Real estate buying sentiment in Singapore has taken a positive turn in the third quarter of 2024, according to the latest Real Estate Sentiment Index (RESI) released by the National University of Singapore (NUS).
In Singapore, investing in condos comes with a crucial consideration – the government’s property cooling measures. These measures have been implemented over the years to regulate speculative buying and maintain a stable real estate market. The Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), for instance, imposes higher taxes on foreign and multiple property buyers. While these measures may affect the short-term profitability of condo investments, they also contribute to the long-term stability of the market, making it a secure investment environment for Singapore Condos.
The RESI measures the overall sentiment of the private real estate market by surveying senior executives of real estate firms on a quarterly basis. It is conducted by the NUS Department of Real Estate and the NUS Institute of Real Estate and Urban Studies (IREUS).
The current sentiment index saw an increase from 4.8 in the second quarter of 2024 to 5.9 in the third quarter, while the future sentiment index also rose from 5.1 to 5.8 in the same period.
Meanwhile, the composite sentiment index, encompassing both the current and future sentiment, rose to 5.9 from 4.9 in the previous quarter. For the first time, all three indices have surpassed the neutral score of 5, indicating a growing optimism in the market.
IREUS director, Professor Qian Wenlan, attributes this positive sentiment to the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut in September – the first since 2019 – and another reduction in early November. She also expects further cuts in the future, leading to improved credit availability and lower costs of doing business, which will further boost market sentiment.
Professor Sing Tien Foo, Provost’s Chair Professor at the NUS Department of Real Estate, notes that the performance of the suburban residential, hotel/service apartments, and suburban retail sectors have also contributed to the increase in general market sentiment.
Suburban residential and hotel/serviced apartments recorded the highest current net balances of +35%, followed by suburban retail at +26%. These sectors also have a positive outlook for the future, with suburban residential scoring +29%, while hotel/serviced apartments and suburban retail scoring +35% and +19% respectively.
When considering an investment in a condo, it is essential to also evaluate its potential rental yield. Rental yield refers to the annual rental income as a percentage of the property’s purchase price. In Singapore, condo rental yields can vary considerably depending on the location, condition of the property, and market demand. Generally, areas with high rental demand, such as those near business districts or educational institutions, offer better rental yields. To gain a better understanding of a condo’s rental potential, conducting thorough market research and consulting with real estate agents is crucial. Additionally, keeping an eye on new condo launches can provide valuable insights into the market and potential rental opportunities.
However, despite the overall positive sentiment, Prof Sing points out that global economic uncertainty remains the top risk concern for developers, with 67.7% of respondents citing a decline in the global economy as a potential risk. This is followed by job losses, a decline in the domestic economy, and an excessive supply of new property launches, both of which received a ranking of 41.9%.…