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That home outside Singapore? Good idea, but watch your step

Many Singaporeans are buying property overseas. This has its upsides but also carries risks. Do your homework.

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The rising interest in overseas homes by upper-middle-income Singaporeans signals a broader shift.

The rising interest in overseas homes by upper-middle-income Singaporeans signals a broader shift.

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO

Ruben Koh

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For years, buying a home overseas was seen as the domain of the ultra-wealthy – an indulgence tied to luxury lifestyles or high-yielding property portfolios. But that profile is changing.

Today, more upper-middle-income Singaporeans are entering international markets – not to flip homes or chase speculative gains, but to plan for their children’s education, retirement, or long-term lifestyle flexibility. Some also see it as a hedge against inflation or currency devaluation. While the motivations have matured, the risks remain. So too does the need for realistic planning.

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