Parc Esta at Eunos MRT

27/10/2021

🤔Are we near the top of this cycle?

Stretched valuations, worsening demographics and policy risks are flashing warning signs, says associate editor Vikram Khanna.. Read more at straitstimes.com.

25/12/2020

16/11/2020

🏠 A recurring theme for foreign buyers is that Singapore is a safe place for families. The nation is also gaining visibility as a politically stable spot in a region now marked by uncertainty and upheaval.
"We do see a recent pick up of high net-worth individuals and families moving to Singapore and relocating their family offices here as a safe haven jurisdiction amidst the uncertainty across the world."
"..this was a currency hedge."
"We are realistic that Singapore property doesn't rise that much but.."

FOREIGN buying has always been a major force driving real estate markets across the world, and Singapore is no exception. But increasingly, many in the property sector are observing that more foreign buyers now see their Singapore residential property as a home rather than just a quick flip. Read mo...

20/08/2020

☘️ Addressing many of the concerns out there:

🌘 Property is not so much a GDP cycle but rather a debt cycle. For all those who have the means, the current low interest rates are driving demand. In any case, in SG we have to look at just one critical variable: is the Govt able and willing to support the economy and households. We are one of the few countries that actually have reserves to draw upon. Most other countries have to borrow. We remain one of the only 10 countries that are still rated AAA by Standard & Poors. With de-globalisation and on-shoring, many Singaporeans are returning to add to the demand for property. With WFH (Work from home) been a feature for some time, many are also looking for more space to move into.

🌗Whenever there is large scale QE, it drives inflation worries. Afterall, the increase in money supply outpacing economic growth is inflationary. Gold prices are an indication for these concerns. Where savers are penalized while financial assets inflates. Many investment funds are looking for yields as interest rates rest near zero (with some places in negative territory). They are taking more risk in order to achieve reasonable returns. SG is a triple A rated country. It remains a safe haven for international investors. Many big funds (family offices included) have been setting up offices here.

🌖 Yes, I agree with you that we face an existential threat. But we are cautious optimists because we believe SG is in a better position than most to navigate our way out of this existential threat. The Govt is still supporting households and businesses. They will have to pivot to new businesses to replace those lost (like tourism and onsite F&B).

🌞 The thing to remember is that this pandemic will end. The vaccine will arrive. We estimate the world will be a safer place by 2H2021. Buying a house is a long-term investment. If you are buying something new, by the time you get your keys, you should be in a safer place coincidentally.

https://bit.ly/FB_Gardencitysg

06/08/2020

😷 "Despite its epochal effects, COVID‑19 is merely a harbinger of worse plagues to come."

☘️ The New Normal is likely to be the Normal for the next few years.

🌎 Many types of businesses will not survive. New forms of businesses/new ways of doing businesses will proceed - and govts will have to take the lead..

💁‍♀️ As one talented observer remarked, we were (including SG) growing our strongest assets/institutions/people.. our stronger/strongest links.. but we need to ensure our weaker/weakest links (eg. front-line workers, gig workers, etc.) are not just good enough for working wages but also good enough for better (ventilated) housing, better healthcare (not just medical care) and so on..

🤔 Food for thought?

https://bit.ly/2EODLer

https://bit.ly/M1_gardencitysg

A virus has brought the world’s most powerful country to its knees.

31/07/2020

"Market uncertainty is providing family offices with investment opportunities, with 45% looking to increase asset allocations to real estate."

24/07/2020

🙋‍♀️ This has been in the news of late but may I emphasize how important this is 🕺

A quick summary of findings by Dr Eric Feigl-Ding (Epidemiologist & Health Economist):

☘️ Masks LOWER SEVERITY of COVID too! Masks definitely reduce transmission, but scientist now think that MASKS CAN ALSO MAKE ILLNESS MILDER. How? masks may limit the dose of virus people get, & result in less severe symptoms of illness.

☘️ Bottomline: By reducing viral exposure/load, 👉masks could help reduce disease severity.👈

22/07/2020

Gold is on an absolute tear right now.. why? Unprecedented low yields, escape to safe haven, etc.

* TIPS are U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities

** Reminder: SG is still a triple AAA rated country. Foreigners are still looking at the narrow (roughly) 15% segment of our housing market - private condos/apartments.

19/07/2020

🗽 The (U.S. Federal Reserve) is setting the stage for a Major Policy Change 📢
https://bit.ly/Fed_Inflation

👉"The implication for financial markets is that the Fed expects to hold policy ✅very easy for a very long time.✅"

https://bit.ly/Gardencitysg

Policy makers have begun talking about letting the inflation rate rise above its 2% target. Look for a formal statement soon.

03/07/2020

✍️Demand down, costs up, but builders will rein in bids✍️
Contractors have to fill order books but are unable to pass on additional costs of measures to ensure safe workplace
https://bit.ly/BT_RisingCost

✏️Safety measures in the construction sector are "far more stringent".. which means the pace of construction work would slow down.

✏️Anticipating that tender prices could increase in the range of 6-10%

✏️Many of the new projects are likely to be put on hold as the immediate focus is to work on the resumption of existing projects

👉 By the start of 2020, the heavy supply coming through 2018-2019 was already tapering off even before Covid-19.

👉With the effects of Covid-19 extra cautious re-opening, supply will be limited and current new homes on the market is looking more attractive.

👉And they are still priced at the old construction cost estimates. In fact, many are still offering discounts.

💁‍♀️Pls call or WhatsApp me (Krystal) at 98731115 to find out where the discounts are.

SINGAPORE contractors are facing a double whammy – plunging demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic while needing to fill their order books but without being able to pass on all the additional costs of measures to ensure a safe working environment. Read more at The Business Times.