Singapore’s property market is no longer in its infancy—it’s maturing, and with that comes a new set of rules for investors, homeowners, and upgraders alike. In this episode of NOTG, Melvin Lim unpacks the broader macroeconomic signals that are quietly shaping the 2026 landscape. From interest rate reversals and liquidity shifts to central bank policies and their downstream effects on asset pricing, this episode bridges global economics with ground-level real estate strategy.
Melvin Lim, Co-Founder and CEO of PropertyLimBrothers, takes you through the real-world implications of quantitative easing and tightening, how money supply affects real estate inflation, and why investors need to start seeing property not just as a home—but as an inflation-resilient asset class. With fewer new launches forecasted in 2026, and a significant volume of unsold inventory from 2024 and 2025, developers are recalibrating their bidding strategies and unit configurations. At the same time, resale sellers—especially those holding 1-bedders—are facing longer wait times and pricing pressure, while buyers shift focus towards larger, more functional units that deliver long-term utility and stronger exit value.
Against this backdrop, he introduces new frameworks to help you navigate this next phase. He breaks down how to calculate your purchase quantum in a rising asset economy, why TDSR remains a key gatekeeper for expansion, and what to prioritise if you’re aiming to move from one property to a multi-unit portfolio. This isn’t just another forecast—it’s a recalibration of strategy in a maturing market, delivered with clarity, data, and forward-thinking insight. If you’re serious about positioning yourself for the next cycle, this is where the conversation starts.
00:00 Influence of central banks on the money supply and real estate.
00:49 Market outlook for 2026
01:02 "Overheated market".
01:15 Strategies for the low-interest-rate environment, increasing property portfolios, and property trends for the next year.
01:33 Frameworks for property investors, upgraders, portfolio expansion, and those considering the landed market.
01:54 New strategy for those who feel "priced out of the market"
02:34 Comparison of launches in 2025 versus 2026
03:08 Surge in properties above $5 million bought mainly by Singaporeans
03:39 Foreigners' participation is less than 1% of overall residential transactions.
03:50 Terrace homes, continues to perform well
04:38 Analysing the buyer pool
05:23 Factors determining property affordability
05:54 Rough calculation of affordable quantum
07:44 The "harmonisation effect" is seen in new launch pricing
09:09 "Attraction effect" of new launches.
09:16 Analysis of average resale condo prices
09:47 Concerns about cooling measures due to market hype
10:13 Shift towards larger units
10:53 Buying a one-bedroom new launch is advisable
12:22 Framework for analysing developer behaviour
14:20 Singapore operates under a debt-based
15:05 Real estate and gold are safe haven assets.
15:47 Historical examples of property appreciation
17:35 The money is weakening