There’s possible cheer on the resale HDB flat front with a 28% increase in the number of resale flats sold in the last 3 months up to June 30; and a slowdown in the dip of the resale price index at 0.4 per cent. Previous quarters saw a 1.4 per cent decline.
Are resale HDB flat prices going to fall further as more BTO flats become available for occupation next year?
Obviously the lowered prices and announcements of reduced new BTO (build-to-order) HDB flat launches have drawn buyers back into the fold. The HDB estate of Jurong West saw the most number of resale flat transactions with 423 units being sold. This is closely followed by Tampines with 364 units at Sengkang with 341 units.
Property analysts are however wary about a quick and complete recovery. For the rest of the year and perhaps the next year as well, HDB flat prices are expected to stabilise at best. As home buyers are still restricted by the property cooling measures, and as more BTO flats become ready for occupation, more resale units may be expected to enter the market, and heat up the competition. Buyers have more options and can afford to be picky about their selection. Some sellers are already finding it difficult to find a buyer for their current flat which they are required to sell within a stipulated time upon receiving the key for their new BTO flat.
With the upcoming General Elections (GE), what can be expected of the property market?
