NOTG - Nuggets on the Go

#126 3 Condo Buying Frameworks to Avoid Overpaying for Resale or New Launch in 2025

Planning to buy a condo in 2025? Don’t just compare PSF and assume it’s a good deal. In this episode of NOTG, Melvin Lim from PropertyLimBrothers defines 3 condo-buying frameworks that help condo-hunters make sense of why some new launch and resale prices.
 
Understand why some resale units are now asking north of $2,200 PSF—the same range as new launches—and what that really means when lease balance, renovation costs, and exit potential is factored in. With more OCR and RCR projects hitting the market, including first-mover launches like Springleaf Residence, it’s becoming trickier to tell what’s actually worth buying.
 
Sitting on the fence between resale and new launch? The difference lies in how each holds value over time—not what it costs today. Before making an offer, running it through these frameworks could reveal risks or upside that aren’t immediately obvious—and potentially prevent costly mistakes.
 
00:00 Introduction02:40 5 year cycle05:30 TOP Effect07:40 No COV08:44 3rd Exit Audience09:31 Popular with tenants09:51 New Design & Low renovation cost10:21 Progressive payment11:11 SSD / Black out period14:00 Brand new lease16:00 1 year delayed installment16:18 Defect Warranty16:43 1st Mover Advantage18:49 Caveat Emptor - What you see is what you get19:10 Summary19:36 2 Types of Disparity Effect Strategy25:40 2025 | Abnormal inflation to future price expectations by resale sellers27:00 2028 | Real estate market prediction27:25 Closing words28:00 Outtakes

#125 Aiken Chia on Losing It All, Starting From Scratch & Getting an Unexpected Brand Deal

When Aiken Chia former company infamously broke up, he also lost the platform he spent years building. No channel, no team, zero subscribers—just the weight of starting over from scratch. But right when everything felt like it was falling apart, one unexpected brand deal came through—and became the catalyst for a complete reinvention.
 
In this episode of NOTG, Melvin Lim, Co-Founder and CEO of PropertyLimBrothers, sits down with Aiken to uncover his untold story behind that pivotal moment, how a Tokyo trip reignited his passion, and why he is now able to prioritise purpose over profit. Learn about the realities of surviving and thriving as a content creator in Singapore.
 
00:00 Introduction01:15 Content creator economy04:40 Not giving up on your dream06:41 Learning to spend money12:11 Content creator profit margin14:41 AI content creators takeover16:40 Target audience18:50 Standing out in the content creating space20:00 Monetisation from zero followers25:01 Starting a talent management company26:56 Social media platform of choice32:33 Being a content creator in your 40s34:45 Algorithm vs Doing things you like38:20 Giving up being a content creator42:33 Managing the team48:28 If Aiken Chia have a journal52:21 What job will Aiken Chia take if he quits being a content creator?56:40 Starting a new business58:04 What is one goal Aiken Chia set for himself?59:30 Closing59:55 Outtakes

#124 The 6 Possible Routes To Can Take After A $1M Property Profit

Jason and Elaine bought their Bartley Ridge condo in 2013 for $1.665 mil. Today, it’s worth around $2.7 mil—a gain of over $1.1 mil on paper. They’re in their mid-40s, their kids are growing, and their mortgage is a manageable $4.9K a month. On the surface, everything seems stable. But when a property has already delivered this level of upside, the real question becomes: has it already fulfilled its role? And if it has—what’s the best next move?
 
In this episode, Melvin, Jesley, and Jun Wei from PropertyLimBrothers walk through six possible directions this couple could take. Understand the options as they analyse the numbers, trade-offs, and long-term implications of each route. For those who entered the private market a decade ago and are now sitting on significant equity, just like Jason and Elaine, this episode offers a rare lens into what that capital can still unlock. Not every property needs to be sold, but every profitable one deserves to be re-evaluated—before the next window closes.
 
00:00 Intro01:24 Recap03:50 NOTG new setup04:41 Autumn Season Profile Strategy06:50 Do-Nothing Strategy15:47 Knowledge if you want to get into investing stocks17:08 Looking at investing in real estate23:22 Human behaviours for the stock market24:18 Jesley's property investment nightmare31:02 Next stronger asset32:10 Decouple, rent out, and buy a new condo strategy47:08 Melvin forces his employees to buy a property52:44 Pivot Play Strategy1:02:55 Parent 10% income tax1:05:40 Sell current property & buy HDB Strategy1:14:58 Presenters recommendation1:17:16 Jun Wei did a lot of work for Symphony Suites1:22:00 Closing1:22:16 Outtakes

#123 Landed vs Two Condos? How to Optimise CPF and Apply 99-1 Ownership for Better Growth

00:00 Intro01:30 Profile preview / AI Picture02:40 Background04:36 Financial Snapshot05:50 Pros & Cons using CPF08:17 Knowing your maximum budget11:15 99-1 property scheme14:26 Impact of tariffs16:50 Stretch tenure20:41 Showing funds to stretch the long amount23:44 "Stretch tenure" meaning27:30 Paying more interest if you do not stretch tenure30:44 How much you should earn per month to own two properties?32:35 Depending more on Active Income36:59 $12K per month ENOUGH?!39:43 Taking risk to own two properties41:30 $4.2M, what will you buy?46:08 Financial breakdown before buying a landed property50:45 Donald Trump impression51:02 Closing words51:30 Outtakes

#122 NOTG New Launch Ballot Luck, Comparison With Resale & Market Fear Explained

Is 2025 really the best time to buy property—or the worst? In this episode, Alfred, Jesley, and Yu Rong from PropertyLimBrothers break down what’s driving buying behaviour this year, from the truth behind ballot “luck” to how entry price can make or break your returns. They revisit the MOAT strategy and explain why picking the right project, price, and unit matters more than ever in today’s unpredictable market.
 
They also weigh in on how global factors like US tariffs, equity pullbacks, and crypto swings are outlining local sentiment—and how savvy buyers can turn fear into opportunity. Stuck between new launch and resale options or rethinking your timing? Watch on to learn how to buy with confidence by reading real market signals.
 
00:00 Intro00:41 New launches are all luck03:30 Changing your luck05:18 MOAT Analysis 11 Factors08:08 Most important factor for resale investment properties15:46 Picking a resale private property16:30 US tariffs will affect the real estate market23:56 Using fears to negotiate29:58 Growth of real estate market33:30 Closing words37:40 Outtakes

#121 Who Really Controls Property Valuations? And How to Spot Undervalued Units Today

Property valuations—who decides? In this episode of NOTG, Alfred, Jesley, and Yu Rong from PropertyLimBrothers break down the real story behind property valuations—and why they often don’t match what you see on paper. They talk about how valuations are formed, what influences them, and when it makes sense to challenge the numbers.
 
Learn how to interpret gaps, justify prices, and identify undervalued listings with growth potential across all properties. And if you’ve ever wondered how buyers ‘beat’ bank valuations or why sellers struggle to justify their asking price, find out in this episode!
 
00:00 Introduction01:01 Beating a banker's valuation03:58 Knowing if it's the right valuation?06:01 How bankers give you the valuation data10:24 Renovations contributes more to Condos and landed properties11:50 Why landed properties are hard to valuate?12:33 Important key points to help out valuation of the house18:17 Hiring a PRIVATE Valuer22:25 Is it going to be more common for landed homes valuation to base more on built-up rather than land size?25:41 Understanding valuation more for resale properties27:25 Framework to check if a property is undervalued35:35 Headline case in the property will affect the pricing?37:48 Disparity effect41:09 Part 241:48 Outtakes

#120 New Launch FOMO, HDB Price Psychology & Are Superstitions Still a Dealbreaker?

A new launch sells out almost instantly — and suddenly, resale listings nearby vanish, only to reappear at a higher price. In this episode of Nuggets On The Go, Melvin Lim, Phyllis Goh and Shawn Tay talk about how launch activity can trigger sudden PSF shifts in surrounding developments, creating a domino effect in buyer behaviour.
 
They also explore why some homebuyers justify paying $35,000 more for a high-floor unit, and how pricing psychology plays a bigger role than most think. Hear about the hidden mental shortcuts could outline today’s market more than fundamentals alone, such as cognitive or psychological prices bias to the breakdown of cost-per-month.
 
And just when you think buyers have moved past superstition, certain numbers, layouts, and cultural beliefs still influence demand and resale outcomes. Find out how all these soft factors stack up against hard data in today’s home-buying landscape.
 
00:00 Intro00:37 Catalysts for appreciation, HDB vs Private (Continued)05:57 The "Volume Effect"10:11 PLB's Secret Weapon12:05 Floor level superstition14:50 Floorplan superstition17:24 Cultural norms and property investment/buying18:44 Question - What properties you have seen that are a solid price point and why?20:52 The "Big Brother, Small Brother" Effect and examples25:42 Question - Do you think about buying/living in properties next to religious sites?30:35 Closing statements30:45 Outro

#119 How Soon Is Too Soon To Plan Your MOP Exit? And How To Plan What To Buy Next?

Planning your next property move before MOP ends? Melvin Lim, Phyllis, and Shawn from PropertyLimBrothers talks about one of the most frequently asked questions by HDB owners—how soon is too soon to strategise?
 
This episode of NOTG explores actual case studies and actionable frameworks to help any home seller evaluate the available options ahead of time. Find out about capital growth projections and key market catalysts, to downpayment strategies and the HDB-condo substitution effect.
 
For those aligning a move with family priorities, rental yield objectives, or a long-term portfolio plan, this conversation delivers the strategies to act with foresight. Tune in to hear real stories, strategic insights, and learn the timing cues—even before the MOP window opens.
 
00:00 Intro01:04 Question - "What to do when under MOP?"01:44 Client case study - Journey from $670k portfolio to $4.3M portfolio04:12 Question - "How to plan ahead and why is it important?"06:54 Current regulations on when you can advertise your newly MOP HDB07:59 Shawn's client case study16:44 Letting HDB Appreciate vs Upgrading to a new property20:11 Question - "What research should be done while under MOP"21:44 Question - "What is the catalyst for HDB appreciation?"25:11 Question - "Is the increase in million dollar HDB transactions a cause for concern?"27:04 Catalysts for appreciation, HDB vs Private35:09 Teaser for Part 235:34 Outro

#118 7-year MOP? Grant Clawbacks? Stamp Duty Adjustments By Location?!

Part 2 of dissecting Budget 2025 in NOTG delves into what could come next. George, Jesley, and Yong Zhun from PropertyLimBrothers discuss a wide range of speculative ideas that could redefine the future of Singapore’s property market.
Could a 7-year MOP for resale HDBs help temper demand? Will extending the wait-out period from 15 to 24 months for HDB-to-condo transitions affect market behaviour? Hear more “what-ifs,” including proposals to adjust stamp duty based on location and unit configuration. With ongoing shifts across both private and public housing segments, the team reflects on how affordability, infrastructure planning, and buyer psychology might intersect in the years ahead.
 
While none of these ideas are official policy, the episode invites viewers to consider the trade-offs and implications behind potential regulatory changes. Tune in for a wide-lens view on the forces that could steer the direction of Singapore’s property landscape moving forward.
 
00:00 Intro00:40 Cooling measure suggestions11:20 $1 Billion investment on R&D infrastructure15:20 LBC rate increase19:15 More EC units resold for profit22:06 Aurelle of Tampines floorplans24:20 Aurelle of Tampines prices24:50 Would you pay more for integrated projects?27:40 Volume and Price Index Chart31:00 Exploring property in PropertyGuru35:05 Prices of resale units will slow down in the upcoming years36:30 Self sustaining town38:06 Function of air conditioner39:59 Closing thoughts42:32 Outtakes

#117 Budget 2025, HDB Affordability & Their Impact On Real Estate in Singapore

The numbers are in. The policies are outlined. But how will Budget 2025 influence Singapore’s ever-evolving property landscape? George, Jesley, and Yong Zhun from PropertyLimBrothers analyse Budget 2025, Their conversation touches on key themes from the budget and their possible impact on housing and property decisions. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s commitment to long-term HDB affordability provides important context, while our speakers share thoughtful perspectives on what might lie ahead.
 
Trying to make sense of where the market is headed, this episode delivers a clear lens on the forces at play. Tune in to hear what Budget 2025 could mean for the future of housing in Singapore before the changes become reality.
 
00:00 Intro02:08 Budget 2025 Highlights / SG60 Package05:52 Sustainable City06:46 Equipping Workers Throughout Life08:38 Empowering Businesses10:25 Supporting Singaporeans15:20 George received FREE money from the government17:00 Assurance that HDB flats will remain affordable20:44 Upcoming HDB launches22:38 Why the price of BTOs double in resale?28:27 BTO or EC have an income ceiling.30:30 George transition home story31:39 How much should be the income ceiling?34:00 Reduce the HDB resale transactions40:00 Balancing act to make housing price affordable44:20 Restriction on HDB according to the size of the family46:22 Part 2 Teaser...47:17 Outtakes