Strengthened Buyer Protections Signal Rise in Confidence for Private Home Market

SINGAPORE, 13 November 2025 – “ERA welcomes the announcement by Minister for National Development, Chee Hong Tat, regarding enhanced protections for private homebuyers. The regulatory efforts will boost greater transparency and buyer confidence, which will result in more optimism in the private home market.” Marcus Chu, Chief Executive Officer, ERA Singapore said.  

Greater Support for Home Buyers

“The government’s latest announcements - from improvements to the TOL process for showflat sites, to enhancement of the CONQUAS framework for private residential developments and the stepping up of regulations to protect home buyers – are very timely. Buyers today are far more discerning, and their expectations around quality and transparency have grown. These measures will address gaps that have existed in the private housing framework.” 

“By extending the timeframe before the defects-liability period kicks in, and by requiring clearer disclosure of structural features, communal facilities and even workmanship scores, the government is directly responding to pain points we frequently hear from homeowners. Giving buyers more time before the DLP begins means they now have a fair window to inspect their unit properly. Defects are more likely to be spotted and rectified early, which gives homeowners much greater peace of mind.”

“Showflats can also easily captivate buyers with their design and ambience. But with increasing transparency - from detailed floor plans to accurately marked structural walls and communal spaces - buyers can now evaluate a project based on facts, not just aesthetics. This added clarity not only helps them visualise how the space can truly be used, but also empowers them to make more discerning, informed decisions about suitability and long-term functionality.”

“We do expect buyer confidence to rise. When consumers feel the process is more transparent and better aligned with their interests, they are naturally more assured - especially when it involves such a significant financial commitment. Ultimately, these changes work in favour of both buyers and developers, because a more transparent environment leads to smoother transactions and fewer post-handover disputes.” 

“On the CONQUAS side, the mandatory disclosure of developers’ construction track records will certainly shift how projects are positioned. It gives agents a credible, objective source to reference workmanship standards, which makes the advisory process much smoother. With buyers having access to clearer information upfront, agents can guide them with greater confidence and focus on value-adding work, rather than troubleshooting unexpected issues later on.” 

“For buyers, the benefits are substantial: clearer documentation, better understanding of what they’re purchasing, and more time to inspect their new home. These changes go a long way in narrowing the gap between what’s promised and what’s delivered. Ultimately, they contribute to a more positive home-ownership experience - and a stronger, more resilient property market overall.”

Sustained Level of Housing Supply

Chart 1: Supply of units from GLS launches

“Since 2023, we have seen the half-year supply of units from Confirmed List site holding steady between 4,000 to 5,000-odd units. Alongside the depleting unsold stock, developers have been looking to replenish their landbank. Hence, the upcoming injection of approximately 4,500 units in 1H 2026 will provide developers with fresh opportunities to replenish their land banks. This steady pipeline of GLS supply in the coming months is expected to ease some of the urgency in land acquisition, and as a result, bidding competition may moderate in the near term.”

“We have seen unsold stock levels fall for the first time in five years, which reflects underlying demand for private homes. Unsold inventory had risen from 14,333 units in 2021 to 19,606 units in 2024, but has since declined to 17,209 units as of 3Q 2025.”

Chart 2: Unsold stock dwindling down

“This latest move was likely motivated by current bullish sentiment among developers, as seen by the robust interest and record prices at some GLS tenders. In 2024, the 15 private residential and EC sites that closed drew an average of three bids. This has risen to an average of 5.1 bids for the 19 site tenders closed so far in 2025.”

“Several 2025 sites have also achieved strong pricing within their respective regions, showing strong optimism in the market. In March, the Bayshore Road plot achieved record pricing for an OCR site at $1,388 psf ppr. Similarly, November’s closing of the Bukit Timah Road parcel saw it achieving a land rate of $1,820 psf ppr. This is the highest in the CCR since the $2,377 psf ppr achieved for Cuscaden Reserve’s land parcel.” 

For media enquiries, please contact:

Lisha Rodney

Public Relations Manager, ERA Singapore

Email: Lisha.Rodney@era.com.sg

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