In 2010 we can expect that both rental and sales in Singapore real estate— with close proximity to good bus and/or subway connections— will have a market premium for both residential and office needs.

The giving and getting of factual and reliable documents for rental and sales transactions has helped the Singapore economy grow through the years.  There are many good locations as Singapore has a small land area.  Private developments and government  built public housing normally have high density to house the population.  Open spaces are preserved with adequate ‘green belts’ of State owned lands.  Some of these properties have Billion dollar views.

During the 2nd decade of this century we can expect more and more ‘greening’ in Singapore.  Including rooftop greening with running tracks.  The Singapore government has a very successful record in excess of 40 years of making sure that trees are cared for and even scuptured on freeways and highways.  The careful long term approach to ‘greening Singapore’ is because of an excellent cooperation between the public civil service and the private sector.  All of the careful care of the ‘greening’ process has had a close to 90% participation by the private sector.  The Singapore government administers via contracts for public works construction, planting, and maintenance by private contractors or companies.  The systems developed has fostered personal passion to excel in greening Singapore.  Parks and green lungs clearly creates serenity and peace of mind.  And the clean image of the sidewalks and streets having trash free gutters helps decision makers decide to locate to Singapore. This system for cleanliness has caused many overseas investors to buy or rent Singapore real estate.  For visitors see greening and flower loveliness.  Cleanliness and normally clear and unpolluted skys and inland waterways.  Nearby islands may be used for camping with regulations for cleanup and keeping the Singapore coastlines and seas pollution free also apply to campers and mariners equally.

Among the three types of property: freehold, 999 years, and 99 years—Singaporeans prefer to own and hold among the first two.  And usually begin with 99 years with a plan to upgrade toward eternal ownership.  Property taxes are fair and reasonable.  In fact during the past 40+ years of Singapore’s modern history it is the only government known to change her income tax culture from one of fear by the taxpayer to one of cooperation with the taxpayer.  The Inland Revenue of Singapore will prosecute tax criminals or cheats.  However, the employees of Inland Revenue will take time to explain the law and helpfully teach taxpayers how to comply with the law.  This evolving culture of fairness and helpfulness makes Singapore stand out world wide.

Another reason Singapore real estate is going to be a secure investment for the future relates to a healthy place to live and work.  This creates demand within itself.   The Singapore government makes sure that garbage is collected daily.  No excuses are acceptable for not collecting garbage each day.  This is important in a tropical country for the population stays healthy when everything else is also working systematically.  Rare is the hour of ‘brown outs’ or lack of electricity.  Water need not be boiled.  Sewage treatment systems are managed so well that most people never ever think about the success of Singapore with sewage treatment.

Any foreigner can own property in Singapore provided laws are obeyed.  Generally non residents are encouraged to buy apartments in high rise developments.  From time to time a foreigner can own property that is landed provided governmental approval is obtained in advance before buying.  Normally permission is granted for a single residence to be lived in.  Other true investment vehicles for commercial purposes are welcomed.