Am I buying above valuation? That is the question clients asked me lately in our one-to-one property consultation sessions. Buyers often mix up a home’s asking price and fair valuation. Many cannot tell the difference between price and value. In short, price is what we pay for something and value is what it is really worth. Valuation is different for homebuyers and … [Read more...]
Who is to blame for China’s property crisis?
China’s property crisis has been lingering for over two years. The latest development was Hui Ka Yan, the founder and chairman of China’s largest property developer the Evergrande Group, was arrested and placed under police surveillance at an undisclosed location. To what extent are developers responsible for China’s property crisis? Rich Chinese flocking to Singapore … [Read more...]
Can we repay our debts?
2023 is another year of high interest rates. Borrowers with outstanding debts from the banks are constantly under pressure. With four more months to go, the Federal Reserve shows no sign of decelerating the engine of rate hike. The big question is: How much longer can individuals, SMEs, corporations and governments hold onto their high-interest debts? The trap of … [Read more...]
Where’s the property market now and what’s next
The property market suddenly runs out of steam: Transaction volumes drop much lower. The private home for sale market is quiet. Condo rental deals also take much longer to close. Even property agents are taken by surprise. What is happening in the property market? How did it happen? Was it because of the 0.4 percent price fall in 2nd quarter flash estimate … [Read more...]
5 things we already know in 2023
As we step into 2023, we are greeted with higher prices, taxes and interest rates. What’s more, we have no idea since when good news has become bad news. The government gave every Singapore household $300 CDC vouchers because we have to pay 8 percent GST now. Healthy GDP growth means inflation is going to stay high. Even US stock prices drop on positive employment, consumer … [Read more...]