Perhaps, the property price index can help those who are not sure to make a decision.
Singapore real estate took off in 1990 and within just 23 years, we experience "4 peaks" or "cycles" including today. Those who bought in 1996 are still being punished largely considering the time value of money and opportunity cost. Those who had no holding power and bought in 2000 were also punished. Of course those who have long holding power and bought in the peak of 2000 would have been rewarded today.
With the price index "plateauing" now, those who bought over the last 3 years and may be making paper gain of 20% or 30% but are finding it difficult to find buyers base on today's asking price. Their "profits" if any are also erroded by seller's stamp duty.
Knowing that the upside (if any) is going to be limited with continuous government's interventions, we should be caution in property investment especially if one does not have long holding power.
If we are talking about the next 30 years, be prepared to experience at least another 4 cycles.
Timing the cycle can be difficult but buying at the right price and at the right time can be very rewarding.