For first-time Singapore buyers.

If you're buying your first home in Singapore, here's the short version of what you actually need to know. Written for the kind of buyer who'd rather understand the rules than have someone “handle it.”

1.
Stamp duty matters more than you think
BSD + ABSD can be 20%+ on a foreign-buyer second property. Run the numbers before you fall in love with a place.
2.
Tenure isn't binary
Freehold vs 99-year vs 999-year. The price gap is real; the long-term implication is real. Get it explained before you offer.
3.
Floor plates and orientation aren't marketing fluff
West-facing units in Singapore are noticeably hotter. South-facing high-floor is the premium for a reason. Walk the unit at 3pm on a weekday.
4.
Schools and the 1km rule
Primary 1 registration uses a 1km / 2km radius. If you have young kids, this is non-trivial. I can show you the catchment maps.
5.
MRT distance, not just proximity
"5 minutes to MRT" means different things. I walk every listing with you to the MRT during peak hour.

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Buying guide

For first-time Singapore buyers.

1.
Stamp duty matters more than you think
BSD + ABSD can be 20%+ on a foreign-buyer second property. Run the numbers before you fall in love with a place.
2.
Tenure isn't binary
Freehold vs 99-year vs 999-year. The price gap is real; the long-term implication is real. Get it explained before you offer.
3.
Floor plates and orientation aren't marketing fluff
West-facing units in Singapore are noticeably hotter. South-facing high-floor is the premium for a reason. Walk the unit at 3pm on a weekday.
4.
Schools and the 1km rule
Primary 1 registration uses a 1km / 2km radius. If you have young kids, this is non-trivial. I can show you the catchment maps.
5.
MRT distance, not just proximity
"5 minutes to MRT" means different things. I walk every listing with you to the MRT during peak hour.