Subscriber Picks: New v resale condo – which is a better deal?

Subscriber picks is a weekly curation of the best from The Straits Times - where we bring you exclusive reports, in-depth analyses, and the latest happenings in Singapore and beyond.


Plus: Are virtual cards a good travel payment option?

How much more would you pay for a new condo unit?

New launches in Singapore have become much pricier than similarly sized resale units in the same area. Some new units can cost over 70 per cent more up from 20-30 per cent more prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. If you are house hunting, what are the factors to consider? 

The million-dollar question often boils down to this: If you are paying a high price for a new unit, what are the chances of your future buyer paying even more for it years later? We look at previous launches and the top 10 gainers and losers in terms of value appreciation.

Are you a cash or card person when you travel? About 56 per cent of people in Singapore still use cash most often when making payments overseas, according to a recent study. Factors cited include the prevalence and perceived security of e-payment options overseas. This week, we look at how you can guard against fraud even if you are going cashless.


New v resale condo: Which is a better deal?

Is it true that new launches – which can cost over 70% more than resale units – have better capital price appreciation potential? 

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Android users lose nearly $100k of CPF savings in malware-related scams

The victims came across ads marketing groceries like seafood on social media platforms, including Facebook.

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Worried about going cashless when travelling? Tips on how you can guard against fraud

Consider using virtual cards which you can freeze or delete any time.

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Asian dementia on the rise in S'pore: What are the early signs?

In an ongoing study of 818 people, about half were found to have undiagnosed mild cognitive impairment, a brain condition which indicates the early stages of dementia.

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How much is a human head?

A human head will set you back about US$640. Here's a glimpse into the global trade in dead human bodies for medical dissection.

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Inside the black box of Amazon returns

What happens when you return a shirt that doesn't fit? 

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What is adult entrenched dependency abuse?

A man in his 30s refused to work, and demanded $10 to $20 a day from his parents. Another man would hit his mum for not taking care of his multiple pets to his satisfaction.

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From Brazil to Morocco, savour the world at 9 new restaurants

Taste the world on your plate – from Brazilian cheese bread to slow-braised lamb shoulder. 

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