Price of 50-year-old HDB flat can appreciate over the next 10 years: Khaw Boon Wan

SINGAPORE – Those who buy a 50-year-old Housing Board (HDB) flat today can expect prices to continue to appreciate over the next 10 years, Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan said at a dialogue with young people on Sunday (Sept 2).

Mr Khaw debunked claims that HDB flats are not assets just because the lease is for a limited 99-year period. He was speaking to more than 200 young people from Sembawang GRC on topics such as housing, healthcare and cost of living, which were raised at the National Day Rally speech last month.

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You might get into trouble for doing these 5 things in your HDB flat

By Joanne Poh (via moneysmart.sg)

Singapore — 80 per cent of Singaporeans live in HDB flats, and many of us grew up playing with the stray cats in the void deck and trying to imagine the lives of the people in the blocks opposite.

HDB living is part and parcel of life in Singapore and, for most young couples these days, the only remotely affordable way to become a home owner. But it does come with a bunch of trade-offs. Here are five things that aren’t allowed in HDB flats.

Buying or selling a property? Beware of these dirty tactics from some agents

By Chen Jingwen, via asiaone.com

Here’s a warning for buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants.

Don’t get sucked in by the tricks of unscrupulous property agents which have become rife in an overly competitive trade following the cooling of the market in recent years.

Hundreds of Singapore and Malaysia investors duped of millions by property company

According to an ABC report, Macro Realty Developments Pte Ltd is controlled by Australian Veronica Macpherson (picture) and received over A$110 million (S$119 million), mostly from Singaporean and Malaysian investors. (via asiaone.com)

PETALING JAYA – Singaporean police are investigating a property company believed to be involved in a ponzi scheme that conned hundreds of Malaysians investors out of millions.

According to an ABC report, the company is controlled by Australian Veronica Macpherson and received over A$110 million (S$119 million), mostly from Singaporean and Malaysian investors.

Singapore property prices to double by 2030: Morgan Stanley

SINGAPORE — The protracted downtrend in Singapore’s property market is poised to end next year, with home prices set to double by 2030, Morgan Stanley said in a Wednesday note. “Property market bears expect slower population growth, an ageing population, and a structural growth slowdown to weigh on the long-term property market outlook,” the note said. “We disagree and believe home prices will double by 2030.”

That implies a 5 to 6 per cent increase per annum and would mark a reversal from a long downtrend in home prices.

New 3Gen flats launched in 2013 to 2015 see 83 per cent take-up rate

SINGAPORE — Singapore’s premier three-generation (3Gen) flats launched in 2013 to 2015, to help multi-generation households live under one roof, has seen an average take-up rate of 83 per cent – or 651 of 786 units being booked. The 115 sq m flats come with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, two of which are en-suite, to give their occupants more privacy and comfort.

Singapore the 7th least corrupt country in the world

Singapore will continue to participate in other free trade initiatives even as the major trade pact known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) hits a snag with the US’ withdrawal. – asiaone.com

Singapore is the 7th least corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International’s latest annual review. The island city-state moved up one spot from 8th in 2015 to 7th this year in the Corruption Perceptions Index 2016. However, it’s score of 84 points was one lower than last year, according to Transparency International’s report, which draws on a mix of business and government sources for its rankings.

Singapore was also the only Asian state to make the top ten of least corrupt countries.