Where is Singapore property heading toward, more private or more HDB.

[Arcachon]

SINGAPORE — Whether you look at prices or policy, the property markets in Singapore and Hong Kong are marching resolutely in opposite directions.

Singapore has eased some rules in its property market, after more than three years of home price declines. Hong Kong in November tightened some restrictions, after prices rallied following a short-lived dip last year. The curbs in Hong Kong have had little impact so far, with existing home prices rising to all-time highs amid brisk demand from buyers.


As prices in Hong Kong have continued to rise beyond the reach of most people, the city's leaders have been dealing with rising discontent. Hong Kong retained the title of the world's most expensive housing market in the annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey for the seventh year in a row, with the highest affordability score among more than 400 markets surveyed. While Singapore isn't cheap, by any measure, tight regulations haven't allowed affordability to "deteriorate to the acute levels" of cities such as Hong Kong, Demographia said in a report in January.

One of the main differences between Singapore and Hong Kong's property markets is the public housing component. Singapore's market is dominated by public housing, while in Hong Kong, it is just the reverse. That gives Singapore an additional tool to help keep a tight lid on prices.

[PropVestor]

SINGAPORE — Whether you look at prices or policy, the property markets in Singapore and Hong Kong are marching resolutely in opposite directions.

Singapore has eased some rules in its property market, after more than three years of home price declines. Hong Kong in November tightened some restrictions, after prices rallied following a short-lived dip last year. The curbs in Hong Kong have had little impact so far, with existing home prices rising to all-time highs amid brisk demand from buyers.


As prices in Hong Kong have continued to rise beyond the reach of most people, the city's leaders have been dealing with rising discontent. Hong Kong retained the title of the world's most expensive housing market in the annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey for the seventh year in a row, with the highest affordability score among more than 400 markets surveyed. While Singapore isn't cheap, by any measure, tight regulations haven't allowed affordability to "deteriorate to the acute levels" of cities such as Hong Kong, Demographia said in a report in January.

One of the main differences between Singapore and Hong Kong's property markets is the public housing component. Singapore's market is dominated by public housing, while in Hong Kong, it is just the reverse. That gives Singapore an additional tool to help keep a tight lid on prices.

You are right to point out that HK public housing is unlike Singapore (HDB is uniquely Singapore and very successful in terms of public housing. Many countries are studying our model). HDB managed to demographically represent EACH flat (not just a precinct and area) according to our national population quotas. That in itself is remarkable! Even the resale market needs to adjust according to this. Where else in the world can we see no ghettos or 'projects' being formed because we integrate 80% of the population this way through public housing. The HKers will be green with envy with what we have achieved. Till today, we do not have low income areas or what we call slums. Even one roomer HDB look decent in its surroundings. In short, there is no HDB precinct which is dangerous for anyone to venture! I cannot say the same for HK!

The way I see it, HK will continuously be 'diluted' as another expensive and developed China city. Shenzhen is increasingly taking away its shine with its own agenda of course. Why should they continuously shine or polish HK if its part of China? The Chinese government do not like the way HK residents see themselves as special or not integral to the mother nation. Today, we see the society continuously becoming more fragmented.

In comparison for housing, we are vastly different due to our policy and national agenda. HK do not have and frankly, they do not care about how or where the residents live. The government does not have so much heart for the citizens as compared to ours. Expensive as we may complain in SG but it is still affordable if you are willing to live in OCR and you still get a decent, SAFE and unit that will appreciate in value after the MOP period.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public...g_in_Hong_Kong (The % population representation to me is really under served.)

If you talk about private property, in HK, there are actually land which units can be built and develop. They do not want to. Why? Coz they want the land that makes them money to stay profitable (until a developer buys it at crazy prices). Their housing policy unlike the HDB-URA do not match. HK simply want developers to make more, hence, that is what is keeping the land prices up and not down at the expense of its people. Mainland Chinese are the ones cashing it in and making it unaffordable to the local HKers. A young couple today in HK, middle class, could not afford most private housing options. Public housing is mostly for the poor. I feel for the working middle class.

http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/eas...ew-territories

If you are thinking of investing in HK, I rather you put your money here. Yes, it is expensive now, at least it is safe and you know in the long term your interests are protected. Some HK politicians might change their housing policy overnight, simply put, their political situation is not stable. Period.

The CMs are keeping them at bay but I personally believe that many foreigners are waiting for the 'gate' to open here in SG. Once that happens (ala population White Paper rooting for 6.9 million), another wave of housing cycle will happen again. Except that the the future high will be higher than historical high and the lows will be higher than the historically lows.

I wish you the best in your future property investment.

2 cents,
PropVestor