Scrolling through a 30‑page property report can feel like deciphering hieroglyphics—price indices, absorption rates, QoQ vs YoY trends… Where do you even start?
At MKD Real Estate, we live and breathe these numbers, but we know most buyers just want clear takeaways: Is it the right time to buy, sell, or hold? Below is a plain‑English cheat sheet so you can scan any market report and pull out the insights that really matter.
1. Start with the Big Three Numbers
Metric | Why It Matters | Quick Tip |
Price Index (HDB & Private) | Shows overall price direction—upward trend = rising valuations. | Compare QoQ (Quarter‑on‑Quarter) for momentum and YoY (Year‑on‑Year) for longer‑term trajectory. |
Transaction Volume | Tells you if buyers are actually closing deals (sentiment + liquidity). | Falling prices and falling volume? Buyers are cautious—bargain opportunities may appear. |
Rental Yield | Key for investors—net annual rent ÷ purchase price. | Yields ≥ 3–4 % in city‑fringe areas can still outpace mortgage rates in 2025. |
2. Zoom In on Supply‑Side Indicators
- Launch Pipeline – A surge in upcoming units can cap price growth in that district.
- Vacancy Rate – High vacancies (> 8 %) hint at tenant softening; landlords may drop rents.
- Government Land Sales (GLS) – New land plots released by URA often predict future hotspots.
Pro move: Overlay supply data with transport projects (Cross‑Island Line, Jurong Lake District) to spot value‑growth corridors.
3. Decode Demand Drivers
- Buyer Profile Split – How many sales are made by HDB upgraders vs foreign investors?
- ABSD Trends – Spikes in Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty collections mean more investors jumping despite cooling measures—bullish signal.
- Loan‑to‑Value (LTV) & TDSR Approvals – Tight lending = fewer marginal buyers, which tempers price surges.
4. Watch the “Canary” Indicators
Canary Metric | What It Signals |
Days on Market | Fast sales (< 30 days) = hot demand; longer periods hint at buyer fatigue. |
Median Discounts | How far final sale prices deviate from asking. Widening gaps = buyer leverage. |
Mortgage Rate Trend | Rising rates squeeze affordability; fixed packages are safety nets. |
5. Put It All Together—A 5‑Minute Checklist
- Glance at Price Index charts – rising, flat, or falling?
- Scan volume bars – matching or diverging from price moves?
- Note rental yield vs mortgage rate – positive spread means cash‑flow comfort.
- Check supply pipeline – any large projects completing next 2–3 years?
- Overlay macro news – GDP growth, inflation, policy tweaks (ABSD, LTV).
If three or more signals point the same way, you have a strong market read.
6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Cherry‑picking a Single Quarter – Always pair QoQ data with YoY.
- Ignoring Micro‑Markets – District 19 ≠ District 9; drill down past island‑wide averages.
- Assuming Past Performance = Future – Government policy shifts can reset the game overnight.
Final Word: Data is Powerful—Context is Priceless
Numbers alone don’t buy you a dream home or deliver rental cheques. They need context: your budget, risk tolerance, and timeline. Use this guide to breeze through reports, then chat with an advisor who can layer in ground feedback—like how quickly units are moving into a specific condo.
Ready to turn market data into a winning strategy? Reach out to MKD Real Estate today and decide your next property move together!
FAQs
How to know the fair market value of a property?
You can estimate the fair market value by analyzing recent transaction prices of similar properties, reviewing URA price indices, and studying supply-demand trends from market reports.
How to do a market analysis on a property?
Start by looking at the price index, transaction volume, and rental yield in the property district, then assess the launch pipeline, buyer profiles, and market sentiment to understand its investment potential.
What is S&P property in Singapore?
“S&P” refers to the Sale and Purchase Agreement, a legally binding contract between a buyer and seller in a property transaction in Singapore.
Is 2025 a good year to buy property in Singapore?
2025 could be a good time to buy, especially in emerging districts or during market cool-downs, provided you analyze the supply pipeline, rental trends, and policy landscape.
What is the difference between fair market value and zonal value?
Fair market value reflects what a buyer is willing to pay based on current market conditions, while zonal value (used for tax purposes) is a government-assigned benchmark and may not match true market prices.
What is the formula for the market value of a property?
Market value is commonly estimated as:
(Comparable Sale Price per Square Foot × Property Area) ± Adjustments for Location, Age, and Condition
How to calculate the fair value of a property?
Compare similar property transactions, analyze price trends, evaluate rental yields, and adjust for unique features like view, renovations, or amenities.
How to appraise a house and lot?
Appraise it by checking recent sales of similar homes in the area, assessing land value, reviewing URA data, and considering property condition and future development plans nearby.