving the market right now
- What this means for buyers, sellers and upgraders
Watch it here: https://youtu.be/s2DxRbSaMMY
Buying, selling or upgrading in the next 6 to 12 months? Reach out to us for an honest take on how this applies to your situation.
It's the question on everyone's mind right now. PropNex CEO Kelvin Fong just shared his outlook on where the market is heading, and it's worth 60 minutes of your time.
He covers:
- Where prices could realistically head in 2026
- The key forces driving the market right now
- What this means for buyers, sellers and upgraders
Watch it here: https://youtu.be/s2DxRbSaMMY
Buying, selling or upgrading in the next 6 to 12 months? Reach out to us for an honest take on how this applies to your situation.
YouTube
Singapore Property Market 2026: Will Prices Go Up or Down?
🏠 Latest Property Policy Changes — Will Prices Go Up, Down… or Stay Flat?
The property market has shifted again.
With the removal of the 15-month wait-out period for eligible private homeowners buying non-subsidised HDB resale flats, more right-sizers may…
The property market has shifted again.
With the removal of the 15-month wait-out period for eligible private homeowners buying non-subsidised HDB resale flats, more right-sizers may…
🏙️🏗️ City Plaza is back on the en bloc market. But this time, there's a major difference.
The freehold City Plaza site in Geylang has launched its third collective sale attempt at $970 million, after previous attempts in 2018 and 2021 fell short of the required consent threshold. This time, owners have crossed the 80% mandate needed to proceed to tender.
What makes this site particularly interesting?
🔑 Freehold 141,503 sq ft site
🚇 Close to Paya Lebar MRT and Paya Lebar Central
🏢 Currently zoned commercial under URA Master Plan 2025
💰 No ABSD payable on acquisition based on its current commercial zoning
🏡 URA planning advice supports potential residential-led mixed-use redevelopment, subject to approvals
📈 Potential to unlock significant value from a large city-fringe site
The commercial zoning is the quiet advantage.
A developer acquiring a residential en bloc site would generally face the developer ABSD framework. City Plaza's current commercial zoning means that ABSD does not apply to the acquisition, although any future residential conversion would still need to account for the land betterment charge and planning approvals.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/city-plaza-en-bloc-2026-970m-freehold-geylang-commercial-zoning-no-absd/
📌 The headline is $970 million. The real story is what the developer can ultimately do with the land.
The freehold City Plaza site in Geylang has launched its third collective sale attempt at $970 million, after previous attempts in 2018 and 2021 fell short of the required consent threshold. This time, owners have crossed the 80% mandate needed to proceed to tender.
What makes this site particularly interesting?
🔑 Freehold 141,503 sq ft site
🚇 Close to Paya Lebar MRT and Paya Lebar Central
🏢 Currently zoned commercial under URA Master Plan 2025
💰 No ABSD payable on acquisition based on its current commercial zoning
🏡 URA planning advice supports potential residential-led mixed-use redevelopment, subject to approvals
📈 Potential to unlock significant value from a large city-fringe site
The commercial zoning is the quiet advantage.
A developer acquiring a residential en bloc site would generally face the developer ABSD framework. City Plaza's current commercial zoning means that ABSD does not apply to the acquisition, although any future residential conversion would still need to account for the land betterment charge and planning approvals.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/city-plaza-en-bloc-2026-970m-freehold-geylang-commercial-zoning-no-absd/
📌 The headline is $970 million. The real story is what the developer can ultimately do with the land.
PropertyNet.SG
City Plaza's Third En Bloc: $970M Freehold Geylang Site Clears 80% With No ABSD for Developers | PropertyNet.SG
City Plaza's $970M collective sale finally cleared the 80% mandate. Its commercial zoning means no ABSD for developers, a rare city-fringe freehold edge.
🏥🌏 Bangkok's property story isn't just about tourism anymore.
Medical tourism is becoming an increasingly important part of Bangkok's economy, with major hospitals, international patients and supporting businesses helping drive activity around key growth corridors.
Why does this matter for property?
🏥 Growing healthcare and medical ecosystems
🌏 Strong international visitor demand
🚇 Better connectivity supporting emerging districts
🏙️ New commercial, residential and mixed-use opportunities
📈 Potential for rental demand around major employment and healthcare hubs
For investors, the bigger question isn't simply whether Bangkok's property market is growing.
It's where economic activity is concentrating, who is driving demand and whether infrastructure is arriving ahead of that demand.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/medical-tourism-and-bangkok-s-growth-areas-what-the-experts-on-the-ground-are-saying/
📌 Property opportunities are often created by economic ecosystems, not property projects alone. Healthcare, jobs, infrastructure and international demand can collectively reshape an entire neighbourhood.
Medical tourism is becoming an increasingly important part of Bangkok's economy, with major hospitals, international patients and supporting businesses helping drive activity around key growth corridors.
Why does this matter for property?
🏥 Growing healthcare and medical ecosystems
🌏 Strong international visitor demand
🚇 Better connectivity supporting emerging districts
🏙️ New commercial, residential and mixed-use opportunities
📈 Potential for rental demand around major employment and healthcare hubs
For investors, the bigger question isn't simply whether Bangkok's property market is growing.
It's where economic activity is concentrating, who is driving demand and whether infrastructure is arriving ahead of that demand.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/medical-tourism-and-bangkok-s-growth-areas-what-the-experts-on-the-ground-are-saying/
📌 Property opportunities are often created by economic ecosystems, not property projects alone. Healthcare, jobs, infrastructure and international demand can collectively reshape an entire neighbourhood.
PropertyNet.SG
Medical tourism and Bangkok's growth areas: What the experts on the ground are saying
Bangkok’s doctors and locals reveal what's really driving the city's property market and where the smart money is going in 2026.
🏡🔑 Your new launch just got its keys. Should you rent it out or leave it vacant and wait for the right time to sell?
This is a decision many new launch owners face after TOP.
With Singapore's rental market becoming more selective in 2026, simply holding out for a high rent may not always be the best strategy. Private residential rents rose 0.7% in Q2 2026, but vacancy also increased to 6.4%, with substantial new supply coming through over the next few years.
So before deciding, look at the numbers:
💰 Rent it out
Generate income and offset some holding costs, but accept tenant wear and potential vacancy.
🏡 Leave it vacant
Keep the property pristine for a future sale, but you're carrying the full mortgage, maintenance and opportunity cost without rental income.
📈 Sell it
If the project's current resale value is attractive, crystallising your gain may make more sense than holding purely for the sake of holding.
The key is to compare net rental yield, expected capital appreciation, financing cost and your intended exit timeline.
For example, if a unit can realistically rent for $5,000 but takes several weeks to secure a tenant, the headline annual rental isn't the same as your actual return.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/your-new-launch-just-got-its-keys-rent-it-out-or-hold-it-empty-for-the-sale/
📌 Getting the keys is not the end of the investment decision. It's when the next decision begins: rent, hold or sell?
The right answer depends on what the numbers say for your specific unit, not what the market headline says.
This is a decision many new launch owners face after TOP.
With Singapore's rental market becoming more selective in 2026, simply holding out for a high rent may not always be the best strategy. Private residential rents rose 0.7% in Q2 2026, but vacancy also increased to 6.4%, with substantial new supply coming through over the next few years.
So before deciding, look at the numbers:
💰 Rent it out
Generate income and offset some holding costs, but accept tenant wear and potential vacancy.
🏡 Leave it vacant
Keep the property pristine for a future sale, but you're carrying the full mortgage, maintenance and opportunity cost without rental income.
📈 Sell it
If the project's current resale value is attractive, crystallising your gain may make more sense than holding purely for the sake of holding.
The key is to compare net rental yield, expected capital appreciation, financing cost and your intended exit timeline.
For example, if a unit can realistically rent for $5,000 but takes several weeks to secure a tenant, the headline annual rental isn't the same as your actual return.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/your-new-launch-just-got-its-keys-rent-it-out-or-hold-it-empty-for-the-sale/
📌 Getting the keys is not the end of the investment decision. It's when the next decision begins: rent, hold or sell?
The right answer depends on what the numbers say for your specific unit, not what the market headline says.
PropertyNet.SG
Your new launch just got its keys. Rent it out, or hold it empty for the sale?
Guest analysis by Realila, built on URA caveat data from a real shoebox case: letting the unit out was worth about $44,600 over the hold. At a 4.5% mortgage rate, leaving it empty turned a profitable purchase into a loss.
🏡📊 Resale condo or new launch? The answer may be clearer after 18 months.
New launches often get the attention, but resale condos can offer something equally important: a property you can inspect, compare and understand before committing.
An 18-month scorecard gives buyers a useful way to compare the two strategies:
🏗️ New launch
• Brand-new facilities and finishes
• Progressive payments during construction
• Potential for future capital growth as the project completes
• But you're buying partly on expectations of future value
🏡 Resale condo
• See the actual unit, surroundings and development
• Established rental and transaction history
• Immediate occupation or rental income
• Often more room to negotiate with motivated sellers
The important question isn't whether resale or new launch is universally better.
It's whether the entry price, location, unit efficiency, tenure, rental potential and future competition make sense for the specific property you're considering.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/resale-condo-over-new-launch-18-month-scorecard-2026/
📌 The best property isn't necessarily the newest one. It's the one where today's price makes sense against tomorrow's value.
New launches often get the attention, but resale condos can offer something equally important: a property you can inspect, compare and understand before committing.
An 18-month scorecard gives buyers a useful way to compare the two strategies:
🏗️ New launch
• Brand-new facilities and finishes
• Progressive payments during construction
• Potential for future capital growth as the project completes
• But you're buying partly on expectations of future value
🏡 Resale condo
• See the actual unit, surroundings and development
• Established rental and transaction history
• Immediate occupation or rental income
• Often more room to negotiate with motivated sellers
The important question isn't whether resale or new launch is universally better.
It's whether the entry price, location, unit efficiency, tenure, rental potential and future competition make sense for the specific property you're considering.
🔗 https://propertynet.sg/resale-condo-over-new-launch-18-month-scorecard-2026/
📌 The best property isn't necessarily the newest one. It's the one where today's price makes sense against tomorrow's value.
PropertyNet.SG
We Chose a Resale Condo Over a New Launch. 18 Months Later, Here Is Our Honest Scorecard | PropertyNet.SG
A Singapore couple who picked a resale condo over a new launch share their honest 18-month scorecard: PSF saved, renovation costs and what they got wrong.