The days of brisk rental demand for private apartments could be going as the high number of vacant private property units in the market reached a record 10-year high at the end of 2015. Rents have fallen 4.6 per cent last year and analysts are predicting a 6 per cent drop this year.
Photo: Cassia Edge condominium
With the sheer number of new condominiums and smaller units introduced into the market in the last five to ten years, the opportunities for investors with varying financial capabilities have expanded vastly. Many of them have purchased smaller suburban units for investment purposes but 2016 may not bode well for those looking for a quick turnaround in terms of resale or rental of these units. The number of new condominium units hitting the market this year will mean increased competition for a diminishing tenant pool which will squeeze rental prices downwards. Many landlords are already finding it difficult to find tenants with the same asking prices as before, and have found it necessary to lower prices by 10 to 20 per cent.
Districts 19 and 20, which includes Bishan, Ang Mo Kio, Hougang, Punggol and Sengkang, will have the highest number of new units in their midst this year – approximately 8,200. This is despite the fact that rental prices have not risen much in these districts over the past 3 years. Property experts are however positive about the huge redevelopment of the Seletar Aerospace park which may continue to provide the demand for rental units. In the eastern districts however, demand may be waning as expatriates working in the hard-hit financial and banking sectors could be leaving the country.
