1. GO FOR LANDED PROPERTY OR A CONDOMINIUM UNIT?

The biggest perks of a landed versus condo home include more leeway to make additions and alterations, and more privacy (plus less noise) from neighbours. In contrast, condos typically offer complete recreational facilities, are situated in prime districts, and offer greater variety of options to choose from. They are also more affordable in terms of price quantum, andrelieve homeowners of undertaking the maintenance and repair of the property.

2. REITS VERSUS PHYSICAL PROPERTY

When you invest in Reits, you buy shares in a pool of income-generating assets, so one under-performer will not ruin your investment. You pay a smaller lump sum than
physical property requires, and save yourself the hassle of spending time hunting and checking physical property. You also receive a regular income since Reits listed on SGX invest in income-generating assets, and you must pay out at least 90 per cent of their income as dividends to minimise tax.

However, Reit managers may or may not always act in your best interest, and you enjoy little capital gain since Reits’ strategy is to keep assets for recurring income. With Reits, you are also not able to receive rental income from a tenant. Acquiring physical property also means the purchase can be financed by a bank mortgage at a relatively lower interest rate compared to security margin financing.

3. WHAT ARE THE FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING PROPERTY TO LEASE?

– Location and proximity to MRT stations, amenities, schools and so on. You may want to buy property in an area popular with the expatriate community, to tap the ready rental pool there

– Whether rental income is enough to cover mortgage, property tax, property maintenance costs and more

– Whether the physical condition of the property requires costly refurbishments

4. WITH SO MANY HOMES BUILT NEAR MRT STATIONS THESE DAYS, DOES LOCATION STILL MATTER?

In short, the answer is yes, because real estate is an immovable asset. More homes being built near MRT stations means your property is at a disadvantage if it is far from one.

5. THESE DAYS, WHAT IS A REALISTIC MORTGAGE?

Borrowing to the total debt servicing ratio limit of 60 per cent of your income to service all your loans — car, credit cards, personal expenses and housing — will make you quite highly geared. To stay comfortable, cap your mortgage at about 25 to 30 per cent of your income — and sleep better at night.

6. IS IT TIME TO BUY AN EXECUTIVE CONDO?

Prices are increasing as there could bea looming shortage of new options for sale in the primary market from 2018 to 1H2020. When the price difference between mass market private condos and HDB flats widens, the demand for ECs will increase. Start pondering.

7. OPT FOR A NEW OR RESALE HOME?

NEW
– Enjoy progressive payment plans and pay instalments according to the property’s construction stages, making it financially easier. Sometimes, enjoy freebies like shopping vouchers and lucky draws. Upon completion, of the option, pay the balance 15 per cent (in cash or CPF) of your downpayment and get your keys

– Enjoy the latest fixtures and fittings

– Typically more expensive on a $psf basis, prices are usually not negotiable

– Wait up to 3.5 years from the project launch to move into a newly-built property

– Envision your new home through a floor plan or showroom

RESALE
– Pay remaining 4 per cent of the initial downpayment to exercise the Option to Purchase. And also pay the BSD and ABSD (where
applicable). Upon completion of the option, pay the balance 15 per cent (in cash or CPF) of your downpayment and get your keys

– Require renovations for a more modern appearance and replacement of aging fixtures and fittings

– Bargain with the seller and for a lower price

– Move in within weeks of sale completion

– Visit the property to see its condition and space

玩转房产少

想投资房地产？杰地集团研究咨询执行董事麦俊荣分享重要策略。

译／佳玲 

有地房产vs公寓单位

除了个人偏好外，选择有地房产的因素包括：更多自由为房屋进行设施增建和改 建、 生活空间与邻居隔离，更隐僻安静。公寓单位则提供更多休闲设施，地理位置一般优越，而且价格相对低，可减缓屋主的经济负担，让他们能够把资金花在维持设施及房屋装修。

房地产投资信托与有形财产

当你投资房地产投资信托，你是在购买一组能够创造收入的资产组合，因此若其中一个表现不佳，并不会破环你的整体投资。与有形财产相比，房地产投资信托所需的投资额较少，你也无需花时间看房子找房子。另外，房地产投资信托必须将至少90%的净利发放给投资者，因此你可获得固定收入，但是，房地产投资信托经理不一定会以你的利益为先，而既然房地产投资信托的策略是保有资产以续生收入，因此你就无法享有资本收益。你也无法向租户收租金。与证券按金交易相比，购买有形财产可向银行以较低的利息贷款。

投资出租单位考虑因素

-地点、交通的便利、设施、名校等。你也可以考虑外籍人士喜爱的热门地区
-租金收入是否足以支付贷款、房屋征税、物业管理费等等
-物业是否需要花费大笔资金翻新装修

如今众多发展毗邻地铁站—地点还是一个重要的考虑因素吗？

物业是项不动产业，地点永远是重要的。更多毗邻地铁站的发展代表距离交通枢纽更远的物业将处于劣势，但太靠近地铁轨道的房产则可能面对噪音问题。最好还是选择远近适中的物业。

实在的贷款数额究竟多少?

你的每月支出总额应该不超过收入的6成——而这包括买车贷款、信用贷款、个人消费以及房屋贷款。踏实来说，每月房屋贷款的支付额不应超过月薪的25至30%。

“这是考虑投资执行共管公寓的时机。其类型物业价格正处上升趋势 — 因为由2018至2020年，市场内将面临新供应选择的短缺。政府组屋和大众化私人公寓的价格差距越大，买家对执行共管公寓的需求就越大。这是考虑投资的好时机。”

新发展vs重售房

新发展

可按按工程进度付款，舒缓经济负担。也可能享有购物券、幸运抽奖等优惠
-享受最新装置，摩登设计。
-每平方尺价格一般较高，通常不二价。
-一般需等3至5年才能入住。
-需通过示范单位或平面蓝图想象居住空间。

重售

-需支付最初的4%定金以执行买房合同。需支付买方印花税，或在一些情况下，额外买方印花税。合同协定后以现金或公积金支付卖价15%的定金后领取钥匙
-百分点的的剩余需翻新、更新老旧装置
-可与卖家商讨售价
-交易完成数周内可入住
-可亲身体验、查看居住空间实况