The Level Ground

THE LEVEL GROUND

Singapore properties’ safe-haven premium shields S-Reits from Iran war headwinds

The Republic’s attractiveness to businesses and individuals will grow in a chaotic world 

A new condo home’s saleable area typically captures more accurately a unit’s actual usable space.
THE LEVEL GROUND

High per square foot prices of new condos could be increasingly irrelevant to buyers

For many, the focus is on finding the right home at an acceptable absolute quantum

Buying a new executive condo unit offers a path to private homeownership for higher-income locals.
THE LEVEL GROUND

Time to cool EC demand: drop deferred payment scheme, lengthen MOP, tighten resale restrictions

Moderating growth will benefit eligible buyers without access to abundant liquidity

Some analysts expect BTO units at Pearl's Hill to come under the Prime category and have a subsidy recovery rate of 18 to 20 per cent.
THE LEVEL GROUND

Would a subsidy clawback of 20% or more for top HDB BTO projects be excessive?

A Pearl’s Hill BTO flat may not be a slam dunk with tighter restrictions in place for Prime flats

The low birth rate among residents and an ageing population pose challenges for the private housing market.
THE LEVEL GROUND

Migrants key to Singapore private housing’s long-term health amid low births

More foreigners becoming PRs and citizens can support demand for private homes

5 Oxley Rise houses a two-storey bungalow with single-storey outhouses. It is a rare property in dense Singapore. It has huge grounds, a great location and a rich history.
THE LEVEL GROUND

Mind the perils of buying a minority stake in a landed home

Why purchasing a one-seventh interest in 5 Oxley Rise could be a big gamble

Located in the heart of Singapore's CBD, One Raffles Place is a key revenue contributor for OUE Reit.
THE LEVEL GROUND

Reits that don’t trade well should be privatised, or sell assets and be liquidated

After selling One Raffles Place, OUE Reit should be taken private or divest the rest of its properties

Tracking the growth in private home prices against household market income shows that the exuberance in the housing market is not irrational.
THE LEVEL GROUND

'Market income' supports home affordability, but wage-price relation still matters

Should the HDB income ceiling account for non-employment income as well?

Property ownership in Singapore is supported by strong fundamentals
THE LEVEL GROUND

Major tax hikes unlikely in upcoming Budget, but property tax rates may rise in future 

Hiking property tax rates relatively palatable; consider concessions if rates rise