Market Updates & FAQS
The Place Where You Find Your Market Updates
Blogs
5 Reasons Why You Should Stage Your Home Before Listing
Planning to list your home for sale? Here are 5 reasons why you should consider staging your home before hitting the market.
Selling your home in Singapore is a tedious and lengthy process. There are many things to work on before your home hits the listing websites and you start getting quality offers. One thing that every expert recommends before you list your house is proper staging. This is something you should not overlook if you want to sell your house quicker in market competitive pricing.
The real estate industry in Singapore is booming at the moment, so you can expect to meet a lot of competition during your selling process. Staging a home allows owners to attract more buyers and present their property in the best possible light, and that too without too much renovation or makeover.
As a seller, you can gain a lot from illustrating your home in the right way, and for that, you will have to stage. Here are 5 reasons why homeowners must stage their next listing!
1. A staged home can make a good first impression
In a fluctuating market, like the one we are currently seeing in Singapore, sellers are required to go the extra mile to make a good first impression on buyers. Most buyers start their search for homes online. So, if you have listed your home with perfect photos of a staged house, your chances of attracting and engaging a prospective buyer will automatically increase.
When a buyer comes to visit your home, a beautifully staged house will allow them to observe all the structural details rather than focusing on the clutter. A staged house also makes buyers more comfortable in the viewing process.
2. You can sell your home much quicker
WStaging a home can have a huge impact on the sale speed. Most buyers expect the home to be staged and when they find yours in perfect condition, they are likely to overlook certain flaws and make an offer. Staging has a great impact on how prospective buyers will see your home. It should look clean, furnished, and move-in ready to instantly impress the viewers. The main goal of staging is to make your home appear in top condition and move-in ready, so that buyers visualize themselves living in it. Imagination can work wonders. With proper staging, you aim to make buyers believe that this is their dream home.
3. Staging can maximize or minimize space
Another reason most property agents recommend staging a home before the listing is to tweak the space. If your home is small, minor renovation and de-cluttering will make your house look spacey, and the buyers will see its full potential without all the junk. On the other hand, when you have a large home and you leave the rooms vacant, your space can look more larger and purposeless to the buyers. Therefore, adding in a little bit of staging furniture will give purpose to your home. Also, avoid making your home look too large or too cramped. Make sure to create a proper flow in every room to attract viewers.
4. You can easily justify your asking price
Remember one fact: buyers always know what they can spend and what their requirements are, even before they set foot in your house. Staging your home properly before making it open for viewing will give you enough time to justify your ask. While most property agents do a market analysis and look through recent sales values to set prices for a property, you should remember that buyers’ emotions also play a huge part in these situations. A beautifully staged home can greatly impact the buyer’s decision. If your house looks well-furnished and move-in ready, buyers will be more likely to accept your given offer.
5. Staging can prioritize key spaces
You may not need to stage your whole house to attract buyers. Not all rooms have equal value when it comes to staging. According to experts, buyers are more interested in checking the living room, kitchen, and bedroom. They usually pay less attention to bathrooms and guest bedrooms. So, if you are on a budget and do not want to spend a lot on staging your home, it will be a good option to work on just your living room and the main bedrooms. By staging only the key areas of your home, you can make a positive first impression in the least amount of work.
Conclusion
Staging is not a complicated process. With proper planning and investment, you can illustrate your home in the best possible light and highlight its key features. If you think you can’t do it yourself, hire an expert who will help you stage your home before listing. Your agent can also recommend you a good staging service if you need suggestions.
Renting in Singapore: What You Need to Know
Planning to rent a unit in Singapore and have no idea how to get started? Don’t worry! Read this guide and learn all you need to know to rent like a pro in Singapore.
If you are looking to rent a nice and affordable apartment in Singapore, you won’t be disappointed. From large condos to spacious 2-bedroom city-center flats, there are so many options available that your head will start spinning.
Renting in Singapore is easy for the most part but if you are a new renter and don’t know the first thing about renting, you can get stuck in legalities. This is why you should be well prepared before starting your hunt for rentals. You should have all the basic information about housing units, renting legalities, and budget planning, so you don’t get stuck in any renting nightmares.
If you are a first-time renter, here’s what you need to know before you start your renting journey in Singapore.
Rental Regulations in Singapore—A Quick Look
It is important to know about rental laws in Singapore before you start your search for housing units.
The first thing you should know is that Airbnbs are sort of illegal in Singapore. According to Singapore Laws, you can’t rent an apartment for short-term stays, even if it’s just for a week or a single night. The regulations clearly say that the minimum renting period in Singapore is at least 3 months. So, if you are only visiting Singapore for business or other purposes, you are only allowed to rent hotels or service apartments, not residential housing units.
Now, if you are renting for an extended period or long-term stay, you are required to be a Singaporean National, Long-term Resident, or Permanent Resident. This means you cannot rent if you do not have a Dependent Pass, Student Pass, Employment Pass, Work Permit, or a Long-Term Visit Pass.
Types of Accommodation in Singapore
Singapore offers a lot of housing options. There are HDB flats, condos, service apartments, studio housing, and whatnot. It will be really good if you know about the types of accommodation available in Singapore before you begin your rental hunting. So, let’s get you familiar with all the housing options in Singapore.
HDB Flats
HDB flats in Singapore are cheaper and provide maximum convenience to residents. These types of complexes usually have common areas that are kept clean and equipped with centralized garbage chutes.
Living in an HDB is super convenient for both single individuals and families since most of these complexes are situated at heartland locations. If you are living in an HDB flat, there is a good chance that you will have schools, eateries, and supermarkets nearby.
Condominiums
Condominiums are another form of luxurious, yet affordable housing units in Singapore. Condos are built in tall buildings that usually have facilities like an indoor gym, garden, pool, security, etc. If you are choosing a smaller condo, it may not have all these facilities. Monthly rent for these units starts from $2500 and it can go as high as $10,000.
Service Apartments
Serviced apartments can be an ideal choice for you if you are looking for a flexible tenant contract, so you can easily switch between short-term stay and long-term stay. These apartments are usually very well-equipped with a gym, pool, laundry, and security. Since they are mostly designed for short-term stays, they are often fully furnished with functional kitchen space. Plus, most of these units are built near MRT stations, so residents get a hassle-free transport route.
Planning Your Budget
Before you go apartment hunting in Singapore, sit down and prepare a detailed monthly budget highlighting all your basic expenses, including rent, utilities, internet fees, grocery, and savings. This will help you get a better picture of your financial capabilities and tell you how to manage your monthly expenses as you work or study.
Drawing a budget will also help you narrow down your accommodation choices. You will know beforehand how much you can spend monthly on rent, and this will help you choose a suitable housing option.
While preparing your budget, make sure to include external utilities and additional air conditioning charges. Also, include an agent fee in your budget if you are planning to hire one.
Conclusion
Deciding to live on your own in a place like Singapore is not an easy decision. There are a lot of things you need to know before you embark on the journey of apartment hunting. Research the market, learn all the legalities, and draw up a detailed budget before you start searching for apartments. This way, you will avoid a lot of rental nightmares and your journey will probably be smooth. Good Luck!
5 Important Tips for First-Time Home-Buyers
Planning to buy a new home? Read these 5 effective tips from experts that will accelerate the home-buying process for first-timers.
As you begin to search for a new home, it can make sense to download all those real estate apps and sign up on all the property forums to find your dream house. But most people often forget to find out the logistics and research some basic facts before they begin their home-buying journey.
These days, the real estate market is all over the place in Singapore. If you do the research, you will find that the property market in Singapore is still pretty hot in some areas while going down the dump in others. The daunting task of searching and buying a home can become quite smooth if you submerge yourself in quality research ahead of time, especially in this super fluctuating, highly competitive market.
To ease the home buying process for first-timers, we have penned down 5 power tips that will help you better navigate this challenging task.
1. Sort Your Finances
The first thing you should do before you begin searching for houses in Singapore is to sort through your finances. Compare your loan options. Figure out what type of loans you can get, write down their respective interest rates, and then decide accordingly. If you live in Singapore, we suggest first-time buyers get an HDB loan, because this program allows you to loan more. But if you aren’t comfortable with high-interest rates, then go for a bank loan.
Another thing you can do to make your home-buying process easier is to save enough for the down payment. This way, you will have to take a smaller loan which will be easier to pay off.
2. Consider Getting an HDB Flat
If you are unable to get a new house in your current budget and eagerly want to put your money somewhere, then searching through the resale market is a good and feasible option. In Singapore, resale flats are more readily available than popular BTOs. And while resale flats can be more expensive, they allow you to move on your timeline rather than the timelines of your construction company.
The resale market can be very giving in terms of good flats. If you are unable to find your dream house, then it is time to look through other options and widen your net a little bit.
3. Set Expectations
Before you begin searching for a house, make a detailed list of features you are looking for in your ideal home. Divide the list into two parts: the must-haves and the good-to-haves. This will make your home-buying process a lot easier. The list for your must-have should look something like this:
- West open
- Good restaurants around the neighborhood
- At least a level 3 apartment with an elevator
- Unblocked view
- Walking distance to the gym
Be very realistic while listing your must-haves, because it is difficult to get everything in a single house. Still, it is good to have some expectations when you go on to visit a listed property, but make sure to be slightly flexible in your demands.
4. Get an Agent
It is not necessary to involve a property agent in your home-buying process, but it can be a wise decision if you don’t have enough time on hand to look through all the prospective projects. A real estate agent will arrange a meeting for you, handle the legal work, and show you the good options that you might have missed.
There are a lot of steps involved in the home buying process. If you do not have a qualified agent by your side, you can easily get sucked into this lengthy process full of complexities and challenges Just because your friend’s home buying process went smooth doesn’t mean yours would be the same. So, hire an agent to save yourself some trouble.
5. Enjoy Open Houses
Most homeowners these days are putting their houses up for virtual 3D tours. These tours, much like open houses allow you to virtually walk through a listed property and observe every detail that you may leave out in photos. So, search if the listed properties falling under your budget offer virtual tours and make the most out of these open houses.
When you are visiting a property in person, make sure to observe details like odors, street noises, and the overall condition of the house. Also, ask the homeowner about the plumping condition and age of the electric wiring.
Conclusion
Buying a home in this competitive, fierce market is not an easy job. Yet, you can manage it well if you know the basic facts. You can also take help from your local property agent because agents are often pretty well connected. They can arrange meetings for you and connect you to suitable sellers.
Overall, make sure to do your research before you begin searching for houses. Good luck!
5 Tips for Selling a Luxury a Home in Singapore
Do you want to sell your luxury home in Singapore? Here are five insider tips to help you market, set price, and make the right decision when selling luxury real estate in Singapore
Selling real estate is not an easy task, let alone a luxury home. If you are looking for ways to sell a luxury real estate property in Singapore, then keep on reading! In this blog, we will tell five insider tips to sell a luxury home in Singapore. Here is how you should market your house, set up the right price, and close the right deal.
Here is how you sell a luxury home in Singapore.
Tip # 1: It’s all about the Location
When selling a luxury home, it is very important to know how to do you tell it apart from the rest. Well, in luxury real estate everything is about the location. Most luxury homes either offer an unparalleled stunning view or an elite neighborhood with access to the finest amenities. Location is what makes your luxury home truly worth all the money.
There are some questions that you just can't avoid when selling a luxury home. Does your house have a stunning view of the waterfront backdrop? Or is it located near the finest and richest dining experiences in town? Does your house's location close to all the fine amenities and schools? These questions must be met with positive answers if you want to sell your luxury home for the right price.
Tip # 2Engage All Senses
Knowing how to market your place to the potential buyer can make a huge difference. One thing that you should keep in mind when selling luxury real estate is that the buyer is not just looking to put a roof over his head. He is looking for a place that will make him feel good about his investment. This is the reason why you must create an appealing environment for potential buyers when they come on a tour.
You can make a lasting impression by appealing to all their senses. Use warm scented candles and a diffuser to make your luxury home smell welcoming. Throw open the shades and let natural light flow in. Play some calming music to make the buyer feel at ease and relaxed. Visuals are everything; make sure everything looks clean and well organized.
Tip # 3: Highlight Your Key Features
One great tip to market your luxury home is to always highlight your selling points. These are the features of your house that sets it apart from the other luxury houses. These features can be anything from a gorgeous view and historical landmarks near the location to the storied history of the house itself and unique finishes. Make sure that you have these on a proper display and prominently showcased in your marketing material. These are all your selling points that will make your luxury estate even more desirable to the potential buyer. So make sure that you highlight these features when a potential buyer comes for a tour and don’t forget to mention them in your luxury listing.
Tip #4: Price it Right
We cannot stress enough the importance of pricing right for your luxury home. If you price your property too high then it is very likely that you will end up on the market for months without any real or serious offer. On the other hand, if you price it low then you will sell it soon and risk selling it for far too less than it's worth.
The solution is to find the sweet spot between the two. But how do you know if you are pricing it too high or too low? By working with a real estate agent who knows the local luxury market. An experienced real estate agent will help set the right price for your luxury house from the very start so that you can secure a profitable deal.
Tip #5: Be Smart and use Technology
Recent technological advancements have brought a revolution in every industry including the real estate market. So why not use technology to your advantage when selling a luxury houses?
You should list your house on all the popular luxury real estate websites to make sure that you can reach more people. If you want to create a real buzz around your luxury listing and your budget allows it, you can invest in high-quality pictures and a cinematic video tour for your luxury listing. The audience should be able to see all the unique features and lavish details of your house.
Conclusion
Buying a home in this competitive, fierce market is not an easy job. Yet, you can manage it well if you know the basic facts. You can also take help from your local property agent because agents are often pretty well connected. They can arrange meetings for you and connect you to suitable sellers.
To summarize, selling luxury real estate is not an easy task in Singapore and you need the right experience and knowledge to make the right decision
Why You Should Do Home Inspection Before Listing
As a home seller, you want your house to make the best impression possible in order to attract potential buyers. A home inspection is an essential step in this process that can help you identify and address any issues with the property before listing it on the market. Doing a thorough home inspection will also ensure that you are aware of any potential problems so that they can be taken care of before any buyers come for a viewing. Not only does this save time and money, but it also gives prospective buyers confidence knowing that everything has been inspected and is up to code. Homebuyers should read this article to learn why a pre-listing home inspection is important and how it can benefit them when purchasing a new property.
Overview of Home Inspection
A home inspection is an important step to take before listing your house for sale. This process allows you to identify any potential problems in the home, as well as make any necessary repairs and updates before going on the market. Home inspections can also give you a better understanding of what buyers may be looking for when they come to view your house.
Benefits of Doing a Home Inspection Before Listing
1. Increase Your Home's Value: A home inspection can help to identify any issues that may be lowering the value of your home. By understanding what needs to be fixed and making these repairs, you can increase the overall value of your home before listing it for sale.
2. Reduce Stress During The Process: A home inspection will ensure that all potential problems have been identified before buyers start viewing the property. This reduces stress during the process by eliminating unexpected surprises as well as reducing negotiations between buyers and sellers over price or repairs.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Expenses: Making repairs before listing your house can save you time and money in the long run by avoiding costly transactions or legal problems down the road caused by not disclosing issues. By having a home inspection prior to listing, you can save yourself from any potential headaches that may come up later on.
Common Issues Found During Home Inspections
Common issues found during home inspections include structural problems, plumbing or electrical issues, moisture or mold problems, and pest infestations. An experienced inspector will be able to spot any potential red flags and make sure that the house is in good condition before listing it for sale.
Cost Considerations for Home Inspections
The cost of a home inspection may vary depending on the size and age of your home, but generally the average cost is around $400-$500. While this may seem like an expensive upfront cost, it’s important to remember that in the long run, it can save you time and money by avoiding potential legal issues or having to make costly repairs after listing your house.
A pre-listing home inspection is essential for making sure that your property is up to code and will attract potential buyers when listed. Doing a thorough home inspection prior to listing can also help identify any problems with the house that need to be fixed before going on the market, reduce stress during negotiations between buyers and sellers, and save you from unnecessary.
Tips on Working with the Inspector and Following Up After the Report is Delivered
Before the inspection, make sure that you have all the necessary information about your home on hand for the inspector. This should include a list of recent repairs, upgrades, or additions that have been made to the house. Once the report is delivered, it’s important to read through it and understand what needs to be done in order to address any issues that were found. Finally, take any necessary steps to fix any identified problems before listing your house for sale.
In conclusion, doing a pre-listing home inspection is an essential step when preparing to put your property on the market. It can help identify potential issues with your house, as well as help increase its value and reduce stress during negotiations between buyers and sellers.
The impact of COVID-19 on the Singapore property market
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the Singapore property market. The effects of this global health crisis are being felt by everyone, from individual homeowners to large developers and investors. As people become more uncertain about their finances and future prospects, the demand for real estate in Singapore is decreasing drastically, resulting in lower prices and fewer transactions taking place. Furthermore, some companies have been forced to reduce their staff or even close down completely due to the economic downturn caused by the virus. In this article, we will be exploring how COVID-19 has affected the Singapore property market and what changes can be expected as a result.
Overview of the Singapore property market pre-COVID
Before the outbreak of COVID-19, Singapore’s property market was booming with prices increasing steadily year on year and rental yields remaining high. This was largely due to strong economic growth in Singapore, which has long been one of the most prosperous countries in Asia. Furthermore, there was an influx of foreign investors looking to capitalize on the attractive real estate prices in Singapore.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Singapore property market
The impact of Covid-19 on the Singapore property market has been far-reaching, with both residential and commercial investors feeling the effects of this pandemic. Many people have faced job losses or salary cuts making it difficult for them to continue paying their mortgages or rent. This has caused a sharp decrease in the demand for real estate, resulting in prices falling and transactions being put on hold. In addition, many developers have been forced to delay or cancel projects due to rising costs and reduced returns on investment.
Changes in demand and supply due to the pandemic
The changes in demand and supply due to the pandemic have been considerable. Demand for property has decreased significantly due to job losses, salary cuts and other financial pressures caused by Covid-19. This has led to a decrease in prices as buyers are less willing to purchase expensive properties. Furthermore, developers have delayed or canceled projects due to rising costs and reduced returns on investment. On the other hand, there has been an increase in supply of rental properties as investors seek to cash in on the attractive rental yields.
Government measures to support affected businesses and individuals
The Singapore government has taken steps to support affected businesses and individuals during this difficult period. These include introducing new tax measures such as temporary rental relief for tenants, loan deferment schemes for homeowners, and subsidies for businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic. In addition, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has announced a package of targeted and cost-effective measures to support the banking industry and help them manage their risks.
Outlook for 2023 and beyond
The outlook for Singapore’s property market is still uncertain as the effects of the pandemic are yet to be fully felt. It is expected that prices will continue to fall in the short term while rental yields remain high. Furthermore, developers may have to adjust their project timelines due to rising costs and reduced returns on investment. In the long term, it is likely that real estate investments will continue to be popular in Singapore as investors look for stable and secure sources of income. The Singapore government’s measures are also expected to help protect businesses and individuals during this difficult period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the impact of COVID-19 on the Singapore property market has been negative but it is expected that things will stabilise in the long term. The government’s measures are likely to provide some support to affected businesses and individuals while prices continue to fall in the short term. As such, investors should be cautious in their property investments and take into consideration the long-term outlook of the market.
It is also important to keep up with the latest changes and government announcements as this could impact investment decisions significantly. With proper research and careful decision making, investors can still find attractive returns from investing in Singapore’s real estate .
Market Updates
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the available units types for Sceneca Residence?
1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom + Study, 3 Bedroom + Study, 4 Bedroom, 5 Bedroom + Study are available for sale
What are the MRT Stations from Sceneca Residence?
The project is walking distance from Tanah Merah MRT Station
What are the nearest shopping mall from Sceneca Residence?
The project is close to plenty of amenities, leisure, dining, and shopping with shopping malls within the vicinity include Bedok Mall, East Village, and Changi City Point
What is the address for Sceneca Residence?
Sceneca Residence is located at Tanah Merah Kechil
What is the expected T.O.P date for Sceneca Residence?
TBA
Who is the developer for Sceneca Residence?
This project is developed by MCC Land
Learn More