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...]
New cooling measures is a waiting game
On September 29 (Thursday) evening, the government announced new property cooling measures again. The new rules aimed to moderate demand and ensure prudent borrowing amid rising interest rates. They were also meant to address the public concern of rising home prices and to improve housing affordability. While industry stakeholders and homebuyers were caught by surprise, some … [Read more...]
Property cooling measures, here we go again!
Yesterday (December 15) right before midnight, the government announced new property cooling measures, with higher ABSD (Additional Buyer's Stamp Duties), lowered LTV (Loan-to-Value) and tightened TDSR (Total Debt Servicing Ratio). The predictable pattern to impose new curbs We had the last round of cooling measures just three years ago in July 2018. Let's recall the … [Read more...]
Podcast Ep#44: Three Property Delusions Under Covid-19
Under the threat of Covid-19, there are 3 questionable sayings circulating in the property market: 1) Government should lift unnecessary cooling measures during this difficult time. 2) A low or zero interest rate from the banks will provide cheap money for property investors. 3) With the easing of the circuit breaker, things will go back to normal and the market will … [Read more...]
Podcast Ep#13: Should I Buy HDB or Condo?
One of the questions I frequently receive from my blog readers is: Do you think I should buy an HDB flat or a condo unit? The question often comes after they disclose their age, their spouse and children’s age, their household income, outstanding loan and bank savings. If you have the same question in mind, you don’t have to share with me your credit history or tell me your … [Read more...]