THE real estate sector is stirring, though not lustily yet. There is every reason to support the rationale that the upswing this time is better moderate than precipitous. The lesson learnt of the irrational exuberance in the second half of 2007 was that asset price inflation that began to eviscerate purchasing power in Singaporeans’ foremost ownership ambition was socially fraught. The trap can be avoided. Now that the second-quarter GDP rebound and intermittent stock market rallies will provide real estate momentum, it is not too early to counsel caution.
But one should still be thankful. The property turnaround is tracking closely the people’s confidence, which has withstood better than thought the effects of the recession. There are also the multiplier gains for businesses providing appliances, furniture, electronic gadgets, home decor and renovation works. Although the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s monitoring showed that prices of private property declined again in the second quarter, what was noteworthy was that the slower rate of quarterly dip (4.7 per cent against 14.1 per cent) mirrored the improved buyer sentiment evident since February. In the HDB market, confidence has been more pronounced as prices and values stayed up through the worst of the economic slump. Continue reading
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