Investing in Singapore

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Dear Meilin08,

1. Are you also saying then that Singapore banks will lend the investors upto 90% LVR loan for the property purchase? When the laws on the reduction from 20% to 10% deposit take place effectively?

2. Please advise and clarify further.

3. Thanks.

regards,
Kenneth KOH

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Dear Meilin,

1. Interesting…Where exactly is your cousin’s flat in Hougang? Is it an executive-condo unit? How accurate is her feedback regarding her flat’s current valuation price?

2. The overall HDB Resale Price Index has dropped down to 101.2%, some 40% down from its last 1996 market peak.

3. I’ve also done a HDB resale transaction price check: ex-HUDC and HDB Executive flats in Hougang area, now selling price around $330,000-S$350,000 on the average.

4. Based on all the HDB flat resale transactions from Aug-November 2005, the highest price achieved was S$405,000 and the lowest achieved resale price was S$315,000.

5. For your kind update, please.

6. Thank you.

regards,
Kenneth KOH

BIRD FLU !!!!!

All the best. Imac.
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Dear IMAC,

1. Why?

2. Are you starting to feel terrified by it now yourself as an Singapore-based expatriate?

3. Why not the threat of dengue fever when some 14 people have reportedly died of dengue fever in Singapore so far and areas like Changi is also known to be one of usual affected areas and where there are reports where local coffee-shop owners even close down their business and temproarily relocate themselves out of the infected area?

4. Looking forward to learning from you soon, please.

5. Thank you.

Hi Ken,

My main concern is not a personal health issue. Although I will be careful.
I am concerned about the expected economic fallout from the measures that WILL be put in place in the event of a pandemic…

Quote from Australian government “International travel will virtually cease”. Singapore is very reliant on transiting and tourist dollars.

The World Bank are mentioning severe economic effects.
So I think property will be naturally caught up in any downturn in the economy.

The reason why dengue has not caused this effect is of the press shown on Bird Flu. We all should understand the role of the press in any pandemic that may cause negative economic sentiment.

Cheers,
IMAC

Dear MeiLin,

1. As in investing in any apartment development projects in Singapore, the priority of making monies in this case, is the Singapore Govt, followed by the Developer , then the Marketing Agents and finally the Investors, who is actually bearing the bulkk of the risks for a small profit.

2. I heard what you said. Howver, I still think that until you have effectively sold your unit and cash out from your investments, it is just a paper gain.

3. When it comes to actual settlelment is in many development projects, as in Australia, there will be many unit on-sales and re-sales such that the subseuqent unit re-sale prices may eventually drop below its original purchase price.

4. I’ve do doubt over what you had said presently.

5. However only a selected few can afford to play this highly risky prestige property sector.

6. Though a Singaporean, I do not see myself quailfying for it as I prefer to invest safely and in a more transparent market like Australia, unlike the Govt’s tightly-controlled market in Singapore.

7. As far as I am concerned, we will only know the truth eventually after the Singapore General Elections. and after the due settlement date for these property purchases whether the projects are still as profitable as what is being reported about it right now.

8. Short of soundling as “defensive” or/and as “sour grapes”, allow me to sincerely congratulate you for your guts and “profits” which you have made.

9. I am sincerely happy for you even though I have still mopt made the monies yet from this particular market.

10. Thank you.

Cheers,
Kenneth KOH