Housing affordability is predicted to worsen as enduring WFH arrangements force homeowners to buy larger homes, and price-to-income ratios achieve multi-year highs.
The latest research by DBS showed that investing in property for retirement funds is no longer as financially stable as before, reported Singapore Business Review (SBR).
This comes as housing affordability is forecasted to worsen due to work-from-home arrangements, which leaves homeowners little choice but to opt for bigger homes. Additionally, price-to-income ratios are expected to hit multi-year highs.
Related article: Singapore Work From Home Culture Is Changing How We Shop for Homes in 2021
The research found that the pace of growth of property prices has outrun that of salary and gross domestic product (GDP). In the past, this means purchasing smaller homes with higher prices on a per sq ft (psf) basis.
But with the work-from-home arrangements, this means a shift to bigger houses, with more households embracing dual incomes to achieve more financial flexibility.
Moreover, a changing demographic is expected to affect the overall demand for residential properties. Factors such as tighter manpower policies and an ageing population are predicted to affect the expected rental yield and longer-term demand for homes.
Certain groups of consumers were found to be facing challenges in retirement planning and housing affordability.
The DBS data indicates that those earning a monthly income of up to $5,999 and those within the 30 to 49 age group are the most stretched. Based on the research, this age group also has the lowest propensity to invest.
On the other hand, private property owners within the 30 to 39 and 40 to 49 age groups were found to have higher mortgage-to-income ratios. Those in the 30 to 39 age group had an average ratio of 0.27, or 19% to 46%. In comparison, those in the 40 to 49 bracket had an average ratio of 0.26, or 19% to 39%.
With high acquisition costs making property less attractive, DBS advised consumers to focus on increasing their net worth with a diversified investment portfolio.
“While consumers can regard their primary property as a retirement asset and a component of a holistic financial plan, they should keep in mind that diversification is key and the right mix of assets can help to maximise the risk-reward from their investments,” said Lorna Tan, Head of Financial Planning Literacy at DBS Bank, as quoted by SBR.
Looking for a property in Singapore? Visit PropertyGuru’s Listings, Project Reviews and Guides.
Cheryl Chiew, Digital Content Specialist at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact her about this story, email: cheryl@propertyguru.com.sg.
Wing Tai To Preview River Green: A Connected, Inclusive, Sustainable Luxury Home
Wing Tai will preview its new sustainable development, River Green (嘉溪绿苑), on Thursday, 17 July 2025, with sales booking starting on 2 August 2025. The 99-year leasehold project consists of 524 residential units in a 36-storey tower and offers various unit types, including one- to four-bedroom options ranging from 420 sq ft to 980 sq ft. The development, which will include full condominium facilities, is scheduled for completion in 2030.
The Right Address Connects You Everywhere
River Green is situated in District 9, within the River Valley area of the city. It has direct access to the Great World MRT Station through a sheltered walkway and an underground linkway to the Great World shopping mall. The location is one MRT stop from Orchard and within walking distance of Robertson Quay, Clarke Quay, and Boat Quay, providing access to various shopping, dining, and entertainment options. River Green is also close to the Central Business District and Marina Bay Financial Centre. Additionally, several educational institutions, such as River Valley Primary School, Anglo-Chinese School (Junior), and St. Margaret’s Primary School, are located nearby.
River Green is connected to Great World MRT station, offering residents unparalleled connectivity and convenience
Occupying an exceptional location with unmatched convenience, Mr Edmund Cheng, Deputy Chairman of Wing Tai Holdings says, “River Green captures the perfect balance of urban vibrancy and natural tranquility. It is a refined sanctuary where residents can retreat from the fast pace of city life, reconnect with nature, and unwind amidst the purposefully designed spaces that inspire wellbeing. We are confident that River Green will meet the evolving expectations of today’s homebuyers, offering not just homes of exceptional quality, but a lifestyle that’s both dynamic and holistic for years to come.”
River-Inspired Architectural Design Meets Urban Living
Influenced by the appearance of the Singapore River, River Green’s architecture incorporates curves reminiscent of waves and ripples. The structure includes a crown at the top with peaks and troughs that align with the surrounding urban area and greenery. In the lobby, there is a mirrored ceiling designed to resemble ripples. At 10 metres high, this ceiling reflects the greenery below and contributes to the overall spatial effect upon entry.
Adds Mr Cheng, “Given the location, we wanted the architecture of River Green to pay homage to the Singapore River – the curves on the building façade, the sweeping crown at the top and the meandering form of the stardust pool and arrival lobby – all mirror the rhythmic flow of the river.”
Shaping a Sustainable Tomorrow for River Valley
In line with Wing Tai’s commitment to build high-quality and sustainable developments, River Green is proud to be the first residential development in Singapore to achieve the Building and Construction Authority Green Mark Platinum (Super Low Energy) certification, with five sustainability badges – Health & Wellbeing, Whole Life Carbon, Maintainability, Resilience, and Intelligence. Features that contribute to this sustainability certification include the focus on residents’ wellbeing through the development’s design and construction practices, use of advanced precast concrete systems for greener and more efficient construction, and the adoption of smart technologies such as electronic notice boards and smart parcel systems.
River Green demonstrates a strong commitment to be future-ready by providing 150 bicycle lots to encourage a car-lite and sustainable lifestyle, along with designated EV charging and EV-ready lots. In addition, solar panels will generate renewable energy for 30% of the common areas, contributing to more environmentally responsible operations.
The landscaping at River Green is purposefully designed to ensure sustainability and care for the current ecosystem. Over 50% of the landscaping consists of carefully selected native and riverine plants to protect and enhance the existing biodiversity and natural habitat. Lush green respites are thoughtfully integrated to create a harmonious and contemplative environment that prioritises wellbeing. Four distinct nature zones featuring curated herbs and blooms, and direct access to Kim Seng Linear Park via a side gate, offer residents a serene haven to escape the bustle of urban life.
An Inclusive Home for All
Central to River Green is the vision of creating an inclusive, barrier-free home for all. Thoughtfully designed with the seven principles of Universal Design, the development ensures accessibility and convenience for everyone. It features resting areas with varied seat heights, barrier-free routes and a universal pool entrance accessible for wheelchair users.
A unique highlight of River Green is The Sound Sanctuaries – quiet rooms designed as tranquil spaces nestled within lush greenery. These sanctuaries offer unobstructed views of a curated natural landscape, allowing residents to rest, rejuvenate, and reconnect in a private setting.
The vision of inclusiveness at River Green extends beyond the development. Wing Tai has partnered with Pathlight School to transform the construction hoarding of River Green into a vibrant community art canvas. This canvas features 30 inspiring artworks by students from Pathlight School, showcasing their unique interpretations of River Valley and the Singapore River, and will be displayed throughout the construction of River Green. This initiative not only provides a platform for neurodivergent students to display their talents but also fosters social inclusivity by creating awareness of this special group of individuals and the value they bring to the community, encouraging more people to embrace diversity and inclusivity.
The sales gallery is located at Leonie Hill and opens from 10am to 7pm daily.
Grand Dunman is a mega-development located along Dunman Road. In this article, we write a love letter to Dunman Road and shine a spotlight on Grand Dunman condo and its surrounding neighbourhood.
Seller's Stamp Duty, or SSD, is a tax of up to 12% that Singapore property buyers need to pay if you sell your home within three years of purchasing it. Find out how much Seller's Stamp Duty costs and when you can get exempted from it.
