A Hand-Book To Buying Property
A Comprehensive Guide For Property Buyers
When it comes to property purchases, whether as a home for your own-stay, for investment or rental yield, it is normal not to know where to begin.
So, in this guide, let me walk you through the thought process and flow when searching for the right property.
Undoubtedly, the intended purpose of the property will affect how you evaluate them. As we explore the different considerations, we will also explore the different viewpoints for each scenario.
Table of Contents
Do an affordability check
Sit with an experienced property agent who is trained in property wealth planning to analyze your financial affordability and find out what your Approval in Principle might be.
This will make house-shopping so much simpler – less time and energy will be wasted. You will also be saved from the heartbreak of finding out you cannot afford the house that you fell in love with.
It’s also a good time to find out future costs like stamp duties and miscellaneous costs so that you can be prepared.
A chat with your agent can also guide you in planning your renovation budget and reveal tax optimization strategies that you may capitalize on.
For private homes, do a Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) assessment.
For HDB or Executive Condominium units, do a Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) assessment.
New or resale properties?
In a fresh clean slate, new houses come with new fittings, design concept and facilities.
Warranties are still valid, and a longer tenure will be available for such leasehold properties.
However, over the years new properties have been downsized and are much smaller compared to older properties.
Additionally, it would be nearly impossible to find out the living conditions of the house before its completion, which would usually take a few years.
Resale properties, on the other hand, will require renovation works and further maintenance costs due to its wear and tear over the years.
Brace yourself to expect blistering ceilings, hollow or cracked tiles, leakages and wiring issues. You may have to redo bathrooms and replace air conditioners as well.
Give some thought to the maximum property age you will accept beforehand to save time during your evaluation.
It is recommended to go for properties with leases of 85 years and above. If you are planning on staying in the house for a decade or more, the property’s price will depreciate due to its condition, design concept and ageing facilities.
Buyers are unlikely to offer a higher price than when you bought the property as they will be getting an even shorter lease.
However, you can always check for en-bloc probabilities, you never know if you might just get lucky! One source you can check from is EdgeProp’s Enbloc Odds Probability tool.
Related article: New Launch vs Resale Condo
Indicative Valuation
Indicative Valuation is crucial in determining if the price you are asking for, is reasonable. Furthermore, it helps you to decide if it is a worthwhile investment.
It can also be used as a supporting document for bank loans and it affects the overall amount of cash, CPF and loan you can utilize.
For resale flats, purchasing above valuation can be justified if the property has been renovated to your satisfaction as it will save you time and money.
For new launch projects, be diligent to check that the project is being sold at fair market prices.
Compare prices with similar projects to ensure low quantum and do not forget to factor in the age as future wear and tear will inevitably incur further repair or renovation costs.
A good source for a free online valuation would be www.srx.com.sg/xvalue-pricing.
Tenancy
Is the unit you’re eyeing currently vacant or occupied by tenants? Make sure to get the details via writing or messages.
If you are buying a tenanted unit, obtain and check through all terms and conditions of the existing tenancy agreement.
Do exercise due diligence and pay a visit to the tenant and make sure you are comfortable with the tenant as well.
Your agent or lawyer will be able to help you assess the tenancy agreement should you need clarifications or help to point out blind-spot clauses within the agreement.
Location
Needless to say, investing in properties that are near public integrated transport hubs and facilities will increase the likelihood of finding a buyer when you are planning to sell the property.
However, when it comes to purchasing a house to stay in, the right house is very subjective.
You may love the convenience of living in a house near a shopping mall and close to MRT station, but your spouse may prefer which is quieter with secluded surroundings.
At the same time, having a place that your children can easily commute to and fro from would help save a lot of time in driving them around.
If your parents stay with your family, it would be good to consider if the location chosen will allow them to continue staying in contact with their friends as well.
There is no right or wrong in these issues, however, what’s more important is that you get the consensus of every member in your family before making a decision.
Another factor to consider if you are a parent is your potential home’s proximity to primary schools. Check if the schools of your choice are within a 1km distance of your property.
This increases the chances of your children getting into the school.
Pro tip: Some blocks within condominiums could be within 1km of the school while some may not be. Make sure to check as it is better to be safe than sorry.
To be extra certain, check the home-school distance category from Singapore Land Authority’s (SLA) OneMap School Query Service.
Alternatively, you may check with the schools of your choice on the distance admissibility between your intended property to the school.
Big or small?
Does size matter? Newer houses have begun to shrink in size and if you’re looking for an extra spacious property, you will likely have to purchase a resale flat from a more mature estate (Refer above to understand more about new and resale properties).
When it comes to condominiums, larger developments offer more facilities, security, and there are more residents to share the load of maintenance fees.
They are usually more prominent which helps when you are selling or renting it out. On the other hand, larger developments mean more units and more neighbors, which also means that residents must take turns to enjoy the facilities.
Environment at different times
Check out your property’s conditions at various times of the days and throughout the week to better understand potential issues relating to noise, traffic and weather.
Find out the peak hours of traffic in the area and compare different routes to the property to evaluate whether you can avoid getting stuck on the roads.
If your unit is west facing, you are sure to get strong sunlight in the afternoon. Depending on preferences, this may be unwelcomed by coming and you may want to strike these units off your list.
If you are unsure, visit the unit between 3-4 pm to find out if it affects you.
Floor level preference
Lower level units tend to be more affordable but are prone to dust, noise and insects. Units on higher floors offer more privacy and less dust, noise and insects but at a heftier price tag.
Views Permanency
If you are paying a premium for a city view, sea view or unblocked view, make sure that the land in front of your property is not due for a high-rise building.
Land zonings are ever-changing so do check on the land use with URA Masterplan. This will help you keep its premium price for the next buyer as well.
Related article: Understanding Growth Plans For Singapore Investment Property
Others
A handful of other things you should take note of are your unit’s layout – do you really need a balcony? And what about the wastage space of the in-house corridor and high ceiling mezzanine spaces?
The direction it faces and its ventilation and brightness.
Take note as well of your surrounding neighbors, condition of facilities, parking spaces as well as monthly maintenance fees.
Questions to ask yourself
Some food for thought:
What is the purpose of buying the property?
Are you familiar with the latest marketing trends?
Do you have a step by step action plan?
What kind of options should you place as your priority?
Conclusion
Discussing these tough questions with a skilled agent will help you work out the mechanisms, methodology and processes to consider.
Feel free to contact me for a non-obligatory discussion and we can review the potential approaches and strategies that best suits you and your needs.
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Testimonial
I have successfully helped hundreds of homeowners just like you since 2010
Self Introduction
Greetings! My name is Rick Long, and I am proud to serve as the Associate Division Director of Huttons Asia Pte Ltd, with over a decade of experience in the real estate industry.
My passion for helping clients find their dream homes has grown exponentially during my tenure in the field. As a graduate of Singapore Polytechnic, I have always valued the importance of hard work and determination.
My prior experience serving in the airforce instilled in me the value of teamwork, perseverance, and discipline.
Over the years, I have been privileged to receive several accolades for providing exceptional service and dedication to my clients.
My ultimate goal is to ensure that each individual I work with has the best possible experience, whether they are buying or selling a property.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is receiving glowing five-star reviews from satisfied clients.
Knowing that I have positively impacted someone’s life is truly humbling, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence every day.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending quality time with my loved ones, indulging my passion for sports, and exploring the rich and diverse culinary landscape of Singapore.
Amidst the bustling pace of life, I relish moments of calm by immersing myself in the art of tea-brewing and teapot appreciation.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about me. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.
Additionally, Rick is a proud fur daddy to two rescue kitties and loves spending his free time with his wife and furbabies. He believes in giving back to the community and volunteers his time to animal welfare causes whenever possible.
Related Articles:
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Is buying new launch or resale condo have better returns? – Read more (New Launch vs Resale condo)
Looking to upgrade from Hdb to condo? – Read more (Sell Hdb buy condo)
What to take note when selling Hdb resale flat? – Read more (Hdb Resale Process)
Buying another Hdb flat, and using the fund from current home? – Read more (Hdb contra)
Why do some Hdb flat price depreciate so much? – Read more (Hdb depreciation curve)
What is one of the most common reason for property negative sales? – Read more (Cpf accrued interest)
Financial calculation for selling a Hdb flat? – Read more (Hdb resale calculator)
Buying EC before selling your HDB? – Read more (Upgrade to EC before selling your HDB)
Should you sell your EC after 5 years? – Read more (Selling EC)
Should you sell your MOP HDB after 5 years? – Read more (Selling HDB after mop)
Property Wealth Planning – Read more (What is property wealth planning?)
