Everyone’s got property opinions in Singapore. Your colleagues at lunch, your relatives at family gatherings, that friend who bought a condo five years ago and now considers himself an expert. They’re all eager to share advice about what you should buy and where. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most of that advice ranges from outdated to flat-out wrong. Residential developments including Narra Residences often get evaluated based on these flawed assumptions that sound logical but don’t hold up under scrutiny when you’re actually living in the property for years.
Let’s break down the most common property myths that well-meaning people spread around, why they’re wrong, and what you should actually consider instead.
Buy the Smallest Unit in the Best Location You Can Afford
This advice sounds smart on the surface. Location matters, so maximize location even if it means compromising on size, right? Wrong. This strategy made sense maybe 15 years ago, but today’s market dynamics have changed.
Here’s what this advice misses: you’re not just buying an investment asset, you’re buying a home where you’ll actually live. That 500 sq ft studio in a prime district might sound impressive when you tell people where you live, but living in it for five years while your family grows? That’s misery. Your quality of life matters more than postal district bragging rights.
The appreciation argument doesn’t hold up either. Prime district properties appreciate when the economy is booming and luxury buyers are active. During downturns, these same properties can stagnate or drop more significantly because the buyer pool is smaller. Meanwhile, well-located family-sized units in mature estates maintain steadier demand across economic cycles.
What should you do instead? Buy adequate space for your actual needs in a good-enough location. A comfortable 1,000 sq ft three-bedder in an established neighborhood beats a cramped 600 sq ft two-bedder in a “better” postal district when you’re actually living there and raising kids.
Always Buy New Launches Because Everything is Brand New
The appeal of new launches is obvious—everything is pristine, modern, and untouched. But this conventional wisdom ignores several significant downsides that become apparent after you’ve committed.
New launches typically command premium pricing because developers are establishing value. You’re paying for that new feeling, but financially, you’re often overpaying compared to similar resale properties in the same area. That premium might be 10-15% above comparable resale units.
Construction delays are more common than anyone admits upfront. That 2026 expected completion? Factor in another 6-12 months minimum for realistic planning. During those extra months, you’re either paying rent elsewhere or stuck in your current accommodation longer than expected.
Defects are standard in new properties despite quality promises. The first few years involve discovering and reporting issues—aircon leaks, cracked tiles, faulty fixtures. It’s exhausting dealing with contractors while living in your supposedly perfect new home.
Resale properties offer transparency—you see the actual unit, the real condition, the established neighborhood, and the management track record. What you see is what you get, unlike new launches where you’re buying promises and artist impressions.
Prioritize Facilities Because You’re Paying Maintenance Anyway
This reasoning suggests that since you’re paying maintenance fees regardless, you might as well get maximum facilities. But this fundamentally misunderstands how maintenance fees work.
More facilities mean higher maintenance fees. That’s basic math. Developments with elaborate facilities charge more monthly because maintaining those facilities costs money. You’re not getting facilities “free”—you’re literally paying for them every month.
Usage reality never matches expectations. That Olympic pool, rock climbing wall, and tennis courts sound amazing when you’re buying. Six months later, you’ve been to the pool twice and haven’t touched the other facilities. Meanwhile, you’re still paying hundreds monthly to maintain amenities you’re not using.
Facility quality often matters more than quantity. One well-maintained gym with working equipment beats three gyms with broken machines and poor air conditioning. Focus on quality of essentials rather than quantity of extras.
What actually makes sense? Choose developments with basic, well-maintained facilities that you’ll genuinely use regularly. Match facilities to your actual lifestyle rather than aspirational activities you imagine doing but never will.
See also: The Real Cost of Accepting Rent By Check
Buy Near MRT Stations No Matter What
MRT proximity is valuable, yes. But treating it as the ultimate priority regardless of other factors is misguided. Some properties near MRT stations have significant downsides that offset the transport convenience.
Noise is the obvious one. Properties directly above or adjacent to MRT stations deal with constant noise—trains rumbling past, station announcements, crowds. That’s your daily reality, potentially for decades. Some people adapt, many don’t.
MRT proximity is already priced in. Properties near stations command premiums that reflect the convenience. You’re not discovering some hidden value—everyone knows MRT access matters, and pricing already reflects that.
Bus connectivity matters too. A property 10 minutes from an MRT station but with excellent bus options might offer better total transport connectivity than one right next to an MRT station but with poor bus coverage.
What’s the smart approach? Consider MRT proximity as one factor among many, not the determining factor. Don’t sacrifice everything else just for MRT access.
Invest in Up-and-Coming Areas Before They Peak
This advice appeals to people’s desire to catch appreciation upswings early. Buy before the area transforms, ride the wave. It sounds like smart investing. It’s actually gambling.
Infrastructure projects get delayed constantly. That MRT extension coming in 2028? Could easily be 2030 or later. The promised mall opening in 2027? Might get pushed back or scaled down. You’re betting years of your life on timelines that are optimistic at best.
Established areas offer proven value today. The infrastructure exists now. The amenities are operating. The neighborhood character is known. You’re not gambling on future potential—you’re getting actual current value.
Appreciation isn’t guaranteed even when infrastructure does arrive. Other developments launch nearby competing for the same buyer pool. Economic conditions change. The expected transformation might happen but not generate the price appreciation you counted on.
Better strategy? Buy in established areas with proven track records unless you genuinely don’t mind living in underdeveloped neighborhoods for years.
Buy What You Can Barely Afford to Maximize Returns
This aggressive strategy suggests stretching finances to the maximum to buy the most expensive property you can qualify for, reasoning that property appreciation will bail you out.
The stress isn’t worth it. Being house-poor—spending most of your income on mortgage and property costs with little left for everything else—is miserable. You’re constantly stressed about money, unable to enjoy life, one emergency away from financial crisis.
Job security isn’t guaranteed. If you lose your job or face income disruption while stretched thin financially, you might be forced to sell during unfavorable market conditions. The financial buffer of buying within comfortable means protects you during unexpected life events.
Life happens during those mortgage years. Kids arrive needing more resources. Health issues emerge. Family members need support. Career changes happen. You need financial flexibility to handle life’s inevitable curveballs.
Smarter approach? Buy comfortably within your means, leaving financial breathing room for life’s uncertainties and opportunities. The peace of mind from financial stability often outweighs the theoretical gains from maximizing property purchase size.
What You Should Actually Listen To
Stop crowdsourcing major financial decisions from people whose situations differ from yours. Your colleague’s property success story reflects their specific circumstances, timing, and luck—factors you can’t replicate. Your friend’s property regret reflects their mistakes, not universal truths.
Do your own research. Understand your specific needs, budget, and circumstances. What works for dual-income couples without kids differs from what works for growing families or single buyers. Your situation is unique.
Talk to multiple property agents to get varied perspectives, but recognize their biases. Consult financial advisors about affordability. Visit properties multiple times at different days and hours. Talk to current residents when possible.
Singapore’s property market is complex and changes constantly. What made sense 10 years ago might not apply today. Economic conditions, demographic trends, government policies, and market dynamics evolve. Base your decisions on current realities and your actual circumstances, not conventional wisdom that might be outdated.
Your property purchase is too important and too expensive to make based on other people’s oversimplified advice. Think for yourself, research thoroughly, and make decisions that genuinely serve your needs rather than following crowd wisdom that might be leading you in completely wrong directions.
