Benefits of Decluttering Your House Before Selling
March 26, 2023
If you’re planning to sell your house, decluttering should be at the top of your to-do list. Not only is it free, but it also
- Home is the starting place of love, hope and dreams.
As a trustworthy realtor, I understand the importance of forging a good connection with my clients. I make it a point to be personable and share something about myself to build rapport. Getting to know my clients is a priority for me and I’m passionate about my work.
As a responsive individual, I am skilled in handling multiple appointments and listings effectively. I understand the importance of being organized and efficient in my work to provide the best possible service to my clients.
Over 14 Years
of real estate advisory experience
Specialised Trainer
Property Asset Progression
Top Team Leader
Get in Touch
My Achievements
Real Estate Top Achiever
from 2003 to 2009
Top Rookie and Sales Manager
from 2009
Top 1% Realtor
who leads a team of experienced realtors
My Articles
What my customers say
Milson has taken notes on my requirements when I wanted to sell my 3rm unit and also took into consideration the period where I am not available in SG.
Discussed, prepared on timeline that was suitable to my needs. Able to negotiate with buyer's agents on all my requirements. With his advice to make some shift onto my furniture before he took pictures and filmed it, it made a difference on result.
I trusted him and left keys to him to arrange with potential buyers whenever needed. Within 2 weeks, he found a buyer who can accept all my requirements.
Without his professionalism and detailed planning, the deal will not be fast and smooth. Kudos to him and appreciate all his efforts. Will definitely recommend to my friends should they need to look for real estate agent.
Thank you, Milson.
Discussed, prepared on timeline that was suitable to my needs. Able to negotiate with buyer's agents on all my requirements. With his advice to make some shift onto my furniture before he took pictures and filmed it, it made a difference on result.
I trusted him and left keys to him to arrange with potential buyers whenever needed. Within 2 weeks, he found a buyer who can accept all my requirements.
Without his professionalism and detailed planning, the deal will not be fast and smooth. Kudos to him and appreciate all his efforts. Will definitely recommend to my friends should they need to look for real estate agent.
Thank you, Milson.
Milson managed to help me get a very good price for for both selling my HDB BTO flat and later buying a HDB Resale flat.
Milson, a kind and patient brother who would not push you into investing for the sake of business. I have the opportunity to sit down with him for a great chat and understand that it takes time and effort to plan for our future investment. He'll put himself in your shoes and have your interest at heart.
So, when you are ready, and it is time for you to look at the next property, Milson is the guy that you want to contact.
So, when you are ready, and it is time for you to look at the next property, Milson is the guy that you want to contact.
Milson has been very professional and upfront on this pertaining to getting my property listed. He took great pains to take nice photos, editing and even doing up a video to market it during CB period a few years ago.
He's marketing efforts are very commendable! Thaaanks!
He's marketing efforts are very commendable! Thaaanks!
Milson is a very experienced and knowledgeable realtor. He listens carefully to your needs to see how he can best advise you instead of pushing his own agenda. A very patient professional, and he takes time and effort to build rapport and strengthen relationships👍
My Social
🏢 Lower En Bloc Thresholds: What Owners Should Know
The consent threshold will be lowered from 80% to:
✅ 70% for developments aged 40–59 years
✅ 65% for developments aged 60 years and above
As a realtor, I see this as a practical move for ageing developments ...facing rising maintenance and replacement costs.
However, a lower threshold does not guarantee a successful en bloc sale—or a windfall.
Owners should still assess the site’s appeal to developers, expected net proceeds, replacement-home affordability and relocation timeline before signing.
If your development may be affected, WhatsApp me for a confidential discussion about your property and next housing plan.
With Milson, you will have clearer vision and confident decision.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va1tCQq6hENzsKQnah1d/125
Last week, a friend asked me:
“My auntie’s husband recently passed away. Their HDB flat was held under joint tenancy. Does she have to sell it?”
Losing a spouse is already emotionally difficult. The last thing a family needs is unnecessary anxiety about losing their home ...too.
Under joint tenancy, the deceased8 owner’s interest generally passes to the surviving joint owner through the right of survivorship. This means the flat does not form part of the deceased’s estate for distribution under a will or intestacy law.
So, does the surviving spouse have to sell?
Not necessarily.
If she is a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident, she may be allowed to retain the flat, provided she meets HDB’s prevailing eligibility conditions.
The family should still take these steps:
1️⃣ Obtain the death certificate
2️⃣ Lodge a Notice of Death
3️⃣ Update the flat’s ownership records
4️⃣ Check any outstanding housing loan, CPF and HPS matters
5️⃣ Confirm her eligibility to retain the flat directly with HDB
The important lesson is this: ownership arrangements matter.
Joint tenancy and tenancy-in-common may lead to very different outcomes when an owner passes away. Understanding how your home is held can help your family avoid confusion during an already painful period.
If you have questions about HDB ownership, inheritance, selling, buying, upgrading, rightsizing or other Singapore real estate matters, feel free to message me for a non-obligatory discussion.
With better clarity, you can make your next property decision with greater confidence.
General information only. Every family’s circumstances may differ and should be confirmed directly with HDB.
— Milson Ng
Instagram: @milsonngofficial
TikTok: @milsonng
Facebook: fb.com/milsonngproperty
WhatsApp Channel: The Milson Circle
"If only we had listened 10 years ago..."
Those were the first words James said when we caught up recently.
James and Jane bought their first home 18 years ago—a 5-room BTO flat for less than $350,000.
Like many young couples then, the9y weren't thinking ...about upgrading. They were busy building their careers, raising their daughter Elis, and paying off their home loan.
Today, that same flat is worth around $800,000.
Eleven years ago, when Westwood Residences EC was launched, I suggested they seriously consider upgrading.
Back then, prices were very different.
A 3-bedroom started from around $699,000. A 4-bedroom from around $888,000. Even a 5-bedroom premium started from about $1.13 million.
At that time, they still met the EC income ceiling.
Life was comfortable. There didn't seem to be any urgency.
So they decided to wait.
Fast forward to today.
James and Jane are both approaching 50.
Their combined income has grown beyond the EC eligibility ceiling.
Elis is preparing for university over the next few years, so education has become their top priority.
Now they're looking at upgrading to a 3-bedroom private condominium instead.
But today's prices are very different.
Based on recent transactions at Westwood Residences: • 3-bedroom units have averaged about $1.51 million. • 4-bedroom units have transacted around $1.76 million. • 5-bedroom units have crossed $2 million.
James looked at me and smiled.
> "Milson... we should have listened to your advice back then."
"It isn't that we can't upgrade today."
"We still can."
"But now... it probably means working a few more years before retirement."
That conversation reminded me that property planning isn't about predicting the market perfectly.
It's about making decisions at the right stage of life.
Sometimes, the biggest cost isn't paying more.
It's paying later.
If you're in your 30s or 40s and wondering whether it's the right time to plan your next move, don't wait until the window closes before exploring your options.
A conversation today doesn't commit you to buying tomorrow—but it may help you avoid saying "If only..." ten years from now.
What does Singapore’s condo market look like across the districts in H1 2026? 🏙️
A few observations stood out:
📍 D9 and D2 led PSF among active markets
📍 D25 recorded the lowest average entry price
📍 D10 and D9 commanded the highest rental values
📍 ...The East and North-East remained active
But averages never tell the complete story.
A lower PSF does not automatically mean better value—and a more expensive district does not guarantee stronger returns.
Always examine the development, tenure, unit attributes, rental demand and future exit-buyer pool.
Thinking of buying, selling or restructuring your property portfolio? Scan the QR code to WhatsApp me for a discussion.
With Milson, you will have clearer vision and confident decision.
Figures are based on the supplied H1 2026 dataset and should be verified before making any property decision.
#SingaporeProperty #CondoMarket #PropertyInvestment #RealEstateSingapore
“The offer is $20,000 below my asking. I rather wait.”
Fair enough.
But here’s something sellers sometimes forget.
If you’re still servicing a $4,000 monthly mortgage, plus maintenance and property tax, another 5 months of waiting could easily eat into that ...$20,000 difference.
And there’s no guarantee the next buyer will offer more.
Sometimes the best offer isn’t the highest offer.
It’s the one that allows your entire property plan to move forward.
Sellers, would you take a reasonable offer today — or wait for your ideal price?
🏠 Five mistakes couples make before buying their first home
Buying a home together is exciting—but it is also one of the biggest financial commitments a couple will make.
Before browsing listings or falling in love with a beautifully renovated unit, avoid these five common ...mistakes.
❌ MISTAKE 1: Using the maximum loan as the budget
The amount a bank or HDB may lend you is not necessarily the amount you should borrow.
A comfortable budget should also leave room for:
• Renovation and furnishing
• Insurance and property-related expenses
• Children or parental-care needs
• Career changes
• Emergency savings
• Interest-rate increases
Choose a monthly payment that still allows both of you to live—not merely service the property.
❌ MISTAKE 2: Not discussing money openly
Before buying, both partners should understand:
• Each person’s income and CPF balance
• Existing loans and financial commitments
• How much cash each person will contribute
• Who will pay the monthly mortgage
• How renovation costs will be divided
• How much emergency savings must remain
Do not wait until the Option to Purchase is signed to have this conversation.
❌ MISTAKE 3: Using almost all your cash and CPF
A home purchase should not leave the household financially fragile.
CPF can reduce the cash needed today, but using more CPF for housing means having less CPF left to compound for retirement.
Using too much cash can also leave the couple exposed when renovation costs increase or income is temporarily disrupted.
The right approach may be a planned combination of cash and CPF—not automatically exhausting either one.
❌ MISTAKE 4: Choosing the home before discussing the life plan
A property should support the life you are building together.
Discuss:
📍 Where will both of you work?
👶 Are children part of the plan?
👨👩👧 Will you need to live near parents?
🚆 How important is transport connectivity?
🏡 How many years do you expect to stay?
💼 Could either person relocate or change careers?
The “dream home” can become inconvenient very quickly when the life plan was never discussed.
❌ MISTAKE 5: Focusing only on the purchase price
The true cost of buying a home may include:
• Option or booking fees
• Down payment
• Buyer’s Stamp Duty
• Possible ABSD
• Legal and valuation fees
• Renovation and appliances
• Moving costs
• Monthly conservancy or maintenance fees
• Property tax and insurance
A property may fit your purchase budget but still strain your finances after completion.
✅ BEFORE YOU START VIEWING
Agree on these five numbers:
1️⃣ Comfortable purchase budget
2️⃣ Maximum monthly instalment
3️⃣ Cash to preserve after completion
4️⃣ CPF amount each person is willing to use
5️⃣ Renovation and emergency reserve
Then obtain your HFE Letter or bank in-principle approval before committing to a property.
The right first home is not simply the biggest or most impressive property you can buy.
It is one that supports your relationship, lifestyle and financial security. ❤️
📲 Planning your first purchase together? Reach out for a no-obligation discussion and a clearer affordability review.
🔖 Save this post and share it with your partner before beginning the home search.
Information is general and based on prevailing Singapore housing guidance as of August 2026. Verify your eligibility, financing and CPF position before committing.
#propertywithmilson #SingaporeProperty #FirstHome #FirstTimeBuyerSG #CouplesFinance #HDBSingapore #CondoSingapore #HomeBuyingSingapore #PropertyTipsSG #SGProperty :::
⏳ The flat looks perfect—but how much lease is left?
When buying an HDB resale flat, it is easy to focus on the renovation, location and asking price.
However, the remaining lease can also affect:
💰 How much CPF you may use
🏦 Your housing-loan amount
...💵 The cash you need
🎁 Your housing grants
👥 Your future buyer pool
📉 Long-term resale prospects
🏠 Your retirement planning
A useful starting point is the age-95 test:
Youngest buyer’s age
Remaining lease
= Age when the lease ends
For example:
Youngest buyer: 35
Remaining lease: 65 years
The lease covers the buyer until age 100 ✅
If the property has at least 20 years of lease remaining and covers the youngest buyer until age 95, CPF usage is generally capped at the lower of the purchase price or valuation, subject to prevailing limits.
If it does not cover the youngest buyer until age 95, CPF usage may be pro-rated.
The applicable HDB loan-to-value limit and housing grants may also be affected.
This does not mean every older flat is a poor purchase.
An older flat may still make sense when:
✅ The location strongly supports your lifestyle
✅ The price reflects the remaining lease
✅ You intend to stay for the long term
✅ You have sufficient cash and CPF
✅ Your retirement position remains healthy
✅ You are not relying heavily on future appreciation
Before making an offer, check:
1️⃣ Exact remaining lease
2️⃣ Age of the youngest buyer
3️⃣ CPF usage limit
4️⃣ Loan amount and tenure
5️⃣ Cash required
6️⃣ Grant entitlement
7️⃣ Expected holding period
8️⃣ Likely future buyer pool
Don’t ask only:
“Is this flat too old?”
Ask instead:
“Does its remaining lease support my finances, housing timeline and future plans?”
📲 Scan the QR code on the final slide to WhatsApp me for a no-obligation lease and affordability review.
🔖 Save this before viewing an older resale flat and share it with someone currently house hunting.
Information is general and based on prevailing CPF and HDB guidance as of August 2026. Verify your customised HFE, CPF usage and financing position before committing.
#propertywithmilson #SingaporeProperty #HDBResale #RemainingLease #HDBSingapore #HomeBuyerSG #CPFProperty #PropertyTipsSG #SGProperty #SingaporeRealEstate :::
🏠 Standard, Plus or Prime HDB flat—which should you choose?
Since the October 2024 BTO exercise, new HDB projects have been classified according to their location, transport connectivity, amenities and other attributes.
Here is the simple comparison:
🟢 STANDARD
•... Largest category of new flats
• May still be near an MRT station or good amenities
• 5-year Minimum Occupation Period
• No subsidy recovery upon resale
• Whole-flat rental may be allowed after MOP, subject to HDB’s rules
🟡 PLUS
• Choicer locations with good connectivity or amenities
• Additional subsidies to support affordability
• 10-year Minimum Occupation Period
• Subsidy recovery upon resale
• Whole-flat rental is not allowed—even after MOP
🔴 PRIME
• Choicest and generally more central locations
• Excellent connectivity and comprehensive amenities
• Most additional subsidies
• 10-year Minimum Occupation Period
• Subsidy recovery upon resale
• Whole-flat rental is not allowed—even after MOP
Plus and Prime resale flats also come with tighter buyer-eligibility conditions. This can help preserve affordability, but it may reduce the future pool of eligible buyers.
The real question is not:
“Which classification is the best?”
Ask instead:
✅ Can I commit to a 5- or 10-year MOP?
✅ Might I need to relocate?
✅ Do I want whole-flat rental flexibility?
✅ How important is a central location?
✅ Could the resale conditions affect my exit plan?
A better location can come with a longer commitment.
📲 Scan the QR code on the final slide to WhatsApp me for a no-obligation discussion.
Save this before your next BTO application. 🔖
#propertywithmilson #SingaporeProperty #HDB #BTO #HDBSingapore #StandardPlusPrime #FirstTimeBuyerSG #PropertyTipsSG #SGProperty
Should you use all your available CPF to pay for your home?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Using CPF OA savings can help fund eligible purchase expenses and monthly housing instalments. This preserves more cash for renovation, emergencies and other family commitments.
For many ...households, that flexibility is genuinely valuable.
However, CPF usage also involves a long-term trade-off. Money used for housing no longer earns CPF interest while invested in the property.
When you sell the property, the sale proceeds generally go towards:
Outstanding housing loan
Required CPF refund
Other selling expenses
Remaining cash proceeds
The CPF refund usually includes the principal amount used and accrued interest—the interest your savings would have earned if they had remained in CPF.
This money returns to your own CPF account. It is not a tax or penalty. But it can mean that your eventual cash proceeds are lower than expected.
A balanced decision should consider:
• Current cash reserves
• Income stability
• Monthly mortgage affordability
• CPF remaining after purchase
• Retirement needs
• Expected holding period
• Plans for your next home
You could use more CPF to preserve cash, use more cash to preserve CPF savings, or combine both approaches.
The most suitable choice is the one that protects your financial position today without unnecessarily weakening your future flexibility.
Save or share this with someone planning a home purchase.
DM “CPF” for a personalised cash-versus-CPF review.
#propertywithmilson #SingaporeProperty #CPFProperty #HDBSingapore #CondoSingapore #HomeBuyingSingapore #PropertyPlanning #PropertywithMilson