In Q4 2023, the HDB resale market observed a slight downturn, with transaction numbers decreasing by 2.2% from 6,695 flats in Q3 to 6,547 flats. This contributed to a 4.2% year-on-year decline in resale transactions for the entire year, totaling 26,735 flats, compared to 27,896 in 2022. The report also notes a moderation in resale prices by 4.9% for 2023, a stark contrast to the 10.4% increase seen in 2022. This moderation is attributed to a combination of the holiday season's usual slowdown and the strategic timing of Build-To-Order (BTO) flat launches in October and December, which diverted potential buyers towards new housing options.

The rental segment of the HDB market experienced growth, with an 8.2% increase in approved applications for renting out HDB flats, rising from 36,166 in 2022 to 39,138 in2023. This uptick suggests a robust demand for rental housing, likely fueled by homeowners opting to rent out their flats amidst the changing market landscape.

A notable trend in 2023 was the significant presence of million-dollar HDB resale transactions, underscoring the enduring appeal of select HDB flats in certain locations. The Year saw 470 transactions exceeding the million-dollar mark, with the vast majority occurring in mature estates. This phenomenon highlights the high value placed on well-located, well-appointed public housing units, suggesting a market segment resilient to broader market shifts.

The report delves into the dynamics of flats becoming eligible for resale after meeting theirMinimum Occupation Period (MOP). A comparative analysis between 2022 and 2023 revealed a marked increase in the proportion of freshly MOP-eligible flats being sold,indicating a growing willingness among homeowners to sell their flats upon meeting theMOP requirements.

Looking forward,we anticipate a crucial role for first-time home buyers in sustaining demand within the HDB resale market. It also outlines the implications of reduced BTOlaunches and the introduction of stricter BTO application regulations, which are expected to influence buyer behavior and potentially redirect some demand towards the resale market.The changes in BTO launch frequency and the application process aim to ensure that available flats are allocated to genuinely interested buyers, thereby maintaining a balanced demand-supply dynamic in the face of decreased new flat availability.

In conclusion, while the HDB resale market in Q4 2023 saw a slight pullback in transactions and price growth, underlying trends such as the increase in rental demand and the persistence of million-dollar transactions indicate a complex interplay of factors shaping the market. The strategic adjustments in BTO launches and policy shifts are poised to influence future market dynamics, potentially steering more prospective homeowners towards the resale market as they navigate the evolving landscape of Singapore's public housing sector.

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Prepared By:
Mohan Sandrasegeran
Head of Research & Data Analytics