Singapore will tighten rules for new executive condominiums to improve affordability. The MOP will be 10 years, the deferred payment scheme will end, and 90% of units will be reserved for first-time buyers for two years. The changes apply only to future sites with tenders closing from May 8. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/10-year-mop-for-executive-condos-more-ec-units-for-first-timers-to-tackle-affordability-concerns

About 9% of commuters on the north-east corridor now travel off-peak using the free-ride scheme, easing North East Line morning crowding, said Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow. The Government is also adding more bus services in the area and giving extra cost-of-living support to households. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/nearly-one-in-10-commuters-changed-morning-travel-habits-easing-peak-hour-nel-crunch-jeffrey-siow

Executive condominiums were created to give the “sandwich” class a cheaper alternative to private condos. Prices have risen and new rules have sparked concerns about affordability. Despite this, the commentary says ECs still remain a relevant option. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/executive-condominiums-ec-policy-changes-impact-prices-affordability-demand-6118221

Most Singapore homeowners still choose fixed-rate home loans, even though floating rates are cheaper now. They want payment certainty amid uncertainty and possible rate rises, though some are moving to floating as SORA falls. HDB’s 2.6% loan rate stays steady, and advisers urge caution on switching to bank loans. https://www.straitstimes.com/business/banking/most-spore-home-owners-still-prefer-fixed-home-loans-although-floating-rates-now-cheaper

Singapore will deepen citizen participation in policies and town plans. It is piloting new ways to involve residents in Neighbourhood Renewal Programmes in Boon Lay and Canberra, and expanding support for volunteering and citizen-led projects, including the $50 million SG Partnerships Fund. The aim is to work with citizens, not just for them. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/govt-piloting-different-ways-of-engaging-citizens-for-neighbourhood-renewal-in-boon-lay-canberra

Balestier Regency, a 72-unit condo, has launched a fourth collective sale at a $255 million guide price. The price is higher than in 2022 due to rising land and replacement home costs, with owners set to get about $3.28 million to $3.5 million each. The tender closes on July 9. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/balestier-regency-takes-fourth-stab-at-collective-sale-at-255-million-guide-price

A new executive condominium site at Canberra Drive has been launched for tender, the first GLS site since new EC rules. The rules reserve 90% of units for first-timers, end deferred payment, and extend the MOP to 10 years. Analysts expect more cautious bids and slower early sales, but still fair interest due to the location and affordability. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/canberra-drive-ec-site-launched-for-tender-under-tighter-ec-rules

A new archaeological study will be done at Adam Park before the bungalows are turned into serviced apartments. It may recover items left in the ground, like a suspected ammunition box, and will guide how the site’s wartime features are preserved and made accessible to the public. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/archaeological-study-to-be-carried-out-at-adam-park-a-wwii-battlefield-and-prisoner-of-war-camp

Free morning off-peak train rides in northeast Singapore cut peak-hour crowding by 9%, said acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow. The pilot began in December 2025 on selected NEL and Sengkang-Punggol LRT stations, and fares have stayed the same as the government monitors costs. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/free-morning-peak-train-rides-in-northeast-singapore-reduced-crowding-9-jeffrey-siow-6138751

An identity thief forged an NRIC and tried to get a $2.9 million loan using a Katong landed home as collateral. Law firms lodged a caveat and sought a replacement deed, and the police, SLA and ACRA are investigating. The caveat was cancelled and the owner kept his home, and another person’s identity was also misused. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/identity-thief-forged-nric-and-tried-to-secure-2-9m-loan-using-victims-landed-property-as-leverage

Live-streaming commerce is booming in Singapore and is helping many women and mothers earn from home, with conversion rates far higher than regular e-commerce. But it is gig work that can be exhausting and can expose them to online harassment and privacy concerns. https://www.straitstimes.com/life/mums-go-live-meet-three-women-in-singapore-making-a-living-from-live-streaming-at-home

Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Town Council set its own targets for cleanliness, pests and safety, using resident feedback and data. From October 2025 to March 2026, feedback on rodents, pigeons and cleanliness fell by up to 17%. The council is also testing a cleaning robot and QR codes on bins to speed up responses. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/marine-parade-braddell-heights-rolls-out-own-indicators-for-estate-cleanliness-pest-management

A software engineer turned his 1,055 sq ft Queenstown HDB flat into a calm, purpose-led home with designer Lim Siling. A dark walnut dining table set a shift to deeper wood tones, with cat-friendly features and focused work zones. The renovation took about four months and cost about $142,600. https://www.straitstimes.com/life/home-design/queenstown-hdb-flat-a-zen-zone-for-software-engineer-and-his-cat

Singapore changed executive condo rules, with a 10-year stay period, no deferred payment, and more priority for first-time buyers. Analysts say this should cool land bids and help affordability over time. In the near term, demand may shift to five projects not affected, with prices likely stable or only slightly higher. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/executive-condominiums-ec-new-measures-impact-prices-demand-analysts-6109006

A young couple redesigned their 1,055 sq ft condo at Reflections at Keppel Bay into a calm, child-friendly home inspired by the Park Hyatt Bangkok. Led by Studio Kabi’s Song Sze Ming, it uses clean lines, warm timber and stainless steel, with the kitchen as the social hub and a new dining banquette. The renovation was completed in two months. https://www.straitstimes.com/life/quiet-luxury-and-thai-travels-transform-young-couples-two-bedroom-condo

Singapore designated Bedok, Bukit Panjang, and Tiong Bahru-Redhill as Age Well Neighbourhoods, adding to Toa Payoh. From 2026, seniors there will get more community care, more Active Ageing Centres and health posts, and safer streets. Some features start this year, with expanded home care by 2027, benefiting over 110,000 seniors. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/bedok-bukit-panjang-and-tiong-bahru-redhill-designated-as-age-well-neighbourhoods

The NEA got about 600 home secondhand smoke complaints in 2025, and 30% were from repeat complainants. Agencies send advisories and promote mediation, and most cases do not recur. Tougher rules on home smoke are hard due to privacy, and no formal health guidelines are planned. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/30-of-secondhand-smoke-feedback-cases-in-2025-came-from-repeat-complainants

A metal beam fell from the Chong Pang City worksite and damaged the roof of Block 103 Yishun Ring Road. No one was hurt, and engineers say the roof structure is safe. The area is secured, and repairs will start soon while a small section stays cordoned off. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/metal-beam-chong-pang-city-yishun-hdb-shanmugam-6096751

Bank shares rose after the Fed held rates and DBS reported strong first-quarter results. Property stocks lagged amid higher borrowing costs from a higher-for-longer rate outlook. Investors now await UOB and OCBC earnings for signs on margins, loan growth, and asset quality. https://www.straitstimes.com/business/bank-stocks-gain-as-dbs-results-lift-sentiment-property-counters-lag

Singapore plans to relax lighting rules in Marina Bay and the Singapore River to allow brighter, animated night displays. It also plans more stay options nearby and trials of flexible rules to boost nightlife and events. Pilot Business Improvement Districts are extended, and the government will consult on a law to formalise BIDs and require all stakeholders to fund them. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/marina-bay-skyline-could-see-bolder-night-light-ups-as-ura-explores-easing-guidelines