Episode 6 · 1:18
Freehold vs Leasehold: The Tenure Myth
Everyone says freehold is the safer buy. Five years of URA data say demand beats tenure — leasehold grew +39.7% while freehold grew +25.3%. What buyers actually pay for, and the pocket rule to use.
Key takeaways
- 1
Over the past 5 years (URA caveats, resale condos, median PSF, Jul 2021–Jul 2026), 99-year leasehold condos grew +39.7% while freehold grew +25.3%.
- 2
One pair, same 5 years: a 99-yr condo right on an MRT station grew +42%; a freehold deeper in with no train nearby grew +22%.
- 3
Buyers pay for daily life — the train to work, the mall downstairs, the school nearby. Usage is every day; tenure is a line on paper.
- 4
To be fair: freehold still grew, and where freehold land is truly scarce and demand is deep, it held pace. Tenure isn't worthless — it's just not first.
- 5
The pocket rule: holding under 10 years with plenty of lease left? Buy demand — location, transport, schools. Tenure is a tiebreaker, not the screen.
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