Ethan Koh Real Estate

Buy with your budget worked out first.

I check how much you can borrow, the cash you need and the full cost of ownership before you view a single unit, so you only look at homes you can comfortably afford.

Resale HDB flat · Private resale condo · New launch condo · Not sure? I will compare them for you.

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Know where the market stands before you decide.

A free, no-obligation live Zoom briefing on today’s market, shaped around what you want to buy.

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Resale HDB, private resale or new launch?

I compare them for you, based on your budget and timeline.

See new condo launches →

Before any viewing

Know your real budget first

Loan you can borrow

Based on your income and existing commitments.

Cash and CPF needed

What you must pay upfront versus from CPF.

Duties and fees

Stamp duties, legal fees and valuation.

Renovation and furnishing

Budgeted early so it never comes as a surprise.

Monthly repayments

A figure you can live with comfortably.

How buying works

Eight steps from first chat to your keys

The order is similar for most purchases. New launches and resale homes differ in the details, and I explain which applies to you.

Step 1

Talk to me first

A free chat about your goals, so you know what to expect before you commit to anything.

Step 2

Lock in your budget

Turn the budget above into a firm figure, with your loan options checked before you start viewing.

Step 3

Search and shortlist

Homes that fit your criteria, each compared with recent transactions.

Step 4

Make an offer

I advise on a fair price and negotiate the terms with the seller or developer.

Step 5

Secure the option

Your offer is accepted and the option to purchase is issued, with an initial payment.

Step 6

Exercise the option

You confirm the purchase within the agreed period, with the balance of the deposit and fees.

Step 7

Completion and legal work

Your lawyer completes the transfer, and the remaining payment is made on the completion date.

Step 8

Handover and move-in

Keys, inspection of the home and your move, with my support after the sale.

Buying a home to live in

Rank what matters to you

Before you view a single home, put your priorities in order. It keeps the search focused and the decision easier.

Priority 1

Budget

The monthly payment and cash you are comfortable with.

Priority 2

Location

Close to work, family and the places you go every week.

Priority 3

Size and layout

Enough space for today, and for the next few years.

Priority 4

Surroundings

Noise, views, greenery and the facilities in the development.

Priority 5

Getting around

How far the MRT, bus stops and main roads are.

Priority 6

Daily needs

Food, groceries, clinics and schools within easy reach.

Buying a private property to invest

Ten things I check before you invest

A good investment is judged on more than the price. Here is what I look at when I shortlist for you.

Size of the site and number of units

Smaller developments can feel more private, larger ones offer more facilities and a bigger pool of buyers.

Maintenance fees

Higher fees can eat into your returns and put some buyers off.

Layout and use of space

Efficient layouts rent and resell more easily.

Views and facing

Light, outlook and noise all affect value and demand.

Tenure

Freehold and leasehold behave differently over time, so we look at the remaining years.

Distance to the MRT

Easy access to a station is one of the strongest drivers of rental demand.

Price and rental history

How similar homes in the area have sold and rented in the past.

Future supply nearby

New launches close by can compete for the same tenants and buyers.

Plans for the neighbourhood

Upcoming transport, commercial and community projects.

Schools nearby

Proximity to popular schools often supports demand from families.

From buyers I have worked with

Buying, with the numbers checked

His thorough research on every shortlisted development that matched my criteria, and his sound advice, helped tremendously in my decision making.

Ronald Choong, sold and bought

He prevented me from committing to a property introduced by another agent which was over my budget in terms of loan and cash. I can now accurately budget for my new home and renovation.

Jenny Wong, home purchase

He knows his stuff about the market, and the whole process was made easy. What I liked most was his non-pushy way of communicating. He is always helpful and really got what I needed.

Alvin Sam, sold and bought

Questions buyers ask

How much can I afford to spend?

It depends on your income, existing commitments and the loan limits that apply to you. I work out the loan and cash you need first, so your budget is clear before any viewing.

Freehold or leasehold?

Freehold has no lease to run down, and usually costs more. Leasehold is often priced lower, but the remaining years matter. I show you both side by side for the homes you shortlist.

What costs come on top of the price?

Typically stamp duties, legal fees, valuation, and renovation or furnishing, plus additional duties if they apply to you. I put everything into one budget so there are no surprises.

Will I qualify for a loan?

That depends on your income, existing debts and the rules at the time. I help you check this early, so you know your limit before you start viewing.

How long does it take to find the right home?

It varies with how specific your wish list is and what is on the market. I give you a realistic expectation after our first conversation.

How do I know I am paying a fair price?

I compare recent transactions of similar homes, then adjust for floor, facing, condition and timing, so you can see where an asking price sits.

Can I buy before selling my current home?

Sometimes, but it depends on your cash, loan and the rules that apply to your situation. I check this first, so you are not overstretched.

Ready to find a home you can afford?

Start with a free, no-pressure conversation.

Book a consultationWhatsApp me