NOTG - Nuggets on the Go by PropertyLimBrothers
Bite-sized nuggets of real estate information by Melvin Lim from PropertyLimBrothers, PLB! Popularised as one of the go-to Singapore podcasts on Spotify, we cover everything from tips and advice, facts, and know-hows on buying, selling, and investing in properties in Singapore.
Episodes

Friday Oct 04, 2024
Friday Oct 04, 2024
In this episode, Jun Wei, Jesley and George from PropertyLimBrothers introduce a fresh series that brings property investment strategies to life through personas representing different stages of life and risk tolerance. They spotlight on the ‘Autumn’ and ‘Winter’ personas, designed for older, more cautious individuals. Through the example of Peter and Lucy, a high-income couple in their 40s, we see how their investment approach starts leaning toward stability and future planning.
With Peter and Lucy as the case study, they highlight key aspects like income levels, mortgage strategies, and the importance of staying within safe borrowing limits. They also tackle the balance between financial security and property appreciation, focusing on choosing the right property for their future.
The trio lays out Peter and Lucy’s options in areas like Bukit Timah, with decisions based on school proximity, budget, and long-term goals, including a break down of their loan amounts and monthly payments to their quantum play potential for investment flexibility. The search for Peter and Lucy’s ideal property is focused on future-proofing—how cooling measures, CPF retirement sums, and the luxury rental market impact property choices for those planning beyond retirement. Find out what works best for them. If this persona fits you, this episode is not to be missed!
Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:50 4 seasons recap03:58 Peter & Lucy profile (Autumn season)08:05 Talking about desires09:57 Advice for Peter & Lucy16:15 Purchase options19:46 Needs vs wants25:05 Regulation for school buses & school selection28:55 Kids FOMO30:45 No perfect house31:43 Landed Private Transactions (Jan 2023 to Jan 2024)38:41 Focusing on the quantum play41:58 School bus transport students living within 4km of their schools43:52 Summary48:48 Looking through BRS retirement sum50:58 Next episode teaser51:34 Outtakes

Friday Sep 27, 2024
Friday Sep 27, 2024
In this episode of Nuggets on the Go, Melvin Lim, Co-Founder and CEO of PropertyLimBrothers catches up with Joseph, the founder and principal architect of BHATCHBatch Architects, as shares his career leap from K2LD Architects to his own firm. See what Joseph has to say about the evolving trends in Singaporean architecture over his past 15 years of practice.
Joseph addresses the rising costs of rebuilding landed properties, acknowledging how inflation has become a homeowner’s nemesis. He shares his firm’s meticulous process, emphasising that thorough planning is key to minimising changes during construction. He reveals the importance of collaboration, illustrating how good architecture is a dance between the architect’s vision and the client’s dreams—because what’s a stunning design if it doesn’t feel like home?
Joseph highlights the need for empathy in architectural practice, reminding us that it’s not just about creating beautiful buildings but also about crafting spaces that truly resonate with their inhabitants. As a boss, he also promotes a work-life balance for his team, ensuring they can deliver thoughtful, well-planned designs without burning the midnight oil. After all, a healthy architect is a happy architect, and happy architects make for happy homeowners! All these and more on NOTG!
Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:44 Who is Joseph Lee?01:20 Why study architecture?02:26 Challenges as a fresh graduate architect04:00 Focused more in residential architecture projects07:40 What is the meaning of BHATCH?07:53 Architecture design trend evolution in Singapore11:28 Helping a buyer have an ease of exit for the newly built house15:40 Building a multi-gen house17:11 Minimum cost for a house20:25 More floors in a house21:36 Cost of rebuilding22:55 People spending more on interiors24:07 House that looks good but less maintenance25:50 Work process in the Architecture firm.30:15 Tender stage parameters32:44 Builders not completing the project36:08 Construction payment schedule37:56 Handling clients personally39:19 PLB home tour design inspiration with Joseph42:09 Using brinks in the house44:03 Materials used today ("Warm modernism")45:55 Architect style47:00 Past construction are more solid than today53:13 How long will a modern landed home last nowadays?54:31 A&A and Rebuild construction cost59:39 More rebuild nowadays?01:00:24 Demographics of landed buyers today01:01:25 More young clients01:02:24 Memorable projects01:07:41 Recently completed projects01:08:49 Future plans of BHATCH Architect01:09:56 Constraint budgets on projects01:11:33 Is it stressful being an architect?01:18:13 Condour Cards: What is one thing you didn't know about your current career when you first started?01:22:32 Closing thoughts01:22:48 Outtakes

Friday Sep 20, 2024
Friday Sep 20, 2024
In Part 2 of Alexa, Yong Zhun, and Joan’s exploration of buyer personas, they discuss Maverick, or rather, “Dallas Maverick”—a high-earning bachelor in his Spring season, seeking a condo for both status and investment. With a $10K-$12K monthly income and a $1.1 mil budget, Maverick faces the dilemma: should he opt for a 1-bedder in the RCR, or aim for a 2-bed, 2-bath unit in the OCR
The team covers everything from capital appreciation to the rentability of dumbbell layouts, comparing the pros and cons of Sengkang Grand Mall and Jewel at Buangkok, which could be potential areas of interest for Maverick.
For Maverick, it’s crucial to make the right decisions based on his unique goals—not just follow trends. As the team discusses potential areas like Potong Pasir and Pasir Ris, see what they think would help a persona like Maverick balance his desire for status with sound investment strategies.
Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:45 Spring Persona introduction04:25 Starting your journey05:06 Affordability07:11 MF Loan07:40 Choices available21:14 Recommended areas for Mavericks25:23 Age is a currency27:40 Summary28:44 Other personas29:45 Outtakes

Friday Sep 13, 2024
Friday Sep 13, 2024
This week on NOTG, Alexa, Yong Zhun, and Joan dive into the life of Charmaine, a typical 35-year-old at the end of her “Spring season”, who’s just trying to get her own place—kind of like Alexa! They chat about singles’ eligibility for HDB flats at this age and navigate through the various stages of property investment.
They explore Charmaine’s options, from HDB resale flats and 2-room BTOs to 1-bedroom condos. The team breaks down the pros and cons, from mortgage costs and rental income to location and future resale potential. They also highlight the perks of acting early in today’s booming property market.
Wrapping up, they dive into the nitty-gritty of living with tenants and renovating older flats versus the benefits of a 1-bedder condo. It’s all about making savvy, financially smart choices that fit a single-buyer’s goals and future stability!
Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:42 Introduction of Spring Persona03:23 Affordability check for most singles05:39 Singles comfortable staying with their parents06:52 BTO Option12:25 BTO Option Comparison view22:09 HDB Resale Option29:36 HDB Resale Option Comparison view34:30 1-Bedder Condo Option38:29 1-Bedder Condo Option Comparison view P141:14 Names stuck in the property45:46 1-Bedder Condo Option Comparison view P250:31 Closing thoughts55:18 Next Episode55:44 Outtakes

Friday Sep 06, 2024
Friday Sep 06, 2024
In part two of Melvin’s catch-up with The Weeblings, Sara and Aaron talk about how they tackle the high cost of living in Singapore, the significant challenges of saving for a house down payment, and the pervasive influence of social media on financial habits, highlighting how these factors shape their investment strategies.
Topics include breaking down miles versus cashback, giving tips on using cards like the DBS Women’s World Card and UOB Preferred Platinum Visa. Sara shares valuable tips on maximising rewards, managing multiple credit cards, and, crucially, avoiding the pitfalls of credit card debt.
The Weeblings address the challenges of the competition for BTO flats, and the impact of rising salaries on small businesses. They also discuss the cooling measures affecting property investments and the shift in housing plans among young Singaporeans, including preferences between BTO and resale flats. More on this concluding episode!
Timestamps00:00 Intro00:58 Getting recognised01:52 Credit card strategies (Miles/Cashback)06:33 Keep up with credit card rewards07:43 Best credit card for dining08:11 Fear of people copying online content10:30 Debt management12:15 Struggle of getting your first house in Singapore21:16 Live in a HDB forever?23:10 Will Cooling Measures hold prices next year?25:48 Melvin's investment strategy30:16 Future plans of The Weeblings32:36 First YouTube Channel37:28 Advice for young content creators38:36 Candor Cards39:20 What does Aaron want more than anything?43:01 Sara's biggest choice that changed her life?45:35 Closing thoughts46:02 Outtakes

Friday Aug 30, 2024
Friday Aug 30, 2024
In this episode of NOTG, Melvin Lim chats with The Weeblings about their content creation journey, which kicked off during COVID-19. Sarah and Aaron Wee talk about starting with multiple daily posts and eventually finding their groove with financial related content across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
The Weeblings, known by their audience for their goal of a $1 million investment target, dive into what led them into the world of finance and their aim for financial freedom with $2.5 million each by 40—following the 4% rule. They break down their investment strategies, from Aaron’s army days dabbling in crypto and stocks to focusing on value investing and dividends. They also discuss how US monetary policies affect their decisions, particularly when it comes to property investments in Singapore.
Aaron and Sarah also shared how their family's run-ins with financial scams shaped their approach to money. And on the discussion of scams, they highlight the importance of ethical financial advice and the constant battle with fake social media accounts impersonating them. Stay tuned and see what these siblings have to say about finance!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro00:56 Content scheduling05:54 Is the Weeblings just a side hustle?06:38 Journey to a million dollars09:13 First investment12:48 Advice to fresh graduates for investment14:12 Investing methodology18:08 Following US news21:10 Aaron is fascinated about numbers23:08 Singapore interest rates increase, property prices also increase24:56 The current situation of buying your first property26:18 How Sara manage her money27:28 Fear of money32:10 View of retirement33:11 Their parents got scammed38:38 Fake Weeblings Channel / Telegram scams40:58 Money growing up45:34 Pursuing content creation full-time49:08 Monitising the Weebling brand53:36 View on cryptocurrency55:54 Part 2 teaser56:25 Outtakes

Friday Aug 23, 2024
Friday Aug 23, 2024
In this second part of the four seasons framework discussion, Jesley, Jun Wei, and Melvin Lim dive into the Spring season of property investment—a time when life starts to bloom with new opportunities. Today, we’re focusing on the personas of a typical Singaporean couple at age 33, who are making the big leap from a BTO flat to a condo. Jun Wei’s got some real-world experience here that makes this topic super relatable.
We’re also taking a closer look at the nuts and bolts of property investments. Jesley and Melvin break down the financial benefits of splitting your investments, and they even bring out PLB’s proprietary ROI calculator to show how you can maximise returns from rental income, manage expenses, and grow your capital gains. They use a real couple’s journey to show exactly how this plays out—because seeing the numbers in action makes all the difference.
To wrap it up, the team compares different investment strategies, digging into case studies that highlight the differences in rental yield and capital appreciation when you invest in one big condo versus two smaller ones. This is essential stuff for anyone thinking about upgrading their home, balancing the need for more space with the potential for better financial outcomes.

Friday Aug 16, 2024
Friday Aug 16, 2024
NOTG Banter is back! Jesley and Jun Wei, Listing Managers at PropertyLimBrothers, joins Melvin Lim for an engaging discussion focusing on the four seasons framework for property investment, exploring how different stages of life impact investment strategies.
Seven buyer personas will be examined over the next six months, starting with Wayne and Joanne, a young couple navigating the complexities of their first property purchase. With a combined income of $8,000, they face the common fears and challenges that many first-time buyers experience, such as securing a BTO and dealing with conflicting advice. The team shares case studies and highlights alternative strategies, emphasising the importance of informed decision-making and future planning in property investment.
Stay tuned for more insights into the financial implications of various property decisions, “rentvesting”, and the strategic importance of layouts and the future competition between properties. They also discuss leveraging bank loans and clarify the legality and sensitivity of the 99-1 ownership scheme for asset progression.
(00:00:00) Intro(00:00:50) New Launch Convention Recap(00:02:04) 4 seasons of investing in property(00:07:58) Introduction of all personas(00:10:13) Introduction of Wayne & Joanne (Persona A - 1st Time Buyer)(00:16:24) Age 27+ / How long should you wait for a BTO attempt(00:18:51) Case study(00:26:47) "Showing of funds"(00:29:38) 99-1 ("Big Hoo-ha")(00:31:57) 99-1 Things NOT allowed(00:34:12) 99-1 What is allowed(00:35:23) Case study decision / "Rentvesting"(00:40:06) Couples with no kids splitting a property(00:43:22) What if there was no input of $700K?(00:47:15) Consider looking at ECs(00:47:50) What will condos compete on in the future?(00:48:59) Hundred Palms 3-Bedder efficient floorplan layout(00:57:17) Strategy for high-income earners below 35 years old(00:58:16) Persona B - HDB Upgrader Teaser(00:58:45) Outtakes

Friday Aug 09, 2024
Friday Aug 09, 2024
Part 2 of Melvin Lim’s chat with Seth Wee from Sethisfy dives into the nitty-gritty of credit card rewards. He breaks down when to go for cashback or miles, explaining the financial logic behind each choice and how you can maximise your credit card benefits. Seth also tackles the opportunity cost of travel rewards and shares pro tips for getting the best bang for your buck.
But that’s not all—Seth reveals some savvy credit card hacks, like manufactured spending and using intermediary services to supercharge your rewards. He opens up about balancing a full-time job with a side hustle in credit card content creation, giving insights into time management and how to monetise your skills. Plus, he gives advice for young professionals on holistic financial planning and smart investing.
Seth also looks to the future, sharing his thoughts on the role of AI and tech advancements. He talks about AI potentially surpassing human intelligence and its current use in recommending credit cards, while stressing that human expertise is still crucial for the best advice. All these and more on this concluding episode of NOTG with Seth from Sethisfy!(00:00:00) Intro(00:00:38) Against credit cards(00:02:18) Ways to monitor all your credit cards(00:03:33) Does the amount of credit cards affect credit rating?(00:05:15) Credit card strategies(00:06:10) Miles or Cashback(00:10:06) Not paying for your next flight(00:10:16) Selling off your miles(00:11:31) Credit card hacks / manufactured spending(00:15:55) Managing credit cards(00:17:35) Promos and deals(00:18:50) Sethisfy telegram channel(00:19:46) Monitising Sethisfy YouTube channel(00:20:13) Day job(00:23:21) Advice for fresh graduates(00:25:22) Becoming a content creator(00:26:19) 5 years plan(00:27:19) Other investments(00:29:41) Mentors(00:31:01) Future of AI(00:34:04) Closing thoughts(00:34:41) Outtakes

Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
This week on NOTG, Melvin Lim, Co-Founder & CEO of PropertyLimBrothers, chats with Seth Wee from Sethisfy. Seth shares his journey from telemarketer to financial advisor, focusing on how his fee-only model eliminates commission-based conflicts and ensures unbiased advice.
Seth highlights how his expertise in financial planning complements his personal finance YouTube channel. He provides valuable insights into optimising credit card usage, discussing the best credit cards for cashback and miles, and the importance of staying updated on new offers.
Seth also shares lessons from his business ventures, including the significance of choosing the right partners and having clear dispute resolution mechanisms. His experience and advice make for a compelling and informative episode.
(00:00:00) Intro(00:00:40) Education background(00:03:18 Self-employed parents(00:04:17) Sethisfy(00:05:24) Being an insurance agent(00:17:06) Start of Sethisfy Youtube Channel(00:18:00) Commissions of Insurance / Tuition business(00:25:10) Tuition business status(00:28:09) Optimal number of share holders(00:29:42) First blog(00:30:31) Why sign up for a credit card(00:32:00) Best credit cards to get in 2024(00:34:34) Part 2 Teaser(00:34:45) Outtakes