{"id":92162,"date":"2025-11-17T13:38:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T05:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/?p=92162"},"modified":"2025-11-17T13:38:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T05:38:15","slug":"ageing-property-singapore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/ageing-property-singapore\/","title":{"rendered":"Your older home could be costing you more than you think"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For many homeowners, keeping an old flat or condo feels safe and sentimental. You know your neighbours, you\u2019ve settled in, and you might even think that one day, your property could be part of a redevelopment windfall.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

But the truth is this: holding on to an ageing property could be quietly draining your finances. Whether you own an HDB flat or a private condo, every year that passes brings you closer to the steep part of the depreciation curve \u2013 where values drop quickly, buyers thin out, and maintenance costs rise.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you\u2019re thinking about upgrading or right-sizing, now might be the best time to take action before your property\u2019s value begins to slide. And here\u2019s why:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Table of contents<\/h3>\r\n
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  • The value trap of ageing homes<\/a>\r\n
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    • Why does your property\u2019s value drop faster over time?<\/a><\/li>\r\n
    • And HDB flats are no exception \u2013 yes, even jumbo and executive flats<\/a><\/li>\r\n
    • Financing rules that limit your future buyers<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n
    • Hidden and rising costs of staying put<\/a>\r\n
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      • 1. Costly repairs and special levies<\/a><\/li>\r\n
      • 2. Higher maintenance fees<\/a><\/li>\r\n
      • 3. Expensive renovations that don\u2019t add value<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n
      • The En Bloc and SERS illusion<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

        The value trap of ageing homes<\/b><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

        Every 99-year leasehold property, whether public or private, would ultimately become a depreciating asset<\/a>. That\u2019s simply how leasehold ownership works.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

        When your home is new, the decline is slow and almost unnoticeable. In fact, the value would be dictated by market forces and could see appreciation depending on several factors. But once your condo or flat crosses around 40 years of age, or when the remaining lease drops below 65 years, depreciation starts to speed up sharply.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

        At that stage, financial planning becomes crucial. If you\u2019re an owner of an older property, you\u2019ll want to assess your options carefully \u2013 because once your home enters that accelerated phase of lease decay, it gets much harder to preserve its value or sell it later at a good price.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n