Resale HDB flat prices have remained stagnant for the past couple of years, indicating that the market has stabilised. Though prices have increased by 0.2 per cent last month, sales volume has gone the opposite direction with a 5.3 per cent drop. The minimal rise is likely to be caused by buyers ready to complete transactions before the quiet festive year-end holiday season.
Between permanent residents having a longer wait before they can purchase HDB flats and a closing gap between private non-landed homes and resale flats, the market is not looking a rebound anytime soon. As more new flats are being completed and more HDB flat owners receive keys to their new units and demand remains quiet, the scale between sellers and buyers may tip towards the latter.
Sellers of HDB flats in mature estates may fare better as prices here have increased 0.8 per cent in November. Location and proximity to schools, transport nodes and amenities remain the crucial factors in sealing deals. 1,585 resale flats were sold in November, down from 1,673 in October. In a year-on-year comparison however, 18,005 units have been sold, up from 2014’s 17,318 and likely to be comparable to 2015’s 19,306 units. The market stagnation is expected to continue well into 2017, especially as the authorities have not shown any signs of lifting the property cooling measures.
