2021-2022: The Ultimate Seller’s Playground (But Not All Ones Made of Gold)
Think of 2021/2022 as the world’s biggest house‑selling party—prices were on the rise for every type of property, hitting milestones that most of us only read about on the news.
But here’s the real twist: not every homeowner who rang the “for sale” bell felt like a savvy tycoon. We chatted with a handful of people who sold their houses in the last year or two, and a few of them are whispering quietly on their second‑hand guilt.
To Keep Your House Sales Scam‑Free
- Don’t rush. If you’re getting sold on “the market’s hot now,” pause and double‑check the offer.
- Get a realistic valuation. An over‑hyped appraisal can set you up for disappointment.
- Know the big picture. A single snap‑chat can’t capture everything—look into long‑term trends and local zoning.
- Ask your realtor for a no‑bait strategy. Push for honest storytelling in listings.
- Stay grounded. Even if you’re snagging a billion-dollar deal, it’s always good to keep your sanity.
Bottom line: the market’s high-energy rush is exciting, but a smart, well‑informed approach can keep that feeling from turning into a pie‑in‑the‑sky regret.
1. Selling at a peak, but buying at a peak also
Andrew’s Home Ha‑Ha: A Lesson in Market Madness
Picture this: you just sold your house at a record‑high price and thought you were a real estate wizard. Then you find out your next home will cost you a fortune—so much that you’re now feeling a little regret‑ful.
Why The Switch Was a Gamble
- Big Sale, Big Dreams – Andrew closed the deal, brimming with confidence.
- First‑Round Hit – He found a new unit, ready to lay down a deposit.
- Unexpected Setback – “Age & loan problems,” he said, stalled the deposit.
- Verbal Approval Gone Wrong – The seller promised “yes,” but later changed the tune.
The Real‑Time Dilemma
In October last year, Andrew’s seller sent him an email (or a text?) that smelled like: “Sorry, we’ve got a better offer.” Even though he’d already outbid the estimate, the new offer was a whopping $20,000 higher.
Andrew’s Quick Escape
“I told them to forget it and went on the hunt elsewhere,” Andrew recalls. “Now, I can’t find a cheaper place. The market feels like a roller coaster—up, down, then up again. I just wish I’d stayed where I was.”
In short, Andrew’s quest to snag a cost‑effective home ended up turning into a money‑mad adventure. The lesson? Keep your head in the game, but also keep an eye on the wallet. Happy house hunting (and remember: sometimes the best deal is staying put).
Why S’s Home Upgrade Looked Like a Comedy of Errors
TL;DR: She spent her down‑payment, broke the budget, and ended up wishing for a financial vacation.
The Good News First
We’re glad S had a small emergency cushion. The “spare cash” saved the day—because, after the down‑payment on a resale 3+1 unit, they were left with a financial dash‑hole.
Dreams vs. Reality
- Original Plan: Upgrade the unit and rely on the sale to cover renovation costs.
- Reality Check: Covid‑19 threw a wrench into the renovation gears, causing a price spike. The house itself went over budget.
- Result: No money left for any renovation—because the idea of taking on more loans seemed a bad way to mix up finances.
Feeling the Stress
S sighed: “If I could avoid this whole stretch, I’d just wait until the market’s chill.” The lesson—a fine mix of humor and warning: “Budgeting in a pandemic looks like a rollercoaster; hold tight or stay on the ground.”
Takeaway
When the world pulls a ‘price surge’ prank, it’s tempting to throw the cap off and dive into the upgrade rush. But maybe a wait‑and‑watch approach—and a bit less flighty spending—could save you from the full house‑upgrade drama.
2. Pain from selling too early, and then watching price spiral up
When You Let Go Too Early: The Real Cost of Selling Your Property
Maurice is a foreigner who sold his investment unit in April 2021. Ever since, every glance at the current market feels like a sting in the gut.
“I was a bit too early – and it cost me.”
- He remembers selling for
about $1,650 per square foot. - Fast forward to September 2022, similar units are walking around $1,800+ per square foot.
- That “little early decision” translates into a $165,000+ hit on his portfolio.
And the rental roll‑call
“Looking at the rent market today, it’s a nightmare.” Maurice feels the blow of missing the peak. When he sold, his apartment was fully leased. He watches the current rents climb to $4,300+ and thinks, “I should have held onto that slice of rent gold.”
Why this is a familiar tale
Many folks sold during the first turbulent wave of the pandemic, betting the market would keep crashing. In hindsight, the stakes were higher than anyone imagined.
Takeaway – You’re not alone
Timing the market isn’t a luxury, and even seasoned experts got it wrong. If you’re one of those who sold early, don’t punish yourself. The learning curve is steep for everyone.
3. Remorse about (probably) never owning multiple homes again
Who’s J: From 3‑Room Master to Mini‑Unit Whiz
Meet J, a Singaporean who’s just turned 57 this year. When the sun was still rising on the city, he owned a spacious flat and a snazzy one‑bedroom condo—two perks that made him feel like the boss of the housing market.
The Roaring “Shoebox” Saga
But the real magic? J and his wife secretly turned a tiny slice of their property—a shoebox‑sized unit—into a money‑making haven. For over a decade, they rented it out, turning cramped space into a steady stream of cash.
How the Cash Flow Worked
- They chose the perfect spot: a nook that felt like a cozy apartment but was way cheaper to maintain.
- Each month, the rent trickled in—little pockets of income that almost felt like your own personal piggy bank.
- They kept the décor simple yet charming; the “mini” didn’t mean “mini‑money.”
J’s Takeaway
With a down‑size that’s less than a shoebox but full of opportunity, J proved that size isn’t everything. The real value lies in thinking outside the box—literally!
J’s Property Dilemma
What Happened
J was feeling a bit pressured when his buddy mentioned that these little “shoebox” units were on the decline. When J bragged about getting a solid offer, his friend urged him to grab it fast or he’d later hate himself. The property agent threw in the same motivation, and so J decided to sell.
Regret Over Rental Income
Now, J can’t help but cringe as he thinks about the rent money he’s lost. “I’m stuck,” he says, “and it’s a pain not having two places again.” He’s worried about the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) that’d be a whopping 17 % on top if he tries to buy a second property. “That’s way too much,” J admits. “I wish I’d held on – I could’ve been the proud owner of two flats.”
Room‑Rental Woes
When it comes to dividing his HDB flat into rooms, J’s out. He’s had plenty of nasty tiffs between his tenant and his spouse, and it’s simply not worth the hassle. “I can’t justify renting out rooms when the drama is already there,” he says. So for now, he’s stuck with the single flat he’s left with.
4. Wrecked by the wait-out period, plus some bad luck
How a 15‑Month Wait‑Out Became a Comedy of Housing Errors
Meet D & the Spouse
D and his partner were once the proud owners of a right‑sized HDB flat—or at least they thought they were.
The Cooling Tumble (September 2022)
- Singapore rolled out a 15‑month wait‑out period to cool the property market.
- Our duo found themselves trapped in that maze and, somehow, ended up in a flat that was too small.
Appeal Drama (And No Follow‑Up)
They tried to fight the decision at the appeal desk. Instead of pressing on, they simply forgot the paperwork once their son landed a place they could share.
Lesson Learned
When the housing policy hits you, it’s best to stay on top—unless you’re ready to live with a thimble-sized apartment and a son who maybe has a bigger house!
Mid‑Life Drama: A Family’s Move Amid Unexpected Divorce
Who’s in the House?
- D’s son and daughter‑in‑law are sharing a semi‑detached flat.
- They also have one child hanging out there.
- The place is spacious enough for everyone, so they originally planned to stay for 15 months.
Plot Twist: Divorce Unexpectedly Filed
Early this month, the couple decided to separate—no isn’t an option anymore. That could mean the property goes on the market, which scares everyone.
But the bigger problem isn’t the sale; it’s the “cold war” vibe that’s creeping into the walls. D and his spouse can’t put up with this tension any longer.
Stuck in a Rental Crunch?
D has begun scouting for rental homes—but every option is steaming at record highs from 2022. Renting feels like another tall order on top of the divorce chaos.
My Feelings on the Situation
“It’s been one mishap after another since I sold the place,” D says, humor tinged with frustration. “If I’d known this came to pass, I’d have stayed put, even if it meant losing out on any future sale profit. Anything is better than staying in this frozen battlefield.”
Key Takeaways
- Family plans were abruptly disrupted by a divorce filing.
- They can’t endure a hostile atmosphere any longer.
- Rental prospects are pricey.
- D’s voice reflects the emotional rollercoaster of sudden changes.
5. Selling and moving made sense in theory, but isn’t making the buyer happy
Anne’s Move‑Mishap: When “Convenient” Becomes “Dead‑End”
The “Smart” Move
But… They’re Dissonant
“We miss our usual hang‑outs in Serangoon,” Anne confesses.The new spot feels dead after 9 PM –• no nightlife• minimal variety• a moody vibe that’s sinking in like a bad bottle of wine.
The Real Issue
Lesson Learned: Trust Your Instincts
Bottom line: Even the most practical cheque can fall short if the heartbeat isn’t right.
6. The reduction in living space is more painful than expected
Family Home, Late Nights, and the Great Sale Dilemma
Picture this: L and his sister are strapped into their shared living room, after inheriting a sprawling landed unit in Geylang from their parents. Sounds dreamy, right? Only, that landed home is a bit of a maintenance nightmare and they’re both swamped running a family business.
The Real Conversation
L rattled off the reasons: “My kids hit me up, saying you’re only home at 1 or 2 am, then you’re asleep till 7 am. You barely use the house at all. And on weekends? You just crash at our place. So why not sell?”
Truth be told, the sister had been itching for a condo that can host family feasts, so her approval was almost instantaneous.
Key Points – Why Selling Makes Sense
- Work-Life Balance: They’re too busy with the business to keep a big house tidy.
- Living Habits: Late night returns and early mornings mean the place stays empty most days.
- Weekend Hustle: The family already uses the sister’s condo on weekends.
- Future Flexibility: A condo offers simpler upkeep and can be a cool spot for kid‑celebrations.
Bottom Line
So, the idea to sell didn’t just feel like a practical move—it was a relief for late‑night sleepers and a sweet upgrade for family gatherings. Good luck, L and sister, to a smoother, more cozy home base!
Moving In, Moving Out, and Feeling a Bit “Space‑Stressed”
When the Mullins family tore down their old condo and bought a swankier two‑bedroom spot closer to Newton, they thought they’d found the sweet spot for their little family. Sounds like a great idea, right? Well, after a while things got a little… cramped.
The “Hey, Where Are My Plants?” Moment
“I miss stepping out to the driveway and seeing my prized plants thrive,” says L. “I used to have a terrapin tank and a crystal collection that ran through generations – from Germany, Australia, the U.S. – all lit up with track lights. It was a full‑on display.”
But there’s a catch: the bigger the hobby, the harder the maintenance. “I complained that cleaning was hard when I had everything, and now I can’t fit it all in this new space. It’s like trying to fit a whale in a shoebox,” L admits.
Space – The New Frontier
- Driveway and outdoor plant display? Gone.
- Terrapins dance in a cramped tank? Only if the tank gets a new lease on life.
- Crystal collection? Maybe a mini‑gallery or a scrolling slideshow.
- Track lights are great, but they’re also a hassle.
The takeaway? When the house feels too small, every hobby you love starts to feel like a misfit puzzle piece.
Dreaming Bigger Again
L has his eye on the next big goal: owning a landed property once his business keeps thriving. “If I can make it work this time, I’ll truly appreciate the extra room,” he says with a hopeful grin.
So for now, the family is learning to adapt. One day, they’ll hop in a home that’s as big and welcoming as their favorite terrapins and crystal heirlooms. Until then, they’ll be making the most of the cozy corner they’ve got, all while keeping their hearts light and their smiles wide.
