Tag Archives: Singapore Residential Property

Rental market faces roadblocks

Aside from an expected surge in new completions, there are other headwinds that Singapore’s residential property market will face in the future, according to Nomura.

One of the concerns is higher property taxes due to changes in Budget 2013, like the removal of property tax refunds for vacant properties.

Continued tightening of the foreign labour market is also a concern as the minimum salary for foreign PMEs (professionals, managers and executives) to qualify for employment passes will likely be increased.

Moreover, the rental market is expected to face higher mortgage rates, including the potential change in monetary policy by October that could lead to a weaker Singapore dollar and higher benchmark interest rates.

Source : PropertyGuru – 2013 May 3

Loosen HDB rules for seniors living in private homes

The authorities should consider allowing senior citizens living in private homes to apply for two- or three-room Housing and Development Board flats.

My wife and I are above the age of 60, our two children have moved out, and we are thinking of selling our condominium unit to buy a smaller home and to get some money back for our old age.

However, private homeowners have to sell their home at least 30 months before they can apply for a flat, and we would not want to create any unhappiness for our newly-wed children by staying with them.

The HDB could impose certain conditions. For example, senior citizens would have to sell their private home to obtain the Temporary Occupation Permit and pay a 10-per-cent levy on the price of the flat.

Source : Today – 4 May 2013