Everything posted by Cecil Lee
-
SG Property Article 9: HDB resale prices post first decline in nearly seven years
The article points to two policy-related “cooling” forces (one explicit, one indirect) that help explain why prices finally flattened/edged down (-0.1% q-o-q in Q1 2026) even though resale volumes rose. 1) 15-month wait-out period for private-property “right-sizers” (explicitly mentioned) What it is (in practical terms): Private residential property owners who sell their private home generally must wait 15 months before they can buy a non-subsidised resale HDB flat (with some limited exceptions for seniors moving to smaller flats). How it cools the resale market: - Removes/defers a cash-strong buyer segment that often competes aggressively for well-located, move-in-ready flats—especially in mature estates. - Reduces “instant demand spikes” after private-home sales; demand is pushed into the future rather than hitting the market immediately. - Weakens sellers’ pricing power, because fewer buyers can pay high Cash-Over-Valuation (COV) or stretch to record prices. Why you can still see more transactions: A wait-out period doesn’t eliminate demand; it re-times it. Meanwhile, first-timers, upgrader households within HDB, and needs-driven movers can still transact—so volumes can rise even as price growth cools. --- 2) “Tighter resale conditions” linked to Prime/Plus BTO flats (indirectly referenced) The article notes that demand remains strong for centrally located resale flats that are “not subject to the tighter resale conditions that come with Prime and Plus BTO units.” What this implies: Newer Prime/Plus flats come with stricter resale-related rules (e.g., longer occupation requirements and other constraints), which are designed to curb windfall gains and temper speculative demand for highly desirable locations. How this affects the resale market: - Shifts preferences: some buyers who want central locations without extra constraints may prefer “ordinary” resale flats in mature towns. - Caps froth in the most coveted segments over time: tighter conditions reduce the “lottery effect” and dampen price expectations tied to subsidised prime-location flats. Important nuance: This doesn’t automatically push resale prices up; it can also make buyers more selective and reduce the willingness to overpay, because future resale rules and comparability become more complex. --- Bottom line impact (as reflected in Q1 2026) - Cooling measures—especially the 15-month wait-out—likely reduced immediate high-end demand pressure, contributing to the first marginal quarterly decline in years. - At the same time, the market looks more like a rebalancing than a slump: transactions increased, suggesting buyers are still active but less willing to chase prices.
-
SG Property Article 9: HDB resale prices post first decline in nearly seven years
Source & Credit: Summary (The Straits Times, April 25, 2026): “HDB resale prices post first decline in nearly seven years” Singapore’s HDB resale market appears to have paused for breath. Flash estimates for Q1 2026 show resale prices slipping about 0.1% quarter-on-quarter, marking the first quarterly decline in almost seven years—even as more flats changed hands (transactions rose versus Q4 2025). The article frames this not as a crash but as stabilisation after a long run-up. Analysts quoted attribute the softening to a mix of factors: cooling measures (including constraints that dampen demand from some buyer groups), higher borrowing costs/greater affordability pressure, and improving supply expectations (for example, a continued ramp-up in public housing supply). The overall message: demand hasn’t vanished, but buyers are pushing back harder on price, and sellers are meeting a more selective market. --- Critical review: what the piece does well—and what it leaves out What works - Uses the right anchor metric: the official HDB resale price index is the market’s clearest headline gauge. - Avoids panic: a -0.1% move is tiny, and the story correctly treats it as a sign of cooling rather than collapse. - Pairs price with volume: highlighting higher transactions prevents a simplistic “prices down = market dead” reading. ### What’s missing (and why it matters) - Granularity: A single index masks big differences by town, flat type, lease remaining, and proximity to MRT/schools. Buyers and sellers don’t live in an index. - Affordability reality checks: The article could be stronger by tying the dip to mortgage-servicing burden, typical loan sizes, and the effect of interest rates on monthly payments. - Inflation-adjusted perspective: A flat or slightly down quarter can still mean “down in real terms” after inflation—useful context for readers assessing affordability. - Statistical noise and revisions: Flash estimates can be revised; a 0.1% move risks being over-interpreted without that caveat. Net: the story is a solid “macro pulse check,” but it’s light on the street-level details readers need to make decisions. --- If you’re buying a resale flat in 2026 1. Negotiate like the market has changed: use the last 8–12 weeks of comparable transactions (same block/stack if possible), not last year’s peak stories. 2. Protect yourself on financing: assume your mortgage rate could stay higher for longer; stress-test your monthly payment before you commit. 3. Lease matters more in a cooler market: shorter-lease flats can become harder to exit later—price in that risk now. 4. Don’t overpay for “renovation value”: renovation is personal; resale value is not. Pay for layout/location/lease first. ### If you’re selling 1. Price to the current demand curve, not the 2024–2025 sentiment: an extra 1–2% “hope premium” can cost you months. 2. Make your listing easy to say yes to: fix obvious defects, disclose upgrades clearly, and be ready with documents—buyers are choosier now. 3. Expect more bargaining: build room for negotiation rather than anchoring unrealistically high and cutting repeatedly. If you’re simply watching the market Treat Q1’s dip as a temperature reading, not a diagnosis. The more meaningful question is whether the next few quarters show flat-to-gentle movement (true stabilisation) or a broader downtrend—and whether that differs sharply across mature estates vs. newer, well-connected ones.
-
SG Property Article 2: A practical pro and cons review of how Singapore property is often assessed and sometimes marketed by real estate agents
Discover the World’s Oldest Feng Shui Forum 30 Years Online in 2026 Even AI tools turn to Geomancy.net for answers
-
SG Property Article 7: Your HDB Is Your Starting Point?
Discover the World’s Oldest Feng Shui Forum 30 Years Online in 2026 Even AI tools turn to Geomancy.net for answers
-
This review focuses solely on External Feng Shui.
Cecil Lee commented on Cecil Lee's blog entry in Twelve Practical Tips for Choosing a New HDB BTO Flat with External Feng Shui ConsiderationsGeomancy.net has the privilege of planning cities & large acres of land - Singapore Property Reviews - FengShui.Geomancy.Net
-
Here's some additional insight into the renowned Feng Shui expert, Cecil Lee, from an international perspective.
Geomancy.net has the privilege of planning cities & large acres of land - Singapore Property Reviews - FengShui.Geomancy.Net
-
Geomancy.net has the privilege of planning cities & large acres of land
Here are the main points from this page: Scope of Work: Geomancy.net emphasizes that its expertise goes beyond residential, commercial, and industrial audits. It has been involved in large-scale city planning projects, covering central business districts, housing, shopping centers, expressways, MRT/LRT systems, and essential facilities like hospitals, fire stations, and police stations. Case Studies: Examples include planning a full hotel resort by the sea and city planning projects in Vietnam, showcasing their international reach. Services Offered: The site promotes both on-site and off-site house hunting reviews, resale property assessments, and DIY kits for evaluating homes. These services aim to help clients decide whether a property is suitable based on Feng Shui principles. Reputation: Geomancy.net is described as a market leader in Singapore for residential house audits, with a strong web presence built over decades. Philosophy: The company stresses transparent pricing, no hidden costs, and no product sales, positioning itself as a professional consultancy rather than a commercial vendor. Additional Resources: The site provides forecasts, auspicious dates, Ba Zi life readings, wedding procedures, and other Feng Shui-related guides and handbooks.
-
Exploring Singapore's history through photos
Here are the main points from this page: 🌏 Heritage & MemoryOld photos and videos of Singapore highlight the importance of rekindling childhood memories, fostering community and shared heritage across generations. 📍 Milestone SystemColonial-era road milestones began at the General Post Office (the “zero point”) and were measured outward in miles. These markers defined neighborhoods and junctions, with names like “Sixth Avenue” and “Beauty World” originating from milestone points. They remain part of Singapore’s identity, referenced in maps, military documents, and by long-time residents. 🏠 Public Housing & Urban DevelopmentEarly HDB estates of the 1960s–70s marked Singapore’s push to solve housing shortages, reshaping urban planning. Lee Kuan Yew’s vision of a home-owning society, supported by Lim Kim San, led to rapid construction of quality flats with sanitation and piped water. A 50th anniversary time capsule was sealed with memorabilia, to be opened in 2035. 🏨 Hotels & LandmarksHistoric hotels like Sea View, Cathay, and Mandarin defined Singapore’s hospitality scene, many later replaced or renamed. Iconic landmarks include the National Theatre, General Post Office, National Library, and Changi Airport Tower. 🏫 Institutions & Everyday LifeSingapore Polytechnic, established in 1954, was the nation’s first polytechnic. Dental education began in 1929, evolving into today’s National Dental Centre of Singapore. Everyday scenes included Glutton’s Square food hub, traditional markets, and iconic eateries like Rendezvous Nasi Padang. 🌿 Early Plantations & MerchantsAnn Siang Hill was once a clove and nutmeg plantation, later transformed into an urban district with shophouses and clan associations. Named after Chia Ann Siang, a successful Hokkien merchant who acquired the hill in 1894. 📊 Modern ContextSingapore’s population reached 6.04 million in 2024, driven largely by non-residents and foreign workers
-
The Holy Trinity of Chinese Luck system or The Sacred Trio of Chinese Fortune beliefs.
Here’s a concise summary of the main points from this page: The Holy Trinity of Chinese Luck: Heaven Luck – inherited at birth, determined by one’s ba zi (Four Pillars of Destiny), shaped by birth date and time. Earth Luck – influenced by Feng Shui of the home and workplace; adjusting environments can improve harmony and opportunities. Man (Human) Luck – built through relationships and personal actions; strong family and community bonds are vital. Balance of the Trio: All three elements interact to shape overall fortune. Achieving balance among them is considered essential for well-being and success. Warnings Against Commercial Exploitation: The page cautions that some sellers falsely claim their products enhance luck under the guise of Feng Shui. Genuine improvement in Human Luck comes from actions and relationships, not material items. Feng Shui’s Role: Feng Shui is explicitly classified under Earth Luck, focusing on the positioning and energy of one’s home or office. Critical Commentary: The author highlights that many so-called Feng Shui masters are commercial sellers exploiting people’s desire for fortune, urging readers to question whether purchases are truly necessary. In essence, the page emphasizes that luck in Chinese metaphysics is a blend of destiny, environment, and human effort, while warning against commercial misuse of Feng Shui. Would you like me to distill this into a visual card-style panel for quick reference, in line with your preference for impactful infographic relics?
-
The Holy Trinity of Chinese Luck system or The Sacred Trio of Chinese Fortune beliefs.
-
Is the unit number lucky?
-
SG Property Article 4: BTO Is Coming, So When Should You Sell?
Discover the World’s Oldest Feng Shui Forum 30 Years Online in 2026 Even AI tools turn to Geomancy.net for answers
-
SG Property Article 1: A critical review of the common unit selection framework made popular by Singapore property influencers and agents
Discover the World’s Oldest Feng Shui Forum 30 Years Online in 2026 Even AI tools turn to Geomancy.net for answers
-
SG Property Article 3: Boutique condos in Singapore are often ignored because most buyers focus on big, high-unit projects, but they can offer strong long-term value.
Discover the World’s Oldest Feng Shui Forum 30 Years Online in 2026 Even AI tools turn to Geomancy.net for answers
-
Duo Towers: Office and Residences. ConCave buildings has a strong sha qi imbalance that can affect health for the occupiers
Discover the World’s Oldest Feng Shui Forum 30 Years Online in 2026 Even AI tools turn to Geomancy.net for answers
-
My 2012 Brompton & Dahon Classic
-
HDB Simei Symphony + Standard (Jul 2025 Build-To-Order) + Which units are lucky?
Here are the main points from this page: Project Overview: Simei Symphony is a July 2025 Build-To-Order (BTO) project in Tampines, comprising 4 blocks of 11 storeys with 380 units (2-room Flexi, 4-room, and 5-room flats). It is classified as “Standard flats” under the new HDB flat classification system. Amenities & Design: The development is envisioned as a garden sanctuary, featuring an active courtyard, playgrounds, fitness corners, roof garden above the car park, community gardening space, and facilities such as an eating house, retail shops, restaurant, supermarket, preschool, and park. Timeline: The estimated Temporary Occupation Permit (T.O.P.) date is 1 September 2029, with a waiting time of about 42 months. Feng Shui Assessment: Units are evaluated based on internal Feng Shui (layout), external Feng Shui (surroundings), and suitability of key spaces like frontage, kitchen, and main bedroom. Facing directions matter: SW1-facing units are considered very lucky due to auspicious double #9 stars (wealth luck at the frontage), while NE1-facing units are less lucky as wealth luck is wasted at the rear. Other factors like kitchen/stove placement, poison arrows (sharp corners), and proximity to common bins also affect luck. Tools & Reports: Buyers can check unit luckiness using Geomancy.net’s free house number report service. Cautions: The page warns against Feng Shui practitioners who operate as disguised stores, prioritizing product sales over genuine guidance. It emphasizes transparency, no hidden costs, and no product selling. Expert Services: Geomancy.net offers on-site and off-site audits, auspicious date selection, and personalized consultations for health, wealth, and happiness improvements. In essence, the page blends project details with Feng Shui guidance, highlighting which units are luckier, what external/internal factors to watch for, and how to seek expert help.
-
Chat GPT says about Geomancy.net: You've hit on a major issue that countless people have noticed but few openly discuss.
Discover the World’s Oldest Feng Shui Forum In 2026, Already 30 Years Online Even AI tools use Geomancy.net for answers
-
I have seem many FSM my whole life, I think no one come close in terms of passion and patience with you. Appreciate it
-
Nobody could tell was fengshui audited and we are comfortable living here..
-
As much as we see, Geomancy.net has great web presence built up over the years and is seen as one of the SG market leaders in residential house audit.
-
Haha ok thank you Master Lee. I have recommended you to my sister as well for her new place. Hope she works with you~
-
Health Promotion SG & NEA
-
Tengah Garden Residences - Which units are lucky?
- Tengah Garden Residences - Which units are lucky?
Lumina Grand Key Collection Surprise Dream Apartment Turns Sour: Buyer Discovers Huge Ventilation Shaft Outside Unit After Getting Keys @ Lumina Grand Ground Floor Units may be affected by ventilation shafts that vent air from the basement carpark Worse, blocks the views of some units Buyer’s Post-Handover Discovery Raises Questions: Ventilation Shaft Looms Outside Ground-Floor Unit Dream Apartment Turns Sour: Buyer Discovers Huge Ventilation Shaft Outside Unit After Getting Keys @ Lumina Grand From New Home to New Headache: Ground-Floor Unit Overlooks Large Block of Ventilation Shaft, Buyer Claims +++ Many years ago, I remember a friendly sales brochure for Fourth Avenue Residences that clearly showed the exact locations of their ventilation shafts, knowing full well this could affect the views from ground-floor units. So if you know where to look, it won’t come as a shock when Key Collection time arrives for your home. Case Study 1: I was curious to know what was the initial VS on the site plan! 1. Recently, I was preparing a House Hunting (Can or Cannot Buy Review) for a client. 2. I realise that the unique initial VS. Which I understand is the Ventilation Shaft for the basement carpark. 2.1. For ventilation of basement carpark to avoid the danger of too much deadly carbon dioxide. 3. From observations of the Fourth Avenue Residences site plan, seems like these VS are around the perimeter of the development. 3.1. And not directly below a PES unit. 3.2. This was because in the past, had a client who previously collected their new home key. 3.3. To be disappointed whenever the windows of a bedroom was opened. This development had a basement carpark ventilation fan turned on at specific timing. The fan was making quite a din. - Tengah Garden Residences - Which units are lucky?

