Buying your first home is one of the most defining financial decisions you’ll ever make. For many Singaporeans, the “default path” is to apply for a BTO, wait several years, and enjoy subsidised pricing. It feels safe, familiar, and traditionally profitable. But the truth is — today’s market looks very different from what it was even 5–10 years ago.

Choosing your first property in Singapore is not just about affordability — it’s about understanding how timing, flexibility, and property type shape your long-term wealth. We study a side-by-side comparison of 3 real buyer profiles: a BTO couple, a new launch buyer, and a resale condo buyer and explore how the 3 entry points to Singapore property market lead to dramatically different outcomes over 10 years.