How to Save and Invest for Your First Property Downpayment

The recent rise in the property market has added worry to those who has yet to own a home. To many people, especially the young families, will find it increasingly challenging to save enough for the downpayment of a house. If you belong to this category and wonder what can you do to put yourself closer to the reality of owning a house, there is a link which I want you to read.

http://www.propwise.sg/how-to-save-and-invest-for-your-first-property-downpayment/
courtesy of: propwise.sg

Enjoy and be enriched! Congrats to those who got their BTOs recently. :( I didn't get mine.

Non Landed Homes Decline 0.7%

According to the Singapore Residential Price Index (SRPI) of the National University of Singapore (NUS), non landed homes in the private sector saw a decrease of 0.7% after a consecutive increase of 1.1% in August and September.

Going forward, experts say that mass market homes should moderate further given the large supply of development sites being opened up for Government land sales. However, it will have little impact on mid-tier and luxury home prices, which could see further increase given the positive economic outlook in 2011.

STOP! to Foreign Property Speculators

Members of Parliament have approved harsher penalties for foreign property speculators, but asked the government to crack down even more.

MPs noted that home ownership is a big issue for many Singaporeans, and further measures to restrict foreigners in the local market should be implemented.

This issue came up during a debate over the proposed changes involving foreign ownership of landed homes. Only citizens and permanent residents (PRs) who make significant contributions to the economy can own landed property. PRs can only own one such property and must live in it for at least three years before looking to sell it.

As for foreign developers, they can acquire land to build residential projects, but it must be completed in 5 years. To prevent hoarding, all units must be sold within two years after receiving the temporary occupancy permit.

If the conditions are not met, the government will forfeit their banker's guarantee pegged at 10 percent of the land price. However, with the new law, an extension charge will also be imposed for the extended time taken in the project’s completion period
 
--- Steven's Comments---
 
No matter how much the Government tries to slow down the property market. It will rise eventually... Furthermore, They are trying to attract foreign talents to enter Singapore! BUT trying to stop them from owning properties. We will never know whether an Individual has the tendency to speculate or not. Anyway.. all the BEST to us!