Singapore’s Aging Population – The Facts, Causes and Implications on Society

One of the results of having a successful nation – a fully developed one – is that the nature and make up of that nation’s population changes. The population of developing nations can be represented by a pyramid, with the age of the populace increasing as you go up the levels. There are significantly fewer elderly members of society in proportion to those lower down the pyramid, those who are of working age. There comes a time in a country’s development however, when this pyramid suddenly flips. This means that there are more elderly people – those that have contributed to society, but no longer are able, or want to, at least financially – than there are those of traditional working age.

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Higher Stamp duty for Hong Kong property buyers

After almost three years, Hong Kong, is rising stamp duties on property transaction. Their real estate is one of the most expensive in the world, and many experts have suggested it will rise more this year. The skyrocketing prices, has contributed towards the already growing discontent. The widening wealth gap, and rising living costs had people under pressure.

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Builders have been branching out much more in extension fees, compared to last year; for their shortcoming on their ability to sell all their apartments during a fixed time frame.

On, October 27, reports taken from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) showed that local government has collected $58.2 million in extension fees this year. Which in comparison to last years $24.9 million, is more than double.

These extension fees are related to QC (Qualification Certificate), whose rules apply to both foreign and local developers.

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Smart Transport Alternatives for Accomplishing Car-Lite Singapore

The government of Singapore is working very seriously on turning it into a “car-lite” nation. By 2030, the city is aiming to achieve this by starting the “Walk, Cycle, Ride” campaign, hoping that more locals with switch to public transport instead of driving their own vehicles.

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Punggol, a beautiful town in Singapore, is the country’s seventh cycling town. The government of Singapore is planning for easy travelling in the town. These routes will help people reach their destination in less time. The environment of the city will be preserved by reducing car usage. Before Punggol, Government of Singapore has launched the cycling paths in six other cities which include Tampines, Pasir Ris, Taman Jurong, Yishun and Changi.

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More than 30% of units in Queens Peak Sold on Day 1 of its official launch

The most important factor in any case of buying properties – and always is the first concern of the potential customers – is the location of the project. Other factors are outweighed by this single entity, a good location may overlook other flaws in the system while a bad location may become the reason of ignoring other up-sides of the system.

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A Fond Farewell to Dakota Estate?

It seems that almost every week we are reading about a part of Singapore’s history that is soon to be gone forever, with iconic landmarks and institutions such as the Rocher Centre, the Thieves Market and Funan DigitalLife Mall all bidding adieu. Another one that can certainly be added to that list is Dakota Crescent Estate in Mountbatten.

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Hiap Hoe Purchases Surplus Unsold Units at Luxury Condo to Avoid Large Fines

To evade paying extra extension charges for the 50 left over units at Waterscape at Cavenagh, the developer of the 200-unit freehold residential project in District 9 had only one choice. That was to be acquired by its controlling shareholder. Obviously, a very major decision for any company. According to an SGX filing last week, Hiap Hoe Holdings bought the entire share capital of Cavenagh Properties for a whopping $31.08 million in cash. This is the revalued net asset value of the unsold units.

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Two Proposals in the Pipeline: Stricter HDB Resale Rules and BTO Waiting Times Cut

Two recent announcements have indicated the government’s intentions to alter the way people are able to sell prime HDB properties, while it is good news for young couples trying to get onto the property ladder.

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A Slowdown Very Likely but no Recession Predicted

There is no doubt that the world economy is going through troubling times, and it is impossible for Singapore not to be adversely effected by these events. The government though – in the shape of trade minister Lim Hng Kiang does not expect it to develop into a full blown recession. That said there is every likelihood that things will get worse before they start to improve.
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