Podcast episode 15 is the second part of my presentation "When Is the Best Time To Buy and Sell?" presented at the SMART Expo at Sands Expo & Convention Centre on September 22. I apologize for "shouting" at the top of my voice during the speech because I couldn't hear myself on the stage. Thanks for all of you who answered enthusiastically my question "When is a good … [Read more...]
3 reasons why adjustments to property measures is not a good sign
Last Friday, a press release was jointly issued by Ministry of National Development, Ministry of Finance and Monetary Authority of Singapore to make adjustments to the Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) and Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework, with effect from 11 March 2017. 1) The holding period liable for SSD is revised from 4 to 3 years. There is also a 4 percent … [Read more...]
4 reasons why Hong Kong’s new stamp duty can’t save Singapore’s property market
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...]
A ‘single’ property owner’s wishlist for Singapore Budget
All taxpayers are not created equal. In every year's Singapore Budget or National Day Rally, the media will feature a low-income or middle-class family, highlighting "what he and his family will get" or "how she and her family will be benefited". But no one bothers to interview singles like us. Because we don't get anything anyway. Why do they have to penalize singles … [Read more...]
Property cooling measures – any more to come?
Hey, it's Friday. TGIF! Wait, it's Friday again. Will the government announce any new measures today to cool the property market? More than once, Friday has being picked for reporting such 'exciting' news. New policies mentioned today are likely to be made effective tomorrow, before everyone have a 'nice' weekend. For many who have a stake in the industry – be it … [Read more...]