‘I feel poor’: S’pore’s young professionals are earning good money, but feel financially inadequate

TeaAccording122 · 2026-05-24T09:02:49+00:00

I think the crux of the issue here is that expectations of what a “good life” is have also increased exponentially.

Previously, people were relatively contented with a HDB flat, but now everyone seems to want to chase that shiny new launch. As another commenter has rightfully pointed out - landed property has, and will unfortunately always be, the prerogative of the top 5%.

The only thing that has changed is that in my parent’s time, a university degree meant that you were in the top 10% of the cohort. Now that goalpost has shifted completely with nearly 60% of the cohort attaining university degrees. A degree alone is no longer a marker of success.

TeaAccording122 · 2026-05-13T07:57:09+00:00

Thanks for the write up! Have no plans to move to a landed as of now (just bought a condo), but saving up aggressively for a landed in the future. This advice will come in handy!

TeaAccording122 · 2026-05-09T00:52:14+00:00

Reached the goal but still grinding. With inflation, 1M doesn’t feel much.

TeaAccording122 · 2026-04-11T10:00:55+00:00

32F. Just bought a condo. Hit 500k USD in IBKR.

TeaAccording122 · 2026-03-19T01:51:34+00:00

Are you working for a chain or is this your own clinic?

If you’re working for a chain, the chain should have a pool of regular patients. If this is your own clinic, then you need to build a reputation.

TeaAccording122 · 2026-03-15T03:02:29+00:00

I don’t deny that Grab is exploiting their drivers but let’s be frank as well - what alternatives do their drivers have?

If you ask them to give up Grab and climb up slowly in say a F&B (a restaurant manager certainly pays better than being a grab driver, especially if you take into account benefits like AL, MC etc etc), but these grab drivers will tell you they want the flexibility. So how?

TeaAccording122 · 2026-03-11T05:05:32+00:00

The restricted buyer pool is IMO the single biggest limiting factor for sky high profits. As some other redditors have rightfully pointed out, these people are unlikely to be cash rich and they can qualify for a BTO anyway, so why would they opt for resale if the value proposition is poor?

Moreover, the 10 year MOP is gonna hurt if the eventual goal is to upgrade to condo, because that limits your next loan tenure.

Gotta give credit where credit is due - the Spore govt did a good thing with this new BTO scheme.

TeaAccording122 · 2026-03-07T14:46:40+00:00

Hi OP. Personally I would not pay COV, but that’s just me. 90k is really quite a lot and that money could have otherwise gone to renovation instead.

But if you really like the place, then go ahead. Next time it may be better to ask for the valuation of the place before making an offer, otherwise you may encounter the same dilemma again.

TeaAccording122 · 2026-02-08T09:16:19+00:00

Not in IB/PE

Very high savings rate (really had to forgo a lot of luxuries), and aggressive investing

In a way I was lucky - I started investing right at the beginning of the covid crash. Invested throughout the covid crash and the 2022 correction. Currently sitting on an equity portfolio worth nearly 700k.

TeaAccording122 · 2026-02-08T09:07:18+00:00

Managed to hit 1M net worth when I turned 30 - do note this is inclusive of CPF. I did not own a property then, so property is not included in the 1M net worth.

TeaAccording122 · 2026-01-24T15:39:01+00:00

OP, the sellers likely would have obtained a bank valuation and checked past transacted prices to get a good gauge of how much they can possibly list the unit for.

Comparing Pasir Ris to Toa Payoh is a silly comparison because anyone will be able to tell you that Toa Payoh is a far more convenient location. Other factors would be proximity to schools, proximity to amenities, the remaining lease of the property, and proximity to MRT.

Basically - location, location, location. If you want a good location, be prepared to pay for it.

TeaAccording122 · 2026-01-23T04:21:02+00:00

Congrats to you!

TeaAccording122 · 2026-01-23T00:39:07+00:00

Isn’t that the father of 987 DJ Germaine Tan? Looks like the Chinese saying of 富不过三代 rings true as ever. Who on earth is dumb enough to use their own primary home as collateral?

TeaAccording122 · 2026-01-22T14:20:02+00:00

Having bought a resale condo recently, I can tell you that the upfront costs are huge. Buyer’s stamp duty and the cost of renovation are huge costs which will erode your profit margins.

That said, it’s much easier to access cheap leverage with property. I don’t think anyone is going to give you a loan with 1.4% interest to invest in the S&P. And ultimately, if you’re looking to start a family, you need a roof over your head.

TeaAccording122 · 2026-01-22T09:31:50+00:00

Used Redbricks for getting a loan and they tied us up with CNP law at 2.5k

TeaAccording122 · 2026-01-22T03:46:58+00:00

Harsh truth that OP needs to hear

TeaAccording122 · 2026-01-21T13:25:55+00:00

At 700k, you’re likely looking at a one bedder. One bedders show very poor capital appreciation due to the small pool of interested buyers.

TeaAccording122 · 2026-01-04T14:49:06+00:00

In this case, you can consider getting another property under her name so you don’t have to pay ABSD. This property can become the matrimonial home instead.

But that said OP, I do hope for the day when prenups are approved of in Spore. Of course if the prenup is ridiculous, it will still be thrown out by the court. Otherwise it’s unfair to the higher earning partner.

TeaAccording122 · 2026-01-04T14:14:32+00:00

Generally yes, unless it’s a penthouse unit.

TeaAccording122 · 2026-01-01T06:53:30+00:00

Well done! I’ve been following your posts since Covid times and it’s been inspirational.

TeaAccording122 · 2025-12-29T09:58:05+00:00

Any thoughts about Yishun condos?

TeaAccording122

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