The Business Times
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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

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Leslie Yee

Leslie Yee

Published Mon, Mar 16, 2026 · 11:56 AM
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    • The low birth rate among residents and an ageing population pose challenges for the private housing market.
    • The low birth rate among residents and an ageing population pose challenges for the private housing market. PHOTO: BT FILE

    [SINGAPORE] Amid wars raging, buyers snapped up 90 per cent of the units – 410 out of 455 in total – at GuocoLand’s River Modern in the River Valley area during the 99-year leasehold condo project’s launch on Mar 7. The average selling price was S$3,266 per square foot.

    Aided by low interest rates, housing demand in safe haven Singapore is resilient. Still, while homebuyers appear unfazed by war, should they fear the acute shortage of babies?

    In 2025, the resident total fertility rate per female hit a record low of 0.87 based on a preliminary figure. The total fertility rate was 1.24 in 2015, and 0.97 in 2024.

    Singapore residential propertyprivate home salesResidentialimmigrantsbirth rateDemographicsFertilityThe Level Ground

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