Daily Archives: 12 Aug 2009

Singapore property market booms despite recession

By Roberto Coloma

Despite Singapore’s worst economic slump since independence, the residential property sector is in the midst of a new boom reminiscent of 2007, when the city-state was known as the world’s hottest real estate market.

Greed and its twin brother fear are back in play as punters stake out condo launches days before sales open, with some offering blank cheques to pre-book flats, prompting the government to hint it may have to cool things down.

“Some of the practices and habits that you saw in the last property boom are beginning to come back, so I think we’ll have to be careful,” said Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan, whose portfolio includes housing.

“A little bit of speculation is inevitable in every market, but when it becomes excessive, then it is something that we should try to avoid,” he said. Continue reading

Changes meant to put clients at ease

ONE lawyer noticed his clients being “extra cautious” when engaging him to oversee their property transactions.

It was not unexpected, said Mr Suppiah Thangaveloo of Thanga and Co, given the recent series of lawyers absconding with clients’ cash.

“I’ve not heard any snide remarks but I’ve noticed that many of (the clients) are more inquisitive in matters concerning money,” he said. “They’re just being careful; previously, most clients would entrust everything to the lawyers.”

Clients’ concerns could soon be put to rest, if proposed changes tabled by the Law Ministry kick in later this year. Lawyers would be barred from receiving conveyancing monies during property transactions.

The deposit monies would, instead, be held in trust by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) or some other entity appointed by the Law Minister, Continue reading