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Since land is scarce in Singapore, properties had always been a go-to investment tool for many. The majority of these investors have strategies limited to purchasing, reselling, and renting flats or condominiums. But, in order for higher returns to generate, one must consider investing to a range of other properties such as using the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).

And for a beginner with merely S$10,000 on hand, is property a viable and smart investment tool?

PROS

1. GETTING MORE LEVERAGE

With the banks help, you can have the ability to leverage your capital, make a down payment, and increase your overall return. Simply, more leverage enables you to pay less money upfront (e.g., 30% down payment and 70% from the bank) while making more money in the process.

2. CAN BE A SHIELD AGAINST INFLATION

Inflation occurs when there is a spike in prices and fall in the purchasing value of the dollar. As the miscellaneous for the property increases, the rent, and its value also increases. This is why property investing can be a good shield against inflation.

Image Credits: .Martin. via Flickr

CONS

1. CAN BE TIME CONSUMING

Finding a property in a decent location, building a good relationship with the tenants, and maintaining the condition of the property can be time consuming. Time that may not be in the good side of most.

2. THE RISKS ARE HIGH

A two-bedroom HDB flat can cost about S$250,000. That is a huge sum of money you may be willing to risk if you are serious in property investing. The risks only increase when the investor does not understand how the property market works or when and where to invest. Hurrying up without analyzing the situation thoroughly can only bring about more damage (e.g., bankruptcy) than good.

ULTIMATELY

You can lower the risk of property investing by diligently researching and analyzing reports, tests, and the current situation. Furthermore, investing in below market value properties backed up with insurance can help manage the risk. You would not know all these things unless you are well informed!

A buyer with an in-depth financial knowledge is important to the success of a property investment. So, if you lack sufficient knowledge, seek advice from a financial consultant or other professional advisers. And, when you find the “right property”, ensure that you keep your expectations realistic and keep your finances in tact.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Image Credits: Mark Moz via Flickr

DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT FORM PART OF ANY OFFER OR RECOMMENDATION, OR HAVE ANY REGARD TO THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, FINANCIAL SITUATION, OR NEEDS OF ANY SPECIFIC PERSON. BEFORE COMMITTING TO AN INVESTMENT, PLEASE SEEK ADVICE FROM A FINANCIAL CONSULTANT OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVISER.

Investment is an asset purchased with a purpose to generate more income in the future or to sell it for a higher price. There are a myriad of investment selections available in the market today but here are a few 3 simple investments you can start with…

1. MUTUAL FUNDS

Being a newbie in the investment scene is not a problem anymore. With Mutual Funds, you can entrust a professional investment manager to produce capital gains for you and your co-investors. Mutual funds are investments that gather the investors’ money into a pool to make multiple types of investments, known as the portfolio. Shareholders participate proportionally in the gains and losses. Lastly, it gives the budding investors the access to professionally manage, diversified portfolios of equities, bonds and so on. This can be difficult and nearly impossible to create with a small amount of money.

2. CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND INVESTMENT SCHEME

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) Investment Scheme is a way to invest your CPF savings to various banks such as OCBC, DBS, or UOB. This will enhance your retirement or housing money. Simply, the money you will generate from your investments will eventually go to your CPF account and not your pockets. To be eligible, you need to be above 18 years old and have over S$20,000 in your Ordinary Account (i.e., used for housing, education, investment, and insurance) and over S$40,000 in your Special Account (i.e., used for retirement). Compare the investment options and their charges. Instead of complaining about the CPF, why don’t you start investing?

3. REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) allows you to invest your money to a range of properties. REIT investors pool their money to buy buildings then, they divide the rental returns. This is a cheaper alternative to buying a property. Furthermore, REITs receive special tax considerations and mostly offer investors high yields and liquid method (i.e., converting your assets into cash) of investing in real estate. Although there are benefits, it is important to hire a trusted REIT Manager. One REIT in Singapore is CapitaMall Trust including properties such as Plaza Singapura, Junction 8, and JCube.

Image Credits: www.rentalrealities.com via Flickr

Sources: Central Provident Fund Board, MoneySense, and Investopedia

This article does not form part of any offer or recommendation, or have any regard to the investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any specific person. Before committing to an investment, please seek advice from a financial or other professional adviser.

Is Property A Viable Investment Tool?

3 Investments You Should Immediately Consider

This article does not form part of any offer or recommendation, or have any regard to the investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any specific person. Before committing to an investment, please seek advice from a financial or other professional adviser.

This article does not form part of any offer or recommendation, or have any regard to the investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any specific person. Before committing to an investment, please seek advice from a financial or other professional adviser.

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