There are no signs whatsoever that the cooling measures in Malaysia is about to be lifted. I would personally be looking at Singapore instead. Once they decided that it’s time to lift their cooling measures, perhaps the property prices has really dropped enough. The reason? The home prices, except for those who managed to get a HDB flat allocation is pretty high. Do look at the most unaffordable city in the world for home prices. (Image) The full article was published in Bloomberg just a week ago. Read here: House price to income ratios Singapore is nowhere near the top 5 though. It’s only 7th. Kuala Lumpur? Already high, actually. As per Numbeo, it’s 8.74 times Price to Income Ratio. Fortunately the choices are aplenty unless everyone must stay within the few popular areas or even the city centre also known as CBD. Do note though that transportation and toll would add into the affordability too.
In one latest article in The Business Times, the president and CEO of CapitaLand Ltd was speaking in a Bloomberg Television interview and he said, “We see volume picking up and the price declines have slowed. We see this trend continuing for 2017. There is no compelling reason for the government at this point to make major changes.” Capitaland reported net income up by 74 per cent to S$430.5 million (RM1.35 billion) in the three months ended Dec. 31. Revenue rose 7 per cent to S$1.9 billion. For the year, net profit rose 12 per cent to S$1.2 billion. The developer has more than 8,000 homes ready to be sold in China and expects to hand over 6,000 this year, the company said. Currently, the government of Singapore capped the debt repayments at 60 percent of a borrower’s income as well as higher stamp duties. This is expected to continue to help cooling the market.
Want to know what’s a typical home price like in Singapore today? Well, a typical 1,000 -1,200 sq ft apartment with facilities in Singapore today is S$1 million (RM3.14 million) or higher. Please refer to the image from Singapore’s main property site, propertyguru.com.sg The median income of a finance manager in Singapore? It’s S$82,786 as per payscale. In brief, these apartments are considered unaffordable. The situation is similar here in KL, especially within the city centre. Seriously, most junior managers are earning incomes which are far away from the home prices. This is the reason why governments are still keeping the cooling measures. Would it reduce the prices so much that it becomes affordable? I personally do not believe so. The reason is because the demand for these sought after properties would be there and as soon as there are some correction of prices, it would be snapped up. Except of course when there’s a financial crisis. Else, based on usual employment numbers and continuous GDP growth, rest assured that demand remains strong. Do look up some of these condos within KL city centre to get an idea. Happy viewing and investing.
written on 20 Feb 2017
Next suggested article: Safety in times of turbulence, Singapore real estate
Cooling measures in SG? One more year at least says Capitaland Ltd
Comments
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To use Singapore for affordability comparison with only private property prices is miscued.
Firstly, Singapore Govt owns all lands except those own privately. For a private developer to buy land to develop, it must buy the land from the Govt which control the amount of land it wants to be developed according to the master plan. Alternatively, it can acquire from private owners which is very limited.
80% of Singaporeans live in public housing i.e HDB. HDB flats also comprises 80% of all housing types in Singapore. Only 15% are private apartments and condos. About 5% are landed properties. There are various types of HDB flats, it ranges from studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedrooms, 3-bedrooms, 4-bedrooms, 5-bedrooms and executive flats. They range from 350 sq feet to 1600 sq feet in sizes. The prices can range from $80,000 for a studio to $800,000 for the biggest. 4-bedroom flats (in essence, is actually only 3-bedrooms of 980 sq feet in size ) is the most common, comprising about 30% of HDB flats. If it is bought directly from the Government in the outskirts, it can cost as low as $200,000 currently. They are mostly 99-year leasehold. It comes with almost completed stage with ceramic floor tiles, smooth wall finishes, solid main doors and internally. Each floor of average of six units sharing two lifts. After a stay of 5 years, the purchaser may sell his flat. In most cases, the price would be commonly double what he pays initially after 5 years.
In Singapore, HDB builds townships not just housing. Each township includes entertainment and shopping malls, transportations and its network and hubs, medical facilities, educational facilities, and community amenities.
As 80% Singaporeans stay in HDB flats, it is meaningless to compare private property prices for affordability reasons. Singapore probably has the world highest home-ownership rate of 90% inclusive of both HDB and Private homes.
I shall take the common 4-room HDB flat at $250,000( purchase directly from HDB) with the medium household income of $8,800( figures from Singapore Statistic Dept) or $105,600 per annum. In the price/income, you get 2.37times. Or you take a family purchasing a resale 4-room HDB flat at $500,000, definitely on high side. It is 4.73 times. Singaporeans have choices.-
Thanks Fred. In terms of choices, in Malaysia there are also choices these days. Households earning up to 15k can still apply for affordable homes below 400k. However when given a choice, majority would like an upgrade. Those with smaller homes want a bigger one. Those living further away wants a nearer one. Those staying in homes without facilities wants home with swimming pools and more. Those staying in high rise may want landed. The comparison numbers are from external sources. Based on affordability alone, there are still places in New Territories under affordable versus income in HK. Same thing for outskirts of Melbourne, Sydney and more. However most want to stay within city, nearer to city and better homes. Cheers.
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