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How to decide what type of property in Singapore you should buy
Anna V. Haotanto
The New Savvy
Sunday, May 08, 2016
Buying property is a long term investment. When you're thinking of diving into real estate investment, it's better gather as much information on it as possible.
Perks of investing in Singapore's real estate
Just like in any part of the world, having a private property is a good decision as there are many benefits. For instance, the property cycle in Singapore over the last years indicates that there is a steady rise in real estate's value. This could bring in a nice profit after a few years of acquisition.
Alternatively, real estate investment can be a source of passive income. You can purchase a property and rent it out.
Type of real estate in Singapore
In real estate, you get to choose from many options. To know how each type of real estate differs from another, read ahead!
1. Build-To-Order (BTO)
BTO comes under the Housing and Development Board (HDB), Singapore. It's a responsive system, which allows Singaporean citizens to apply for flats at a location of their choice. Once 65-70 per cent of the flats are booked, the construction work begins. After the construction is completed, you will have to wait for some time before you can move in.
2. Design, Build, and Sell Scheme (DBSS)
Design, Build, and Sell Scheme (DBSS) is an incentive of the HDB system. DBSS is public housing scheme developed by private developers. The DBSS scheme offers more comfortable designs and better locations.
You can find DBSS projects in Tampines, Ang Mo Kio, and Bishan.
3. Executive Condominiums
Executive Condos (ECs) caters to young graduates and professionals who wants a property in between public and private housing. ECs are comparable in design and facilities to private condominiums as they are developed and sold by the private developers.
One main difference of ECs from BTO properties is, from the 6th to 10th year, EC's can be re-sold to those who are permanent residents. From the 11th year onwards, ECs will be open for both foreign individuals and locals.
What should you look for in each category of Singapore real estate?
When it comes to investing in real estate, it's a good idea to look at different factors. You should ask whether:
- You'll have easy access to MRT stations, schools, and other essential facilities.
- You can resell the property easily.
- You can afford it.
Costs of real estate in Singapore
What are the costs involved in buying a property in Singapore?
First, you have to check your stamp duty rate. Based on the market value of the property, you can compute for your Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD).
Let's assume that you purchased a property for $2.5 million. What will be its BSD? You can compute the BSD by adding 1 per cent of the first $180,000, the 2 per cent of the second $180,000, and 3 per cent of the remainder.
Given this scenario, you'll be paying around $69,600 in lieu of the BSD alone. Also, you may want to take a look at the Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty charged on residential properties.
Before looking at the stamp duty rate, don't forget to check lawyer's fee.
Only after considering all of these additional expenses, you can have the true estimate of a property's price. Then, you can decide which type of property will be your best choice.
The New Savvy is the definitive financial and career guide that empowers women through meaningful and relevant content.
10 steps to buying your first home
Step 1: Check your eligibility and the affordability of the property - Citizenship - Family Nucleus - Age - Income Ceiling - Ownership in other properties
Step 2: Obtain an Approval-In-Principle Approval from the bank An approval-in-principle (AIP) is a conditional approval for your home loan.
Step 3: Search for your ideal property Now that you know how much you can borrow, you can continue your search for your dream home. Spend some time considering the property's location, type, size, price and affordability.
Step 4: Make an offer for the property you want
Step 5: Close the deal
Step 6: Decide on your home loan This is when you need to have an idea of the different kinds of home loans available.
Step 7: Finalise your loan application There are many documents and paperwork to prepare when taking a mortgage loan. Having a clean credit history definitely helps!
Step 8: Appoint a Lawyer You would need to engage a lawyer to act for you and the bank on your conveyancing matter for your home purchase and mortgage loan.
Step 9: Formal valuation of property The bank will appoint a valuer for a formal inspection of the property.
Step 10: Completion of your property purchase Upon the date of completion of your property purchase, your lawyer will call for the release of bank finances payable to the seller's lawyer.
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