NOTG - Nuggets on the Go by PropertyLimBrothers

#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

#116 Possible Cooling Measures and Buyer’s Preferences in 2025 & New Launch Buying Tips

Picking up from their previous discussion on the rise of million-dollar HDBs, George, Alfred, and Joan from PropertyLimBrothers return to discuss what buyers should watch for in 2025. They talked how current price trends—defined by ongoing cooling measures—are influencing buying power and long-term plans. Find out what they think about why prices in the OCR have surged, what’s fuelling demand in the RCR, and how new launches are being priced island-wide.
 
Also, Joan shares why she believes it’s better to act early, while Alfred outlines the logic behind starting with a two-bedder. They also touch on how to manage FOMO, read the shifts in policy, and stay grounded despite market noise. If you’re trying to decide whether to buy, wait, or pivot—this episode offers clear, timely insight to help guide your next move.
 
00:00 Introduction00:40 HDB price trend03:09 Age always affects you05:00 Interest rate will drop?09:00 Future cooling measure scenario12:22 Median age of buyers (New Private Home)14:30 Advice for first time home owners17:58 Median profit18:30 Prices of private property market25:42 RCR having more demand28:30 Hottest new launches today29:30 New Launch important things to take note36:42 Upcoming New Launches40:50 Closing41:55 Outtakes

#115 BTO Launches in 2025, Million-Dollar HDBs & Why High-Earners Still Buy 4-Room HDBs?

Million-dollar HDBs used to be rare—now they’re outlining Singapore’s public housing market. In this episode of NOTG, George, Alfred, and Joan from PropertyLimBrothers break down what’s driving up prices, why 2025 is packed with new launches, and how future homeowners should prepare.
 
They uncover the 5 upcoming HDB launches in February, clarify the requirements for buying BTO and SBF flats, and decode the implications of the 10,000 units slated for release across just two windows this year. From the sharp rise in million-dollar HDB transactions post-2015 to the surge in 2023, this episode maps where these sales are happening, and who’s buying.
 
Hear why many high-income earners are opting for 4- and 5-room BTOs as their forever homes, along with relatable investment strategies and financial planning examples. This is a timely episode every aspiring homeowner and property investor should not miss. Tune in to hear how the ground is shifting.
 
00:00 Introduction02:25 Upcoming BTO Launches10:49 Why is west side is the best side?15:30 Requirements for buying a BTO and SBF 202517:16 Why are there a lot of BTO and SBF launches?18:20 HDB houses affordability / SG birth rate20:55 Higher demand for 2 bedders for space22:00 SG granting more citizenship22:58 Million-Dollar HDB transactions30:17 $12K to $15K income case study42:00 BTO upgraders profiles43:20 BTO route for investment46:47 High earner couple investment case study (Reverse approach)55:46 Upcoming Episode...56:32 Outtakes

#114 $3M Condo Layout Traps, CCR Luxury Letdowns and Landed Renovation Nightmares

This week, Jesley, Yu Rong, and Shawn from PropertyLimBrothers tackle the finer points of home buying at the $2.3M, $3M, and $4M price tiers. From layout choices that ‘look’ great online but tell a different story in real life, to surprising trade-offs buyers often overlook, this segment pulls back the curtain on what you’re really paying for.
 
They explore what makes certain properties more liveable—or more investable—at each price point, and why the sweet spot might not always be where you expect. Hear their perspectives that could turn the tables on how you see the next step in your property journey.
 
And if you’re wondering if lifestyle or yield should drive your decision… wait ’til you hear their take.
 
00:00 Introduction01:30 $2.3M budget options06:00 Looking for spacious unit09:02 Options for Boutique Condos09:40 Why some Boutique Condos the price increases?14:36 $3M budget options20:40 $4M budget options (Landed Gems)27:10 Land banking strategy30:15 Luxury options38:34 Luxury unit view39:55 Investing in Core Central Region properties45:39 Closing46:41 Outtakes

#113 BTO Planning Mistakes, When NOT to Sell & Upgrading Roadmap

Jesley, Yu Rong, and Shawn from PropertyLimBrothers answer burning questions from the audience—starting with how young couples should navigate the new BTO model (Standard, Plus, Prime). They break down how different profiles—DINKs, couples with kids, or those planning to upgrade—should choose based on family planning, income potential, and MOP duration.
 
In the market to sell? They discuss The team shares key considerations beyond just price, touching on personal timelines, future plans, and how to spot the right window of opportunity.
 
To round off the session, they ask each other—what would they buy with a $1.8M Drawing from PLB’s internal frameworks, each of them shared their approach, from rental-centric plays to lifestyle-driven picks—surfacing often-overlooked choices that blend investment potential with practical liveability. Find out their reasons in this episode and more!
 
00:00 Introduction01:39 What is the best route for young couples?05:30 Long construction period08:08 Future planning12:30 $6K and $12K budget18:30 Best time to sell24:21 Selecting a RESALE private property32:40 Benefiting from the future MRT lines34:00 $1.8M Budget - Ideal for young families or first timer buyers43:44 Looking at Dual Keys45:50 Details of $1.8M budget options51:40 Next Episode...51:58 Outtakes

#112 Is Delaying Your First Property Purchase a Savvy Move or a 6-figure Mistake?

Thinking of buying your first home but terrified of making the wrong move? You’re not alone. In continuation of our previous NOTG episode, Yu Rong, Alexa, and Lyndon from PropertyLimBrothers dive into Ryan’s case study—a 28-year-old earning $12K a month, who’s on the verge of buying his first property—but struggling with uncertainty.
 
They explore the modern-day fears of young buyers: market volatility, loan limits, and whether to start with a 2-bedder or stretch for a 3-bedder. Yu Rong reflects on what he wishes he knew earlier, while the team shares crucial tips on saving, splitting your property portfolio, index funds, and insurance hacks just for men.This is the episode every 25 to 35-year-old should hear before making that big decision. Don’t stay passive—your future depends on it. Tune in now!
 
00:00 Introduction01:02 Ryan’s income growth and property plans02:16 Regrets about past property investment opportunities05:46 Importance of financial knowledge and planning07:39 Current property options for young professionals08:49 Case study: A 26-year-old saving aggressively10:54 Investing in property vs. stock market12:09 Steps for young earners to save and invest15:19 The role of parents in property investment16:47 Saving strategies based on different income levels19:05 Budgeting for living expenses and lifestyle choices22:49 Insurance planning and SAF coverage25:19 Back to Ryan’s property investment strategy27:30 Renting vs buying for young investors28:53 Key financial takeaways from the discussion30:06 Closing remarks and recap32:26 Outtakes

#111 Dual Property Ownership Risks, Monthly Instalment Planning & Job Loss Impact

In this episode of NOTG, Yu Rong, Alexa, and Lyndon from PropertyLimBrothers break down the realities of property investment for those in their mid-30s to mid-40s. They discuss why managing two properties that align with each spouse’s income can be more strategic than buying a single property based on combined income.
 
Beyond the numbers, they take a reality check, considering factors such as children, ageing parents, and future expenses, which become increasingly important at this stage of life. Lyndon also shares his personal experience from when he and his wife were in the MOP stage and why he believes in owning two properties—including his preference for four-bedders.
 
How about you, is it wiser to invest in one property or split your investment into two?
 
00:00 Introduction00:40 4 Seasons01:09 Ian and Grace’s financial situation02:15 Two-property investment strategy explained03:21 Need for a 4-bedroom home and financial planning05:02 Comparing monthly installments for different property strategies07:02 Managing risk in property investment08:29 Capital appreciation and property value considerations10:36 Choosing between property types for investment12:02 Risk management and financial stability concerns14:13 Investing in two properties despite job instability16:10 Emotional vs. financial decisions in home buying18:26 Extreme financial strategies for early retirement20:22 Personal experiences and financial decision-making23:46 Lifestyle trade-offs when choosing a home26:20 Balancing present lifestyle vs. future financial security28:32 Location trade-offs and financial planning30:31 Maximising property investments32:12 Advising clients on realistic property budgets33:53 Next episode34:30 Outtakes

#110 From One Café to 7 Brands in 12 Years - The Atlas Group of Cafés Story

At just 22, Daphne Goh dove into the café world with a marketing degree, a $200K startup fund, and a passion for coffee—launching her first café, Assembly. That’s where she met Shirlynn Eng, a linguistics graduate who, despite receiving a full-time offer as editor, continued working part-time in the kitchen for a year. When Daphne was ready to open her second café, Atlas, she knew exactly who to call—and invited Shirlynn to join her as a partner.
 
In this episode of NOTG, Melvin Lim chats with Co-Founders Daphne and Shirlynn. They look back to their unconventional journey—how they grew from The Atlas Group of Cafés from one café to a collection of six uniquely crafted brands. They share what it was like building something from scratch, the tough calls, the self-doubts, and the importance of finding the right people and holding on to trust. They also reveal the behind-the-scenes realities most people don’t see in the F&B world—like managing peers of the same age, and realising that leadership means aligning expectations and standing firm—even with friends.
 
If you’re thinking of starting your own venture or leading a team, there’s a wealth of wisdom waiting for you in this episode!
 
00:00 Introduction00:57 Ownership of The Atlas Group of Cafés01:08 How they became partners01:57 Expansion of the first café02:36 After graduation to coffee04:31 Taking risks06:34 Challenges in owning a business in a young age08:13 Investment of the first business09:09 Biggest expense10:40 Advice on starting a café14:25 Applied for a part-time service crew, but straight to the kitchen18:11 Transition from a part-timer to a partner20:07 Opening shops in different districts23:43 Challenges of opening a new shop every year26:46 New factory28:08 Seeing all the founders everyday30:00 Easy to burnout with partners / Celebrating 12 years anniversary35:34 Number of crew members36:00 Biggest challenge to managing a team41:57 Growing leaders44:55 Hiring external managers48:57 Biggest cost of running a café51:45 Precious customers52:25 Future plans of Atlas54:38 Rising rental rates55:48 People not believing in you / Curse Unit57:58 Starting all over again01:00:25 What professional skill currently working on?01:02:29 What is holding you back for being your best self?01:03:28 Outtakes