PRICES of HDB flats staged a surprising comeback, rising 1.2 per cent in the second quarter after dipping 0.6 per cent in the first quarter this year.

Flash estimates from the Housing Development Board (HDB) on Wednesday showed the resale price index rising to 140 - an all-time record high.

Market analysts attribute this increase to the continued demand for HDB resale flats, where cash needed to buy a flat, or cash-over-valuation (COV), has come down since the global economic fallout began last year.

'The popularity of resale flats is holding well against new project launches and design and build projects by private developers,' said PropNex Chief Executive Mohamed Ismail.

'Further, feedback from the ground is that demand in the matured estates far exceeds supply.'

Meanwhile, the slide in private home prices has abated, falling 5.9 per cent in the second quarter, compared to the 14.1 per cent decline in the previous quarter.

More detailed private and pubic housing data for the second quarter will be released at the end of July.

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Private home prices dip 5.9%