PropertyBT

Why are Singaporeans so smitten with shiny new condos?

In this episode of PropertyBT, host Leslie Yee chats with GuocoLand’s Dora Chng to unpack what’s driving the demand—from MRT-connected launches to forest-fringed retreats.

We explore why the Lentor area is so hot right now, why buyers are paying a premium for that “brand new” feel, and how green living and flex rooms are becoming the new must-haves. 

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your proper...

Half-way into 2025, Singapore has a new government, and the world has a new trade war.

Should we be bracing for another downturn for Singapore’s commercial properties?

But don’t panic just yet, things may not be as bad as they seem.

In this episode, Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from Cushman & Wakefield’s Wong Xian Yang on the surprising resilience of Singapore’s commercial property market. 

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your prop...

What does it take to grow a real estate empire in Singapore?

In this episode, Leslie Yee hears from Rachel Teo, director of Daniel Teo group of companies, about carving her own path in Singapore’s real estate industry.

From growing up visiting sites, to building the investment platform Fraxtor, to the future of senior housing in Singapore, Rachel gives us an honest peek into the workings into one of Singapore’s real estate family empires. 

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singa...

When you apply for a mortgage, the bank will hire a property valuer to evaluate the property. Have you ever wondered how the valuer arrives at their final number? And is that number really objective?

In this episode, senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from KengChiam Tan, executive director and head, valuation and advisory services at Colliers International. They unpack the complexities of determining property values, the role of valuers, and the challenges they face amidst market fluctuations.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things...

Million-dollar HDB flats are now a regular occurrence. Why are home prices in Singapore getting more and more expensive? Is housing still within reach for young Singaporeans today?

In this episode of PropertyBT, Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from ERA Singapore’s Eugene Lim on housing affordability in Singapore. From BTOs to private homes, they explain whether home prices are stabilising and how population growth and a fast ageing population impact the housing market.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to he...

Will HDB resale flats hit two million dollars this year? Is it time to invest in property in Johor? Will the government raise the income ceiling for Build-to-Order flats? 

From the 2025 budget to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, the Year of the Snake promises a lot of opportunities for the Singapore property market.

In this episode, senior correspondent Leslie Yee sits down with Ismail Gafoor, executive chairman and CEO of PropNex, to break down how this year will look for homeowners and investors in Singapore. 

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT fr...

Singapore has many property agents. Some may give the industry a bad name with their hard-sell tactics.

In this episode, senior correspondent Leslie Yee sits down with Justin Quek, CEO of OrangeTee & Tie to discuss the relevance of property agents, what can be done to raise the professionalism of agents, and whether technology will render agents redundant in future.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Singapore’s Reits have had a tough couple of years. Despite the challenging environment, recently, CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT), Singapore’s biggest Reit, made a major bet to acquire 50 per cent of the iconic Ion Orchard mall.

In this episode, senior correspondent Leslie Yee sits down with Tony Tan, CEO of CICT’s manager to discuss the trust's strategy to capture the luxury retail market, the dynamics of Singapore's office supply and demand, and the challenges facing Reits amid a volatile interest rate environment.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Busines...

The post-Covid pandemic days when private home rentals skyrocketed are behind us. Does bargaining power in the private homes leasing market now largely reside with tenants? Should a tenant enter a lease with a longer duration?

How do landlords cope in this tougher environment? Are residential property yields attractive? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from Savills’ Alan Cheong.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

...

There’s a new framework in town for HDB projects. Starting in October, new BTO flats will either be Standard, Plus or Prime.

New Plus and Prime flats will be in attractive locations and have higher subsidies, but they also come with tighter resale conditions, including a ten-year minimum occupation period, and a ban on rentals.

What does this mean for BTO buyers? Are the new Plus and Prime flats worth the additional restrictions? Will it be tough to upgrade from a BTO Plus or Prime home to a condo unit?

Senior correspondent Le...

If you’ve been a fan of the podcasts Mark to Market, Wealth BT and Property BT - they are moving to a new listing! 

BT Correspondents! Look for episodes every Tuesday from October! All the insights and analysis in market trends, property, wealth and soon mobility too. Powered by The Business Times journalism of Genevieve Cua, Leslie Yee, Ben Paul and Derryn Wong.

Because great reads SHOULD be heard! BT Correspondents. Find BT Correspondents wherever you listen to podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is driving the HDB resale market’s strong performance? Why pay over a million dollars for a coveted resale flat? Will resale prices correct? Should the BTO eligibility criteria be expanded so some locals are not pushed to buying resale units? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from Orange Tee’s Christine Sun.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Highlights of the podcast:

03:39 Priv...

Are there too many agents in town? Are sales commission rates for homes too high? Is the market dominance of big agencies worrying? Do agents provide a valuable service? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from National University of Singapore’s Prof Sing Tien Foo.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Highlights of the podcast:

01:11 Too many agents?

07:45 Dominance of big agencies

Is residential property development in Singapore worth doing? What are the risks and rewards of the Jurong Lake District master developer site? Are prospects improving in Chinese real estate? What worries a property group’s head honcho? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from CapitaLand Development’s Jonathan Yap. 

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Highlights of the podcast:

01:02 Singapore’s property market

06:39...

What is happening in the leasing markets for private homes and HDB flats? What should tenants and landlords look out for? How will co-living spaces and long-stay serviced apartments fare? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from ERA’s Eugene Lim.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Highlights of the podcast:

01:07 Outlook for HDB and private home rentals 

03:59 Tips for housing tenants

Are you paying much more in property tax on your beloved home? What is the impact of property taxes on owner-occupiers and non-occupiers of homes? Will property taxes on homes rise even further? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from CBRE’s Tricia Song.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Highlights of the podcast:

04:24 Can retirees cope?

06:58 Impact on investment proposition of ho...

What attributes make a home a good investment buy? Is there value in buying landed homes? What are returns like for housing developers? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from Fraxtor’s Samuel Lee. 

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Highlights of the podcast:

03:33 Attributes of a good investment home

06:13 Landed homes

10:03 Homes versus non-residential property

13:51 Returns from hou...

What are the pros and cons of buying property-related listed equities versus physical property? Should we hone in on real estate investment trusts? How will interest rate movements affect our investments? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from Morgan Stanley’s Wilson Ng.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Highlights of the podcast:

01:55 Outlook for Singapore property

05:02 Listed property-related equities

10:40 Re...

How will Singapore property fare in the year of the wood dragon? Where are the winners and losers? What will Budget 2024 hold for Singapore’s property sector? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from Wong Xian Yang of Cushman & Wakefield.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Highlights of the podcast:

01:41 Outlook for private homes

06:51 High interest rates

09:52 Office and retail pr...

What’s driving some resale buyers to make a beeline for restriction-lite HDB resale homes in popular locations? Does it even make sense to pay top dollar for existing HDB resale homes in choice locations? Are tighter restrictions on Plus and Prime flats excessively burdensome? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from veteran Singapore property market analyst Nicholas Mak of Mogul.sg. 

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Reits have become unstuck by rising interest rates. Investors may be losing faith in Reits. Are Reits good alternatives to buying physical property? Should Reits be part of investment portfolios of retirees and the young? How can one get an edge as a Reit investor? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights and tips from a veteran Reit investor and commentator Gabriel Yap of GCP Global.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights...

What do we make of the new HDB model of Standard, Plus and Prime flats? With more emphasis on homes for living and not investment or speculation, can one still build wealth from homeownership?

Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from Professor Qian Wenlan, director, Institute of Real Estate and Urban Studies, National University of Singapore.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Highlights of...

What is driving the popularity of Executive Condominiums (ECs), which are a hybrid between public and private housing? Maybe more ECs can be built, including in prime areas, to meet the private housing aspirations of young locals. Is buying a new EC home a wise choice for young couples? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics, Huttons Asia.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and...

Why do people chase the dream of condo ownership? With high private home prices, maybe the dream is an impossible one for many people. Selling an HDB to buy a condo unit may have downsides. Find out whether it is wise to have much of one’s wealth tied up in Singapore homes, and if so in what type of homes here. Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from Justin Quek, deputy CEO of OrangeTee & Tie.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help yo...

Why do buyers pay a premium to live near popular primary schools? What is rental demand like for homes near popular schools? But a school can relocate, and that can hurt home values in the vicinity. Understand the obsession with living near popular schools and how to use this knowledge in navigating the Singapore property landscape. Senior correspondent Leslie Yee does a deep dive into the topic with Dr Lee Nai Jia of PropertyGuru.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on...

With high interest rates, does it make more sense to buy a new uncompleted home instead of a completed resale home? Examine the pros and cons of buying new versus resale. Is maxing out the use of CPF funds on a home purchase wise? Crucially, should one hold back on buying a private home because of high interest rates and economic uncertainty? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee does a deep dive with ERA’s key executive officer Eugene Lim.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to...

Why are foreigners keen on Singapore property? Transaction costs can be high for homes and yields may be low. But Singapore is a safe haven and the currency is strong. Might more foreign interest show in non-residential properties here? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee does a deep dive with Alan Cheong, executive director of research and consultancy, Savills Singapore.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Highlights of...

How to strategise for success when buying an HDB BTO flat? Mature estate or a non-mature estate? Are prime location public housing units and the resale market worth considering? Leslie Yee discusses with Wong Siew Ying, head of research and content, Propnex Realty.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Highlights of the podcast:

01:24 Draw of mature estates

03:59 Pros and cons of Prime L...

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Are Singapore office buildings good investments? Yields on office buildings are still low - should capital values come down and yields expand to reflect higher interest rates? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee finds out.

Highlights of the podcast:

01:03 Outlook for office leasing (including comments from  Marcus Loo, CEO Savills Singapore

04:37 What office buildings stand out (including comments f...

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

What is the profile of buyers of million-dollar HDB flats? What is the criteria that will get one’s HDB home to command premium pricing? Also, should young couples, who can afford it, buy a million dollar HDB resale flat? Leslie Yee finds out.

Highlights of the podcast:

00:57 The phenomenon of million-dollar HDB homes (includes comments from Christine Su...

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts

Maybe other property asset classes, besides residential property investors will be hit with higher taxes. Is there scope for new types of property-related taxes to be introduced? Learn all about property-related taxes and how they impact various physical property types in Singapore. 

Highlights of the podcast:

01:30 Higher property taxes on homes (includes comments from Wong Siew Ying, head o...

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts

Is Orchard Road appealing to home buyers and office space users? Get insights on property trends in the Orchard Road belt and suggestions to make Orchard Road vibrant with senior correspondent Leslie Yee.

Highlights of the podcast:

00:43 Underperforming Orchard Road retail (includes comments from Christine Yu, CEO, International Property Advisors)

02:17 Improving retail prospects (includes comments from...

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts

Is it worth paying a premium for a freehold home or one with a longer leasehold tenure? Should one avoid older leasehold private homes or older resale HDB flats, as there is risk of land lease decay? Should one buy an older home with under 60 years of land lease left because such homes are relatively cheaper? Senior correspondent Leslie Yee discusses.

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts

What are the pros and cons of buying uncompleted new private homes off-plan? Can buyers count on the timely delivery of high quality finished products? Singaporeans like to buy new homes and pay premiums for new homes. Amid rising interest rates, not having to draw down a loan in full at the outset when buying uncompleted homes helps. Leslie does a deep...

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts

Leasing activity and investment sales activity for good grade office buildings in the Central Business District is strong. Is optimism justified? What are the risks? What are the prospects for Singapore’s office market and what will differentiate the winners from the losers? Leslie finds out.

Highlights of the podcast:

01:47 Performance of the office property market (including comments from Nicholas Mak, head of...

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Higher home loan rates can crimp the affordability of home buyers. Will new home launches feel the chill from higher mortgage rates? Can it still make sense to borrow to buy a home for investment? Maybe interest rate rises are still manageable in a market dominated by buyers buying for owner occupation. Also, the spectre of possible economic recession looms. Leslie finds out.

Highlights...

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT by The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Is it a good time to shop for a home overseas, especially since homes in Singapore are expensive, yield may be low, and transaction costs can be high? What are the pitfalls to avoid, so one’s overseas home buying journey is a fruitful one? With borders reopened in many places and a strong Singapore dollar, Leslie also looks at whether it is...

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT by The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

Can investing in strata commercial spaces pay off, given transaction costs for buying strata office and shop lots may be lower than for buying homes in Singapore? What are the pitfalls to avoid? And how do prospects compare between strata-office and strata-retail property?

Plus, the impact from the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s move to ban strata subdivision of commercial properties in...

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts

What is happening in the Singapore private homes market post the property cooling measures introduced late last year? Will volume pick up? What segments are showing strength?  Can new home buyers expect to find good deals? Leslie also looks at prospects in the residential en bloc market and whether there is hope for large en bloc hopefuls. 

Highlights:

01:10 Slow down in sales an...

Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey.

What should property investors do in the wake of the property cooling measures introduced late last year? Are homes still a good investment?  Perhaps look at commercial real estate or venture overseas. Leslie explores this and gets comments from analysts as well.

Highlights of the podcast:

02:13 Prospects for Singapore homes (including comments from Dr Tan Tee Khoon, country manager, PropertyGuru Singapore)

05:58 Venture into commercial property (including comments from T...