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Showing posts from May, 2021

Book Review: Behind the scenes of the property market : finding the truths and exposing the lies of a not-so-transparent industry

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This is the second book from Vina Ip, the popular blogger of Property Soul , that listed her property investing experiences. Her first book "No B.S. Guide to Property Investment" is a popular book that offers an alternative view on the property market in Singapore.  In it she points out what to look out for when buying new properties, which is a handy guide especially for first time buyers. In this new book, Vina Ip shows on what is going on behind the scenes of property market.  As of the point of writing, there are already 99 reservations at NLB board.  Published in 2020, this book is very popular. This book consists of 5 main chapters 1. How to lose money in properties This chapter shows the common ways that people lose money after buying properties. It gives you the knowledge of these common ways so that you will not repeat the same mistakes when you buy properties.  2. Lies, Lies and more lies This chapter shows the common tricks, lies and tactics used by property agents

Should I get a dual key condo unit?

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Dual key condo unit is an apartment with two living spaces. Which means in one apartment, you can have two sub-units with two families living in it. Behind the main front door, there are two doors leading to each sub-unit.  As you can see blow: The above is the dual key unit of Parc Clematis. It has one main front door, and then after that it is further divided into two doors, of each "unit". The above is the two bedroom dual key, which one is a studio (when you open the door you get to see the bed), while the other has a one bedroom.   There are also three bedroom available, depending on the development itself.  The above shows the 3 bedroom dual key in Parc Clematis, where one side is a studio, and the other side has a 2 bedroom. Depending on your needs, some prefer a two bedroom dual key, some prefer a three bedroom dual key, and others do not prefer dual key at all.  Why do people get a dual key condo? Dual key is rare and it offers the owner the privacy and flexibility o

Delays in BTO/BUC projects due to covid

 Recently, news reported on the delays in BTO and BUC projects due to Covid-19, over in TodayOnline and Straits Times .  While these has caused many to worry as they have to wait later for their houses, it would also mean that the supply of houses will remain low, assuming demand for houses increase as more get married and start their family each year.  What would it possibly mean? (1) Some would turn to resale, which they can get their houses without waiting, but might inadvertently drive the prices of resale houses up. With resale prices driven up, it would slowly drive the prices of new launches up too, as they are usually more expensive than resale, given the longer leases remaining.  (2) Some might rent a house while waiting for their house to be built. This would also mean an increase in demand for rented houses (which is a good thing as previously many foreigners left Singapore and fewer came to Singapore as a result of Covid-19, and demand of rented houses decreased), while it