Nation

Is This 40-Year-Old Man's Regret Over His S$1.1M HDB Flat Purchase a Sign of Buyer's Remorse?

2024-12-13

Author: Arjun

**SINGAPORE**: A 40-year-old man is publicly sharing his regrets about investing S$1.1 million in a resale HDB flat, a decision he made just before moving in next month. His candid reflection sparked a lively thread on the r/askSingapore subreddit as he wrestles with what might be buyer's remorse.

In his post, he revealed that he is a single, salaried employee who recently completed the purchase of a resale flat, and has been struck by a wave of second thoughts since finalizing the deal at the HDB Hub. As he prepares for the transition to homeownership, the man is grappling with anxiety about possibly overspending and what the future might hold.

Adding to his stress is the timing of his purchase; traditionally, December is when he splurges S$10,000 on holiday shopping. Now, faced with the weight of his new mortgage, he feels compelled to reign in his spending. He questioned whether his feelings were simply typical buyer’s remorse or indicative of a larger concern regarding his financial decisions.

His post prompted a response from the Reddit community, where some reassured him that feelings of remorse are common following significant purchases. Users encouraged him to remain hopeful about the asset's potential and consider practical measures to ease his financial obligations. Suggestions included renting out extra rooms to help offset mortgage payments.

However, not all responses were supportive. Some Redditors expressed skepticism over the hefty price tag of S$1.1 million for a single buyer, urging him to reconsider the implications of such a financial commitment without additional support.

This situation highlights a broader trend in Singapore's real estate market, where a record number of 328 resale flats sold for over a million dollars in the third quarter alone. Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at OrangeTee Group, noted that the total number of million-dollar transactions for the first three quarters of 2024 has already reached 747, exceeding the 469 that were recorded throughout all of 2023. The market has seen significant price hikes lately, with notable increases since Q3 2022.

As the man navigates his emotions and the challenges of homeownership, his experience serves as a reminder of the pressures many face in the current volatile property landscape. Is it time for prospective buyers to rethink their strategies in an increasingly competitive market? Only time—and perhaps more open conversations like this one—will tell.