2025 has brought a wave of new condo launches across Singapore — from city fringe gems to quiet enclaves in OCR. For buyers, it’s an exciting time, but also a confusing one. With so many options, how do you know which development is the “right” one?

Here’s a simple framework to help you choose wisely, whether you’re buying for own stay or investment.

1. Start with Your Purpose: Own Stay vs Investment

Before you look at brochures or showflats, let’s get clear on your intent!

Are you purchasing a property to live in, or are you primarily seeking an investment opportunity? The criteria for evaluating a suitable property differ significantly depending on your answer.

🏠 Own Stay:

• Lifestyle Considerations:
  Prioritize factors that enhance your quality of life. This includes proximity to work, schools, amenities (parks, shopping malls, restaurants), and transportation links. Consider the layout and size of the unit, the facilities offered within the development (swimming pool, gym, playground), and the overall environment.

• Future Needs:
  Think about your long-term plans. Will your family grow? Will you need space for elderly parents? Choose a property that can accommodate your evolving needs.

• Personal Preferences:
  Don’t underestimate the importance of personal taste. Do you prefer a modern or traditional design? A high-floor unit with a view or a ground-floor unit with a garden? Choose a property that you genuinely love and can envision yourself living in for years to come.

💰 Investment:

• Rental Yield:
  Are you buying to rent out? Focus on properties with strong rental potential. Identify developments that attract tenants. Consider factors such as proximity to universities, business parks, and public transportation.

• Capital Appreciation:
  Look for properties with the potential for capital appreciation. This could be due to upcoming infrastructure developments, rezoning plans, or the overall growth of the area.

• Tenant Pool:
  Identify the target tenant pool for the property. Are you targeting young professionals, families, or students? Choose a property that caters to their needs and preferences.

Tip: Look at the future transformation in the area (e.g. via URA Master Plan)

Looking for both?

Balance both lenses. Choose a unit that’s both comfortable and marketable in the future!

2. What’s a Safe Entry Price?

Entering the market at a safe price is paramount, regardless of whether you’re buying for own stay or investment. Overpaying can significantly impact your returns and make it difficult to sell or rent the property in the future.

Here’s how to check if your entry price is safe:

• Compare PSF with surrounding resale and new launches:

  Are you paying significantly more than resale condos just across the road? Are you overpaying compared to similar new projects nearby?

• Is there upside potential?:

  Look for catalysts: upcoming MRTs, schools, or commercial hubs that could push future prices up.

• Consider the PSF (Price Per Square Foot):
  While not the only factor, PSF provides a useful benchmark for comparing the value of different properties. Be wary of developments with significantly higher PSF than comparable projects in the area.

• Future Supply:
  Do you have first mover advantage? Analyze the future supply of properties in the area. A large influx of new developments could put downward pressure on prices and rents.

3. Have an Exit Strategy — Before You Even Enter

Even if you’re buying for own stay, it’s essential to have an exit strategy in mind. Life circumstances can change, and you may need to sell or rent the property in the future.

• Who will buy this from you in 5–10 years?

  Families? Investors? Foreigners? Choose unit types and layouts that are in high demand, not niche.

• Rental Potential:
  Even if you plan to live in the property, consider its rental potential. A property that is easy to rent out provides a safety net in case you need to relocate or generate income.

• Resale Value:
  Choose a property with strong resale value. This includes factors such as location, size, layout, and amenities.

• What’s the future supply?:

  Are there a lot of upcoming launches nearby that might suppress your resale price later on?

Key Considerations for New Launches

New launches offer unique opportunities and challenges. Here are some key considerations:

• Early Bird Discounts: Developers often offer early bird discounts to attract buyers during the initial launch phase. These discounts can provide a significant advantage.

• Choice of Units: Buying early allows you to choose from a wider selection of units, including those with desirable views or layouts.

• Progressive Payment Scheme: New launches typically involve a progressive payment scheme, where you only pay a portion of the purchase price upfront and the remaining amount as the construction progresses.

Wrapping it up!

With new launches popping up across Singapore, don’t let FOMO or hype dictate your decision. The “right” development isn’t just the one that looks good — it’s the one that matches your goals, is bought at a sensible price, and has a clear path forward when you need to move on.

✨ Whether you’re buying for love or logic — or both — plan with clarity, not chaos.

Need help shortlisting the right options based on your goals? Let’s have a coffee chat. :’)