A common suspicion among buyers is that realtors will always push new launch properties on them, whether or not it’s suited to their purposes. The assumption is that new launch properties will have higher commissions, because new launches tend to be priced higher, and there are lingering stories of how generous developers are with commissions. The reality, as always, is much more nuanced than this, especially in 2025. Here’s why you keep hearing about new projects from your real estate agent in Singapore:

1. It’s not about higher commissions – at least not anymore

There is some truth that, a few years ago, commissions for new launch properties could be very high. In the years just prior to COVID, for instance, we came across new launches where commissions could reach even three to five per cent; but that has changed in 2025. From conversations with property agents, the commissions for new launches today are roughly comparable to the two per cent they’d get for a resale property....