The Singapore property market is bracing for a slowdown, with experts predicting a steep drop in transaction volume and prices over the next few months, following the latest cooling measures.
At least one real estate agency thinks the immediate reaction will be a slowdown in the private property market.
PropNex also expects transaction volume for properties to dive by as much as 40% in the core central region - like Orchard and Marina Bay. This is because of the significant number of foreign buyers for such properties.
Meanwhile, PropNex expects transaction volume to fall by as much as 20% in the mass market segment.
Analysts expect buyers to adopt a wait-and-see approach.
Mr Mohamed said: "It takes a very bullish decision from a foreigner to come and invest in Singapore in today's market, having to pay a 13% stamp duty upfront, and (being) subjected to the Seller's Stamp Duty in the next four years, of 16%, 12%, 8% and 4%.
"And even if you sell after four years, if he buys a property today, he must expect at least a 25 to 30% increase in the property price to break even, taking into consideration other costs and interests and all other elements."
Under the latest changes, foreign buyers of private properties in Singapore will now have to fork out 10% more in stamp duty while permanent residents and Singaporeans are also affected with an increased stamp duty on their second and third properties respectively.
PropNex said the new measures could have been targeted to preserve affordable pricing in the mass market segment - homes costing less than $2 million where prices have surpassed $1,000psf.
It argues that having a blanket policy will impact the high-end market which has been the investment interest of the foreign buyers.
Norman Lu, a foreign buyer, said: "We are very disappointed about this rule. Because even though we are foreigners, we have been working in Singapore...we also contribute to this country. So as a foreigner, we feel that the government does not welcome us."
Source: Channel News Asia
Mr Lu may have felt hard done by our Government but then again, many countries around the world have similiar policies concerning foreign purchase of private residential properties. Maybe that's what they meant by "Citizenship has its privileges"...?
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5 comments:
Why is the mass market segment of homes in Singapore qualified as costing less than $2million?
Gosh... When our supposed median income is not even S$3K?
foreigners want to contribute to this country, be a PR. if not you are just a passer-by.
I do not understand why any GOV need to show any favour to foreigners while neglect PR and its citizen. It good the the GOV finally wakeup.
Well, the mass market segment for singaporeans and PRs are meant to be HDB projects.. I believe the current mkt value of a hdb unit is still quite affordable for an average Singaporean home with average mean wage of less than 3k / person.
Not to mention the First timer govt grant as well as option to service the installments / large portion of downpayment via CPF.
Our govt. has done well to put the interests of singaporeans at heart.
Also, for Foreigners albeit prices for private properties are generally still 'high' now, without this ABSD measure private property prices will just keep increasing higher.
I think Norman (or any foreigner genuinely intending to buy a private property in singapore for their own stay) should be happy as in the long run, holding back on their property purchase now will only mean that they will get to buy at a cheaper rate in the future.
There is no need to 'force' yourselves to buy property at such disadvantageous terms :)
Unless mr Norman has a property that he intends to sell and find himself in a spot now due ABSD!!
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