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Is it worth getting a 3 room hdb resale flat at $530,000 at fernvale area? With the prices of resale flats increasing day by day, would i get to see decent returns within the next 5-10 years? I waited one year for the prices to drop but to my shock, it just gets going up.

As a single, i have been contemplating getting a 2 room bto. But the locations and waiting time has deterred me from doing so. Appreciate your advice on this. Thanks.
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11 Answers

It is never wrong to buy into a property here in Singapore, even if price dips for 1 year, it will climb for others. The issue is how long does it take to appreciate and make the kind of profit you are looking at, and therefore allowing you to move on to the next form of investment.

As long as you are not overpaying based on existing market pricing, your purchase should be safe.

——

I have been in the real estate business since 2009, with more than 15 years of experience serving the Singapore real estate market.

I am very active in the residential segment of Singapore real estate market, having transacted hundreds of deals from HDBs to private condominiums and landed properties in Singapore, and have handled many unique cases in sales and purchases as well as rental deals.

Over the years, I have also established a network reaching out to more than 15,900 expatriates, bringing my market presence to both in and outside of Singapore. This has created an additional exposure when I manage my client's portfolios, on top of the conventional on and offline platforms, where other estate agents are relying on. This has allowed me to consistently convert leads into results.

With an evolving market, where change is the only constant, I have also been investing in upgrading of my knowledge and skills sets to improve myself and meet the demands of current and future market.

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  • s***@gmail.com
    Thanks. However, will i run into a scenario where i experience a shortfall or break even after 5-8 years. With prices increasing almost everyday, im not sure if i should anticipate a scenario where i face a shortfall when i intend to sell?
  • s***@gmail.com
    Hi,

    Thanks. Im looking into keeping it for the next 8-10 years. However, the question is would there be a possibility for me to experience a shortfall or break even? Property prices keep increasing all the time, hence, is it safe to say that there wouldnt be a scenario where i may lose money with the purchase of resale?
Hi

I guess you need to look at the priority here, are you urgently looking to move out and live independently? Or is more weight being placed at maximizing the returns of the property purchase?

As you mentioned 2-room is in the planning, it appears you don't need to move out so urgently. Buying in the resale market is buying at the market rate, and I wouldn't bank on making a profit out of it, but rather to keep pace with inflation and also as a own place for independent living. To monetize more returns out of the resale purchase, typically it involves renting out for a certain period eventually with a longer time horizon, as Singapore's rental returns for HDB are quite decent in my opinion.

If you are able to wait for the 2-room BTO (applying plus construction), I say just go for the Standard flats as long as the location is not that inaccessible. Once it MOPs, the flat will mark to market and produce a decent capital gain. Most BTO flats (Non Prime, Non Plus) tend to have good capital appreciation since the entry price is below market rate.

Just my 2 cents. We can discuss further if need be

Hope the above clarifies. I am well-versed with HDB and private property transactions, having helped more than 100 homeowners transit smoothly with their housing plans. Please reach out to me at 97432395  for a more in-depth discussion :)

May I have more info on your requirements so as to make better recommendations? Thanks and looking forward to chat more

Warm Regards,

Ivan Ng Realtor
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Buyer

Mr Wang & Ms Ng : We want to convey our thanks to Ivan, who helped us find our first home. Ivan was very responsive when we first met, and took time to understand our needs and requirements for our first home. He helped us narrow down our criteria and gave us good advice on how to structure our mortgage as well. He also made a great recommendation of an area we never thought of, and it was where we eventually bought our home. We appreciate Ivan's thoroughness in pros and cons of all our options that we viewed. We never felt pressured or rushed to make a decision. In fact, Ivan gave honest and useful inputs on the considerations of acting immediately or waiting. All in all, it was a very smooth experience and we ate very happy with the unit we bought. Thank you very much, Ivan! Read More
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Hi,

1) You should have posted this question to the agent you have engaged.
2) He should assist in analysing whether this is beyond market value or a fair value.
3) If this is selling at market rate then it is safe to buy.
4) We can't forecast what would happend in the future, but, according to the history, if the flat has bought at market value then it is safe to buy, otherwise, it will be a risk.

All the best!

Please give me a thumbs-up if the answer provided is relevant to your main concern. Thanks!!!

Hope the above answers your main concerns, but if there are more queries, please feel free to contact me at 90110636  , or email: ling.ck7@gmail.com if more information is needed.
I'll be glad to assist.

Best regards
Ling CK
 90110636 
ling.ck7@gmail.com
https://R056727F.propnex.net/
https://www.facebook.com/Homesellerbuyer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckling/ Read More
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Hi,
I believe the best time to buy a property is when you are financially ready, rather than trying to time the market. If you're uncertain about your financial situation, feel free to reach out to me. I can help you assess whether your numbers make sens and guide you through the home-buying process.

This platform does not allow me to contact you directly so kindly contact me at https://wa.me/6597261112 I would be glad to assist you further.

Thank you and best regards,

Jenny Tran
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd
(HP) +65 97261112 
(Email) jenny.tran@propnex.com
BSc (Real Estate) (Hons)-NUS

Testimonial from Satisfied Clients
-- My husband and I wish to commend the sincere attitude and good customer service rendered by your staff Jenny, who handled the sale of our 5R HDB flat early this year. We have met several agents but none as genuine as Jenny. Being a seller agent, she took our interest at heart in handling the sale, unlike other agents who are self-interest. Jenny is punctual and prompt in the whole dealings and we were convinced that such an agent is hard for find nowadays. Jenny is a trustworthy, honest, sincere and hardworking agent. We are happy with her service and would gladly recommend her to our friends in future. Jenny is an asset to Propnex and the organisation should value her. Thank you Jenny for her efforts--
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Nick and Kim (New launch buyer)

--Jenny did a great job helping my wife and I sell our unit. She took active steps to walk our neighbourhood to understand what she was marketing. During the marketing period, she managed potential buyers and provided timely updates and recommendations so we could stay on top of the process. Overall, Jenny was professional and helped us to achieve a positive result which we are very thankful for--
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--Jenny was very passionate and went the extra miles to help. Thanks to her professional advice and recommendations, I had finally found my dream home--
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Samantha (Resale condo buyer) Read More
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1. **Clarify Your Goal**
Decide what matters more right now—gaining personal freedom through your own space, or growing your wealth via property investment returns.

2. **Resale vs BTO**
Buying resale offers immediate occupancy but little price upside. BTOs, especially Standard ones in decent locations, often yield better long-term gains due to their subsidised launch prices.

3. **Financial Timing > Market Timing**
Instead of chasing the "perfect" moment, focus on being financially prepared. A smart buy is one you can comfortably afford and hold for the long haul.

> _"The best investment on Earth is earth." – Louis Glickman_

WhatsApp me at: ABLE Toh (65) 9856-9255  or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255
----------------------------888--------------------------------888--------------------------->>>
(1) "If you need more assistance with property matters:
like renting / selling, buying / or investing, I'm here to help!
WhatsApp me at: ABLE Toh (65) 9856*9255 or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255
(Unfortunately, this platform doesn't allow direct contact, but you can easily reach me )

(2) (***) ✅✅ You can READ my REVIEWS here:
✅✅ https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/agent/able-s-k-toh-61591.

(3) ✅✅ For PRIVATE Home Buyers, I offer solutions for sourcing resale and new PRIVATE homes at ✅✅ ZERO charge (Because Most PRIVATE seller Agent are willing to share commission with Buyer Agent)

*** You can reach me at my Singapore mobile: (65) 9856 9255  or email me at Able.selling@gmail.com.

From: ABLE Toh- Your Property ASSISTANT : )
“ i am ABLE to Help As Much As You are ABLE To PM (Private Message) me ”
=========
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QUOTE OF THE DAY " In negotiations, the most important thing is not to win or lose, but to find a solution that is mutually beneficial." Read More
1
Tan Pei Cheng (Pei)
I would be glad to assist you.
Feel free to contact me at wa.me/6597100155
Hope to hear from you soon.
Pei Mobile: (65) 9 7 1 0 0 1 5 5.
Email: peicheng.tan@propnex.com
Associate Group Director
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd Read More
0
Replied by: Able S.K Toh
20 Apr 2025 at 00:52
1. **Clarify Your Goal**
Decide what matters more right now—gaining personal freedom through your own space, or growing your wealth via property investment returns.

2. **Resale vs BTO**
Buying resale offers immediate occupancy but little price upside. BTOs, especially Standard ones in decent locations, often yield better long-term gains due to their subsidised launch prices.

3. **Financial Timing > Market Timing**
Instead of chasing the "perfect" moment, focus on being financially prepared. A smart buy is one you can comfortably afford and hold for the long haul.

> _"The best investment on Earth is earth." – Louis Glickman_

WhatsApp me at: ABLE Toh (65) 9856-9255  or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255
----------------------------888--------------------------------888--------------------------->>>
(1) "If you need more assistance with property matters:
like renting / selling, buying / or investing, I'm here to help!
WhatsApp me at: ABLE Toh (65) 9856*9255 or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255
(Unfortunately, this platform doesn't allow direct contact, but you can easily reach me )

(2) (***) ✅✅ You can READ my REVIEWS here:
✅✅ https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/agent/able-s-k-toh-61591.

(3) ✅✅ For PRIVATE Home Buyers, I offer solutions for sourcing resale and new PRIVATE homes at ✅✅ ZERO charge (Because Most PRIVATE seller Agent are willing to share commission with Buyer Agent)

*** You can reach me at my Singapore mobile: (65) 9856 9255  or email me at Able.selling@gmail.com.

From: ABLE Toh- Your Property ASSISTANT : )
“ i am ABLE to Help As Much As You are ABLE To PM (Private Message) me ”
========= Read More
1
Mani Subramanian Veeramani
Hi there,

$530,000 for a 3-room flat in Fernvale is on the high side.

Resale HDB prices have been rising due to strong demand, limited BTO supply, and inflationary pressures.

Fernvale Area Insights:

Located in Sengkang, Fernvale is a mature estate with full amenities, LRT connectivity, and schools.

Prices here may hold well due to infrastructure and demand from young families.

On Return Potential (5–10 Years):

HDB flats generally offer capital preservation rather than high profits.

Future resale value depends on factors like remaining lease, flat condition, and buyer demand.

Capital gains may be limited if lease decay sets in (especially if flat is over 10–15 years old).

Resale vs BTO (as a single):

BTO 2-Room Flexi (non-mature estates): Much lower entry price, but:

Waiting time is 3–5 years (construction).

Limited size and may be less ideal for long-term living.

Strong potential capital gains upon MOP due to lower entry price.

Resale 3-Room: Immediate move-in, better location and size.

But you’re paying market rate or above, so upside is limited.

As a Single Buyer:

Limited BTO options until 35 years old (unless already eligible).

Consider lease decay, grant availability, and exit strategy if buying resale.

Recommendation:

Check the remaining lease of the unit—flats with Read More
0
Do contact me at 97970200  to understand more and discuss.

Mark, your RIGHT choice
Propnex Read More
0
Hong Shiying 洪诗莹
Hong Shiying 洪诗莹
Hi there! I’m really glad you brought this up — it’s a very common dilemma for singles navigating the resale vs BTO decision, especially in rising markets like Fernvale. Let me break it down and hopefully add some clarity and value to your decision-making.

1. Is $530K for a 3-Room HDB in Fernvale “Worth It”?

That depends on several factors:
• Remaining lease: Older flats might see slower capital growth compared to newer ones.
• Unit attributes: High floor, unblocked views, corner units all carry a premium and stronger future resale demand.
• Future developments: Proximity to LRT/MRT, amenities (like Fernvale Community Club & Seletar Mall), and URA masterplan upgrades nearby can boost future appeal.

What’s also important in today’s market is understanding Cash Over Valuation (COV). If this $530K unit is priced significantly above the HDB valuation, the extra cash (COV) has to come out of your pocket — and it can’t be covered by CPF or loan. I help my clients assess whether the asking price is justified by recent transactions and guide them on negotiating or avoiding excessive COV.

Want to know the actual valuation for this unit and if you’re overpaying? I can help with a free unit-specific valuation report to check for potential COV before you commit to the Option to Purchase.

2. Will You See Decent Returns in 5–10 Years?

You’re right that prices have gone up steadily, especially post-COVID. Some buyers who entered in 2022–2023 are already seeing gains. However, returns depend on:
• Choosing the right block/stack/unit
• Holding period
• Market cycles and future demand from upgraders and singles

As a single buyer, your exit strategy is key — whether you plan to hold long-term, rent it out later, or upgrade.

3. Resale vs 2-Room BTO?

You’re not alone — many singles are torn between the two. BTO offers affordability, but long waits and less central locations can be discouraging. A resale flat offers:
• Immediate move-in
• More spacious living (great if you WFH or have future plans)
• Potential rental income in the future

But it’s a big investment, and every dollar counts. That’s why I work closely with buyers like yourself to:
• Identify high-potential resale flats
• Evaluate COV risks and valuation
• Map out a game plan for your first property



Want a free analysis of this unit or others nearby? I’ll provide you with:
- A detailed valuation check
- COV risk assessment
- Comparable recent transactions
- Growth potential in the area

Feel free to WhatsApp me at wa.me/6580437378 — happy to walk you through everything so you can make a confident, well-informed decision.

Warm regards,
Shiying | PropNex Realtor Read More
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