How a Couple Outsmarted the Traditional Selling Game
We’ve all heard the truth: selling a home is a roller‑coaster that feels more like a drill than a vacation. Most people say they’d rather be shopping for a new house than wrestling with curious buyers and the endless barrage of “Did you know you can make the sofa a statement?” questions.
But this week we ran into a duo who decided to ditch the usual agent hustle and tackled the market head‑on, using the online marketplace Carousell. Their story? A textbook case of DIY success that proves you don’t need a middleman to close a deal.
What They Did (and why it worked)
- Picture‑Perfect Listing – They staged the flat professionally, but in the style of a Pinterest board: bright, clean, and with a splash of personality that made potential buyers feel right at home.
- Real‑Time Interaction – Instead of waiting for callbacks, they answered queries instantly, turning strangers into interested buyers in seconds.
- Price Flexibility – The couple set a slightly higher starting point and then offered a small discount to the first serious buyer, creating a sense of urgency.
- Streamlined Paperwork – By collaborating with a local lawyer and using e‑signatures, they cut the red‑tape, picking up the keys in days rather than weeks.
What stands out is not just the clever use of a digital platform but their confidence in their own storytelling. They pitched their home like a runway show, and the buyers practically walked the runway themselves.
Takeaway for Future Sellers
Here’s the simple truth: the internet gives you a louder, faster lane to share what you love about your space. Don’t let the fear of “stomp‑on” the house hold you back. With a little prep, a pinch of charm, and bold pricing, you can pull in buyers as easily as you scroll through a feed.
A near en-bloc starts the ball rolling
From Spanish Village to Bigger Dreams
Meet S, our protagonist. He and his family once called a 1,615‑sq‑ft unit in Spanish Village home. Think of it as a three‑bedroom apartment, but instead of standard rooms, it was a bit of an architectural experiment: each of the three balconies was tucked into walls and turned into private spaces. One balcony was turned into an extra bedroom, another became a study nook, and the third became a cozy living‑room extension.
What Sparked the Change?
- It started with the en bloc sale rumor. S and his partner started scrolling through listings of bigger homes, hoping that the en bloc would finally create an opportunity to upgrade.
- When the en bloc failed (thanks to some “cooling measures” that basically froze the deal), the damage was already done – the dream of moving out had begun to form a seed.
Enter the 2018 Cooling Measures
In 2018, the government slapped a 30 % Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD) on developers. The only way to get a 25 % rate was to finish and sell the entire project within five years. Larger developments like Spanish Village knew that risk was a lot higher, so the stakes were already high.
2020 Circuit Breaker – The Final Push
S explains, “We’re a couple with three kids. The 2020 circuit breaker hit us hard. We felt trapped in a small space, three kids doing home learning at the same time, and our Zoom calls from work. The chaos was real – the mom was crying on a screen, the dad was trying to manage the office vibe, and my little sensor of noise was the lullaby from my daughter’s kindergarten when I forgot to mute my mic.”
That funny, but awkward, moment made the whole family want a bigger home with fresh air and more rooms.
Key Takeaways
- When the market twists, your dreams can be reshaped.
- Housing policies may surprise you: a small change can ripple into a full-blown life decision.
- There’s nothing more chaotic than juggling Zoom and home‑school at the same time – unless you have the space to play it.
So, that’s why S became obsessed with the idea of a bigger house. The combination of policy, luck, and the daily soundtrack of “good morning” from nursery gave S a clear sign: it was time to grow. If your family feels the same tug, it might just be your cue to look beyond the next door.
Setting the price and timeline
Why S And Their Husband Avoided a Crunching ABSD Drag
Breaking the rules? Not exactly – just smart timing!
A Simple (and Claustrophobic) ABSD Twist
When you swap homes in Singapore, 12th‑cent ABSD (Additional Buy‑Sell Tax) can hit you hard. The rule is simple: buy before you sell and you’ll be slapped with the tax right away. If you flip the order – sell first, buy later – you get a chance to read the fine print, catch a breather, and maybe even go back for a refund, but you still have to cough up the money before the new house. S and S’s husband knew this and decided it wasn’t worth the cash drain.
The “Spur‑of‑the‑Moment” Plan
“We timed it so we’d sell just before we bought our new place,” said S. The paperwork had to stand in a two‑week window: sell, then buy, then, if you play the ABSD redemption card, sell the old home within six months and keep the married‑couple‑into‑Singapore‑Citizen status. Rounding it off, they were so sure they’d found the right property that they jumped in with a shrug, even though the idea had simmered for years.
The Price Story
They set the asking price higher than the real price. “We were quick on the agreement,” S says. But how much to actually sell for? That took some back‑and‑forth.
- S’s husband wanted a bit more, but the couple compromised.
- They found a new home they liked and didn’t want to miss out on.
- Friends and family backed S’s early nervousness: the unit is close to Nanyang Primary, nestled in a quiet corner, not on the loud Farrer Road, and sits in a District 10 area – all golden selling points.
Despite the advice, they go‑ahead. It worked out beautifully.
Market Magic: Prices Skyrocket After the Switch
Their lawyers bragged that prices of private homes jumped 10–20% soon after purchase. This is how S explains it:
“Right after we bought our new place, the market took off. The Spanish Village unit would’ve been worth way more if I’d waited a bit. Since our current home is pricier than the old one, I think we captured a good dividend. It was truly the perfect time to make the move.”
And that’s it – a well‑timed shuffle, a few gentle negotiations, and a lot of elbow‑grease, all making the ABSD nightmare avoidable.
Deciding on Carousell instead of an agent
When S’s Realtor Dropped the Ball
It all began when S tried to get her old agent to kick off the sale of her HDB‑to‑Spanish‑Village upgrade. She handed over a handful of iPhone snaps to smooth the deal but the agent kept the price low, citing the SRX value of “just $2.55 million.” S had a target of $2.8 million—she wanted to shop the house with a bang, not a sob.
“She said the house would take six months to sell, and honestly, I felt dashed,” S recalled. The 30‑minute chat left her feeling a little jaded about the whole process.
A Sunny Saturday That Changed Things
- While the kids were in their day‑dream naptime, S decided to Google “how to list and sell your home on Carousell.”
- She stumbled onto the property section—a feature she never knew existed.
- She already had a Carousell account, but only used it for buying stuff. “Why not give the platform a whirl? I’ve got nothing to lose, after all.”
At that point, the idea seemed simple: “Put a photo, drop a price, and get potential buyers stalking my listing.” It was a no‑risk entry point to gauge market interest. The platform was meant to be easy, so that was a thrilling pivot from the chair‑backed agent whispering about realistic pricing and water‑deep wait times.
Why Carousell?
- S felt the reputation carried by apps like Carousell might challenge the agency’s undervaluation. The flexibility of posting images and a price was a breath of fresh air.
- It seemed like a modern, “everybody’s pulling in the digital space now.”
- The initial effort was no more than a couple of photos and a short, snagless description.
And with that, her journey to sell a home entered a new chapter—one where she could take control, test the marketing waters, and maybe even get the house sold faster and for the price she wanted.
My First Carousell Sale
With the same photos I had sent to the agent, I posted my house on Carousell and then drifted off to dreamland—no idea it would backfire into a successful sale.
The Unexpected Response
- Six hours later, a buzz came through the notification, and
- The buyer was scrambling to pack the unit for a viewing the very next day.
Who knew a quick nap could turn into a headline?
Dealing with buyers and their agents
Going Solo: A Singapore Lawyer’s Straight‑Shot Guide to Selling Property
Ever dreamt of ditching the real estate agency and handling the sale yourself? Meet S, a savvy lawyer who did just that—no commission, no fuss, just a smooth transaction.
Why S Chose to Skip the Agent
- No 2% commission + GST – that can add up to thousands in a Singapore deal.
- Cutting the middleman helps keep the price home, and S was happy to share the savings with her buyer.
- She even declared “No agents, please” in her listing, because the inbox was full of agents insisting on “floor plans” and “specs.” It was a real eye‑roll.
How the Sale Flowed (With No Agent Involvement)
Even though the buyers hired an agent to accompany them, that agent stayed silent—just took notes. S made it crystal clear from the start that she wouldn’t pay an agent fee, but she’d sweeten the price with a discount to accommodate the buyer.
Direct Interaction Made Life Easier
- Zero waiting for an agent’s relay—S answered every question instantly.
- Questions ranged from “Are the neighbours friendly?” to “Is the building’s maintenance team reliable?”—topics an agent would need to confirm on her behalf.
- She used WhatsApp for quick back‑and‑forth, dropping details whenever they came up.
- Speedy communication meant the buyer saw the property, asked more questions, and got answers—without the usual “we’ll get back to you in 24‑48 hrs” delay.
“After the entire process, I even sent the buyer a list of nearby preschools, complete with my personal reviews,” S shared. “It’s the little gestures that show you’re invested in their future—something an agent might overlook.”
Multiple Viewings—All Done by S
- Buyer1: even oozed curiosity about MCST and facility maintenance.
- Buyer2: handy even more questions instantly answered via text.
- Buyer3: Stopwatch moments of swift updates; no “I’ll check with my team” delays.
Key Takeaway
When you’re a professional who knows the law and the market, selling your own property can be cost‑effective, quicker, and more personalized than entrusting it to a middleman. Just remember:
- Set a clear “No agents” statement to keep the inbox clean.
- Use simple tools like WhatsApp to keep communication direct and speedy.
- Provide extra context—like nearby preschools, building mods, or neighbor vibe—to give buyers the full picture.
So, next time you’re tempted to dip into a real estate agent’s commission, consider rolling up your sleeves like S did—because the best deal might just be the one you give to yourself.
The Dash‑Through Home Hunt
When S and her husband were on the hunt for a new abode, they didn’t wait for the “perfect” moment—just the right moment to see a property. “We told the folks they could swing by at any time, because noise levels are a real thing, you know?”
Speedy Negotiation on the Carousell Front
Once a serious buyer materialised, the clock started ticking. How many of us wish everything could happen in seven days? S can confirm, it’s possible. Here’s the timeline that got them from looking to sealing the deal:
- Monday: First commitment – an agreed price was hammered in.
- Tuesday: Lawyers were on the docket; they were round‑the‑clock.
- Wednesday: Option papers were signed—well, mostly.
- Thursday (2 PM): All looks official, but we were missing the witness.
- Friday: A neighbour walked in for the witnessing—because, dear neighbors, you’re all human!
All of this happened after the listing was posted on Carousell, proving that in the era of instant communication, “a quick touch, a quick text” can keep a transaction moving like a caffeinated hamster on a wheel.
Finding the Cues in Personal Dealings
S says nothing is harder when you talk directly to buyers.
“They were flexible with time slots—three viewings, one sign-off, you name it – and it all fit with our hectic schedule.”
Some folks rely on agents to blunt the emotional surge, but S favoured a hands‑on experience:
- One‑on‑One: She could see every answer, feel the urgency and sprinkle a personal touch that agents often miss.
- Communications: Messages were sent, received, and answered—no auto‑reply vibes.
- Personal “feel”: A touch of happiness, a sprinkle of humor, and it turned emotional into “just real.”
She feels the sense of a pleasant, friendly negotiation that came from keeping the door open between her and the buyers.
The Summer-of-Quick-Deals: Bottom Line
Success isn’t just about having the right buyer. It’s about:
- Timing: Picking the best snapshot of noise and viewability.
- Speed: Closing on a seven‑day timeline gives extra room for negotiation.
- Clarity: Direct communication chops down friction.
- Humorous Moments: A neighbour witness? That’s a real story to tell at the dinner table.
So, if you’re on the hunt, keep the “door open,” keep the neighbours close–maybe it’s time to give the matching parties a warm welcome.
Advice for sellers considering the Carousell property route
Buying Property on Carousell? Here’s the Lowdown
Ready to jump into the Singapore property market? “Just do it!” S says, but don’t dive in blind. We’ve got a quick play‑book to keep you sane and save you a chunk of cash.
1⃣ Partner Up With an Agent (but with a Twist)
- Get the basics down. Agree on how much you’re willing to pay your agent – usually a 2% commission tops, but you can negotiate lower. If you’re sensible, you might get away with 1% or even 0.75%.
- Know what you’re paying for. The agent’s role? They’ll help you navigate listings, “it’s not just about the price,” they’ll point out hidden corners, and handle negotiations. If you’re in the market, this one is a must‑have.
2⃣ Need a Mortgage? Don’t Sweat It
- Avoid ABSD & Lock‑In Pitfalls. If you’ve got worries about Additional Buyers’ Stamp Duty (ABSD) or mortgage lock‑in periods, hit up a mortgage broker. They’re pros at trimming the red tape and figuring out the best rates.
- Book a quick call. One of our buddies had a broker that resolved everything fast – and they gave us a clear timeline that kept the deal moving.
3⃣ Ring in a Conveyancing Lawyer
Before signing that contract, bring in a conveyancing lawyer. They’ll give you solid legal advice and double‑check the fine print. Don’t skip this step – risk is not worth the discount.
Carousell & DIY: Not Old‑School, but It Can Work
While Carousell isn’t the mainstream way to buy a property, it can be surprisingly fast and cheaper. S’s story proves that you can close deals quicker than you think and dodge hefty service fees. Just keep an open heart and mind.
Stay Informed
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— This article first appeared in Stackedhomes.
