HOW strong is demand in the Singapore residential property market? The picture is different depending on what one looks at. And this has not just sparked a debate in property circles but could pose a dilemma in future government land sales.
If one goes by buying demand - as reflected by the encouraging residential sales this year - the market is vibrant. But the actual housing demand - which refers to the demand for owner-occupied and rental housing - sends a different signal if one looks at vacancy rates.
This apparent disconnect between buying demand and actual demand is fanning the hot debate in property circles: whether there is an oversupply or undersupply situation.
With the economy sputtering...