{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "DefinedTermSet", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/#set", "name": "PropertyMeter Singapore Property Glossary", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "PropertyMeter", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/" }, "inLanguage": "en-SG", "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "hasDefinedTerm": [ { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/leasehold/#term", "name": "99-Year Leasehold", "alternateName": [ "Leasehold", "99-year lease", "Leasehold property" ], "description": "A 99-year leasehold is a property you own for a fixed 99 years, after which the land and buildings generally return to the State. It is the standard tenure for HDB flats, executive condominiums and condos on Government Land Sales sites, because since 1967 the State has sold private residential land on leases of no more than 99 years.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/leasehold/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/leasehold.md", "topic": "Private property", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Length", "value": "99 years from the start of the lease" }, { "label": "At the end of the lease", "value": "Land generally reverts to the Government" }, { "label": "Renewal", "value": "Not automatic; considered case by case if in line with planning intentions, with a land premium payable" }, { "label": "Used for", "value": "HDB flats, ECs and private homes on State land sold since 1967" }, { "label": "CPF and HDB loans", "value": "Full amounts only if the remaining lease covers the youngest buyer to age 95" }, { "label": "Value of a 99-year lease", "value": "96% of freehold value under the government's Leasehold Table" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.sla.gov.sg/lease-policy/", "https://www.mlaw.gov.sg/news/parliamentary-speeches/written-answer-by-minister-for-law--mr-k-shanmugam--to-parliamen6/", "https://www.gov.sg/explainers/a-home-for-everyone-maintaining-the-quality-and-value-of-your-flat/", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Circulars/dc22-08", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/service/article/how-much-cpf-savings-can-i-use-to-buy-a-property-if-its-lease-does-not-cover-the-youngest-buyer-to-age-95", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/housing-loan/housing-loan-from-hdb" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/absd/#term", "name": "Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty", "termCode": "ABSD", "description": "Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) is a tax that some buyers of residential property in Singapore pay on top of Buyer's Stamp Duty. The rate depends on who is buying and how many homes they already own, from 0% for a Singapore citizen's first home to 60% for foreigners and 65% for companies.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/absd/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/absd.md", "topic": "Taxes & duties", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Who pays", "value": "Buyers of residential property, depending on residency status and how many homes they already own" }, { "label": "Rates", "value": "0% to 65% (see the table below)" }, { "label": "Charged on", "value": "The purchase price or market value, whichever is higher" }, { "label": "Paid on top of", "value": "Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD)" }, { "label": "Deadline", "value": "Within 14 days of signing the purchase document (30 days if signed overseas)" }, { "label": "Current rates since", "value": "27 April 2023" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-05", "citation": [ "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/stamp-duty/for-property/buying-or-acquiring-property/additional-buyer's-stamp-duty-(absd)" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/annual-value/#term", "name": "Annual Value", "termCode": "AV", "description": "Annual value (AV) is IRAS's estimate of the gross yearly rent a property could earn if it were rented out, excluding furniture, furnishings and maintenance fees. It is based on market rents of comparable properties, not the rent you actually receive, and it is the figure your property tax is calculated on.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/annual-value/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/annual-value.md", "topic": "Taxes & duties", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "What it is", "value": "The estimated gross annual rent if the property were let out" }, { "label": "Excludes", "value": "Furniture, furnishings and maintenance fees" }, { "label": "Based on", "value": "Rents of similar rented properties, adjusted for location, size, condition and other attributes" }, { "label": "Reviewed", "value": "Every year" }, { "label": "Objection deadline", "value": "Within 30 days of the Valuation Notice" }, { "label": "Used for", "value": "Property tax: annual value × tax rate" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/property-tax/property-owners/annual-value", "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/property-tax/property-owners/object-to-annual-value", "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/property-tax/property-owners/property-tax-rates" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/brs/#term", "name": "Basic Retirement Sum", "termCode": "BRS", "alternateName": [ "Full Retirement Sum", "FRS", "Enhanced Retirement Sum", "ERS", "CPF retirement sum" ], "description": "The Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) is the minimum amount CPF members are expected to set aside for retirement when they turn 55: $110,200 for those turning 55 in 2026, rising to $114,100 in 2027. It matters for property because you must set aside your BRS before you can use CPF beyond the valuation limit for a home loan.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/brs/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/brs.md", "topic": "CPF & housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "BRS, turning 55 in 2026", "value": "$110,200" }, { "label": "BRS, turning 55 in 2027", "value": "$114,100" }, { "label": "Full Retirement Sum (FRS)", "value": "Twice the BRS: $220,400 in 2026" }, { "label": "Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS)", "value": "Four times the BRS: $440,800 in 2026" }, { "label": "Estimated payout from 65 at the BRS", "value": "About $950 a month (CPF LIFE Standard Plan)" }, { "label": "Property owners", "value": "With a lease lasting to age 95, can meet the FRS with property (up to half the FRS) and cash" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/service/article/how-much-is-my-basic-retirement-sum", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/infohub/educational-resources/what-is-the-cpf-retirement-sum", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/infohub/educational-resources/how-much-cpf-savings-you-can-use-for-your-home-purchase" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/bto/#term", "name": "Build-To-Order", "termCode": "BTO", "alternateName": [ "BTO flat", "BTO exercise" ], "description": "Build-To-Order (BTO) is HDB's main way of selling new flats: HDB offers flats in upcoming projects during a sales exercise, eligible households apply online, and a computerised ballot decides the order in which they book. You need a valid HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter to apply, and the flats are built after they are sold.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/bto/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/bto.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Who sells", "value": "HDB, in sales exercises held during the year" }, { "label": "Before applying", "value": "You need a valid HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter" }, { "label": "Application fee", "value": "$10, non-refundable" }, { "label": "Selection", "value": "A computerised ballot sets the queue order for booking flats" }, { "label": "Ballot results", "value": "Within 2 months after the application period closes" }, { "label": "Income ceiling (families, 4- and 5-room)", "value": "$16,000 a month; $24,000 for extended or multi-generation families" }, { "label": "Classification", "value": "Since October 2024, new BTO projects are Standard, Plus or Prime" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/process-for-buying-a-new-flat/modes-of-sales", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/process-for-buying-a-new-flat/application/frequently-asked-questions-on-sales-exercises", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/couples-and-families", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/finding-a-new-flat/standard-plus-and-prime-housing-framework" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/bsd/#term", "name": "Buyer's Stamp Duty", "termCode": "BSD", "description": "Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) is a tax paid by anyone who buys or acquires property in Singapore. For residential property it is charged in tiers from 1% to 6% on the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher, and must be paid within 14 days of signing the purchase document.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/bsd/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/bsd.md", "topic": "Taxes & duties", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Who pays", "value": "Every buyer of property in Singapore, residential or non-residential" }, { "label": "Residential rates", "value": "1% to 6%, charged in tiers" }, { "label": "Charged on", "value": "The purchase price or market value, whichever is higher" }, { "label": "Deadline", "value": "Within 14 days of signing the purchase document" }, { "label": "Current residential tiers since", "value": "15 February 2023" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-05", "citation": [ "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/stamp-duty/for-property/buying-or-acquiring-property/buyer's-stamp-duty-(bsd)" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/caveat/#term", "name": "Caveat", "description": "A caveat is a legal notice lodged with the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) by a buyer to protect their interest in a property, usually soon after exercising the Option to Purchase or signing the sale and purchase agreement. It warns anyone checking the title of the buyer's claim, and URA uses caveat records to compile property price statistics.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/caveat/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/caveat.md", "topic": "Buying & selling", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Lodged with", "value": "The Singapore Land Authority (SLA)" }, { "label": "Lodged by", "value": "Usually the buyer, through their lawyer" }, { "label": "When", "value": "Soon after the OTP is exercised or the S&P agreement is signed" }, { "label": "Effect", "value": "Blocks other dealings with the property unless they are made subject to the buyer's claim or the buyer consents" }, { "label": "Compulsory?", "value": "No. Lodging a purchaser's caveat is voluntary" }, { "label": "Used for statistics", "value": "URA compiles its property price indices from caveats, supplemented with IRAS stamp duty data" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.ura.gov.sg/eservices-info/property-market/glossary/", "https://eservice.ura.gov.sg/reis/coverageandMethodology", "https://app.sla.gov.sg/starsELS/Help/Example-CV.htm" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ccr-rcr-ocr/#term", "name": "CCR, RCR and OCR", "alternateName": [ "Core Central Region", "Rest of Central Region", "Outside Central Region", "Market segments" ], "description": "CCR, RCR and OCR are URA's three market segments for private non-landed homes. The Core Central Region (CCR) covers postal districts 9, 10 and 11, the Downtown Core and Sentosa; the Rest of Central Region (RCR) is the rest of the Central Region; and the Outside Central Region (OCR) covers the East, North East, North and West regions.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ccr-rcr-ocr/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ccr-rcr-ocr.md", "topic": "Market & data", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Core Central Region (CCR)", "value": "Postal districts 9, 10 and 11, the Downtown Core Planning Area and Sentosa" }, { "label": "Rest of Central Region (RCR)", "value": "The rest of the Central Region, outside the CCR" }, { "label": "Outside Central Region (OCR)", "value": "The East, North East, North and West Planning Regions" }, { "label": "Applies to", "value": "Non-landed private homes (apartments, condos and ECs over 10 years old) in URA's price index" }, { "label": "3Q 2026 price change", "value": "CCR +0.3%, RCR unchanged, OCR +2.3% (URA, 23 October 2026)" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://eservice.ura.gov.sg/reis/coverageandMethodology", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/eservices-info/property-market/glossary/", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/news/media/pr26-73/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/csc/#term", "name": "Certificate of Statutory Completion", "termCode": "CSC", "description": "A Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) is issued by Singapore's Building and Construction Authority (BCA) when a building has met every statutory requirement and has all the clearances it needs. It usually follows the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP), and for a new-launch home it triggers the last 15% of the purchase price.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/csc/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/csc.md", "topic": "Buying & selling", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Issued by", "value": "The Commissioner of Building Control, BCA" }, { "label": "Issued when", "value": "The development has complied with all statutory requirements and obtained all clearances" }, { "label": "Processing time", "value": "Within 7 working days of a complete application; longer if many defects are unresolved" }, { "label": "Payment due (new launch)", "value": "The final 15% of the price" }, { "label": "Occupation without TOP or CSC", "value": "An offence: fine up to $20,000, jail up to 6 months, or both" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www1.bca.gov.sg/safety-and-standards/applications-and-licenses/application-for-top-csc/", "https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/BCA1989?ProvIds=pr12-", "https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/HDCLA1965-R1" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/co-broking/#term", "name": "Co-broking", "alternateName": [ "Co-broke", "Co-brokerage", "Commission sharing" ], "description": "Co-broking is when two or more property agents, each representing a different party, work together on one transaction, for example the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. They may share the commission, but that split is strictly an agreement between the agents. Refusing to co-broke can lead to disciplinary action by CEA.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/co-broking/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/co-broking.md", "topic": "Industry & regulation", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "What it is", "value": "Agents representing different parties working together on one transaction" }, { "label": "Commission split", "value": "Strictly an agreement between the agents involved" }, { "label": "Best practice", "value": "Agents should collect commission only from the client they represent" }, { "label": "Industry guide", "value": "Best Practice Guide for co-broking commission, launched 14 November 2023, effective 1 July 2024" }, { "label": "Not allowed instead", "value": "One agent acting for both buyer and seller (dual representation)" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.cea.gov.sg/about-cea/newsroom-publications/ceanergy-blog/key-things-to-know-about-the-seaa-best-practice-guide-for-co-broking-commission/", "https://www.cea.gov.sg/consumers/engaging-a-property-agent/what-to-take-note-of-when-engaging-a-property-agent/", "https://www.cea.gov.sg/about-cea/newsroom-publications/ceanergy-blog/fined-14-000-and-received-7-months-suspension-for-refusing-to-co-broke-a-property-transaction/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/cea/#term", "name": "Council for Estate Agencies", "termCode": "CEA", "description": "The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) is the statutory board that regulates Singapore's real estate agency industry. Set up on 22 October 2010 under the Estate Agents Act and overseen by the Ministry of National Development, it licenses estate agencies, registers property salespersons, sets conduct rules and takes disciplinary action against misconduct.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/cea/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/cea.md", "topic": "Industry & regulation", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Established", "value": "22 October 2010, under the Estate Agents Act" }, { "label": "Under", "value": "The Ministry of National Development" }, { "label": "Licenses", "value": "Estate agencies" }, { "label": "Registers", "value": "Real estate salespersons (property agents)" }, { "label": "Public Register", "value": "Search an agent by phone number to check registration, recent deals and any disciplinary record" }, { "label": "Commission", "value": "Not fixed by CEA; it is negotiable" }, { "label": "From 1 January 2027", "value": "Three-year licensing and registration cycle, with a new Currency Requirement for salespersons" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.cea.gov.sg/about-cea/", "https://www.cea.gov.sg/about-cea/who-we-are/vision-and-mission/", "https://www.cea.gov.sg/consumers/engaging-a-property-agent/check-if-your-property-agent-is-registered/", "https://www.cea.gov.sg/about-cea/newsroom-publications/ceanergy-blog/cea-new-three-year-licensing-and-registration-cycle-and-currency-requirement-what-it-means-for-you/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/accrued-interest/#term", "name": "CPF Accrued Interest", "alternateName": [ "Accrued interest", "CPF housing refund" ], "description": "CPF accrued interest is the interest your CPF savings would have earned if you had not used them to buy property. When you sell, you must refund the CPF principal you used plus this accrued interest to your CPF account before you receive any cash, so it reduces the cash you get from a sale.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/accrued-interest/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/accrued-interest.md", "topic": "CPF & housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "What it is", "value": "The interest your CPF savings would have earned had they stayed in your account" }, { "label": "Runs from", "value": "The date you first used CPF for the property to the date the refund is made" }, { "label": "Compounding", "value": "Annually, on the principal and on interest already accrued" }, { "label": "Keeps growing", "value": "Even after your housing loan is fully repaid" }, { "label": "Refund goes to (below 55)", "value": "Your Ordinary Account" }, { "label": "Refund goes to (55 and above)", "value": "First your Retirement Account, up to your retirement sum; the rest to your OA" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/service/article/why-do-i-need-to-refund-the-accrued-interest-on-the-amount-of-cpf-savings-used-for-my-property", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/home-ownership/using-your-cpf-to-buy-a-home/cpf-refund-when-selling-or-transferring-property", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/infohub/educational-resources/3-reasons-why-you-should-consider-making-a-voluntary-housing-refund", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/service/article/what-are-the-cpf-interest-rates" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/cpf-housing-grant/#term", "name": "CPF Housing Grant", "alternateName": [ "Family Grant", "Singles Grant", "Resale flat grant", "CPF Housing Grant for resale flats" ], "description": "The CPF Housing Grant is a grant for first-timers buying an HDB resale flat. Citizen families get up to $80,000 for a 2- to 4-room flat or $50,000 for a 5-room or bigger flat, with lower amounts for citizen and PR households and singles. It is paid into the buyers' CPF Ordinary Accounts and can be combined with the EHG and Proximity Housing Grant.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/cpf-housing-grant/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/cpf-housing-grant.md", "topic": "CPF & housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Citizen couple (SC/SC), 2- to 4-room", "value": "$80,000" }, { "label": "Citizen couple (SC/SC), 5-room or bigger", "value": "$50,000" }, { "label": "Citizen and PR couple (SC/SPR)", "value": "$70,000 (2- to 4-room) or $40,000 (5-room or bigger)" }, { "label": "First-timer and second-timer couple", "value": "$40,000 (2- to 4-room) or $25,000 (5-room or bigger)" }, { "label": "Single citizen", "value": "$40,000 (2- to 4-room) or $25,000 (5-room)" }, { "label": "Income ceiling (families)", "value": "$16,000 a month; $24,000 for extended or multi-generation families" }, { "label": "Remaining lease", "value": "More than 20 years" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/couples-and-families/cpf-housing-grants", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/singles/cpf-housing-grant" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/cpf-ordinary-account/#term", "name": "CPF Ordinary Account", "termCode": "OA", "alternateName": [ "CPF OA", "Ordinary Account" ], "description": "The CPF Ordinary Account (OA) is the part of your Central Provident Fund savings that you can use to buy a home and repay a housing loan. It earns at least 2.5% a year, set by law. Money you use for property must be refunded to your CPF account, with accrued interest, when you sell.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/cpf-ordinary-account/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/cpf-ordinary-account.md", "topic": "CPF & housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Interest rate (1 Oct to 31 Dec 2026)", "value": "2.5% a year" }, { "label": "How the rate is set", "value": "3-month average of major local banks' interest rates, reviewed quarterly, with a legislated minimum of 2.5%" }, { "label": "Extra interest (below 55)", "value": "1% on the first $60,000 of combined balances, with the OA part capped at $20,000; paid into the Special or Retirement Account" }, { "label": "Housing use capped by", "value": "The valuation limit and withdrawal limit, and the remaining lease" }, { "label": "HDB loan rate", "value": "Pegged at 0.1 percentage point above the OA rate" }, { "label": "On sale", "value": "Refund the OA money used plus accrued interest" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/growing-your-savings/earning-higher-returns/earning-attractive-interest", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/service/article/what-are-the-cpf-interest-rates", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/infohub/educational-resources/how-much-cpf-savings-you-can-use-for-your-home-purchase", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/housing-loan/housing-loan-from-hdb", "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/buying-a-property-how-much-can-you-afford/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/eir/#term", "name": "Effective Interest Rate", "termCode": "EIR", "description": "The effective interest rate (EIR) is the true yearly cost of a loan, taking into account how interest is calculated and how often you repay. It can be higher than the advertised rate, especially for flat-rate loans. For home loans charged on monthly rest, the EIR equals the advertised rate, which makes EIR the fairest way to compare packages.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/eir/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/eir.md", "topic": "Financing & loans", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "What it shows", "value": "The true cost of borrowing, as a yearly rate" }, { "label": "Monthly rest loans", "value": "Interest on the outstanding balance; the EIR equals the advertised rate" }, { "label": "Flat-rate loans", "value": "Interest on the original amount throughout; the EIR is higher than the advertised rate" }, { "label": "Repayment frequency", "value": "Repaying in instalments raises the EIR of a flat-rate loan" }, { "label": "Use it to", "value": "Compare loan packages and refinancing offers" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/costs-of-borrowing-flat-rate-monthly-rest-and-effective-interest-rate/", "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/how-home-loans-work/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/en-bloc/#term", "name": "En bloc (collective sale)", "alternateName": [ "Collective sale", "En bloc sale" ], "description": "An en bloc, or collective sale, is when the owners of a strata development such as a condominium sell the whole development together, usually to a developer who will redevelop the land. It currently needs written consent from owners holding at least 80% of the share values and strata area, or 90% for developments under 10 years old.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/en-bloc/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/en-bloc.md", "topic": "Private property", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Consent needed today", "value": "90% if less than 10 years have passed since the latest TOP (or CSC); 80% if 10 years or more" }, { "label": "Measured by", "value": "Both share value and total strata area (excluding accessory lots)" }, { "label": "Changes passed on 8 Sep 2026", "value": "70% for developments aged 40 to 59 years; 65% for 60 years and above (not yet in force)" }, { "label": "Signing window under the new law", "value": "6 months to collect signatures, down from 12" }, { "label": "Stamp duty", "value": "Owners who bought within the SSD holding period may owe Seller's Stamp Duty" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-05", "citation": [ "https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/LTSA1967?ProvIds=pr84A-", "https://www.mlaw.gov.sg/second-reading-speech-of-the-land-titles-strata-amendment-bill-2026-by-minister-edwin-tong-sc/", "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/stamp-duty/for-property/selling-or-disposing-property/seller's-stamp-duty-(ssd)-for-residential-property" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ehg/#term", "name": "Enhanced CPF Housing Grant", "termCode": "EHG", "alternateName": [ "Enhanced Housing Grant", "EHG (Families)", "EHG (Singles)" ], "description": "The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) is an income-based grant of up to $120,000 for first-timer families, and up to $60,000 for first-timer singles, buying a new or resale HDB flat. Lower-income households get more. It is paid into the buyers' CPF Ordinary Accounts to reduce the price or the loan.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ehg/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ehg.md", "topic": "CPF & housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "First-timer families", "value": "Up to $120,000 (since 20 August 2024)" }, { "label": "First-timer singles", "value": "Up to $60,000; a first-timer and second-timer couple can get EHG (Singles) of up to $60,000" }, { "label": "Income ceiling, families", "value": "Average gross monthly household income of $9,000 or less" }, { "label": "Income ceiling, singles buying alone", "value": "$4,500 or less" }, { "label": "Employment", "value": "Worked continuously for at least 12 months, and working at the HFE letter application" }, { "label": "Remaining lease", "value": "Full grant only if the lease covers the youngest core member to age 95; otherwise pro-rated" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/couples-and-families/enhanced-cpf-housing-grant", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/-/media/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/couples-and-families/enhanced-cpf-housing-grant/EHG-amount-Families.pdf", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/singles/enhanced-cpf-housing-grant", "https://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/view/measures-to-cool-the-hdb-resale-market-and-provide-more-support-for-first-time-home-buyers" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/eip/#term", "name": "Ethnic Integration Policy", "termCode": "EIP", "alternateName": [ "EIP quota", "SPR quota", "Singapore Permanent Resident quota" ], "description": "The Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) sets limits on the share of HDB flats in each block and neighbourhood that households of each ethnic group can own, to keep a balanced mix of communities in HDB towns. When you buy or sell a resale flat, the deal must stay within these limits, and non-Malaysian permanent resident households must also meet the SPR quota.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/eip/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/eip.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Purpose", "value": "Preserve Singapore's multicultural identity and promote racial integration and harmony" }, { "label": "Applies at", "value": "Block and neighbourhood levels" }, { "label": "SPR quota", "value": "8% of a block and 5% of a neighbourhood, for non-Malaysian SPR households" }, { "label": "Updated", "value": "On the 1st of each month" }, { "label": "Same group exemption", "value": "A sale is allowed if buyer and seller are of the same ethnic group and household citizenship" }, { "label": "Check at", "value": "OTP grant, OTP exercise and resale application" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/resale-flats/process-for-buying-a-resale-flat/resale-flat-planning/eip-and-spr-quota", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/selling-a-flat/eligibility" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ec/#term", "name": "Executive Condominium", "termCode": "EC", "description": "An executive condominium (EC) is a condominium built and sold by a private developer, but with HDB rules for buyers, such as an income ceiling and a minimum occupation period. It is a hybrid of public and private housing: after a set number of years it becomes fully private and can be sold to anyone, including foreigners.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ec/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ec.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Who can buy a new EC", "value": "A Singapore citizen with at least one other citizen or PR in the household, or two or more citizen singles aged 35 or above" }, { "label": "Income ceiling", "value": "$16,000 a month for sites awarded before 24 August 2026; $18,000 for sites with tenders closing on or after that date" }, { "label": "Minimum occupation period", "value": "5 years from TOP; 10 years for projects whose land tender closed on or after 8 May 2026" }, { "label": "Fully private after", "value": "10 years; 15 years for projects whose land tender closed on or after 8 May 2026" }, { "label": "Loan limit", "value": "The 30% Mortgage Servicing Ratio applies when buying from the developer" }, { "label": "Existing HDB flat", "value": "Must be sold within 6 months of collecting the EC keys" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-05", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/executive-condominiums/eligibility", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/executive-condominiums/conditions-after-buying-an-ec", "https://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/view/strengthening-the-executive-condominium-housing-scheme-and-supporting-first-time-home-buyers", "https://www.mas.gov.sg/publications/macroprudential-policies-in-singapore" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/family-care-scheme/#term", "name": "Family Care Scheme (Proximity)", "termCode": "FCS", "alternateName": [ "Family Care Scheme", "FCS (Proximity)", "Married Child Priority Scheme", "MCPS" ], "description": "The Family Care Scheme (Proximity) is an HDB priority scheme that gives parents and their children, married or single, a better chance in the BTO and SBF ballot when they apply to live with or within 4 km of each other. It replaced the Married Child Priority Scheme and part of the Senior Priority Scheme, and reserves up to 30% of flats for eligible first-timer families.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/family-care-scheme/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/family-care-scheme.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "For", "value": "Parents and children, married or single, applying to live with or near each other" }, { "label": "Near means", "value": "The nearest block of the project is within 4 km of the parents' or child's home" }, { "label": "First-timer families", "value": "Up to 30% of the public supply of BTO and SBF flats" }, { "label": "Second-timer families", "value": "Up to 5% of BTO and 3% of SBF public supply" }, { "label": "Eligibility", "value": "At least one parent or child is a citizen or PR; a single child must be 35 or older" }, { "label": "Replaced", "value": "The Married Child Priority Scheme and the Senior Priority Scheme (living with or near family)" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/process-for-buying-a-new-flat/application/priority-schemes", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/conditions-after-buying-a-new-flat" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/fixed-rate-loan/#term", "name": "Fixed-Rate Home Loan", "alternateName": [ "Fixed rate mortgage", "Fixed rate package" ], "description": "A fixed-rate home loan charges an interest rate that stays the same for the first few years of the loan, regardless of market movements. After the fixed period, which differs by package and is usually tied to the lock-in period, the rate becomes variable. It gives predictable repayments but won't fall if market rates drop.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/fixed-rate-loan/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/fixed-rate-loan.md", "topic": "Financing & loans", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Rate", "value": "Fixed for the first few years, then variable" }, { "label": "Fixed period", "value": "Differs by loan package; set out in the fact sheet" }, { "label": "If market rates fall", "value": "Your rate stays the same during the fixed period" }, { "label": "If market rates rise", "value": "Your rate stays the same during the fixed period" }, { "label": "Bank's obligation", "value": "Must not change a component stated as fixed during the fixed period" }, { "label": "Compare with", "value": "Floating-rate loans, such as SORA-pegged loans" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/how-home-loans-work/", "https://www.mas.gov.sg/-/media/mas/news-and-publications/consultation-papers/2021-consultation-paper-on-fact-sheet-amendments/final-publication-proposed-amendments-to-notices-on-residential-property-loans-fact-sheet.pdf" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/floating-rate-loan/#term", "name": "Floating-Rate Home Loan", "alternateName": [ "Variable rate loan", "Floating rate mortgage", "Board rate loan" ], "description": "A floating-rate home loan has an interest rate that moves with a reference rate, such as SORA, the CPF Ordinary Account rate (for HDB loans) or the bank's own board rate. Your repayments fall when the reference rate falls and rise when it rises. Banks must usually give 30 days' notice before changing your rate.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/floating-rate-loan/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/floating-rate-loan.md", "topic": "Financing & loans", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Rate", "value": "A reference rate, plus a spread" }, { "label": "Common reference rates", "value": "SORA, the CPF OA rate, or a rate set by the bank (board rate)" }, { "label": "If the reference rate rises", "value": "Your rate and repayment rise" }, { "label": "Notice of change", "value": "Banks must tell you in advance, usually 30 days" }, { "label": "HDB loan", "value": "Pegged at 0.1 percentage point above the CPF OA rate, reviewed quarterly" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/how-home-loans-work/", "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/buying-a-property-how-much-can-you-afford/", "https://www.mas.gov.sg/monetary-policy/sora" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/freehold/#term", "name": "Freehold", "alternateName": [ "Freehold property", "Estate in fee simple" ], "description": "A freehold property is owned with no time limit: the owner holds the land indefinitely, unlike a leasehold property, which returns to the State when its lease runs out. In Singapore, freehold is common among landed homes, about 73% of which were freehold in December 2024, but no private residential land sold by the State since 1967 has been freehold.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/freehold/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/freehold.md", "topic": "Private property", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Tenure", "value": "Indefinite ownership of the land" }, { "label": "Landed homes that are freehold", "value": "About 73% (December 2024)" }, { "label": "Landed homes on 999-year leases", "value": "About 14% (December 2024)" }, { "label": "State land sold since 1967", "value": "On leases of no more than 99 years" }, { "label": "Government Land Sales sites", "value": "Lease tenure does not exceed 99 years" }, { "label": "Compared with a 99-year lease", "value": "The government's Leasehold Table values a 99-year lease at 96% of freehold value" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.mlaw.gov.sg/written-answer-by-minister-for-law-k-shanmugam-to-pq-on-proportion-of-landed-properties-on-different-lease-types/", "https://www.mlaw.gov.sg/news/parliamentary-speeches/written-answer-by-minister-for-law--mr-k-shanmugam--to-parliamen6/", "https://www.gov.sg/explainers/a-home-for-everyone-maintaining-the-quality-and-value-of-your-flat/", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Land-Sales/FAQ/General-Land-Sales", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Circulars/dc22-08" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/gcb/#term", "name": "Good Class Bungalow", "termCode": "GCB", "alternateName": [ "Good Class Bungalow Area", "GCBA" ], "description": "A Good Class Bungalow (GCB) is a detached house in one of URA's designated Good Class Bungalow Areas, landed estates reserved for bungalows. Only bungalows may be built there, on plots of at least 1,400 square metres (about 15,070 square feet). Since 1 March 2025, a GCB may cover up to 45% of its site, with a 35% sub-control.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/gcb/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/gcb.md", "topic": "Private property", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "What can be built", "value": "Only bungalow developments" }, { "label": "Minimum plot size", "value": "1,400 sq m (about 15,070 sq ft)" }, { "label": "Minimum plot width and depth", "value": "18.5 m wide, 30 m deep" }, { "label": "Site coverage (from 1 March 2025)", "value": "45% overall; 35% sub-control measured to the external facade" }, { "label": "Bungalows outside GCB Areas", "value": "Minimum plot of 400 sq m and width of 10 m" }, { "label": "Foreign buyers", "value": "Need approval under the Residential Property Act, like all detached houses" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.ura.gov.sg/guidelines/development-control/development-control-handbooks/residential/bungalows/", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Development-Control/Residential/Bungalows/Plot-Size-Width", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Circulars/dc24-05", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/guidelines/conservation/bungalows/", "https://www.sla.gov.sg/regulatory/foreign-ownership-of-property/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/gls/#term", "name": "Government Land Sales", "termCode": "GLS", "alternateName": [ "GLS programme", "Confirmed List", "Reserve List" ], "description": "Government Land Sales (GLS) is how the Singapore Government releases State land to private developers, mainly through tenders run by URA. A new GLS programme is announced every six months, with a Confirmed List of sites sold on fixed dates and a Reserve List of sites put up for tender only when a developer offers an acceptable minimum price.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/gls/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/gls.md", "topic": "Market & data", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Main land sales agent", "value": "URA, for private residential, commercial and hotel sites" }, { "label": "How often", "value": "A new programme every six months" }, { "label": "Confirmed List", "value": "Sites launched for sale on pre-determined dates" }, { "label": "Reserve List", "value": "Sites tendered only when a developer's minimum price is accepted by the Government" }, { "label": "2H 2026 Confirmed List", "value": "9 sites; 4,745 private homes, including 735 EC units" }, { "label": "Full-year 2026 Confirmed List", "value": "9,320 private homes, over 50% above the 10-year annual average" }, { "label": "Lease tenure", "value": "Up to 99 years for residential land sold by the State since 1967" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Land-Sales/FAQ/General-Land-Sales", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/news/media/pr26-41/", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Land-Sales/Current-URA-GLS-Sites", "https://www.gov.sg/explainers/a-home-for-everyone-maintaining-the-quality-and-value-of-your-flat/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/gfa/#term", "name": "Gross Floor Area", "termCode": "GFA", "description": "Gross floor area (GFA) is the total covered floor space of a building, including half the thickness of its external walls but excluding voids, as defined by URA. It is the floor area that counts towards a site's maximum development, so a site's allowable GFA equals its area multiplied by the gross plot ratio in the Master Plan.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/gfa/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/gfa.md", "topic": "Industry & regulation", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "URA definition", "value": "Total covered floor space, including half the thickness of external walls, excluding voids" }, { "label": "Generally counted", "value": "Covered floor area, uncovered areas used for commercial purposes, and strata area" }, { "label": "Counted even if", "value": "The space is not accessible or usable, unless exempted" }, { "label": "Maximum GFA", "value": "Site area × gross plot ratio in the Master Plan" }, { "label": "Bonus GFA", "value": "Capped at 10% of the Master Plan GPR; not carried over on redevelopment" }, { "label": "Exemptions", "value": "Listed in URA's GFA Handbook as counted, partly counted or not counted" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Development-Control/gross-floor-area/GFA/Introduction", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/land-planning/master-plan/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/plot-ratio/#term", "name": "Gross Plot Ratio", "termCode": "GPR", "alternateName": [ "Plot ratio", "Development intensity" ], "description": "Gross plot ratio (GPR) is the ratio of a building's gross floor area (GFA) to the area of its site. It caps how much floor space can be built on a piece of land: a 10,000 square metre site with a GPR of 3.0 can have up to 30,000 square metres of floor area. URA sets each site's allowable GPR in the Master Plan.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/plot-ratio/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/plot-ratio.md", "topic": "Industry & regulation", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Formula", "value": "Gross floor area ÷ site area" }, { "label": "Set by", "value": "URA, through the Master Plan for each site" }, { "label": "Bonus GFA", "value": "Allowed under incentive schemes, capped at 10% above the Master Plan GPR" }, { "label": "On redevelopment", "value": "Bonus GFA is not carried over; the site reverts to the Master Plan GPR" }, { "label": "Check a site's GPR", "value": "On URA SPACE, URA's online map of the Master Plan" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Development-Control/gross-floor-area/GFA/Introduction", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/land-planning/master-plan/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hfe-letter/#term", "name": "HDB Flat Eligibility Letter", "termCode": "HFE letter", "alternateName": [ "HFE", "HDB Flat Eligibility" ], "description": "An HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter tells you upfront whether you can buy a new or resale HDB flat, how much in CPF housing grants you can get, and how much you can borrow from HDB. You must have a valid HFE letter before applying for a new flat or obtaining an Option to Purchase for a resale flat. It is free and valid for 9 months.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hfe-letter/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hfe-letter.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Required before", "value": "Applying for a new flat, or obtaining an OTP for a resale flat" }, { "label": "Tells you", "value": "Your eligibility to buy, your CPF housing grants and your HDB loan amount" }, { "label": "Cost", "value": "Free; apply online only" }, { "label": "Processing time", "value": "Up to a month after HDB has all documents; longer around sales exercises" }, { "label": "Validity", "value": "9 months from the date of issue" }, { "label": "Steps", "value": "Step 1 (preliminary check) and Step 2 (application), within 30 calendar days of each other" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/application-for-an-hdb-flat-eligibility-hfe-letter", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/process-for-buying-a-new-flat/application/frequently-asked-questions-on-sales-exercises", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/finding-a-new-flat/standard-plus-and-prime-housing-framework" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hdb-loan/#term", "name": "HDB Housing Loan", "alternateName": [ "HDB loan", "HDB concessionary loan" ], "description": "An HDB housing loan is a loan from HDB to buy an HDB flat, at a concessionary interest rate pegged 0.1 percentage point above the CPF Ordinary Account rate (2.6% a year when the OA rate is 2.5%). It covers up to 75% of the price or value, for up to 25 years, and is open to eligible households with at least one Singapore citizen.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hdb-loan/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hdb-loan.md", "topic": "Financing & loans", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Interest rate", "value": "0.1 percentage point above the CPF OA rate, reviewed quarterly (2.6% with the OA at 2.5%)" }, { "label": "Loan-to-value limit", "value": "Up to 75% of the price (new flats) or the lower of price and value (resale), since 20 August 2024" }, { "label": "Maximum tenure", "value": "Shortest of 25 years, 65 minus the applicants' average age, or remaining lease minus 20 years" }, { "label": "Income ceiling", "value": "$16,000 a month for families; $24,000 for extended families; $8,000 for singles" }, { "label": "Rate used to assess how much you can borrow", "value": "The higher of a 3.0% floor and the prevailing HDB loan rate" }, { "label": "Refinancing", "value": "You can move from an HDB loan to a bank loan, but not back" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/housing-loan/housing-loan-from-hdb", "https://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/view/measures-to-cool-the-hdb-resale-market-and-provide-more-support-for-first-time-home-buyers", "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/how-home-loans-work/", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/growing-your-savings/earning-higher-returns/earning-attractive-interest" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hdb-rpi/#term", "name": "HDB Resale Price Index", "termCode": "RPI", "alternateName": [ "HDB RPI", "HDB resale prices" ], "description": "The HDB Resale Price Index (RPI) is HDB's quarterly measure of how HDB resale flat prices change over time, with the 1st quarter of 2009 set at 100. In the 3rd quarter of 2026 it stood at 202.5, down 0.1% from the previous quarter, the third quarterly fall in a row.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hdb-rpi/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hdb-rpi.md", "topic": "Market & data", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Published by", "value": "HDB, every quarter, with a flash estimate first" }, { "label": "Base period", "value": "1st quarter 2009 = 100" }, { "label": "3Q 2026", "value": "202.5, down 0.1% on the quarter (released 23 October 2026)" }, { "label": "Earlier in 2026", "value": "Down 0.1% in 1Q and 0.3% in 2Q" }, { "label": "Resale volume, 3Q 2026", "value": "7,645 transactions, up 19.5% on the previous quarter" }, { "label": "Policy change", "value": "15-month wait-out for private property owners buying non-subsidised resale flats removed on 28 July 2026" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/hdb-pulse/news/2026/3rd-quarter-2026-public-housing-data-and-upcoming-flat-supply", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/hdb-pulse/news/2026/removal-of-the-15-month-wait-out-period-for-private-residential-property-owners", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/hdb-pulse/news/2026/20261001-Flash-Estimate-of-3rd-Quarter-2026-Resale-Price-Index-and-Upcoming-Flat-Supply", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/-/media/hdb-pulse/news/2026/1q2026-rpi/Annex-A.pdf" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hip/#term", "name": "Home Improvement Programme", "termCode": "HIP", "alternateName": [ "HDB HIP", "EASE", "Enhancement for Active Seniors" ], "description": "The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) is HDB's upgrading programme for ageing flats, fixing common problems such as spalling concrete and old pipes. It covers flats built up to 1997, goes ahead only if at least 75% of a block's eligible citizen households vote for it, and the Government fully funds the essential works for citizen households.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hip/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hip.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Introduced", "value": "2007, for flats built up to 1986; extended in August 2018 to flats built from 1987 to 1997" }, { "label": "Vote needed", "value": "At least 75% of a block's eligible Singapore citizen households" }, { "label": "Essential improvements", "value": "Fully funded by the Government for citizen households" }, { "label": "Optional improvements (citizens pay)", "value": "5% (1- to 3-room), 7.5% (4-room), 10% (5-room) or 12.5% (executive) of the cost" }, { "label": "PR households", "value": "Pay the full upgrading cost" }, { "label": "Timing", "value": "About 1.5 to 2 years per precinct; 10 working days or less inside each flat" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/upgrading-and-redevelopment/home-improvement-programme-hip", "https://www.gov.sg/explainers/a-home-for-everyone-maintaining-the-quality-and-value-of-your-flat/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hps/#term", "name": "Home Protection Scheme", "termCode": "HPS", "description": "The Home Protection Scheme (HPS) is a mortgage-reducing insurance run by CPF Board that pays off the outstanding housing loan on an HDB flat if an insured owner dies, becomes terminally ill or suffers total permanent disability. It is compulsory for HDB owners who pay their monthly instalments with CPF savings, and covers owners up to age 65.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hps/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hps.md", "topic": "CPF & housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "What it covers", "value": "Death, terminal illness and total permanent disability" }, { "label": "Pays", "value": "The outstanding housing loan, up to the insured sum, directly to HDB or the bank" }, { "label": "Compulsory for", "value": "HDB flat owners paying monthly instalments with CPF savings" }, { "label": "Cover lasts", "value": "Until age 65, or until the housing loan is paid up" }, { "label": "Premiums", "value": "Paid yearly from your CPF Ordinary Account" }, { "label": "Share of cover", "value": "The household's shares must add up to at least 100%" }, { "label": "Private property", "value": "Not covered; buy private mortgage insurance instead" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/home-ownership/protecting-against-losing-your-home", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/service/article/do-i-need-to-be-insured-under-home-protection-scheme" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ipa/#term", "name": "In-Principle Approval", "termCode": "IPA", "alternateName": [ "Approval in principle", "AIP" ], "description": "An In-Principle Approval (IPA) is a bank's early, indicative assessment of how much it may lend you for a home, given before you commit to a purchase. It is not a final loan offer. The binding offer comes later in the bank's Letter of Offer, which HDB resale buyers using a bank loan must have before they exercise the Option to Purchase.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ipa/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ipa.md", "topic": "Financing & loans", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "What it is", "value": "A bank's indicative assessment of your loan amount" }, { "label": "Binding?", "value": "No; the final terms are in the bank's Letter of Offer" }, { "label": "HDB buyers", "value": "Can request an IPA from participating banks when applying for the HFE letter" }, { "label": "HDB resale with a bank loan", "value": "The Letter of Offer must be dated on or before the day you exercise the OTP" }, { "label": "Get it", "value": "Before you pay an option fee" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/application-for-an-hdb-flat-eligibility-hfe-letter", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/resale-flats/process-for-buying-a-resale-flat/option-to-purchase", "https://www.mas.gov.sg/-/media/mas/news-and-publications/consultation-papers/2021-consultation-paper-on-fact-sheet-amendments/final-publication-proposed-amendments-to-notices-on-residential-property-loans-fact-sheet.pdf" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/joint-tenancy/#term", "name": "Joint Tenancy", "alternateName": [ "Joint tenants", "Right of survivorship" ], "description": "Joint tenancy is a way for two or more people to own a property together, in which all the co-owners together own the whole property rather than separate shares. The right of survivorship applies: when one owner dies, their interest passes automatically to the surviving owners, whatever their will says.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/joint-tenancy/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/joint-tenancy.md", "topic": "Buying & selling", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Ownership", "value": "Co-owners together own the whole interest; no separate shares" }, { "label": "On an owner's death", "value": "Their interest passes automatically to the surviving co-owners" }, { "label": "Will", "value": "Does not override the right of survivorship" }, { "label": "Alternative", "value": "Tenancy-in-common, where each owner holds a distinct share" }, { "label": "Used for", "value": "Jointly owned homes, including HDB flats; owners choose when buying or changing ownership" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/home-ownership/change-of-flat-owners-or-occupiers/change-in-flat-ownership-not-through-a-sale/manner-of-holding", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/home-ownership/change-of-flat-owners-or-occupiers/change-in-manner-of-holding-or-ownership-proportion", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/retirement-planning/monetising-flat-for-retirement/lease-buyback-scheme-lbs/understanding-the-lbs" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/land-betterment-charge/#term", "name": "Land Betterment Charge", "termCode": "LBC", "alternateName": [ "Development charge", "Differential premium", "Temporary Development Levy" ], "description": "The Land Betterment Charge (LBC) is a charge on the increase in land value when the Government allows land to be used in a more valuable way, for example through planning permission to build more intensively or for a higher-value use. It is about 70% of the increase in value and is administered by SLA under an Act that brought several older land charges together on 1 August 2022.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/land-betterment-charge/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/land-betterment-charge.md", "topic": "Industry & regulation", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "What it charges", "value": "The increase in land value from planning permission or lifting of land title restrictions" }, { "label": "Rate", "value": "About 70% of the enhancement in land value" }, { "label": "In force", "value": "Land Betterment Charge Act, from 1 August 2022" }, { "label": "Consolidated", "value": "The Development Charge, Temporary Development Levy and Differential Premium" }, { "label": "Administered by", "value": "SLA; URA makes planning decisions and the Chief Valuer sets the rates" }, { "label": "How it's worked out", "value": "Mostly from a Table of Rates by location and use, updated every March and September" }, { "label": "Leases of 99 years or less", "value": "Adjusted using the Leasehold Table of values as a share of freehold" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.sla.gov.sg/articles/demystifying-the-lbc/", "https://www.sla.gov.sg/properties/land-betterment-charge/", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Circulars/dc22-08" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/lease-buyback-scheme/#term", "name": "Lease Buyback Scheme", "termCode": "LBS", "description": "The Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) lets HDB flat owners aged 65 and above sell part of their flat's remaining lease back to HDB while continuing to live in it. The proceeds top up their CPF Retirement Accounts to buy a CPF LIFE monthly income, and households get an LBS bonus of up to $30,000, depending on flat type.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/lease-buyback-scheme/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/lease-buyback-scheme.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Age", "value": "All owners aged 65 or older" }, { "label": "Citizenship", "value": "At least one owner is a Singapore citizen" }, { "label": "Income", "value": "Gross monthly household income of $16,000 or less" }, { "label": "Lease retained", "value": "15 to 35 years, depending on the youngest owner's age" }, { "label": "LBS bonus", "value": "Up to $30,000 (3-room or smaller), $15,000 (4-room) or $7,500 (5-room or bigger)" }, { "label": "Top-up required (65 to 69, from 1 Jan 2026)", "value": "To $220,400 for one owner, or $110,200 each for two or more owners" }, { "label": "Cash you can keep", "value": "Up to $100,000 per household after the top-up" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/retirement-planning/monetising-flat-for-retirement/lease-buyback-scheme-lbs", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/retirement-planning/monetising-flat-for-retirement/lease-buyback-scheme-lbs/understanding-the-lbs", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/retirement-planning/monetising-flat-for-retirement" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/lease-decay/#term", "name": "Lease Decay", "alternateName": [ "Leasehold decay", "Lease depreciation" ], "description": "Lease decay is the fall in a leasehold property's value as its remaining lease gets shorter, because the land returns to the State when the lease ends. The government's own Leasehold Table shows the pattern: a lease with 99 years left is valued at 96% of freehold, 60 years at 80%, 30 years at 60% and 10 years at 30%.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/lease-decay/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/lease-decay.md", "topic": "Private property", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Why it happens", "value": "Leases are generally not renewed; the land reverts to the Government on expiry" }, { "label": "Leasehold Table: 99 years left", "value": "96.0% of freehold value" }, { "label": "Leasehold Table: 60 years left", "value": "80.0% of freehold value" }, { "label": "Leasehold Table: 30 years left", "value": "60.0% of freehold value" }, { "label": "Leasehold Table: 10 years left", "value": "30.0% of freehold value" }, { "label": "Financing effect", "value": "CPF use and HDB loans are pro-rated if the lease can't cover the youngest buyer to age 95" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/467/2194714e-cc37-4b83-a8e9-178e059cd914/dc22-08-Appendix2.pdf", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Circulars/dc22-08", "https://www.sla.gov.sg/lease-policy/", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/service/article/how-much-cpf-savings-can-i-use-to-buy-a-property-if-its-lease-does-not-cover-the-youngest-buyer-to-age-95" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/loan-tenure/#term", "name": "Loan Tenure", "alternateName": [ "Maximum loan tenure", "Loan period", "Mortgage tenure" ], "description": "Loan tenure is the length of time over which you repay a home loan. In Singapore, MAS caps bank loans at 35 years for private property and 30 years for HDB flats, and HDB caps its own loans at 25 years. Loans longer than 30 years (25 for HDB flats), or that run past age 65, face lower loan-to-value limits.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/loan-tenure/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/loan-tenure.md", "topic": "Financing & loans", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Bank loan, private property", "value": "Up to 35 years" }, { "label": "Bank loan, HDB flat", "value": "Up to 30 years" }, { "label": "HDB loan", "value": "Shortest of 25 years, 65 minus the applicants' average age, or remaining lease minus 20 years" }, { "label": "Long-tenure rule", "value": "A lower LTV limit if the tenure exceeds 30 years (25 for HDB flats) or runs past age 65" }, { "label": "LTV with long tenure (no existing loan)", "value": "55% instead of 75%" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.mas.gov.sg/publications/macroprudential-policies-in-singapore", "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/buying-a-property-how-much-can-you-afford/", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/housing-loan/housing-loan-from-hdb", "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/how-home-loans-work/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ltv/#term", "name": "Loan-to-Value Limit", "termCode": "LTV", "alternateName": [ "Loan-to-value ratio", "LTV ratio" ], "description": "The loan-to-value (LTV) limit is the maximum share of a property's price or valuation, whichever is lower, that you can borrow for a home in Singapore. For a first housing loan from a bank it is 75%, falling to 45% for a second loan and 35% for a third or more. HDB loans go up to 75%.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ltv/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ltv.md", "topic": "Financing & loans", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Bank loan, no existing housing loan", "value": "75% (55% for long tenures)" }, { "label": "Bank loan, one existing housing loan", "value": "45% (25% for long tenures)" }, { "label": "Bank loan, two or more existing housing loans", "value": "35% (15% for long tenures)" }, { "label": "HDB loan", "value": "Up to 75%" }, { "label": "Long-tenure rule", "value": "Lower limit applies if the tenure exceeds 30 years (25 for HDB flats) or runs past age 65" }, { "label": "Minimum cash downpayment", "value": "5% for a first bank loan at 75% LTV; 10% at 55%; 25% for a second or later loan" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-05", "citation": [ "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/buying-a-property-how-much-can-you-afford/", "https://www.mas.gov.sg/publications/macroprudential-policies-in-singapore" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/lock-in-period/#term", "name": "Lock-in Period", "description": "A lock-in period is the time at the start of a home loan during which you may pay a penalty if you repay part or all of the loan, or refinance it with the same or another bank. Its length and penalties differ by loan package and are set out in the loan's fact sheet, so check them before you sign or switch.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/lock-in-period/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/lock-in-period.md", "topic": "Financing & loans", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "What it restricts", "value": "Partial or full repayment, and refinancing, without penalty" }, { "label": "Length", "value": "Differs by loan package; stated in the fact sheet" }, { "label": "Counted from", "value": "The date of the first loan disbursement" }, { "label": "Costs that may apply", "value": "Penalty fees, clawbacks of subsidies, extra legal fees or conversion fees" }, { "label": "Fixed-rate packages", "value": "Variable rates usually apply after the fixed-rate period ends" }, { "label": "Best time to review a loan", "value": "Particularly once the lock-in period is over" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/how-home-loans-work/", "https://www.mas.gov.sg/-/media/mas/news-and-publications/consultation-papers/2021-consultation-paper-on-fact-sheet-amendments/final-publication-proposed-amendments-to-notices-on-residential-property-loans-fact-sheet.pdf" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/mcst/#term", "name": "Management Corporation Strata Title", "termCode": "MCST", "alternateName": [ "Management corporation", "Condo management council" ], "description": "A Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) is the legal body formed by all the unit owners in a strata development, such as a condominium. It runs and maintains the common property, collects maintenance and sinking fund contributions in proportion to each unit's share value, and makes by-laws. Every unit owner is automatically a member.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/mcst/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/mcst.md", "topic": "Private property", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Who is in it", "value": "All subsidiary proprietors (unit owners) of the strata title plan" }, { "label": "Legal status", "value": "A body corporate that can sue and be sued" }, { "label": "Official name", "value": "The Management Corporation – Strata Title Plan No. ___" }, { "label": "Funds it must keep", "value": "A management fund and a sinking fund" }, { "label": "Contributions", "value": "Levied in proportion to each unit's share value" }, { "label": "Late payment", "value": "Interest can be charged after 30 days; not paying within 14 days of a written demand is an offence (fine up to $10,000)" }, { "label": "Governing law", "value": "Building (Strata Management) Act 2004, formerly the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/BSMA2004?ProvIds=pr24-,pr38-,pr39-,pr40-", "https://www1.bca.gov.sg/home-and-building-owners/condo-strata/condo-living-be-condo-savvy/what-to-know-as-a-condo-owner/", "https://www1.bca.gov.sg/home-and-building-owners/condo-strata/mcst-strata-management/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/master-plan/#term", "name": "Master Plan", "alternateName": [ "URA Master Plan", "Master Plan 2025", "Zoning", "Land use zoning" ], "description": "The Master Plan is Singapore's statutory land use plan, prepared by URA. It guides development over the next 10 to 15 years and shows the permitted land use (zoning) and development intensity (plot ratio) for every site. It is reviewed every five years; the current edition is Master Plan 2025, which you can view on URA SPACE.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/master-plan/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/master-plan.md", "topic": "Industry & regulation", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Prepared by", "value": "The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)" }, { "label": "Status", "value": "Statutory land use plan" }, { "label": "Time horizon", "value": "The next 10 to 15 years" }, { "label": "Reviewed", "value": "Every five years" }, { "label": "Current edition", "value": "Master Plan 2025, gazetted on 1 December 2025" }, { "label": "Shows", "value": "Permissible land use and density for each site" }, { "label": "Where to view", "value": "URA SPACE, URA's online map" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.ura.gov.sg/land-planning/master-plan/", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/news/media/pr25-64/", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/land-planning/master-plan/amendments-to-master-plan/2025/list-of-gazetted-proposed-amendments-to-master-plan-2025/r4-30oct26/", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/couples-and-families" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/mop/#term", "name": "Minimum Occupation Period", "termCode": "MOP", "description": "The Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is the length of time HDB flat owners must live in their flat before they can sell it on the open market, rent out the whole flat or buy private property. It is 5 years for Standard flats, 10 years for Plus and Prime flats, and 20 years under the Fresh Start Housing Scheme.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/mop/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/mop.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Standard (and unclassified) flats", "value": "5 years" }, { "label": "Plus and Prime flats", "value": "10 years" }, { "label": "Fresh Start Housing Scheme", "value": "20 years" }, { "label": "Starts from", "value": "The legal completion date of your flat purchase" }, { "label": "Not counted", "value": "Any time you don't physically live in the flat" }, { "label": "Executive condominiums", "value": "Separate rules: 5 or 10 years from TOP (see Executive Condominium)" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-05", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/conditions-after-buying-a-new-flat", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/executive-condominiums/conditions-after-buying-an-ec" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/msr/#term", "name": "Mortgage Servicing Ratio", "termCode": "MSR", "description": "The Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) limits the monthly repayment on a loan for an HDB flat or a new executive condominium to 30% of the borrower's gross monthly income. It applies to both bank loans and HDB loans, and for bank loans it is checked alongside the Total Debt Servicing Ratio.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/msr/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/msr.md", "topic": "Financing & loans", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Limit", "value": "30% of gross monthly income" }, { "label": "Applies to", "value": "HDB flats, and executive condominiums bought directly from the developer" }, { "label": "Loans covered", "value": "Bank loans and HDB loans" }, { "label": "What counts", "value": "Only the property loan repayment, not other debts" }, { "label": "Stress-test rate", "value": "At least 4% a year for bank loans; 3% when HDB works out an HDB loan amount" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-05", "citation": [ "https://www.mas.gov.sg/publications/macroprudential-policies-in-singapore", "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/buying-a-property-how-much-can-you-afford/", "https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2022/measures-to-promote-sustainable-conditions-in-the-property-market-by-ensuring-prudent-borrowing-and-moderating-demand" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/otp/#term", "name": "Option to Purchase", "termCode": "OTP", "alternateName": [ "Option period", "Exercise period", "Option fee" ], "description": "An Option to Purchase (OTP) is a document in which a seller gives a buyer the exclusive right to buy a property at an agreed price within a fixed period, in return for an option fee. If the buyer exercises the option in time it becomes a binding contract; if not, the buyer usually loses only the option fee.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/otp/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/otp.md", "topic": "Buying & selling", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "What it does", "value": "Reserves the property for one buyer at an agreed price for a fixed period" }, { "label": "HDB resale option fee", "value": "$1 to $1,000, negotiable" }, { "label": "HDB resale option period", "value": "21 calendar days, expiring at 4pm on the last day" }, { "label": "HDB fee cap", "value": "Option fee plus option exercise fee cannot exceed $5,000" }, { "label": "New launch OTP (from a developer)", "value": "Expires 3 weeks after you receive the sale and purchase agreement and title documents; 25% of the booking fee may be forfeited if you don't exercise it" }, { "label": "Stamp duty", "value": "BSD and any ABSD are due within 14 days of exercising the OTP" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-05", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/resale-flats/process-for-buying-a-resale-flat/option-to-purchase", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/guidelines/archived-circulars/coh20-03/", "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/stamp-duty/for-property/buying-or-acquiring-property/buyer's-stamp-duty-(bsd)" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/pipeline-supply/#term", "name": "Pipeline Supply", "alternateName": [ "Supply in the pipeline", "Private housing pipeline", "Unsold supply" ], "description": "Pipeline supply is the number of homes in approved or planned projects that are under construction or not yet started. URA reports it every quarter. At the end of the 3rd quarter of 2026, about 57,200 private homes were in the pipeline, and about 32,800 unsold units could be launched for sale within one to two years.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/pipeline-supply/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/pipeline-supply.md", "topic": "Market & data", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Definition (URA)", "value": "Supply in approved or planned projects, under construction or not yet started" }, { "label": "Units with planning approval, end-3Q 2026", "value": "44,738 (including ECs), of which 20,300 unsold" }, { "label": "Unsold units without planning approval yet", "value": "12,508 (including ECs)" }, { "label": "Could be launched in 1 to 2 years", "value": "About 32,800 units" }, { "label": "Expected completions", "value": "About 57,200: 22,300 by 2028 and 34,900 from 2029" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://eservice.ura.gov.sg/reis/dataDictionary", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/news/media/pr26-73/", "https://eservice.ura.gov.sg/property-market-information/pmiResidentialPipelinePrivateUnits" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/psf/#term", "name": "Price per Square Foot", "termCode": "PSF", "alternateName": [ "$psf", "Unit price", "Price psf", "Quantum" ], "description": "Price per square foot (PSF) is a property's price divided by its area in square feet. It lets you compare homes of different sizes. URA calculates it on strata floor area for apartments, condos and other strata units, and on land area for detached, semi-detached and terrace houses. The total price is often called the quantum.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/psf/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/psf.md", "topic": "Market & data", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Formula", "value": "Price ÷ area in square feet" }, { "label": "Area used for condos and strata units", "value": "Strata floor area" }, { "label": "Area used for detached, semi-detached and terrace houses", "value": "Land area" }, { "label": "Conversion", "value": "1 square metre = 10.764 square feet" }, { "label": "Quantum", "value": "The total price, as opposed to the price per square foot" }, { "label": "Official data", "value": "URA publishes private residential transaction records, compiled mainly from caveats" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.ura.gov.sg/eservices-info/property-market/glossary/", "https://eservice.ura.gov.sg/property-market-information/pmiResidentialTransactionSearch" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/property-agent/#term", "name": "Property Agent", "alternateName": [ "Real estate salesperson", "RES", "Estate agent", "Property salesperson" ], "description": "A property agent, officially a real estate salesperson (RES), is a person registered with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) to help clients buy, sell or rent property, working through a licensed estate agency. Agents can act for only one party in a deal, must not handle transaction money, and commission is negotiable.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/property-agent/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/property-agent.md", "topic": "Industry & regulation", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Official title", "value": "Real estate salesperson (RES), working for a licensed estate agency" }, { "label": "Registration", "value": "With CEA; doing estate agency work without registration is an offence" }, { "label": "Registration number", "value": "Unique CEA number, e.g. R123456A" }, { "label": "Dual representation", "value": "Not allowed: an agent can act for only one party in a transaction" }, { "label": "Transaction money", "value": "Agents must not handle option fees, deposits, stamp duties, sale proceeds or similar payments" }, { "label": "Exclusive agreement", "value": "Up to 3 months, using CEA's prescribed estate agency agreement" }, { "label": "Commission", "value": "Not fixed; agreed in writing and paid to the agency" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.cea.gov.sg/consumers/engaging-a-property-agent/what-to-take-note-of-when-engaging-a-property-agent/", "https://www.cea.gov.sg/consumers/engaging-a-property-agent/check-if-your-property-agent-is-registered/", "https://www.cea.gov.sg/about-cea/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/cooling-measures/#term", "name": "Property Cooling Measures", "alternateName": [ "Cooling measures", "Macroprudential measures", "Property market measures" ], "description": "Property cooling measures are rules the Singapore Government uses to keep the housing market stable, mainly through stamp duties (ABSD and SSD) and loan limits (LTV, TDSR and MSR). Recent rounds raised ABSD in April 2023, cut the HDB loan limit to 75% in August 2024 and lengthened the SSD period to four years in July 2025.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/cooling-measures/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/cooling-measures.md", "topic": "Industry & regulation", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Main tools", "value": "ABSD, SSD, loan-to-value limits, TDSR, MSR and loan tenure caps" }, { "label": "Set by", "value": "MAS (loan rules), with MND and IRAS (stamp duties and housing rules)" }, { "label": "Latest stamp duty change", "value": "SSD holding period raised to 4 years for homes bought from 4 July 2025" }, { "label": "Latest loan change", "value": "HDB loan LTV cut from 80% to 75% from 20 August 2024" }, { "label": "Latest easing", "value": "15-month wait-out for private property owners buying non-subsidised HDB resale flats removed on 28 July 2026" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.mas.gov.sg/publications/macroprudential-policies-in-singapore", "https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2022/measures-to-promote-sustainable-conditions-in-the-property-market-by-ensuring-prudent-borrowing-and-moderating-demand", "https://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/view/measures-to-cool-the-hdb-resale-market-and-provide-more-support-for-first-time-home-buyers", "https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2025/extension-of-the-holding-period-of-sellers-stamp-duty-and-higher-ssd-rates", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/hdb-pulse/news/2026/removal-of-the-15-month-wait-out-period-for-private-residential-property-owners" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/property-tax/#term", "name": "Property Tax", "description": "Property tax is an annual tax on owning property in Singapore, charged by IRAS on the property's annual value (its estimated yearly rent). Homes you live in pay owner-occupier rates from 0% to 32%; other homes, including rented-out and vacant ones, pay non-owner-occupier rates from 12% to 36%. Other property is taxed at 10%.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/property-tax/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/property-tax.md", "topic": "Taxes & duties", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Formula", "value": "Annual value × property tax rate" }, { "label": "Owner-occupier rates (from 1 Jan 2025)", "value": "0% on the first $12,000 of annual value, rising in tiers to 32% above $140,000" }, { "label": "Non-owner-occupier rates (from 1 Jan 2024)", "value": "12% on the first $30,000, rising to 36% above $60,000" }, { "label": "Non-residential property", "value": "10% of annual value" }, { "label": "Owner-occupier rates apply to", "value": "Only one residential property that you own and live in" }, { "label": "2027 bills", "value": "Sent from December 2026; payment due by 31 January 2027" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/property-tax/property-owners/property-tax-rates", "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/property-tax/property-owners/property-tax-at-a-glance/how-is-it-calculated", "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/property-tax/property-owners/2027-property-tax-bill" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/valuation/#term", "name": "Property Valuation", "alternateName": [ "Valuation", "Request for Value", "Cash over valuation", "COV" ], "description": "A property valuation is an independent estimate of what a home is worth. In Singapore it matters because bank loans, HDB loans and CPF usage are all capped by the lower of the price and the valuation, so if you pay above valuation, the difference (cash over valuation, or COV) must be paid in cash.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/valuation/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/valuation.md", "topic": "Buying & selling", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "HDB resale flats", "value": "Submit a Request for Value to HDB by the next working day after the OTP is granted" }, { "label": "HDB processing fee", "value": "$120, including GST" }, { "label": "HDB outcome", "value": "Typically within 10 working days; valid for 3 months" }, { "label": "Private property", "value": "By a licensed valuer, e.g. your bank's, dated within 3 months of the purchase date for CPF use" }, { "label": "Loans and CPF are based on", "value": "The lower of the purchase price and the valuation" }, { "label": "Stamp duty is based on", "value": "The higher of the purchase price and the market value" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/resale-flats/process-for-buying-a-resale-flat/option-to-purchase/request-for-value", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/infohub/educational-resources/how-much-cpf-savings-you-can-use-for-your-home-purchase", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/service/article/do-i-need-a-valuation-report-to-use-my-cpf-savings-for-property-purchase-if-i-am-not-taking-a-loan", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/housing-loan/housing-loan-from-hdb", "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/stamp-duty/for-property/buying-or-acquiring-property/buyer's-stamp-duty-(bsd)" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/phg/#term", "name": "Proximity Housing Grant", "termCode": "PHG", "description": "The Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) is an HDB grant for buyers of a resale flat who will live with or near their parents or child. Families get $30,000 to live together, or $20,000 to live within 4 km. Singles get $15,000 or $10,000. Unlike most grants, there is no income ceiling, and second-timers can qualify.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/phg/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/phg.md", "topic": "CPF & housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Families, living together", "value": "$30,000" }, { "label": "Families, living within 4 km", "value": "$20,000" }, { "label": "Singles, living together", "value": "$15,000" }, { "label": "Singles, living within 4 km", "value": "$10,000" }, { "label": "Applies to", "value": "Resale flats only; for buyers who have not taken the PHG before" }, { "label": "Condition after buying", "value": "Parents or child must keep living with you, or within 4 km, during the MOP" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/couples-and-families/proximity-housing-grant", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/singles/proximity-housing-grant", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/couples-and-families" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/refinancing/#term", "name": "Refinancing", "alternateName": [ "Home loan refinancing", "Refinance" ], "description": "Refinancing means moving your home loan from your current lender to a new one, usually for a lower interest rate. In Singapore you can refinance an HDB loan to a bank loan, but you can't refinance a bank loan back to an HDB loan. Check for lock-in penalties, clawbacks and legal fees before switching.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/refinancing/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/refinancing.md", "topic": "Financing & loans", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "What changes", "value": "Your lender, loan package and interest rate" }, { "label": "HDB loan to bank loan", "value": "Allowed" }, { "label": "Bank loan to HDB loan", "value": "Not allowed" }, { "label": "Costs to check", "value": "Lock-in penalties, clawbacks, additional legal fees or conversion fees" }, { "label": "When to review", "value": "Regularly, particularly once your lock-in period is over" }, { "label": "CPF", "value": "Check your CPF housing withdrawal limit when refinancing" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/how-home-loans-work/", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/infohub/educational-resources/how-much-cpf-savings-you-can-use-for-your-home-purchase", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/housing-loan/housing-loan-from-hdb" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/rental-yield/#term", "name": "Rental Yield", "alternateName": [ "Gross rental yield", "Net rental yield", "Rental return" ], "description": "Rental yield is a property's yearly rent as a percentage of its price. Gross yield uses the rent alone; net yield first deducts costs such as property tax at non-owner-occupier rates, maintenance fees and repairs. In Singapore, rent is taxable income, and IRAS lets owners deduct 15% of gross rent as deemed expenses, plus mortgage interest.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/rental-yield/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/rental-yield.md", "topic": "Market & data", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Gross yield", "value": "Annual rent ÷ price × 100" }, { "label": "Net yield", "value": "(Annual rent − yearly costs) ÷ price × 100" }, { "label": "Property tax on a rented home", "value": "Non-owner-occupier rates, 12% to 36% of annual value" }, { "label": "Income tax", "value": "Rental income must be declared in your income tax return" }, { "label": "Deemed expenses", "value": "15% of gross rent, plus mortgage interest, can be claimed" }, { "label": "Private rents, 3Q 2026", "value": "URA rental index up 1.3% on the previous quarter" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/individual-income-tax/basics-of-individual-income-tax/what-is-taxable-what-is-not/income-from-property-rented-out", "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/property-tax/property-owners/property-tax-rates", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/news/media/pr26-73/", "https://eservice.ura.gov.sg/property-market-information/pmiResidentialRentalSearch" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hdb-rental/#term", "name": "Renting Out an HDB Flat", "alternateName": [ "HDB rental rules", "Non-Citizen quota", "NC quota", "Subletting HDB" ], "description": "Singapore citizen owners can rent out their whole HDB flat once they have met the minimum occupation period, with HDB's approval, for at least 6 months at a time. Plus and Prime flats can never be rented out whole. Renting to non-Malaysian non-citizens is limited by a Non-Citizen quota of 8% per neighbourhood and 11% per block.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hdb-rental/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/hdb-rental.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Who can rent out the whole flat", "value": "Singapore citizen owners only; PR owners can't" }, { "label": "When", "value": "After the 5-year MOP (3 years for non-subsidised flats bought before 30 August 2010)" }, { "label": "Plus and Prime flats", "value": "Whole-flat rental not allowed, even after the 10-year MOP" }, { "label": "Minimum rental period", "value": "6 months per application; no short-term rentals" }, { "label": "Maximum approval", "value": "3 years if all tenants are Singaporeans or Malaysians; 2 years otherwise" }, { "label": "Non-Citizen quota", "value": "8% of a neighbourhood and 11% of a block, for non-Malaysian non-citizen tenants" }, { "label": "Maximum tenants", "value": "4 (1- and 2-room), 6 (3-room), 8 (4-room and bigger; 6 for rentals beyond 31 Dec 2028)" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/home-ownership/renting-out-a-flat-or-bedrooms/renting-out-a-flat/eligibility", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/home-ownership/renting-out-a-flat-or-bedrooms/renting-out-a-flat/regulations", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/home-ownership/renting-out-a-flat-or-bedrooms", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/conditions-after-buying-a-new-flat" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/repricing/#term", "name": "Repricing", "alternateName": [ "Loan conversion", "Loan repricing" ], "description": "Repricing means switching your home loan to a new package with the same bank, usually to get a lower interest rate. It is also called conversion. Your loan stays with your current bank, but a conversion fee may apply, penalties may apply if you are still in the lock-in period, and the new package may have its own lock-in.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/repricing/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/repricing.md", "topic": "Financing & loans", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "What changes", "value": "Your loan package and interest rate, with the same bank" }, { "label": "Also called", "value": "Conversion" }, { "label": "Possible costs", "value": "Conversion fees, and penalties if you are still within the lock-in period" }, { "label": "Compared with refinancing", "value": "Refinancing moves the loan to a different lender" }, { "label": "Official tip", "value": "Ask your existing bank for repricing options before checking with other banks" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/how-home-loans-work/", "https://www.mas.gov.sg/-/media/mas/news-and-publications/consultation-papers/2021-consultation-paper-on-fact-sheet-amendments/final-publication-proposed-amendments-to-notices-on-residential-property-loans-fact-sheet.pdf" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/resale-levy/#term", "name": "Resale Levy", "description": "The resale levy is a fixed sum that second-timers pay HDB when they buy a second subsidised flat, such as a new BTO flat, after already enjoying one housing subsidy. It reduces the subsidy on the second flat, ranges from $15,000 to $55,000 for families depending on the first flat sold, and does not apply to resale flat buyers.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/resale-levy/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/resale-levy.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Who pays", "value": "Second-timers buying a second subsidised flat from HDB" }, { "label": "Family rates (first flat sold from 3 March 2006)", "value": "$15,000 (2-room) to $55,000 (executive condominium)" }, { "label": "Single rates", "value": "About half the family rate, e.g. $20,000 after a 4-room flat" }, { "label": "Payment", "value": "In cash and/or flat sale proceeds, not with a housing loan" }, { "label": "Fixed at", "value": "The point you book the second subsidised flat" }, { "label": "Not payable when", "value": "You buy a resale flat or private property instead" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/conditions-after-buying-a-new-flat", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/couples-and-families" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/residential-property-act/#term", "name": "Residential Property Act", "termCode": "RPA", "alternateName": [ "Foreign ownership of property", "Restricted residential property", "LDAU" ], "description": "The Residential Property Act limits which homes foreigners can buy in Singapore. Foreigners can freely buy condominium units and other flats, but need approval from SLA's Land Dealings Approval Unit to buy landed homes, such as terraces, semi-detached houses and bungalows, or vacant residential land. Approval is case by case and usually requires at least five years as a permanent resident.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/residential-property-act/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/residential-property-act.md", "topic": "Private property", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Foreign person", "value": "Anyone who is not a Singapore citizen, Singapore company, Singapore LLP or Singapore society" }, { "label": "No approval needed", "value": "Condo units, flats, strata landed houses within approved condominiums, and leases of landed property up to 7 years" }, { "label": "Approval needed", "value": "Vacant residential land, terrace, semi-detached and detached houses, strata landed houses outside condos, and landed homes at Sentosa Cove" }, { "label": "Approved by", "value": "SLA's Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU)" }, { "label": "Main criteria", "value": "Usually a PR for at least 5 years, with an exceptional economic contribution to Singapore" }, { "label": "Processing time", "value": "About 30 working days after all documents are received" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.sla.gov.sg/regulatory/foreign-ownership-of-property/", "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/stamp-duty/for-property/buying-or-acquiring-property/additional-buyer's-stamp-duty-(absd)", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/executive-condominiums/conditions-after-buying-an-ec" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/spa/#term", "name": "Sale and Purchase Agreement", "termCode": "S&PA", "alternateName": [ "S&P agreement", "SPA", "Sales and purchase agreement" ], "description": "A Sale and Purchase Agreement (S&PA) is the contract that sets out the price, payment schedule and completion terms when you buy a property. For an uncompleted unit from a licensed developer, the developer must use the standard form prescribed under the Housing Developers Rules, and you pay in stages as construction progresses.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/spa/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/spa.md", "topic": "Buying & selling", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "When it is used", "value": "Mainly for new launches bought from a licensed housing developer" }, { "label": "Form", "value": "The standard form under the Housing Developers Rules; changes need the Controller of Housing's approval" }, { "label": "Booking fee", "value": "5% to 10% of the price, paid for the Option to Purchase" }, { "label": "First payment", "value": "20% of the price, including the booking fee, within 8 weeks of the OTP date" }, { "label": "Payment on TOP", "value": "25% of the price" }, { "label": "Payment on CSC", "value": "The last 15% of the price" }, { "label": "Defects liability period", "value": "12 months from vacant possession (or the 15th day after the TOP notice, if earlier)" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/HDCLA1965-R1", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/guidelines/property-and-business-owners/property/buying-property/", "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/stamp-duty/for-property/buying-or-acquiring-property/buyer's-stamp-duty-(bsd)" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sbf/#term", "name": "Sale of Balance Flats", "termCode": "SBF", "alternateName": [ "SBF exercise", "Open booking of flats" ], "description": "A Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) is an HDB sales exercise for flats left over from earlier sales, including unselected flats from past BTO exercises, surplus SERS replacement flats and flats HDB has bought back. As with BTO, you need an HFE letter and a computerised ballot sets the booking order; flats still unselected are later offered through open booking.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sbf/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sbf.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "What is sold", "value": "Balance flats from earlier BTO exercises, surplus SERS replacement flats, repurchased flats and others" }, { "label": "Before applying", "value": "You need a valid HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter" }, { "label": "Selection", "value": "A computerised ballot sets the queue order, as for BTO" }, { "label": "BTO and SBF together", "value": "If one exercise has both, you can apply for one or the other, not both" }, { "label": "Flats not taken up", "value": "Offered later through open booking, first come, first served" }, { "label": "Flat details", "value": "Published on the HDB Flat Portal only during the SBF exercise" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/process-for-buying-a-new-flat/modes-of-sales", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/process-for-buying-a-new-flat/application/frequently-asked-questions-on-sales-exercises", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/conditions-after-buying-a-new-flat" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sers/#term", "name": "Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme", "termCode": "SERS", "description": "The Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) is HDB's programme, started in August 1995, for redeveloping selected older HDB blocks. The Government compulsorily acquires the flats, and owners are offered a new replacement flat with a fresh 99-year lease. HDB says there are currently no plans for more SERS projects.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sers/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sers.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Introduced", "value": "August 1995" }, { "label": "How it works", "value": "Compulsory acquisition of selected HDB blocks for redevelopment" }, { "label": "For owners", "value": "The chance to move to a new flat with better design, modern facilities and a fresh 99-year lease" }, { "label": "Selection", "value": "Highly selective, based on redevelopment potential" }, { "label": "Future projects", "value": "No current plans for more, as most high-potential sites have already been selected" }, { "label": "Largest exercise", "value": "Tanglin Halt Road and Commonwealth Drive, with replacement flats at Dawson" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/upgrading-and-redevelopment/selective-en-bloc-redevelopment-scheme-sers", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/conditions-after-buying-a-new-flat", "https://www.gov.sg/explainers/a-home-for-everyone-maintaining-the-quality-and-value-of-your-flat/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ssd/#term", "name": "Seller's Stamp Duty", "termCode": "SSD", "description": "Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD) is a tax on selling a residential property in Singapore within a set period of buying it. For homes bought on or after 4 July 2025, it applies to sales within four years, at 16% down to 4% of the selling price or market value, whichever is higher.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ssd/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ssd.md", "topic": "Taxes & duties", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Who pays", "value": "The seller" }, { "label": "Holding period", "value": "4 years for homes bought on or after 4 July 2025; 3 years for homes bought from 11 March 2017 to 3 July 2025" }, { "label": "Rates (bought on or after 4 July 2025)", "value": "16%, 12%, 8% or 4%, falling each year you hold the property" }, { "label": "Charged on", "value": "The selling price or market value, whichever is higher" }, { "label": "Deadline", "value": "Within 14 days of signing the sale contract" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-05", "citation": [ "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/stamp-duty/for-property/selling-or-disposing-property/seller's-stamp-duty-(ssd)-for-residential-property" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/silver-housing-bonus/#term", "name": "Silver Housing Bonus", "termCode": "SHB", "description": "The Silver Housing Bonus (SHB) is a cash bonus of up to $40,000 per household for Singapore citizens aged 55 and above who right-size to a 3-room or smaller HDB flat and commit up to $60,000 of the proceeds to their CPF Retirement Account. It was enhanced on 1 December 2025, and CPF housing refunds can count towards the commitment.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/silver-housing-bonus/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/silver-housing-bonus.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Maximum bonus", "value": "$40,000 per household (from 1 December 2025)" }, { "label": "Standard bonus", "value": "Up to $30,000 for committing a net $60,000 to the CPF Retirement Account" }, { "label": "Extra bonus", "value": "$10,000 more for moving to a 2-room or smaller flat, including a Community Care Apartment" }, { "label": "Age and citizenship", "value": "At least one owner is a Singapore citizen aged 55 or above" }, { "label": "Income", "value": "Gross monthly household income of $16,000 or less" }, { "label": "Next home", "value": "A 3-room flat (not a 3-room terrace) or a 2-room or smaller flat" }, { "label": "Apply by", "value": "Within 1 year of the legal completion of the second transaction (sale or purchase)" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/retirement-planning/monetising-flat-for-retirement/silver-housing-bonus", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/retirement-planning/monetising-flat-for-retirement" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sora/#term", "name": "Singapore Overnight Rate Average", "termCode": "SORA", "alternateName": [ "Compounded SORA", "3M SORA", "SORA-pegged loan" ], "description": "The Singapore Overnight Rate Average (SORA) is the average interest rate at which banks lend Singapore dollars to each other overnight without collateral. It is calculated and published daily by MAS, and it is the main benchmark for floating-rate home loans in Singapore since SIBOR was discontinued after 31 December 2024.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sora/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sora.md", "topic": "Financing & loans", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Administered by", "value": "The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)" }, { "label": "What it measures", "value": "The volume-weighted average rate of unsecured overnight interbank SGD borrowing" }, { "label": "Transactions counted", "value": "Those traded and booked between 8am and 6.15pm" }, { "label": "Published", "value": "By 9am the next business day on the MAS website" }, { "label": "Compounded SORA tenors", "value": "1-month, 3-month and 6-month" }, { "label": "Replaced", "value": "SOR and SIBOR; SIBOR was discontinued immediately after 31 December 2024" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.mas.gov.sg/monetary-policy/sora", "https://www.mas.gov.sg/regulation/interest-rate-benchmarks-transition", "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/how-home-loans-work/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/single-singapore-citizen-scheme/#term", "name": "Single Singapore Citizen Scheme", "termCode": "SSC Scheme", "alternateName": [ "Singles buying HDB", "HDB for singles", "Singles scheme" ], "description": "Under the Single Singapore Citizen (SSC) Scheme, unmarried or divorced Singapore citizens aged 35 and above can buy an HDB flat on their own. They can buy a new 2-room Flexi flat in any BTO project, or a resale flat of any type except 3Gen. Widowed or orphaned singles can buy resale flats from 21. A single buying a resale flat alone can get up to $115,000 in grants.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/single-singapore-citizen-scheme/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/single-singapore-citizen-scheme.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Who", "value": "Singapore citizens who are unmarried, widowed or divorced" }, { "label": "Age", "value": "35 or older; 21 or older for widowed or orphaned singles buying resale" }, { "label": "New flats", "value": "2-room Flexi flats in Standard, Plus and Prime projects" }, { "label": "Resale flats", "value": "Any type except 3Gen; only 2-room for Prime flats" }, { "label": "Income ceiling", "value": "$8,000 for 2-room Flexi and resale 2-room Prime flats; $16,000 for resale Plus; none for resale Standard or unclassified" }, { "label": "Grants (resale, buying alone)", "value": "Singles Grant $40,000 (2- to 4-room) or $25,000 (5-room), plus EHG of up to $60,000" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/singles", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/singles/cpf-housing-grant", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/singles/enhanced-cpf-housing-grant", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/housing-loan/housing-loan-from-hdb", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/finding-a-new-flat/standard-plus-and-prime-housing-framework" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sinking-fund/#term", "name": "Sinking Fund", "description": "A sinking fund is the reserve that a condominium's management corporation (MCST) must keep for major, long-term costs, such as repainting, major repairs and replacing lifts or other common property. Owners pay into it, alongside the management fund for day-to-day upkeep, in proportion to each unit's share value.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sinking-fund/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sinking-fund.md", "topic": "Private property", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Required by", "value": "The Building (Strata Management) Act 2004, section 38" }, { "label": "Pays for", "value": "Painting, major repairs and improvements, renewal or replacement of common property, and buying movable property" }, { "label": "Separate from", "value": "The management fund, which covers regular maintenance, insurance and running costs" }, { "label": "Who sets contributions", "value": "The MCST, by ordinary resolution" }, { "label": "Each owner pays", "value": "In proportion to their unit's share value" }, { "label": "Collective sale", "value": "Can't be used for an en bloc sale (other than convening meetings); returned to owners on completion" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/BSMA2004?ProvIds=pr38-,pr39-,pr40-", "https://www1.bca.gov.sg/home-and-building-owners/condo-strata/condo-living-be-condo-savvy/what-to-know-as-a-condo-owner/", "https://www1.bca.gov.sg/resources/newsroom/strengthening-singapore-s-built-environment--advancing-built-environment-professions-and-improving-liveability-in-private-developments/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/lease-stamp-duty/#term", "name": "Stamp Duty on Leases", "alternateName": [ "Lease duty", "Rental stamp duty", "Stamp duty on tenancy agreements" ], "description": "Stamp duty on leases is a tax on tenancy agreements in Singapore. It is 0.4% of the total rent for leases of up to four years, or 0.4% of four times the average annual rent for longer leases. Leases with an average annual rent of $1,000 or less are exempt. The tenant pays unless the agreement says otherwise.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/lease-stamp-duty/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/lease-stamp-duty.md", "topic": "Taxes & duties", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Lease of 4 years or less", "value": "0.4% of the total rent for the lease period" }, { "label": "Lease of more than 4 years, or indefinite", "value": "0.4% of 4 times the average annual rent" }, { "label": "Exempt", "value": "Leases with an average annual rent of $1,000 or less" }, { "label": "Rent used", "value": "The contractual rent or the market rent, whichever is higher" }, { "label": "Who pays", "value": "The tenant, unless the tenancy agreement says otherwise" }, { "label": "Deadline", "value": "Within 14 days of signing in Singapore; 30 days after receipt if signed overseas" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/stamp-duty/for-property/renting-a-property", "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/stamp-duty/for-property/basics-of-stamp-duty-for-property/who-should-pay-stamp-duty", "https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/stamp-duty/for-property/basics-of-stamp-duty-for-property/learning-the-basics-for-properties" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/standard-plus-prime/#term", "name": "Standard, Plus and Prime Flats", "alternateName": [ "Standard flat", "Plus flat", "Prime flat", "PLH", "Prime Location Public Housing" ], "description": "Standard, Plus and Prime is HDB's location-based classification for new BTO flats launched from October 2024. Standard flats have the usual market discounts and a 5-year MOP. Plus and Prime flats, in choicer locations, get extra subsidies but come with a 10-year MOP, no whole-flat rental and subsidy recovery when sold.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/standard-plus-prime/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/standard-plus-prime.md", "topic": "HDB & public housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Applies to", "value": "BTO projects launched from the October 2024 sales exercise" }, { "label": "Standard flats", "value": "Significant market discounts; 5-year MOP; whole flat can be rented out after the MOP" }, { "label": "Plus flats", "value": "Choicer locations; more subsidies; 10-year MOP; no whole-flat rental" }, { "label": "Prime flats", "value": "Choicest locations; most subsidies; 10-year MOP; no whole-flat rental; includes earlier PLH flats" }, { "label": "Subsidy recovery", "value": "Plus and Prime flats bought from HDB repay a percentage of the resale price on sale; set at launch" }, { "label": "Older flats", "value": "Flats launched before October 2024 are unclassified and keep their existing rules" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/finding-a-new-flat/standard-plus-and-prime-housing-framework", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/conditions-after-buying-a-new-flat", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/selling-a-flat/eligibility" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/step-up-grant/#term", "name": "Step-Up CPF Housing Grant", "alternateName": [ "Step-Up Grant" ], "description": "The Step-Up CPF Housing Grant is a $15,000 grant for second-timer families moving from a 2-room flat (or public rental flat) to a 2-room Flexi or 3-room flat in a non-mature estate or a Standard project. It helps lower-income families upgrade. The household income must not exceed $8,000 a month.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/step-up-grant/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/step-up-grant.md", "topic": "CPF & housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Amount", "value": "$15,000" }, { "label": "For", "value": "Second-timer married couples or families who have taken one housing subsidy" }, { "label": "Moving from", "value": "A 2-room Standard flat, a 2-room flat in a non-mature estate, or a public rental flat" }, { "label": "Moving to", "value": "A 2-room Flexi or 3-room Standard flat, or a 2-room Flexi or 3-room flat in a non-mature estate" }, { "label": "Income ceiling", "value": "$8,000 a month" }, { "label": "Employment", "value": "Worked continuously for at least 12 months, and working at the HFE letter application" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/couples-and-families/stepup-cpf-housing-grant", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/conditions-after-buying-a-new-flat" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/strata-title/#term", "name": "Strata Title", "alternateName": [ "Strata-titled property", "Subsidiary strata certificate of title", "Share value" ], "description": "A strata title is the form of ownership used for condominium units and other subdivided buildings in Singapore. You own your unit (a strata lot) outright and share the common property, such as the pool, lifts and grounds, with the other owners, who together form the management corporation (MCST). Each unit's share value sets its share of costs and votes.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/strata-title/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/strata-title.md", "topic": "Private property", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Used for", "value": "Condominiums, apartments, executive condominiums, and strata landed homes such as townhouses and cluster housing" }, { "label": "You own", "value": "Your strata lot, shown on a Subsidiary Strata Certificate of Title issued by SLA" }, { "label": "Shared", "value": "Common property, such as gardens, playgrounds and the external walls of units" }, { "label": "Managed by", "value": "The management corporation (MCST), made up of all the unit owners" }, { "label": "Share value", "value": "Each lot's whole-number share, which sets its share of maintenance and sinking fund contributions" }, { "label": "Governing laws", "value": "The Land Titles (Strata) Act 1967 and the Building (Strata Management) Act 2004" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.ura.gov.sg/eservices-info/property-market/glossary/", "https://www.sla.gov.sg/property-boundary-n-ownership/property-ownership/issue-of-titles", "https://app.sla.gov.sg/starsELS/Help/forms/ssct.html", "https://www1.bca.gov.sg/home-and-building-owners/condo-strata/condo-living-be-condo-savvy/what-to-know-as-a-condo-owner/", "https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/BSMA2004?ProvIds=pr24-,pr40-" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sub-sale/#term", "name": "Sub-sale", "alternateName": [ "Subsale", "New sale", "Resale" ], "description": "A sub-sale is the sale of a private home by someone who bought it from the developer (or from an earlier buyer) before the development received its Certificate of Statutory Completion and strata titles. URA records three sale types: new sale (from the developer), sub-sale (before completion) and resale (after completion).", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sub-sale/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/sub-sale.md", "topic": "Buying & selling", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Sub-sale", "value": "Sold by a buyer before the CSC and strata titles are issued for all units" }, { "label": "New sale", "value": "Sold directly by the developer before the CSC and titles are issued" }, { "label": "Resale", "value": "Sold by the developer or a later buyer after the CSC and titles are issued" }, { "label": "3Q 2026", "value": "162 sub-sales, 3.1% of all private home sale transactions" }, { "label": "Seller's Stamp Duty", "value": "Applies if sold within 4 years of purchase (homes bought from 4 July 2025)" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://eservice.ura.gov.sg/reis/dataDictionary", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/news/media/pr26-73/", "https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2025/extension-of-the-holding-period-of-sellers-stamp-duty-and-higher-ssd-rates" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/top/#term", "name": "Temporary Occupation Permit", "termCode": "TOP", "description": "A Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) is the permit from Singapore's Building and Construction Authority (BCA) that allows a new building to be occupied once it is safe and fit to live in, even if some technical clearances are still outstanding. For buyers of new homes, TOP is when you collect keys and pay 25% of the price.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/top/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/top.md", "topic": "Buying & selling", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Issued by", "value": "The Building and Construction Authority (BCA)" }, { "label": "What it allows", "value": "Occupation of a building, or part of it, before full completion" }, { "label": "Who applies", "value": "The project's Qualified Person, appointed by the developer" }, { "label": "Processing time", "value": "Within 7 working days of a complete application (1 working day for express TOP, if accepted)" }, { "label": "Payment due (new launch)", "value": "25% of the price, within 14 days of receiving the TOP notice" }, { "label": "Followed by", "value": "The Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC), once every requirement is met" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www1.bca.gov.sg/safety-and-standards/applications-and-licenses/application-for-top-csc/", "https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/BCA1989?ProvIds=pr12-", "https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/HDCLA1965-R1", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/buying-a-flat/executive-condominiums/conditions-after-buying-an-ec" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/tenancy-in-common/#term", "name": "Tenancy-in-Common", "alternateName": [ "Tenants-in-common", "TIC" ], "description": "Tenancy-in-common is a way for two or more people to own a property together in which each co-owner holds a separate, distinct share, such as 60% and 40%. There is no right of survivorship: when one owner dies, their share passes under their will, or under the Intestate Succession Act if there is no will.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/tenancy-in-common/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/tenancy-in-common.md", "topic": "Buying & selling", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Ownership", "value": "Each co-owner holds a separate and distinct share" }, { "label": "Shares", "value": "Can be unequal, e.g. 60% and 40%" }, { "label": "On an owner's death", "value": "Their share goes under their will, or the Intestate Succession Act if there is none" }, { "label": "Right of survivorship", "value": "Does not apply" }, { "label": "Alternative", "value": "Joint tenancy, where co-owners own the whole interest together" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/home-ownership/change-of-flat-owners-or-occupiers/change-in-flat-ownership-not-through-a-sale/manner-of-holding", "https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/home-ownership/change-of-flat-owners-or-occupiers/change-in-manner-of-holding-or-ownership-proportion" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/tdsr/#term", "name": "Total Debt Servicing Ratio", "termCode": "TDSR", "description": "The Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) caps how much of your gross monthly income can go towards all your debt repayments when you take a property loan from a bank in Singapore. The limit is 55%, and banks must test your repayments at an interest rate of at least 4% a year.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/tdsr/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/tdsr.md", "topic": "Financing & loans", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Limit", "value": "55% of gross monthly income" }, { "label": "Applies to", "value": "Property loans from banks and other financial institutions" }, { "label": "What counts", "value": "All your monthly debt repayments, including the new property loan" }, { "label": "Stress-test rate (residential)", "value": "The higher of 4% a year or the loan's actual rate" }, { "label": "Set by", "value": "Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)" }, { "label": "Current limit since", "value": "16 December 2021 (lowered from 60%)" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-05", "citation": [ "https://www.mas.gov.sg/publications/macroprudential-policies-in-singapore", "https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2022/measures-to-promote-sustainable-conditions-in-the-property-market-by-ensuring-prudent-borrowing-and-moderating-demand", "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/buying-a-property-how-much-can-you-afford/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ura-ppi/#term", "name": "URA Private Residential Property Price Index", "termCode": "PPI", "alternateName": [ "URA property price index", "Private property price index", "URA price index", "Flash estimate" ], "description": "The URA Private Residential Property Price Index (PPI) is the official quarterly measure of private home price changes in Singapore. URA compiles it mainly from caveats lodged with SLA, uses a stratified hedonic method to adjust for differences such as age and size, and excludes HDB flats. Private home prices rose 1.4% in the 3rd quarter of 2026.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ura-ppi/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/ura-ppi.md", "topic": "Market & data", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Published by", "value": "The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), every quarter" }, { "label": "Latest change (3Q 2026)", "value": "+1.4% overall; landed +2.9%; non-landed +1.0% (released 23 October 2026)" }, { "label": "Data sources", "value": "Caveats lodged with SLA, IRAS stamp duty data, and nett prices from housing developers" }, { "label": "Method (since 1Q 2015)", "value": "Stratified hedonic regression with 5-quarter fixed weights" }, { "label": "Excludes", "value": "HDB flats and other public sector buildings, en bloc sales and short-tenure units" }, { "label": "Flash estimate", "value": "An early figure released on the first day of the next quarter, from data up to the middle of the quarter's last month" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://eservice.ura.gov.sg/reis/coverageandMethodology", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/news/media/pr26-73/", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/news/media/pr26-69/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/vacancy-rate/#term", "name": "Vacancy Rate", "alternateName": [ "Private residential vacancy rate", "Vacant stock" ], "description": "The vacancy rate is the percentage of completed homes (or office or shop space) that is physically unoccupied. URA publishes it every quarter for private homes. At the end of the 3rd quarter of 2026, 7.2% of completed private homes (excluding ECs) were vacant, up from 6.4% a quarter earlier, as a large batch of new homes was completed.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/vacancy-rate/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/vacancy-rate.md", "topic": "Market & data", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Definition (URA)", "value": "The percentage of the existing stock that is vacant" }, { "label": "Stock", "value": "Completed units available for occupation, whether occupied or not" }, { "label": "Private homes, end-3Q 2026", "value": "7.2% vacant (excluding ECs)" }, { "label": "Previous quarter", "value": "6.4%" }, { "label": "Change in stock, 3Q 2026", "value": "Up 3,491 units; occupied stock down 305 units" }, { "label": "Published by", "value": "URA, quarterly" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://eservice.ura.gov.sg/reis/dataDictionary", "https://www.ura.gov.sg/news/media/pr26-73/" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/valuation-limit/#term", "name": "Valuation Limit", "termCode": "VL", "alternateName": [ "CPF valuation limit" ], "description": "The valuation limit (VL) is the lower of a property's purchase price and its valuation at the time of purchase. It is the basic cap on how much CPF Ordinary Account savings you can use for a home. If the remaining lease cannot cover the youngest buyer to age 95, the cap is reduced to a percentage of the VL.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/valuation-limit/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/valuation-limit.md", "topic": "CPF & housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Valuation limit", "value": "The lower of the purchase price and the valuation at the time of purchase" }, { "label": "Full use requires", "value": "A remaining lease that covers the youngest buyer using CPF until age 95" }, { "label": "Shorter leases", "value": "CPF use is pro-rated, if the remaining lease is at least 20 years" }, { "label": "New HDB flat with HDB loan", "value": "CPF can be used for the full purchase price" }, { "label": "Beyond the VL", "value": "Possible up to the withdrawal limit (bank loans), or for the remaining HDB loan, once you set aside your Basic Retirement Sum" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/infohub/educational-resources/how-much-cpf-savings-you-can-use-for-your-home-purchase", "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/service/article/how-much-cpf-savings-can-i-use-to-buy-a-property-if-its-lease-does-not-cover-the-youngest-buyer-to-age-95" ] }, { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/withdrawal-limit/#term", "name": "Withdrawal Limit", "termCode": "WL", "alternateName": [ "CPF withdrawal limit", "Housing withdrawal limit" ], "description": "The withdrawal limit (WL) is the maximum CPF Ordinary Account savings you can use for a property bought with a bank loan: 120% of the valuation limit, meaning the lower of the price and the valuation at purchase. You can use CPF beyond the valuation limit, up to this cap, only after setting aside your Basic Retirement Sum.", "url": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/withdrawal-limit/", "markdown": "https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/withdrawal-limit.md", "topic": "CPF & housing", "keyFacts": [ { "label": "Withdrawal limit", "value": "120% of the lower of the purchase price and the valuation at purchase" }, { "label": "Applies to", "value": "HDB flats and private property bought with a bank loan" }, { "label": "Condition", "value": "You must have set aside your Basic Retirement Sum in your CPF accounts" }, { "label": "Before the WL", "value": "CPF use first reaches the valuation limit (100%)" }, { "label": "Shorter leases", "value": "If the lease can't cover the youngest buyer to age 95, the pro-rated cap applies instead" } ], "dateModified": "2026-11-06", "citation": [ "https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/infohub/educational-resources/how-much-cpf-savings-you-can-use-for-your-home-purchase", "https://www.moneysense.gov.sg/how-home-loans-work/" ] } ] }