Buying Resale vs New Launch Condo in Singapore: Which Is the Better Choice?

Buying resale vs new launch condo in Singapore? Compare real prices, waiting times, renovation costs, stamp duties, and investment returns to make an informed property decision.

Jim Chia

12/18/20252 min read

Choosing between a resale condo and a new launch condo in Singapore is not just a lifestyle decision—it is a financial and timing decision that can affect your cash flow, housing plans, and long-term returns.

While both options are popular, many buyers struggle because the differences are often explained in vague terms. This guide breaks down real numbers, actual timelines, and practical costs so you can clearly understand what buying resale vs new launch condo in Singapore really means in today’s market.

Understanding the Difference in Practical Terms

Before comparing costs, it helps to understand how these two options behave in real life.

What Buying a Resale Condo Really Means

A resale condo is already completed and occupied. Buyers can inspect the exact unit, confirm views and noise levels, and complete the purchase in about 8–12 weeks after exercising the Option to Purchase.

In Singapore, resale condos are commonly found in mature estates such as Queenstown, Bishan, Bukit Timah, and parts of the city fringe.

What Buying a New Launch Condo Really Means

A new launch condo is sold directly by developers, often before construction starts. Buyers commit based on show flats and floor plans, with completion typically 3–5 years later.

Most new launches are located in growth areas, upcoming MRT zones, or redevelopment precincts.

Buying Resale vs New Launch Condo in Singapore: Real Comparisons

Cost Breakdown That Buyers Often Miss

Many buyers focus only on headline prices, but the true cost difference lies beyond that.

Upfront Cash and Stamp Duties

Both resale and new launch buyers pay Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD). However, resale buyers usually pay BSD on a higher immediate purchase value, while new launch buyers pay progressively.

For a SGD 2 million property:

  • BSD ≈ SGD 64,600

  • Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (if applicable) applies equally to both

Renovation vs Waiting Cost

A resale buyer may spend SGD 80,000 on renovation but can move in immediately or rent it out at SGD 4,000–5,000 per month.

A new launch buyer may save on renovation but could wait 4 years, during which:

  • They still pay rent elsewhere, or

  • Lose potential rental income of SGD 200,000+ over the waiting period

Why Some Buyers Still Choose Resale Condos

Despite newer projects entering the market, resale condos remain popular for practical reasons.

Certainty of What You’re Buying

With resale, buyers know:

  • Exact layout

  • Actual view and facing

  • Neighbour density and noise

There is no construction risk or surprise layout change.

Immediate Lifestyle and School Planning

Families with school-going children often choose resale condos near established schools, MRT lines, and amenities, avoiding uncertainty.

Why New Launch Condos Attract Buyers Despite Higher Prices

New launches are priced higher, but buyers accept this for specific reasons.

Progressive Payment Structure

Buyers typically pay:

  • 5% booking fee

  • Gradual payments over construction stages

This reduces immediate mortgage pressure compared to resale purchases.

Long-Term Capital Positioning

New launch buyers often aim for:

  • Selling after TOP

  • Holding for 10–15 years in growth locations

However, appreciation depends heavily on entry price, not guarantees.

Working Professionals: Time, Stress, and Practicality

Busy professionals often underestimate lifestyle friction.

How Buyers Should Decide in Today’s Market

Ask practical questions, not emotional ones:

  • Do I need housing or rental income now?

  • Can I absorb 3–5 years of waiting cost?

  • Am I buying for lifestyle or resale exit?

  • Is my entry price justified by future growth?

There is no universally better option—only a better-matched decision.

Final Thoughts

Buying resale vs new launch condo in Singapore is a trade-off between certainty and patience, immediate use and future promise, and cash flow today versus potential tomorrow.

Understanding real prices, waiting costs, and opportunity loss makes the difference between a confident purchase and buyer’s regret.

For personalised advice based on your budget, timeline, and goals, Oriental Realty Pte Ltd can help you evaluate both resale and new launch options objectively.

Contact Oriental Realty today to make a well-informed property decision backed by market knowledge, not marketing hype.