Owning an investment property and collecting good rental income is one version of the Singapore Dream wafting through show-flats everywhere.
Real estate investment - once considered a no-brainer has become more complicated in recent years, with changing market dynamics brought about partly by new government policies and measures to cool the market.
The prospect of an improving property market outlook, cheap loans and relatively more affordable small apartments have lured many investors back to real estate.
Property remains an attractive long-term investment, but thorough consideration must be made - beyond just interest rate movements and location of the project - before investing in one.
Those looking to invest in property now take a longer-term investment horizon, as there is limited potential for short-term gains, unlike in the past when prices could appreciate by 60 per cent in a few years.
Investors have to consider the cash-flow potential of the property and whether it could cover mortgage and running costs, and need to be prepared for negative cash flow for the periods that they cannot find a tenant.
