By Raphael Lim
Discussion topics at EdgeProp Singapore’s Property Market Outlook event held on Sunday, Feb 16, included the potential for new property cooling measures, an influx of housing from government land sale (GLS) sites and upcoming Build-To-Order (BTO) launches, as well as budget 2025 announcements that could impact the real estate market. A panel of three experts in the industry, including Alan Cheong from Savills Singapore, Wong Xian Yang from Cushman & Wakefield, and Song Seng Wun from CGS International, discussed these topics. The event, which was organised by EdgeProp Singapore, took place at the Elta sales gallery, a new 501-unit project developed by MCL Land and CSC Land Group. The sales gallery opened on Feb 7 to the public.
During January, the government mentioned that it was open to implementing additional cooling measures and that there were no plans to roll back current measures. In the same month, there were 1,083 new private residential units sold by developers (excluding executive condos), jumping about 256% compared to the same month in previous years. If the government decides to implement new measures, they will likely select an approach that applies uniformly across the entire residential market. The panelists suggested that new measures could also target the HDB resale market.
The HDB resale market is the foundation of the housing market in Singapore, and an increase in price growth there will add upward pressure on prices in the private housing segment. The panelists also suggested that the government might consider adjusting the seller’s stamp duty (SSD) and introducing stricter loan restrictions.
However, Tong, CEO of EdgeProp Singapore, pointed out that the government will inject a significant pipeline of housing through GLS and BTO projects to meet housing demand. The 1H2025 GLS programme contains 10 sites that could result in 5,000 new homes, and HDB intends to offer 19,600 BTO flats in 2025.
Newly launched Prime and Plus BTO flats will take about 14 years to enter the resale market under the new BTO classification, and the impact from these developments on prices will only be felt much later on. However, Cheong from Savills Singapore pointed out that prices in the resale market are typically affected by project completions and HDB estates completing their minimum occupation period (MOP) rather than the pipeline of GLS sites up for tender each year. He adds, “In terms of prices, project completions, rather than GLS supply, are more likely to affect prices.”
Despite this, all three panelists agreed that the recent successes in the new launch market indicate strong buyer confidence for projects hitting the market this year. For example, Elta attracted about 4,500 visitors during the first three days it was open to the public. Meanwhile, The Orie and Bagnall House, which were launched this year, had high selling rates of 86% and 63%, respectively.
The panel also discussed budget 2025 and what, if any, measures could influence the property market this year. According to Song from CGS, Singapore has seen a relatively robust economic recovery since the recession caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. With 2025 being an election year, he believes that Singaporeans can expect more handouts funded by government surpluses resulting from healthy government revenue collections in the past three years.
The panel also fielded questions from the audience. Some participants questioned whether the residential property market is in a “euphoric” stage.
Cheong commented that the feeling of market exuberance will likely subside as developers strategically time the launch of new projects. He adds that several launch-ready projects are in neighbourhoods that have not seen a new launch in several years. “If there has been no new launch in a specific location for about five or six years, demand tends to build up over that time,” says Cheong.
A few investors also asked for the panelists’ opinions on the rental market for this year. Market data shows that while the total number of expatriates in Singapore fell in the past year, there was an increase in the volume of rental transactions last year. Cheong added that the decline in rents likely encouraged some renters to stop flat-sharing and find their own accommodation. This was offset by layoffs in technology and finance companies that might moderate rental price growth this year.
During the event, a session of EdgeProp’s Master Plan Master Class was also presented by Tong. He covered upcoming transformation plans in Clementi and Jurong East. He noted that the completion of the second phase of the Cross Island Line (CRL) would add a new MRT station (West Coast) and turn the existing Clementi station into an interchange. Tong observed that historically MRT interchanges tend to have a positive impact on surrounding property prices.
Clementi is also expected to benefit from transformation plans that include the redevelopment of Clementi Stadium and the installation of more than 6.6km of cycling paths throughout the area. Housing demand in Clementi is also expected to benefit from the progressive development of the Jurong Lake District and the new jobs created in Tuas Biomedical Park, Jurong Island, and Jurong Innovation District.
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Furthermore, it is also crucial to consider government regulations and market conditions. The Singapore government has implemented various measures to ensure a stable and sustainable property market, including cooling measures to prevent speculation. Therefore, it is vital to stay updated on any changes or policies that may affect the real estate market.
To make informed investment decisions, it is advisable to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice. With the help of experienced real estate agents and consultants, investors can gain valuable insights and make well-informed choices.
Whether you are a local investor looking to diversify your portfolio or a foreign buyer seeking a stable and profitable investment, condos in Singapore present a compelling opportunity. With its thriving economy, stable political climate, and well-regulated property market, Singapore is a prime location for real estate investments. Singapore Projects feature attractive and modern developments that cater to the diverse needs of investors. By carefully considering all the crucial factors and seeking professional guidance, investors can maximize their returns and benefit from the dynamic real estate market in Singapore.
EdgeProp Singapore’s data shows that the average age of existing condos in Clementi is about 17 years. Tong observed that recent new projects in Clementi have achieved strong capital gains over the years. For example, Clavon has seen a 24% rise since its launch, while The Clement Canopy has seen its prices increase by 43% since it was launched. The data comes from EdgeProp Singapore’s suite of tools that can help owners, buyers, and sellers understand market and price trends, including those for HDB resale prices, analytics of profitable transactions, and upcoming GLS sites.…