The annual GSS (Great Singapore Sale) may have started only on May 25. But for property new launches, the GSS started much earlier. The sale is now on With the steam of an overheated property market dying down, the buzz has now shifted to developers playing discount games to push new projects or clear old stock. With so many 'great deals', buyers are spoiled for … [Read more...]
Property cooling measures – any more to come?
Hey, it's Friday. TGIF! Wait, it's Friday again. Will the government announce any new measures today to cool the property market? More than once, Friday has being picked for reporting such 'exciting' news. New policies mentioned today are likely to be made effective tomorrow, before everyone have a 'nice' weekend. For many who have a stake in the industry – be it … [Read more...]
Are additional buyer stamp duties necessary?
The Singapore government just announced additional buyer stamp duties (ABSD) to be imposed on foreign and multi-property buyers effective December 8, 2011. 1st time foreign buyers have to pay an additional 10 percent ABSD. Singaporeans buying 3rd property and PRs buying 2nd property have to pay 3 percent more on ABSD. This is on top of the inflated seller stamp duties … [Read more...]
Let’s separate marriage with property
There’s a 'uniquely Singapore' way of proposing to a lady, "Let's apply for a flat together." Unknowing to both parties, this is often the root of future problems. During my 1st year in Singapore, I rented a 4-room HDB flat from a young lady through referral from work. Back then the rent was $850, including utility costs. One evening, I heard someone opening the … [Read more...]