- ST Jan 5, 2010
Resale HDB flat prices hit new high
Year's total increase amounts to 8%; private home prices too are up
By Jessica Cheam
HOUSING Board (HDB) resale flat prices continue to climb ever higher, with prices in the fourth quarter of last year setting a new record.
Flash estimates released by the HDB yesterday show prices rose by 3.8 per cent in the fourth quarter, bringing last year's total price rise to about 8 per cent - a surprise outcome for many property experts who had predicted price falls at the start of last year.
The Resale Price Index (RPI) hit 150.7 in the fourth quarter, up from the third quarter's 145.2 and far beyond the previous peak of 136.9 achieved in the fourth quarter of 1996.
HDB flat prices have risen almost 40 per cent over the past three years.
Guess who sold his HDB apartment in the last quarter? Heheh.
There is no such thing as a good market or a bad market - it all depends on which side of the market you're on. That is to say, whether you are a buyer or a seller.
Luckily for me, I bought my other home in March 2009, when the market was at its bottom. As a buyer, I caught the bottom, and as a seller I caught the high.
Nevertheless I do feel sorry for young Singaporean families who are now finding it difficult to buy their first home. And here's a big reason for their difficulty:
- ....... PropNex chief executive Mohamed Ismail said that permanent residents easily made up 20 per cent of his agency's total HDB sales.
At C&H Realty, this group of buyers account for as many as 50 per cent of all HDB resale transactions, revealed managing director Albert Lu.
- ST Jan 1, 2010
Singaporeans come first for Govt: PM
Sharing benefits by raising per capita income is one big aim
By Kor Kian Beng, Political Correspondent
SINGAPOREANS are top priority for the Government, which will aim to grow the economy in a way that allows all citizens to share in the benefits, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has emphasised in his New Year message for 2010.
... At the same time, the Government will also 'manage and moderate' the inflow of foreign workers so that Singaporeans are not overwhelmed by the sheer numbers, he said.
- HDB yesterday moved to address supply concerns by announcing it would launch more build-to-order (BTO) flats this year if there was 'sustained demand for new flats'. It would, it added, 'ensure that there is an adequate supply of flats to meet prevailing housing needs'.
Some 1,300 new flats are to be launched for sale today by HDB in Choa Chu Kang and Hougang.
As an indication of the red-hot demand for homes, there was an overwhelming response to a recent launch by HDB of BTO flats at Dawson, where some flats were more than 11 times oversubscribed.
Meanwhile, many Singaporeans will still be needing a more immediate roof over their heads. One option is to rent. For the average Singaporean, renting HDB accommodation would traditionally be the most affordable route. Alas, what would be the problem here?
Integrated Resorts in Singapore upbeat about outlook in 2010
By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia
23 December 2009
SINGAPORE: Three years in the making and Singapore's two integrated resorts will finally open soon and the operators are upbeat about the prospects. Resorts World Sentosa, due to open in a matter of weeks, expects to attract 13 million visitors in the first year alone.
An entertainment industry like Resorts World is very labour-intensive. It's unlike, say, the pharmaceutical R&D industry at Biopolis, which will go a long way with a few dozen highly qualified, top-notch scientists.
The estimate is that when the two IRs are up and running, they will have created about 50,000 to 60,000 new jobs. If half the jobs go to foreigners, we're expecting a flood of 25,000 to 30,000 new foreigners coming to reside in Singapore, just for the IR jobs alone.
Most of these foreigners won't be the senior management types (the kind who will rent a District 10 condo or house to live in). Instead they will be the croupiers, the ticket sales staff, the cleaners, the ride operators, the F&B staff, the theme park guy who dresses up in the funny costume and entertains the kids.
These are the same foreigners who will need to rent a HDB flat. Their sheer numbers will push up the rental demand for HDB accommodation. When demand goes up, so will the rental price.
Many Singaporeans will be caught out. They can't afford to buy, they can't afford to rent. They will park themselves with their parents or in-laws, and defer marriage and/or childbirth.
A few years later, PM Lee will stare at his charts and numbers, and lament once again about how come Singaporeans are getting married later and later, and why are the birth rates falling lower and lower again.
Then in his great wisdom, he will conclude, "Oh we need to import more foreigners."
59 comments:
haha...is it just me or do i sense that the previous mr wang (bakes good karma) is writing here?
subtle, subtle. and as always, enjoyed reading your blog!
Now 4.9 million population.
Target is 6.5 million.
25k -30K increase is just a small step forward towards target. No problem.
Mah Bow Tan with his team of the brightest Singaporeans selected from the top JCs, educated with the best Universities in the world Overseas (of course) admitted that he was caught by surprise with the HDB pricing.
Heh heh.
Maybe we should sack his entire team, reduce the wonderful overseas scholars by half, not give them fast track careers, and hire Mr Wang instead. Wow, that will save us millions in taxes!
mrwang
You missed out the article that said that 2 blocks of HDB flats in prime Toa Payoh district that were taken back by "gahmen" for en-bloc upgrades had been re-allocated for rental to IR workers.
It was estimated that there were 300 or so units with each able to house 3-5 workers.
Gee thanks. So not only did you buy back the apartments in a prime location for cheap and evicted the locals, we have to give these spaces up now for more foreign "talent".
Not reported in the news here: when Macau Sands retrenched their staff in 2009, there were reports that some of them would be offered jobs in the SG Sands resort.
In other news, President of Phillippines also announced some deal where Filipinos were being recruited for the SG Sands resort.
You have to wonder how much jobs are left for locals, huh?
Ape tries to find out the quota system between local and foreign workforce for a company but it seems that it is not so straight forward. So it begs the question,how is govt going to "manage and moderate"? Interestingly, ape saw in MOM website that there's a special category carved out for PRC work permit holders. Any idea what's the need?
Eh, already 5 million la! Don't you read the ST? If not they'll have to import more to read it!
Fallout from Arroyo's comments that 5000 jobs in the casinos were going to Filipinos
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/business/23224-uproar-over-reports-of-singapore-casino-jobs-going-to-foreigners
Sands transferring people to SG
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aEPtvWUkhGpU
You need more grassroots in the leadership positions. The elites will never understand the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens. It is no surprise that it takes them so long to conclude?! that Singapreans must come first. Hmm... elections are coming!
Mr. Wang,
I notice the volume of transactions have fallen and from housing agent friends it is harder to match buyer and seller expectations. So it is likely you sold at a good price if not the best price.
Hmmm...How come you're allowed to buy a HDB flat at your income level? I thought there was a ceiling of $8K.
But does it really matter a lot for someone who makes in excess of $320K a year if his timing is slightly off? For the $4K a month guy, mis-timing will result in a lifetime of financial pain and regret. But for people who make >$320K, I always thought the issue is buying a house that you will like at a location you love. Who cares if it is the peak or bottom or whatever.
Some 35 yr old senior lawyer bought the corner terrace next to my dad's. We asked the old neighbor how much he got for it and he told us the buyer didn't spend 1 minute to bargain and took the seller's price. The old neighbor would have been willing to sell $50K lower but marked it up expecting the buyer to bargain. But he didn't, he liked it, paid for it, spent a horrendous amount renovating it. Gave my dad a huge hamper for the renovation noise....nice guy.
Goodness for a guy who makes more than $320K does it matter if you sold at the peak? If you're not that clever at least some average income couple could have bought a house at a more affordable price.
You're too clever Mr. Wang!
p.s a letter on Today stated that if Singaporeans/PR wanted to rent a flat, the cheapest available was S$350. The people working at IRs got it for S$140.
Though the unit is not necessarily the same size, you have to wonder why the cheaper alternative (even if it has a smaller floor area) is not given to residents...
Smart move!
Aiyoh, Lucky ... I wasn't always earning so much money, you know.
I bought a resale HDB about nine years ago. At that time, I earned <$8000 per month.
Together with my wife's income, we would have exceeded the $8K mark then. However, my wife resigned from her job, shortly before the HDB appointment. Therefore we were able to truthfully declare that our total monthly income was below $8K. :D
We then qualified for the $40K government grant (as the flat is within 2 km of my parents' home). Shortly after the transaction closed and we had pocketed our $40,000, my wife found herself a new job. :D
As for my new house, it is ... VERY ... big, and yes, catching it at a low is important for me. Otherwise I will be the one suffering a lifetime of financial pain and regret.
Mr. Wang,
Now that you have a bigger house, you can collect another $20K worth of tax rebates, $6K cash bonus and $12K matching deposit by having another kid. Not that you would do it for the govt money but I gather you like kids from your writing.
Instead of poetry, you might want to consider writing a financial planning book and include all the tips on how to benefit from govt grants, tax rebates etc.
I never thought of putting money in the SRS until I read your posting. I have to thank you for some tax savings this year.
one has to wonder what else can this government do to pump up property prices? They already pressed short term interest rates close to zero and allowed in so many immigrants. Perhaps the next step is to weaken S$ further, just to give the illusion of wealth.
I nearly choked on my breakfast when I saw the headlines about how the government will make us Singaporeans their top priorities.
I only thought Singaporeans were top priorities when it came to national service and reservist duties.
All the goodies, like scholarship to local universities, financial assistance, protection of jobs, all passed me by. Ironically, it was foreigners who got all of these in Singapore.
The scholarships at NTU largely went to PRC and Indian students. The phD program was open to PRC students, mainly because the profs were PRC citizens too.
The managers at the company were from India. Needless to say, after a while, most of the locals were replaced with workers from India.
The only protection real Singaporeans got was NS duty. NS was, and still is, strictly for citizens only.
Nonsense. Ministers' jobs are also protected and reserved for Singaporeans.
So Mr Wang, the loophole of your wife quitting her job and then finding one soon after you got your HDB flat application is still around or has the regulations changed to be slightly tigher ie 1 year of annual combined income before flat application?
I was toying with the idea but not too sure if there are such restrictions because evidently a couple making more than 8K now is a dime a dozen.
wait till something catastrophic happens
then we can all see what the BOTTOM looks like
it will come ..4, 5, 6 , 8 , 12 ...sometime in the next 10 to 15 years
:)
Lets reveist this blog post then !
//
wait till something catastrophic happens
then we can all see what the BOTTOM looks like
//
.. and thats when Mr Wang will buy more properties?
During the great depression, the cash rich bought entire towns at a bargain ...
Our smart govt has already made its analysis and calculation.
And that is majority (66% or more) still OK lah, even with high HDB flat prices, high rentals, more FTs, low birth rates etc, etc.
They never got this wrong. 44 years track record, you know. And with Mentor Lee around, very reassuring one.
Guys, be realistic about Singapore is not a nation... Is a nation in the making.
So, there's no difference whether you are called a citizen or PR.
Be smart OK, find ways to take leverage from the situation and don't be a spoiled bread and kept complaining. That's not positive.
Remember, be smart.
-- Your fellow so called Singaporean
Yes, play the game. See some specialist and get yourself out of NS if you "unfortunately" isn't born with some downgrade-able ailment.
In this day and age, just about 80% of what this government tells you is the exact opposite of what you should know. I would have said 100%, but I am kind.
Hmmm ... I think the HDB market still has some way to go upwards, especially looking at how the STI is climbing. Therefore, you might have sold too early.
Anyway, I always believe that "price is what you pay but value is what you get". So if you're happy with the price, that's all that really matters :)
Nonsense. Ministers' jobs are also protected and reserved for Singaporeans.
Nah. You can get the job pre-confirmed first, then switch citizenship within a month or so. Just like quitting your job to get the HDB then finding it again after obtaining the subsidy.
Which Minister has declared that all his immediate family members are staunch believers of his work and hence are citizens of only Singapore and no PR elsewhere?
"Nonsense. Ministers' jobs are also protected and reserved for Singaporeans."
I know for a fact that Khaw Boon Wan is from Penang.
"So Mr Wang, the loophole of your wife quitting her job and then finding one soon after you got your HDB flat application is still around or has the regulations changed to be slightly tigher ie 1 year of annual combined income before flat application?"
---------
I think they have changed somewhat, depending on exactly what you're applying for ... but the details are all available on the HDB website.
"Hmmm ... I think the HDB market still has some way to go upwards, especially looking at how the STI is climbing. Therefore, you might have sold too early."
One thing about real estate transactions is that they are big, chunky and take time.
Shares - if you think a crash is coming, you can click on a few icons and sell straightaway.
Property - if you think a crash is coming, you have to find an agent .... agent will talk to other agents .... you tidy your house, do an open house .... buyers will come on the weekends.... view the place .... ask 50 questions about your kitchen, your bedroom, your neighbourhood .... go away to view other places ... come back .... haggle ... leave .... return .... haggle some more ....
Then suddenly, if there's big news in the newspapers about recession or economic crisis or property market crash etc etc, all the buyers disappear.
In other words, the property market is not so liquid and you can't really time it so finely, if you are a seller.
Whereas if you are a buyer, you CAN time it more finely, if you manage to identify, say, 3 or 4 available properties that you're equally willing to live in. Then you sit and wait, monitor and monitor, see whether the seller will blink first and lower prices.
/// I bought a resale HDB about nine years ago. At that time, I earned <$8000 per month. ///
I think there is no earning ceiling if one buys a resale flat from the secondary market.
"Property - if you think a crash is coming, you have to find an agent .... agent will talk to other agents .... you tidy your house, do an open house ...."
Fully agreed that property takes time to dispose but there are measures you can take to pre-empt this. For example, renting is a good way to generate some income from the asset while you look for a seller. Selling with tenancy will also increase the attractiveness of your unit for buyers looking to invest. The above also helps to keep your unit on the top of the agent's mind since it's easier to sell.
Personally, I find that the odds are typically stack against a property seller since his agent, the buyer's agent and the buyer are all working against him. The only recourse is for a seller to stay vigilant and monitor the market trends closely in order not to underprice himself.
Anon 12:47
"I think there is no earning ceiling if one buys a resale flat from the secondary market.:
Yup, in my case it was actually about the $40,000 grant for living near your parents.
You Guys, remember that the HDBs are not just for living... it's also a political platform for secured votes!
So, the prices of HDBs can only kept going up... especially the valuation is not based on true market condition.
-- So called Singaporean
HDB is monopoly, hence can control price, if they really want to.
Also Singapore how big only? Just a fraction of the size of some big cities in the world.
If politics can control until 98%, where got problem controlling all other things?
This is where we are unique.
"Your fellow so called Singaporean", i love your comment. so, pink IC holders, go get it~
The cause of all these problems-IR. "Into Ruin"
"Nevertheless I do feel sorry for young Singaporean families who are now finding it difficult to buy their first home."
There you go again, feeling sorry for victims of a problem to which people like you contributed. The sword cut both ways, Mr Wang. If Singaporeans like you are to make money on property sales, then other Singaporeans will have to suffer the consequences of a property bubble. Stop shedding crocodile tears for them.
Singaporeans would love it if the govt sells them flats for 100K which they are able sell for 400K. But that's not about to happen, is it?
"The question is - what can or will the government do, to make housing more affordable and available again, for the average Singaporean?
#50% of the flats were bought by PRs.
#There has been no decline in the number of transactions.
#The prices have been going up.
Now, tell me: How is it that so many PRs find HDB flats "affordable" while Singaporeans don't? After all, most PRs aren't like angmohs who earn huge salaries. What gives?
The only solution to the so-called housing problem is excluding PRs from the resale market, forcing all of them to live in rented flats. This would
a) drive down property prices, making flats more "affordable" for the average Singaporean
b) put more money into Singaporeans's pockets, as rentals would go up even more (creating much more resentment among foreigners, but who cares?)
c) ease the pressure on the government, as the need to build new flats wouldn't be such a national issue.
The only solution to the so-called housing problem is excluding PRs from the resale market, forcing all of them to live in rented flats. This would
a) drive down property prices, making flats more "affordable" for the average Singaporean
b) put more money into Singaporeans's pockets, as rentals would go up even more (creating much more resentment among foreigners, but who cares?)
c) ease the pressure on the government, as the need to build new flats wouldn't be such a national issue.
The gahmen got it covered. Even if you don't rent out your flat, you will still be taxed on the market rental market. So if you are even middle income, live with parents and have kids, you are screwed no matter what. So what you are suggesting is for the gahmen to screw us even more.
Now, tell me: How is it that so many PRs find HDB flats "affordable" while Singaporeans don't? After all, most PRs aren't like angmohs who earn huge salaries. What gives?
What gives is, the PRs come here buy at whatever price, steal work for being CHEAP, then run away back carrying their kitties by selling the flats.
Citizens HAVE NO PLACE TO RUN AND MUST HAVE THE ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS. Suffering the problem created by opportunistic and MERCENARY PRs.
If you consider yourself a "talent" but cannot see this, your home country, where-ever you come from, must be a 3rd rate country worst than mine.
Not all PRs can afford the flats, of course. Only x% of them can.
However, the total number of people that the government is handing out PR status to is so large that x% is enough to cause the HDB problem.
x% cause the HDB problem but to PAP it is still manageable.
That's why they may even have a higher target of x++ %! And HDB prices to continue to rise.
They may be wrong on investments, 2nd language, stop at 2 etc but they will never be wrong where 98% seats at elections for PAP are concerned.
If this is not wrong, then everything, or any wrong things, is manageable.
Hi, Chengguan
Thanks for agreeing on my views.
The HDBs are the "cake" that shows our economic achievement - our citizen having asset value up to $1/2 million! and still rising...
-- So Called Singaporean
"What gives is, the PRs come here buy at whatever price,"
How is that possible? How can anyone buy at whatever price if he cannot afford, or if he cannot get a loan?
" steal work for being CHEAP,"
Wow! If they can buy at whatever price despite being "CHEAP," what does that say of Singaporeans?
Think, if you can. A flat at 400K would mean a payout of just under $1700 for a PR couple. Even if said couple make 7000 a month, it's still a lot cheaper than renting.
The only Singaporeans for whom flats are not "affordable" are those who cannot or are unwilling to part with 1700 a month. And it's usually they who complain.
"Citizens HAVE NO PLACE TO RUN AND MUST HAVE THE ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS."
Then why the f*** are they selling their flats if they must have a roof over their heads? Sheer greed. Admit it! Those Singaporeans who are just grumbling about so-called high property prices are just a greedy bunch.
Would Mr Wang or any other Singaporean help a fellow Singaporean by selling their flat at below market rate? Then what the hell are you all grumbling about?
"Suffering the problem created by opportunistic and MERCENARY PRs."
Hahaha. You say they are cheap, and yet they are MERCENARY. HOW? And they are paying market prices, dammit.
"If you consider yourself a "talent" but cannot see this, your home country, where-ever you come from, must be a 3rd rate country worst than mine."
Typical Singaporean. Cannot argue, start calling names. So, "CHEAP" PRs from "3rd rate" countries are kicking your ass! Doesn't reflect well on Singaporeans, does it?
"However, the total number of people that the government is handing out PR status to is so large that x% is enough to cause the HDB problem."
Mr Wang,
There is no HDB problem. Only a "not making enough money" problem. And there are many reasons why.
Yes, it is true that there may be an influx of foreigners who shall be imported to run the IR.
That said, from your entry, it would appear that you are not entirely aware that the people behind the IR have made plans to have these workers housed in dormitories. These dormitories, I understand, shall be built in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Hence, rest easy. These workers are unlikely to create any substantial chaos in Singapore's rental market. In any event, given the current rental market in Singapore, these workers would most likely be priced out.
I am a frequent visitor to your blog. I generally like your writings but this time, I am rather uncomfortable with what you have written.
In my humble view, it is not entirely prudent to arrive at a judgment based on suppositions.
Weak judgments, more often than not, ensue from such practices.
Your writing is generally incisive and thought-provoking. It is my hope (for I have no right to demand) that in due course, your writings would be deservedly described as 'balanced'.
"the people behind the IR have made plans to have these workers housed in dormitories. These dormitories, I understand, shall be built in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
"
LOL, really, how interesting. How long does it take for these dormitories to be constructed? And what is your source of info?
" In any event, given the current rental market in Singapore, these workers would most likely be priced out. "
Not at all. Two, three, four or five workers could get together to share and rent your average HDB flat. Not any different from, say, the foreign students from NUS or NTU who get together to rent flats in the neighbouring areas. Except that unlike the students, the IR employers actually have a salary.
You guys,
High property prices are good... for Singapotreans, that get the economy triving along. Let the PRs be the 2nd or even 3rd level of buyers.
Just leverage on this wave of up-swing b4 HDB changes it mind.
-- So called Singaporean
Well, PRs can take a gamble, if property goes up, they can sell for profit and retire comfortably back home.. If bubble burst, they can default on loan and go back home.. What's there to lose?
Just like the china PR lady mastermind who is behind the contraband cigarettes.. Worst that can happen is go to jail (she was jailed 2 months previously for same scheme), but if managed to run the scheme for a while, and remit the "profits" back home before getting caught, then after jail, can also retire back home.. If not, after jail, try again..
Now living in Singapore is like living in sardine cans....
What to do? it happened,,,,
BTW, the woodland flats resident have attachment(fond memories, favourite food place) to their flats after all they have lived there for quite a while.Relocating residents so the cheap labour can have housing is just so typically PAP.
Another faucet of the elite uncaring face.
Dear Mr. Wang
I am in touch with several property developers in Johor Bahru. 2 of them, each unrelated to the other, have informed me of the same.
As for when these dormitories would be up and running, I am not in possession of such information as yet - as I did not ask.
But if need be, such information may be ascertained in due course.
You Guys
I noticed that many Singaporeans like to compare themselves and conditions with the PRs and foreign talent.
Maybe we should compared with people in Rwanda.
-- So Called Singaporean
those that are from PRC cannot mix or are not willing to be with the locals .... they need a generation to adapt to Singapore community living. Dropping their dirt all over the estate be it HDB or Condominiums. Unfortunately, the garmen has no choice but to admit them to make up for the low birth rate of that race here.... bear with it if you want to continue to stay here.
Once again,hdb prices have started towards hitting the sky.
Admiralty
You should thank the PRs coming in... they are the one who support the housing market and jack up the HDB prices.... Good.
-- So Called Singaporean
Hurray So Called Singaporean !!!
vicious cycle..sad
"Citizens HAVE NO PLACE TO RUN AND MUST HAVE THE ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS."
Then why the f*** are they selling their flats if they must have a roof over their heads? Sheer greed. Admit it! Those Singaporeans who are just grumbling about so-called high property prices are just a greedy bunch.
Thanks for showing us how STUPID FOREIGNERS ARE. You obviously don't understand that greedy PRs CAN sell and run.
While Singaporeans CANNOT have this option!
I pity your country. If you are a "talent" no wonder your country is worse than mine!
You Guys
I noticed that many Singaporeans like to compare themselves and conditions with the PRs and foreign talent.
Maybe we should compared with people in Rwanda.
-- So Called Singaporean
You Guys
I noticed that many PRs and foreign trash like to compare themselves and conditions with the Singaporeans.
Maybe you should compare yourselves with people in Rwanda and your home countries.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
You Guys
I noticed that generally Singaporeans are not as "hungry" as PRs, in striving for better future. In abt 10 years, the next PM will be one who was a PR converted citizen.
Too bad.
-- So Called Singaporean
You Guys
I noticed that generally Singaporeans are not as "hungry" as PRs, in striving for better future. In abt 10 years, the next PM will be one who was a PR converted citizen.
Too bad.
-- So Called Singaporean
Oh, but we dropped PAP's vote count from 80+% to 66% last round. We will do more next round to show our hunger. We want positive progress, not just inflationary progress and trash quotient inflation through importing people such as you. Thanks for bringing up this point, foreign trash.
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