New launch or resale unit? Here’s a guide for homebuyers
While the primary market supposedly has stronger investment potential, data suggests otherwise
Choosing between a new condominium apartment or a resale unit in Singapore can be a complex decision for prospective homebuyers. While the primary market is often touted for stronger investment potential, data indicates that resale properties may yield higher returns. Property agents and well-meaning friends may steer buyers towards the primary market, but recent analysis suggests otherwise.
Resale properties tend to generate higher returns when resold, thanks to their lower starting price compared to new launches that typically command high prices. Homeowners must weigh the potential benefits of a brand-new purchase against resale advantages. Over the past three decades, resales have consistently outperformed new non-landed private homes.
Five decades of data show that new properties achieved a historical median annualised return of 2.7 percent, while resale units delivered 3.7 percent returns when re-sold. The primary reason resale properties perform better is the substantial upfront price premium associated with new builds. New homes in Singapore's Core Central Region (CCR) sold for 41 percent more per square foot compared to resale units over the past five years.
A significant 28 percent of new home sales in the CCR made losses over the past decade, while 14.9 percent of resales made losses. New launches experienced losses ranging from 22.4 to 35.6 percent during this period. The resale advantage stems from differences in size, tenure, and location. In recent years, new-sale homes have sometimes outperformed resale returns for larger leasehold units.
However, smaller properties between 700 and 1,000 square feet still yielded materially higher returns for resales, commanding up to 12.4 percentage points more. Older leasehold resales also retained an edge over new homes. Despite the trend, new homes offer advantages such as modern amenities, lower maintenance costs, defect-liability coverage, brand-new finishes, and flexible financing options.
Buyers must consider their preferences and priorities when deciding between a new launch and a resale property.
Written by urgent.news from The Business Times - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
