Is Singapore Property Still a Good Long-Term Investment? A Practical Overview
- Stuart Chng
- Dec 24, 2025
- 4 min read
“Follow the smart money” is advice often repeated for good reason. One of the clearest signals of confidence in Singapore is that private equity firms, institutional funds, and ultra-high-net-worth investors continue to invest heavily in local real estate.
Over the medium to long term, Singapore property has historically delivered net positive returns, whether through capital appreciation, currency gains, or a combination of both.
So why does Singapore real estate remain attractive even in uncertain global conditions?
1. A Strong and Appreciating Singapore Dollar
A simple review of historical currency data shows that the Singapore Dollar (SGD) has consistently appreciated against major global currencies over the past few decades — including the USD, JPY, GBP, AUD, and EUR.
The trend is even more pronounced when compared with regional currencies from neighbouring countries.
Interestingly, this mirrors another small but highly developed economy with limited natural resources: Switzerland. Like Singapore, Switzerland attracts global wealth due to its stability, governance, and financial discipline.
Will the SGD Continue to Strengthen?
In my view, yes — and for structural reasons.
Singapore relies heavily on imports for essentials such as:
Water and food
Energy and raw materials
Foreign manpower and global talent
Because of this dependency, maintaining a strong and resilient currency is critical to the country’s long-term survival. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) manages monetary policy with this reality in mind.
That said, currency strength alone is not enough. Demand for the Singapore Dollar must exist globally — and this is where Singapore’s broader appeal plays a key role.
2. Singapore’s Global Investment Appeal
Over the last 50 years, Singapore has positioned itself as a trusted business hub and investment gateway into Asia. Strong governance, rule of law, political stability, and infrastructure have created deep global confidence in the country.
Even though local deposit interest rates remain relatively low compared to markets like Australia or New Zealand, investors understand that currency appreciation combined with asset growth can outperform higher interest earned on depreciating currencies elsewhere.
This explains why billions of dollars continue flowing into Singapore real estate, equities, and bonds — and why local investors should take confidence in their home market.
Investing Overseas? Watch the Currency Risk
For Singaporeans investing in overseas property, understanding foreign exchange trends is crucial.
Attractive rental yields and headline price growth can be misleading if currency depreciation erodes your gains when profits are converted back into SGD. This currency blind spot has affected many investors in markets such as Australia, Malaysia, and Japan.
On top of that, overseas investments often come with:
Complex tax structures
Property management challenges
Cultural and regulatory differences
Dependence on overseas agents
Without trusted local partners, these factors can significantly increase risk.
What About Trade Wars and Global Uncertainty?
During global crises, nearly all asset classes experience volatility. Real estate is no exception. However, history shows that Singapore tends to recover faster and stronger than many markets.
In fact, the more unstable the global environment becomes, the more attractive Singapore assets often are.
In fact, the more chaotic/unstable the global environment becomes, the more attractive Singapore assets often are.
Singapore is widely viewed as a safe haven for wealth preservation. Capital inflows typically increase during periods of geopolitical or economic stress, similar to how gold is used as a hedge in uncertain times.
This is reflected in the Singapore Property Price Index, where:
Market lows trend higher over time
Each recovery surpasses the previous peak after corrections
The key lesson? Losses are only realised when you sell. For investors with holding power, patience has historically been rewarded.
Final Thoughts: Long-Term Confidence Matters
Singapore property should not be viewed as a short-term speculation tool. Its real strength lies in long-term stability, currency strength, and global capital confidence.
For investors who can avoid panic-selling during downturns, Singapore real estate has proven to be a resilient store of value across multiple cycles.
If you’re looking for a deeper analysis of current market conditions, trends, and opportunities, you may want to explore a more detailed market outlook before making your next move.
Need an opinion on your property investment plans, the best buys available or help marketing your properties?
Get a 1-time free 30 min Property Wealth Planning consultation with Stuart and his team of Property Wealth Planners.
Schedule one right now.
A PWP consultation includes:
- An in-depth financial affordability assessment and timeline planning
- Highly relevant investment insights
- A clear and customised investment road map
- A curated list of best buys in today's market with good growth potential & minimal risks
- Selecting units with the highest potential in a new launch project
- Advice on marketing and getting a buyer for your property fast
Stuart Chng, Executive Group District Director at Huttons, is a renowned leader and personality in the real estate industry.
He adores music and can play a few instruments decently without upsetting his neighbours. When not doing so, he enjoys pillow fighting with his son and coming up with silly puns which barely amuses his wife.
Professionally, he is a licensed real estate agent, an avid stocks, options and real estate investor, business owner, team leader, speaker and columnist for several property newsletters and blogs and is often quoted in media interviews on 938FM, Channel 8, PropertyReport, PropertyGuru and other publications.
Throughout his career, he has helped many clients grow their wealth through selecting great property investments and managing their portfolios actively. Read his clients' reviews here.
Stuart has also coached many top million dollar producing agents from different real estate agencies in Singapore. Read his agents' reviews here.
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