Buying your first home in Singapore can be a daunting prospect. The process of identifying the right property and negotiating the finer details can seem equally as daunting. But once you’ve figured it out, there are a number of benefits to owning your own home.
For starters, you don’t have to worry about renting or paying for landlord accommodation. You also won’t have to share your new abode with anyone else and will have exclusive access to your own home whenever you want.
To help you narrow down your search and get started on the path to homeownership, we’ve put together some helpful tips…
Who can buy a condo in Singapore?
Singapore’s government imposes certain restrictions on who can buy a condo in Singapore. In short, the individual must be a citizen, permanent resident, or Foreign Worker with Employment Pass (EP).
Foreigner can purchase apartments and condos that are privately owned, but will require government permission to buy houses that are on land, such as bungalows.
People who are not from Singapore can only buy Executive Condominiums (ECs) that have been around for a minimum of 10 years. HDB flats cannot be bought by foreigners in Singapore.
Know what you’re looking for
First and foremost, you should know what you’re looking for. Are you looking for a place to bring your family?
A place to live while you study in Singapore?
Do you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life without moving too far away?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer here, so make sure that whatever it is that you are looking for, it’s something that will suit your lifestyle.
Set a budget before you start looking
It’s important to have a budget in mind before you start looking for your first home. This will help limit the time and effort you spend browsing the market.
You’ll also be able to prioritize your list of potential properties, ensuring that you’re not distracted by properties that are out of your price range.
Dig deeper by looking at the estate agent’s photos and videos
You should also consider looking at the estate agent’s photos and videos. These can help you get a better idea of what the property looks like when it’s empty and how the environment will be when you move in. If there are any floor plans or sketches available, make sure to take a closer look.
This is also a good time to ask an estate agent about their experience with past clients and what they think you can expect once you move in.
Ask the right questions when meeting with an agent
When you first meet with a property agent in Singapore, it’s important to note that the agent is not there to assess your needs or find the perfect property for you.
The agent will be presenting a range of properties, and you will have to choose which ones are suitable for you. That being said, here are some questions you should ask before agreeing on anything:
– What is the price range of properties?
– What type of properties are available?
– How many properties do we have to choose from?
– How long does it take for me to find my ideal home?
– How much time will I need to get the loan approved?
Don’t believe everything you see on social media
One of the most common mistakes that first-time homebuyers make is buying into the hype surrounding a certain property or neighborhood. Remember, social media is designed to sell you things. That said, if you’re looking for a place to call home, pay attention to what’s actually happening on the ground.
Consider real estate agents and economists who have years of experience under their belt in assessing the current market conditions and trends. Take your time to find a property that suits your needs as well as your budget. Don’t let fear stop you from taking out a mortgage or getting pre-approved for a home loan if you need one!
Conclusion
Buying a home in Singapore is a big decision, and one that you’ll likely take a long time to come to. Don’t rush your decision, but do make sure you find the right home that meets your needs and wants.
