A good number of new HDB flats have reached or will soon reach the end of the minimum occupation period (MOP), and despite the expected slew of relatively new resale HDB flats entering the market, the situation is contrary.
Photo: City view @ Boon Keng (credit: Hoi Hup Realty Pte Ltd)
Some units in prime locations and prime developments such as the Pinnacle @ Duxton and City View @ Boon Keng may have fetched record prices, but most owners are not in a rush to put their units up for sale as the resale market is currently slow.
In 2010, 1,338 units were sold within a year of reaching their MOP, about 13.7% of the number of newly eligible flats. By last year, there were only 388 such transactions, at about 6%. Though private property prices have fallen, the gap between public and private housing remains considerable; and with a slowing market, resale flats may not be able to command the prices of before.
Pinnacle @ Duxton. Image by HDB.
The upperhand-tussle between buyers and sellers have been ongoing for the past 4 to 5 years, and the undercurrent uncertainty of late have not aided the situation. It may be a matter of “who blinks first” as buyers and sellers both wait out this iffy period. More flat owners are instead beginning to sublet their flats after meeting the MOP. The next big move which might shake things up would be possible changes to the property cooling measures.
