It is of utmost importance for individuals from overseas to be well-informed about the regulations and limitations surrounding property ownership before making investments in Singapore. The country’s market primarily caters to foreign buyers in the form of condominiums, which have fewer ownership restrictions compared to landed properties. However, it is essential for foreign investors to keep in mind the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 20% that applies to their first property purchase. Despite this additional cost, the Singapore real estate market continues to entice foreign investments due to its stability and growth potential. To stay updated on the latest properties available, investors can explore New Condo Launches, which offer a plethora of opportunities to find profitable investments in the Singapore property market. Incorporating New Condo Launches into their search can provide investors with a comprehensive selection of properties for their next venture.
CBRE’s Singapore Market Outlook 2025 report, released on January 23rd, predicts divergent outcomes across the real estate market in the next 12 months due to an uncertain macroeconomic outlook. On one hand, easing inflation and interest rates are expected to provide some relief for the property market. However, Moray Armstrong, managing director and advisory services at CBRE, warns that slowing economic growth in 2025 could negatively impact property demand.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry is forecasting Singapore’s GDP growth to be between 1% and 3% in 2025, lower than the 4% growth seen in 2024. According to Armstrong, other factors such as ongoing geopolitical tensions, a new US administration with a nationalistic economic agenda, and the release of the URA Master Plan 2025 in the middle of the year, could potentially influence the market in the near term. However, despite these uncertainties, there are still opportunities in the real estate market for those who can take advantage of emerging trends.
CBRE’s head of research for Singapore and Southeast Asia, Tricia Song, shares a similar optimistic view, stating that the property market is still bolstered by limited new supply and stable demand. She predicts that the Singapore real estate market will continue to show its stability and resilience, making it an attractive destination for investors worldwide.
The data from the URA shows that developer sales volume increased threefold to 3,511 units in the last quarter, a significant rebound from the record lows in the first nine months of 2024. Prices also rose by 2.3% quarter-on-quarter, the highest quarterly growth in 2024. While this resurgence has sparked concerns of cooling measures being implemented, CBRE believes this is unlikely unless prices rise sharply in the coming quarters.
Amid the improved buying sentiment, developers are expected to continue with their launches. This year, an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 new units are potentially going to be launched, almost double the number launched in 2024. As a result, CBRE forecasts that between 7,000 to 8,000 new homes will be sold in 2025, an increase from the 6,469 units sold in 2024. This higher volume is expected to support price growth of between 3% and 6% in 2025, following the 3.9% growth seen in 2024. At the same time, CBRE predicts rental rates will also grow by 1% to 3% this year.
In the office market, the 2024 was relatively muted due to global uncertainties and rising fit-out costs, as well as hybrid work arrangements. Core CBD (Grade A) rents only grew by 0.4% year-on-year, lower than the 1.7% rental growth seen in 2023. With economic growth expected to slow in 2025, the leasing momentum in the office market is also likely to remain sluggish. However, a limited pipeline of new Core CBD (Grade A) offices over the next three years is predicted to keep vacancy rates low. CBRE forecasts that about 0.58 million sq ft of new office space will be completed each year between 2025 and 2027, less than half the 10-year average of 1.28 million sq ft. As a result, they predict rental growth of about 2% for 2025, in line with GDP projections.
Singapore’s cityscape is characterized by contemporary architecture and towering skyscrapers. The sought-after residential areas in Singapore are often home to luxurious condominiums that offer a combination of comfort and accessibility, appealing to both locals and foreigners. These condos boast an array of facilities, including swimming pools, fitness centers, and security services, elevating the standard of living and making them a desirable choice for renters and buyers. For property investors, these attractive features equate to higher rental returns and a gradual increase in the value of their Singapore Condo.
A similar trend is expected in the retail property market, with limited supply forecasted to support rents. The estimated supply of new retail space is predicted to drop to 0.5 million sq ft in 2025, 40.4% lower than in 2024, and well below the 10-year average of 0.91 million sq ft per annum. CBRE also notes that leasing sentiment for retail properties remains positive, thanks to inbound tourism and a strong pipeline of entertainment and events. As such, the firm projects that average retail prime rents will grow by 2% to 3% in 2025, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
In the industrial sector, CBRE reports that demand for prime logistics properties was subdued in 2024 due to cost pressures and supply chain disruptions caused by the Red Sea crisis. As a result, rents for prime logistics properties saw a modest 1.1% increase to $1.87 psf per month in 2024. However, a bumper supply of almost 5 million sq ft of warehouse space is expected to be completed this year. CBRE predicts that at least 60% of this new prime logistics space has already been pre-committed, which should help keep occupancy rates stable. As a result, CBRE expects prime logistics rents to remain relatively flat in 2025.
In terms of investment, CBRE anticipates that real estate investment volumes in Singapore will continue to grow in 2025, although at a slower pace. In 2024, investment volumes saw a 28% year-on-year increase to $28.62 billion, rebounding from a 30.3% decline in the previous year. This was driven by interest rate cuts that boosted investor confidence and appetite, a trend that is expected to continue into 2025. According to CBRE’s latest Asia Pacific Investor Intentions Survey, the majority of investors involved in Singapore real estate anticipate purchasing the same or a higher volume of properties in 2025 compared to 2024. However, given the ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties, CBRE predicts that investors will be selective with their investments and focus on sectors or strategies with a more favorable outlook. They anticipate a 10% year-on-year increase in investment volumes in 2025, barring any major macroeconomic shocks.
CBRE’s survey also found that the industrial and logistics sector remains the most preferred among investors, followed by residential and office properties.…