Even in a market as transparent and well-regulated as Singapore’s, navigating the real estate landscape can be daunting for newcomers. That’s where the expertise of a trusted real estate agent comes in handy.
While it’s possible to go it alone, thanks to user-friendly property portals like PropertyGuru and 99.co, working with a professional can save you time and potential headache down the road.
This is because of generally high service standards and a low commission rate of just a few percent in Singapore.
That’s in stark contrast to most other countries throughout Southeast Asia where realtors are almost exclusively a service for foreign investors.
So, who are the top players in Singapore’s real estate scene? Let’s take a closer look at five of the best property agents the Lion City has to offer.
These realtors aren’t ranked in any particular order, as the best agent will depend on your own specific goals.
PropNex Realty
As one of the largest real estate agencies in Singapore, PropNex Realty boasts an extensive network of over 8,000 salespersons.
This homegrown brand has been a fixture in the market since 2000 and has won numerous accolades for its service excellence.
PropNex’s agents are known for their professionalism, market knowledge, and ability to cater to a wide range of clients, from HDB flat buyers to luxury property investors.
What sets PropNex apart is its commitment to training and development. The company has its own in-house training academy, which ensures that its agents are always up-to-date with the latest market trends, regulations, and best practices.
PropNex also leverages technology to enhance the property buying and selling experience. Its agents have access to proprietary tools and platforms that streamline processes and provide valuable insights.
For example, the company’s “PropNex Property Agent App” allows agents to manage listings, schedule appointments, and communicate with clients on the go.
ERA Realty Network
Another heavyweight in the Singapore real estate industry, ERA Realty Network has over 6,000 agents and a history dating back to 1982.
The company prides itself on its innovative approach, leveraging technology to enhance the property buying and selling experience.
ERA’s agents undergo rigorous training to stay ahead of market trends and regulatory changes. They are well-equipped to guide clients through every step of the process, from property search to financing and legal documentation.
Whether it’s a condo or a house, there are varieties in locations and price ranges, and whether it’s a freehold or a leasehold. A good realtor can help you find the perfect property that matches your preference.
One of ERA’s key strengths is its global network. As part of the larger ERA Real Estate group, which has a presence in over 30 countries, the company can tap into a wealth of international expertise and resources.
ERA also places a strong emphasis on digital marketing. Its agents are trained to leverage social media, virtual tours, and other online channels to reach a wider audience and showcase properties in the best possible light.
This can be a major advantage in a market where many buyers start their search online.
Huttons Asia
Huttons Asia may be a relatively young player, having been founded in 2002, but it has quickly made a name for itself as one of Singapore’s most dynamic and fast-growing real estate agencies.
With over 3,000 agents, Huttons has a presence in both Singapore’s private residential and commercial property markets.
What sets Huttons apart is its focus on technology and digital marketing. The company’s agents are trained to leverage social media, virtual tours, and data analytics to help clients make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Huttons has also invested heavily in its own proprietary technology platform, which includes a mobile app, a customer relationship management (CRM) system, and a data analytics engine.
Another key strength of Huttons is its entrepreneurial culture. The company encourages its agents to think like business owners and provides them with the tools and support they need to build their own successful practices.
OrangeTee & Tie
Formed through the merger of OrangeTee and Edmund Tie & Company in 2017, OrangeTee & Tie is a formidable force in the Singapore real estate market.
The agency has over 4,000 agents and a reputation for excellence in research and advisory services.
OrangeTee & Tie’s agents are known for their deep market insights and ability to provide clients with comprehensive, data-driven advice. The company also has a strong focus on corporate social responsibility and sustainability.
Some condo projects are more sought after than the others. Realtors are usually quick to pick up on updates in the real estate market, and a competent one can give advice to their clients.
One of OrangeTee & Tie’s unique selling points is its “Agent-Centric App”, which empowers agents with a suite of digital tools and resources.
The app includes features such as real-time market data, property valuation tools, and a virtual tour creator, allowing agents to provide a more seamless and engaging experience for clients.
OrangeTee & Tie also has a dedicated research and consultancy division, which provides valuable insights and advisory services to clients. This can be particularly useful for investors looking to make informed decisions in a complex and ever-changing market.
Savills Singapore
As part of the global Savills network, Savills Singapore offers clients access to a wealth of international expertise and resources.
The agency has a team of over 500 professionals across various disciplines, including residential, commercial, and industrial property.
Savills is renowned for its high-end clientele and expertise in luxury properties. The company’s agents are skilled in catering to the unique needs and preferences of discerning investors and home buyers.
One of Savills’ key strengths is its global reach. With a presence in over 70 countries, the company can provide clients with a truly international perspective and help them navigate cross-border transactions with ease.
This can be a major advantage for foreign investors looking to diversify their portfolios.
Savills also has a strong track record in research and thought leadership. The company regularly publishes market reports, insights, and commentary, which can be valuable resources for clients looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Choosing the Right Realtor in Singapore
While these five agencies are among the best in the business, it’s important to find an agent who is the right fit for your specific needs and goals.
Don’t hesitate to interview multiple agents, ask for references, and do your own research before making a decision.
Look for an agent who has experience in the type of property you’re interested in, whether it’s an HDB flat, a commercial space, or private condo in Singapore.
A good agent should be knowledgeable, responsive, and transparent about their fees and services.
It’s also worth noting that commission rates in Singapore are generally lower than in many other countries, typically between 1% and 4%. This means you can enjoy high-quality service without breaking the bank.
Different realtors have their own specialties. Between private condos and HDB flats, it’s important to know your agent’s focus area.
Is Buying Property in Singapore a Good Investment?
You might want to consider buying real estate in Singapore if you have plenty of cash in the bank and are looking for a safe country with good governance and a strong currency.
Many aspects of the city-state make it ideal for preserving wealth, even if not a high-yielding investment.
Singapore real estate should nonetheless continue appreciating in value over time. A severe lack of space combined with population growth and rising income bodes well for long-term investors.
Wealthy foreign investors, for their part, will almost certainly keep investing in Singapore real estate.
As mentioned earlier, Singapore’s real estate market is one of the world’s most expensive. Yet this doesn’t necessarily make it a bad investment.
So, if you decide to buy property in Singapore, then you’ll almost certainly be paying top dollar for it, which is why choosing a high-quality developer is so important.
Since the city is far more developed than most of its neighbors, foreign buyers often have a false sense of security when purchasing a condo in Singapore.
FAQs: Singapore Real Estate Agents
How Much is Realtor Commission in Singapore?
Real estate agents charge commissions of anywhere between 1% and 4%. The rates usually depend on a property's size, with large expensive homes changing a lower rate than smaller ones.
With that said, 2% is a good benchmark rate for most realtor commissions in Singapore.
What's the Largest Real Estate Agent in Singapore?
The size of local realtors in Singapore are hard to estimate or compare. If we're looking at multinational real estate agents though, CBRE is the world's largest with a market cap above $30 billion.
