Housing restrictions ease as central bank reports strong investment gains
Plus: Singapore holds goalless with Vietnam in ASEAN Championship, early MRT trains confirmed for December marathon.
TL;DR
- HDB scrapped its 15-month wait for private homeowners buying resale flats, responding to softening property prices.
- MAS reported S$20 billion net profit on S$39.8 billion investment income, with a first government contribution since 2020.
- S$300 extra CDC vouchers and higher U-Save rebates announced to ease household cost pressures.
- Singapore drew 0-0 with defending ASEAN champions Vietnam in World Cup qualifying, staying atop Group A.
Business and economy
Property reforms and central bank gains drive growth narrative
Housing restrictions ease as MAS posts record investment returns and households get fresh cost-of-living relief.
National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat scrapped the 15-month wait-out period for private property owners buying HDB resale flats, effective immediately. The move follows quarter-on-quarter price declines in Singapore's public housing market—resale prices fell for the second consecutive quarter in Q2 2026, a sharp reversal from 10.4% growth in 2022. (via Mothership)
Central bank posts S$20 billion profit. The Monetary Authority of Singapore reported a net profit of S$20 billion for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, driven by S$39.8 billion in investment gains from managing foreign reserves. The result includes a S$1 billion contribution to the Government's Consolidated Fund, the first such contribution since 2020/21. Currency headwinds from a stronger Singapore dollar trimmed gains by S$16.4 billion. (via The Independent Singapore)
Households get S$300 in extra vouchers. The government announced S$300 in additional CDC (Community Development Council) vouchers and higher U-Save rebates for households, responding to elevated living costs fuelled by Middle East tensions and energy price spikes. The package brings total CDC voucher support to S$800 for 2026. (via The Independent Singapore)
Travel and tourism
MRT to run all-night trains for December marathon
Complimentary early trains will serve runners and supporters of the BYD Singapore International Marathon.
Singapore's rail operator will run complimentary MRT trains from 2:30am to 4:30am on December 6 across the North South, East West, and Circle Lines at 15-minute intervals to ferry runners and supporters to the BYD Singapore International Marathon. The full race begins at 4:30am at the National Stadium, with registration open through September 30. (via Mothership)
Sports
Singapore holds defending champions goalless in ASEAN qualifier
The Lions drew 0-0 with Vietnam in Group A play, maintaining top spot with two matches left.
Singapore drew 0-0 with defending ASEAN Championship champions Vietnam at Mỹ Đình National Stadium in Hanoi on July 31, a result that keeps the Lions atop Group A with unbeaten form. Singapore had won its opening two matches against Cambodia and Timor-Leste; Vietnam, seeking back-to-back titles after their 2024 conquest, came into the clash on the back of a 7-0 rout of Timor-Leste but were frustrated by Singapore's defensive discipline and wasted chances in front of goal. (via ESPN)