Common Mistakes Buyers Make During New Launch Previews (and How to Avoid Them)

Buying a new launch condo in Singapore can be one of the most exciting milestones in your property journey. The preview period — also known as the VIP preview or soft launch — is when developers showcase showflats, release indicative prices, and start accepting expressions of interest. It’s often fast-paced and competitive, with many eager buyers vying for the best units.

However, many homebuyers and investors walk into previews unprepared, make rushed decisions, or overlook important details. These mistakes can cost thousands of dollars or lock buyers into units that don’t align with their long-term goals.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the most common mistakes buyers make during new launch previews — and share practical tips on how you can avoid them to make the best possible property decision.

1. Going in Without Research

The Mistake:

Many buyers walk into a new launch preview with little to no preparation. They’re swayed by glossy brochures, showroom staging, or hype generated by marketing campaigns. Without understanding market comparisons, pricing benchmarks, and project positioning, they may overcommit.

Why It Matters:

Developers often highlight the most attractive aspects during previews. But without knowing how the project stacks up against competitors in the same district, buyers risk paying a premium or choosing a unit that doesn’t hold long-term value.

How to Avoid It:

• Research nearby new launches and resale condos.
• Compare average PSF (price per square foot).
• Look at future transformation plans (MRT lines, schools, commercial hubs).
• Read independent reviews on trusted property platforms.

Walking into a preview with market context will help you evaluate whether the pricing is fair and sustainable.

2. Underestimating Total Costs

The Mistake:

Buyers often focus only on the listed price, forgetting additional costs like:

• Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD)
• Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) if applicable
• Legal fees
• Loan eligibility (TDSR/MSR rules)
• Renovation and furnishing costs

Why It Matters:

Even a small oversight can derail financial planning. For instance, ABSD for a second property can add up to 20%–30% of the purchase price, which is a significant sum.

How to Avoid It:

• Calculate BSD and ABSD in advance using available calculators.
• Speak to a banker about your In-Principle Approval (IPA) before attending the preview.
• Set aside a buffer of 5–10% beyond the unit price.

Being clear about affordability upfront prevents disappointment or regret later.

3. Forgetting the Timeline

The Mistake:

Some buyers overlook the project’s estimated TOP (Temporary Occupation Permit) date and payment schedule. They assume they can move in quickly or rent it out sooner.

Why It Matters:

New launches typically take 3–4 years before completion. If you have urgent housing needs, choosing a project with TOP only in 2029 may not fit your plans. Also, the progressive payment scheme spreads costs over construction stages — a benefit for some, but a burden for others if not managed.

How to Avoid It:

• Check the developer’s official TOP date.
• Match your housing needs with the construction timeline.
• Understand the progressive payment stages and prepare your cashflow.

4. Ignoring Floor Plan Practicality

The Mistake:

Buyers are often dazzled by beautifully staged showflats. But remember: showflats are designed for marketing — walls may be hacked, mirrors used to enlarge spaces, or high-end furniture scaled down to make rooms look bigger.

Why It Matters:

The actual unit you purchase may feel very different once bare. Poor layouts (odd corners, wasted corridors, lack of natural light) can affect livability and resale demand.

How to Avoid It:

• Study the floor plan closely, not just the showflat.
• Check dimensions of bedrooms (can they fit a queen/king bed?).
• Look for efficiency in layout — less wasted space, more usable area.
• Compare stack orientations (north-south facing is generally more favorable).

5. Overlooking Exit Strategy

The Mistake:

Some buyers only think about the purchase, not the eventual sale. They choose based on emotion rather than considering long-term demand.

Why It Matters:

Real estate is a major investment. If you ever need to sell, rent, or upgrade, your unit’s demand will determine its resale value.

How to Avoid It:

• Assess the project’s mass appeal — is it near MRT stations, schools, malls?
• Choose popular unit types (2- and 3-bedrooms typically enjoy higher demand).
• Avoid unusual layouts that may deter future buyers.
• Think about tenant appeal if you plan to rent.

6. Getting Caught Up in the Hype

The Mistake:

Previews are designed to create urgency — limited units, early bird discounts, balloting systems. Many buyers feel pressured and make snap decisions without due diligence.

Why It Matters:

Rushed decisions often lead to buyer’s remorse. Once you sign the Option to Purchase (OTP), backing out means forfeiting 25% of your booking fee (about 1.25% of the purchase price).

How to Avoid It:

• Set clear selection criteria before entering the showroom.
• Decide your budget range, preferred unit type, and facing in advance.
• Don’t be afraid to walk away if the numbers don’t make sense.

7. Not Consulting Professionals

The Mistake:

Some buyers attend previews without guidance, thinking they can figure it out on their own. They may miss important details hidden in the fine print of brochures or Price Lists.

Why It Matters:

Sales representatives at showflats act for the developer, not the buyer. Having a trusted realtor ensures you get unbiased advice, market comparisons, and negotiation support.

How to Avoid It:

• Engage an experienced buyer’s agent to represent your interests.
• Ask detailed questions about maintenance fees, unit mixes, and future developments.
• Get a mortgage specialist to check loan eligibility in advance.

 Whether you’re investing or buying your first home, our experienced agents at PropertyNet offer market comparisons, financing advice, and personalized strategies to help you secure the best unit at the best value. Contact us for a private consultation and let us help you secure the right home or investment.

8. Overlooking Surrounding Developments

The Mistake:

Buyers sometimes fixate on the project itself and forget to check the surrounding master plan.

Why It Matters:

Future developments can make or break your investment. For example, an empty plot next door might become a noisy construction site or a high-rise blocking your view. On the flip side, an upcoming MRT station or mall could boost property values.

How to Avoid It:

• Study the URA Master Plan for the area.
• Ask about upcoming government land sales (GLS) sites nearby.
• Consider both potential risks and upsides of future developments.

Final Thoughts

New launch previews in Singapore can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Many buyers make costly mistakes because they walk in unprepared or allow emotions to drive decisions.

By avoiding the pitfalls — such as neglecting research, underestimating costs, ignoring floor plans, and overlooking exit strategies — you can secure a unit that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle needs.

The best strategy? Plan ahead, seek independent advice, and never rush into a decision. When done right, buying a new launch can be one of the most rewarding moves in your property journey.

🚀 Stay Ahead in the Property Market!

Be the first to receive exclusive updates, launch reviews, insider deals, and real-time alerts — directly on your preferred app.

👉 Join our community now:

🌐 Spread Knowledge. Share with Others.

Click any of the icons below to share this content with those who may benefit from it.