Last January, we wrote about a “huat” HDB flat sale in Bedok that stood out for its price of S$888,000 – just in time for Chinese New Year. Even more intriguing was the unit’s price per square foot (psf), which also hit S$888. This year, another HDB transaction with a similar price tag caught our attention. It’s got us wondering: are people deliberately seeking properties with multiple “8s” around this festive season? And more importantly, should you be considering this approach for your next property purchase?
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Back up – what’s so special about the number 8?
The number 8 holds a special place in Chinese culture. Its significance comes from the fact that the word for “8” sounds similar to the words for “prosperity” or “wealth” in Chinese. This makes it an extremely auspicious number. Properties priced with multiple 8s, such as S$888,000, are often viewed as symbols of good fortune, which can make them more appealing to buyers.
In contrast, the number 4 is widely avoided because it sounds similar to the word for “death.” Properties priced with 4s tend to see lower demand, and they may even sell at discounted prices. Studies suggest that “lucky” numbers like 8 can command price premiums of about 2% to 3%, while “unlucky” numbers like 4 often lead to discounts of 1.4% to 1.5%. These patterns are especially noticeable among Chinese buyers, who are more likely to take cultural superstitions into account.
Additionally, the influence of these beliefs extends beyond just pricing. Evidence suggests that fewer property transactions occur on days deemed inauspicious according to the lunar calendar, further highlighting how cultural traditions shape buyer behavior.
The S$880k unit: A 4-room DBSS in Tampines
Now, on to the sale that prompted this article. On the first of this month, a 4-room DBSS flat at Parc Lumiere in Tampines sold for S$880,000.
The property is located at Block 168A Simei Lane and offers a spacious 1,012 square feet of living space. Situated on a higher floor between the 10th and 12th levels in this low-rise project, the unit comes with 85 years and 3 months of lease remaining on its 99-year tenure. The psf works out to S$869.
DBSS units like this one tend to be in high demand even with shorter leases because they are no longer being built. The limited supply makes them appealing to buyers looking for spacious layouts, higher ceilings, and additional features like extra bathrooms.
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Parc Lumiere’s location breakdown
Although the “lucky” price tag might draw attention, Parc Lumiere’s location doesn’t appear as well-connected as some of the higher-priced sales we’ve covered. That said, it does have its advantages – being just a 7-minute walk from Upper Changi MRT Station (DTL) is certainly convenient. Additionally, Simei MRT Station (EWL) is only a 3-minute drive away.
Parc Lumiere is also close to key hubs like Changi Business Park and Singapore EXPO, making it ideal for professionals working in the area. For frequent travelers, Changi Airport is a 10-minute drive away via the PIE, offering good convenience. Even leisure travelers can benefit, as Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is a 15-minute drive, providing access to nearby islands.
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- Chongzheng Primary School
- East Spring Primary School
- Gongshang Primary School
- Tampines Primary School
- Yumin Primary School
This isn’t the only sale with similar price tags in Tampines
When taking a look at the most expensive 4-room HDB resale transactions in the area, it becomes clear that the Parc Lumiere sale isn’t an isolated case of a price featuring multiple 8s.
Here are the four highest 4-room resale transactions in Tampines:
| Date | Address | Block | Floor | Size (sqft) | Price | Price (psf) | TOP | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/2024 | Tampines Avenue 9 | 601A | 10-12 | 990 | S$880K | S$888.89 | 2019 | 4-room |
| 12/2024 | Tampines Central 8 | 519A | 13-15 | 893 | S$880K | S$985 | 2014 | 4-room |
| 01/2025 | Simei Lane | 168A | 10-12 | 1,012 | S$880K | S$869 | 2011 | 4-room DBSS |
| 01/2025 | Tampines Central 8 | 519C | 16-18 | 904 | S$880K | S$973 | 2014 | 4-room |
Looking at the table, it’s clear that these transactions share a common theme. Not only do their prices include multiple 8s, but one even features psf prices of S$888.9. This consistency raises the question: are buyers deliberately targeting such “lucky” numbers, or could this be a coincidence?
Could all these sales just be one a lucky accident?
When we analysed transactions in January 2025, only one sale featured a psf price of exactly S$888. Interestingly, the price for that transaction was S$908,888. Including this sale, there were four transactions in January with a price of S$880,000. These represent the only sales this year with such “lucky” numbers.
Looking further back, there have been 57 transactions since 1989 with prices ending in S$XXX,888. However, these sales don’t seem to cluster around January or February, which are typically quieter months for property transactions.
Here’s a breakdown of transactions by month:
| Month | Number of HDB transactions that end with S$XXX,888 |
| January | 1,298 |
| February | 1,054 |
| March | 1,365 |
| April | 1,326 |
| May | 1,245 |
| June | 1,287 |
| July | 1,454 |
| August | 1,408 |
| September | 1,367 |
| October | 1,436 |
| November | 1,462 |
| December | 1,314 |
Similarly, only 47 transactions were logged at S$888 psf, while 62 have hit S$889 psf. This suggests that such sales aren’t limited to the Chinese New Year period, especially for psf prices. Instead, they appear to occur sporadically throughout the year without a clear seasonal pattern.
It is possible that prices ending in S$XXX,888 are intentionally set by sellers and agents to leverage the cultural appeal of “lucky” numbers while positioning the price attractively below a higher psychological tier. This tactic, much like pricing something at S$4.99 instead of S$5, not only appeals to buyers who associate the number 8 with prosperity but also creates a perception of value. For sellers and agents, this strategic pricing can enhance marketability and attract attention.
So, whether these transactions result from cultural beliefs, marketing strategies, or mere coincidence remains up for debate. One thing is for sure, “8” will likely continue to be a favoured number in HDB sales.
Do you believe that property purchases with multiple 8s in their price tags bring good luck? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.
About Sophiyanah David
Sophi, a seasoned copywriter specialising in Singaporean real estate and property, is one of the minds behind 99.co's informative articles. Like her colleagues at 99.co, Sophi is dedicated to keeping you informed about the ever-changing world of real estate so you can find your forever home. When off the clock, you can find her giggling and kicking her feet as she reads her romance novels, watching anime - if FMBA is not your fave, she might fight you (but you'll probably win) and looking up latest skincare trends.
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