20/06/2024
**Singapore Developers Brace for Market Revival Following Lackluster May Sales**
In a subdued start to the second quarter, Singapore's property market saw a significant downturn in developer sales for May, marking the lowest figures since 2008. According to data, developers sold 221 new units (excluding executive condos), a decline of 26.6% from April's 301 units and a staggering 78.7% drop from the 1,039 units sold in May last year. Including executive condos, new home sales totaled 261 units, down 25.9% from April.
The lack of major launches in May contributed to the tepid market performance, with only 248 new private homes launched, down from 278 in April and a sharp contrast to the 1,595 units launched a year ago. Analysts attributed this cautious approach by developers to sustained higher interest rates and buyer hesitancy amidst a more selective market environment.
Tricia Song, CBRE's head of research for Singapore and South-east Asia, noted that economic uncertainties and mortgage rate pressures have made buyers increasingly price-sensitive. This trend was evident in May's sales performance, where the top-performing projects were predominantly existing developments in suburban and city fringe areas, including two executive condo launches.
Reflecting on broader market trends, Ms Song highlighted that new home sales in 2023 hit a 15-year low of 6,421 units, a 9.6% decline from 7,099 units in 2022, underscoring the impact of cooling measures and economic conditions on market sentiment.
Looking ahead, analysts remain cautiously optimistic about a potential recovery in the third quarter, anticipating the launch of several high-profile projects post-June holidays. Wong Siew Ying, PropNex's head of research and content, suggested that while some developers might delay launches during the Hungry Ghost Festival period, overall sentiment could improve with the introduction of new projects.
The market's resilience amidst challenges was illustrated by notable transactions in May, including the sale of a leasehold unit at Tanjong Pagar's Skywaters Residences for $47.3 million, marking it as one of the top non-landed private-home transactions in recent years.
As Singapore navigates through a quiet phase in its property market, characterized by heightened caution and strategic launches, industry watchers anticipate a potential uptick in activity pending economic shifts and market stimuli.