Skip to content
James Wong Homes

Your situation

For condo owners and investors

Hold, sell or reposition: a framework for the decision.

Common questions

  • Should I hold, sell or reposition?
  • Is renting out better than selling now?
  • New launch or resale for the next purchase?
  • How does remaining lease or future supply affect my exit?

How to think about it

  1. 01

    Risk

    What could go wrong if you hold, and can you absorb it?

    Look at the loan against today's value, the instalment at a higher interest rate, the months a unit can sit empty between tenants and, for leasehold property, the remaining lease. Check as well how much of your net worth sits in this one property.

  2. 02

    Demand

    Who would buy or rent this unit today?

    Count the recent transactions in the project and in the ones next to it, and look at achieved rents in URA's rental records. Thin volumes point to a slower exit.

  3. 03

    Supply

    What will compete with it?

    Unsold units nearby, launches in the pipeline and projects about to complete all add competition for buyers and tenants. URA publishes the pipeline figures every quarter.

  4. 04

    Timing

    Do taxes, loan terms and your own plans line up?

    Seller's Stamp Duty applies if you sell within the holding period, which depends on when you bought. The loan lock-in, the tenancy end date and ABSD on the next purchase each narrow the window. Put the dates on one timeline.

  5. 05

    Exit

    Who is the next buyer, and can they afford to buy it from you?

    The next buyer's loan and CPF usage depend on the remaining lease and their age. Then compare what you keep by holding with what the same equity could do elsewhere, after every transaction cost. That comparison is the reposition decision.

Step by step

  1. First meeting

    Review the property

    We go through the estimated value, outstanding loan, CPF used, rental income and holding costs.

  2. Analysis

    Three scenarios, written down

    I compare holding, selling and repositioning on the same assumptions: cash flow, taxes and transaction costs. Each assumption is stated so you can challenge it.

  3. Decision

    You choose the path

    There is no obligation to transact. If you hold, we set a date to review the numbers again.

  4. If you sell

    Sale plan

    Pricing from transaction evidence, a decision on selling with the tenancy or with vacant possession, then marketing.

  5. If you reposition

    Next purchase

    The shortlist goes through the same five questions. The sale and purchase dates are sequenced around stamp duties and the loan.

  6. Milestone Reviews

    Review

    We revisit the numbers once a year, or when a policy change affects them.

Planning your next move?

Planning a move and want the numbers mapped out?

Tell James what you are weighing up: selling, buying, upgrading or holding. He will come back with the questions and numbers that matter for your situation.

Prefer to call? +65 9696 9567

I usually reply within one working day.

Messages go directly to James. Your details are used only to respond to your enquiry. See the privacy notice.

General information only, not financial, legal or tax advice. Figures reflect the data period shown and may since have changed; your own circumstances will differ. Full disclaimer.