Bloomberg just published an article on ‘Hong Kong Property Tax May Help End Singapore's Housing Slump’ (Bloomberg, Jan 19). The journalist cites the remarks of a Cushman & Wakefield spokesperson that foreign buyers may turn to Singapore after the 15 percent increase (30 percent in total) of stamp duty in Hong Kong. This can benefit Singapore to end the slide of property … [Read more...]
When the housing market collapses
Remember the infamous Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that kick-started the last financial crisis? Last month hedge fund Bayview Financial bundled their junk securities into $118 million new bonds. Fitch Rating immediately stamped it with A- for investment grade. Didn't they do the same for subprime mortgage bonds that were once top-rated AAA debts before the US housing … [Read more...]
What’s on the mind of property investors: 5 things everyone wants to know
On October 1, seven property investors and four industry experts joined the Property Investor Roundtable Luncheon jointly organized by Knight Frank and Property Club Singapore. As property investors, we are interested to pick the brains of industry experts, compare notes with our peers, and find out what's on the mind of fellow investors. How we qualify the savvy … [Read more...]
3 investment lessons from the movie Me Before You
I was watching the movie Me Before You on a flight. There was a heartbreaking scene when Will Traynor insisted on ending his life despite all the efforts of Louisa Clark to show him that there were still reasons to continue living. “But...I need it to end here. No more chair. No more pneumonia. No more burning limbs. No more pain and tiredness and waking up every morning … [Read more...]
Who said property cooling measures may never be lifted?
I read with bewilderment the article from Singapore Property Review titled “An inconvenient truth: Property curbs may never be lifted, analysts warn”. “The report argued that unless property prices plunge suddenly and dramatically, buying curbs may not be lifted in order to substantially reduce Singapore's unhealthy fixation with real estate.” This remark from the Maybank Kim … [Read more...]