Client Profile: Young Family And Upgrader
Estimated Net Worth: $7M semi-detached house (excluding capital growth and inflation).
Profession: Both lawyers
Age: Mid-thirties as of 2024
Family: Couple with two toddlers (2024)
Net Worth: 5-room HDB flat in the West, valued at approximately $850,00
Target Net Worth (Real Estate) upon Retirement:
Fully paid semi-detached house along Bukit Timah
Immediate Needs:
- Property within a 1km radius of SCGS with potential for capital appreciation
- Minimal renovation required due to busy schedules
- Prefer freehold property
Budget:
$3.5M, with sufficient cash and CPF funds for a 25% down payment and buyer stamp duty, estimated at $950k.
Concerns & Challenges:
- Purchasing an overpriced property
- Finding a ready-to-move-in property upon selling their HDB flat
Solution Implemented (After Audit):
- Sold their 5-room HDB flat for > $860k (2023)
- Property Chosen: A brand new freehold 3-bedroom condo near Newton at $3.22M, with TOP slated for mid-2024 (2023)
Advantages:
- Progressive payment by construction milestones, resulting in lower monthly interest payable on mortgage loans
- Saved interest used to renovate their parents’ landed house as an interim home
- Attractive entry price compared to surrounding new and resale properties, increasing potential for capital growth
Shortfall from Target Net Worth:
- A decent semi-detached house along Bukit Timah costs around $7M
- Required Funds: Approximately $2M in cash and CPF funds for down payment and stamp duty
- Current Shortfall: $2M – $950k = $1.05M
Future Solutions:
- Current value of the 3-bedroom condo est. $3.45M (+$230k). Plan to raise capital from the sale of the condo (after staying for 3 years) and decide next housing option
- Save additional funds from CPF and cash over the next 8-10 years
- Use the proceeds (from condo & next housing option) and savings to purchase their semi-detached home along Bukit Timah
By following this strategy, the couple aims to achieve their target net worth upon retirement and secure their desired semi-detached house before 48 years old.