Why Are Singapore’s Savvy Investors Shifting to Melbourne’s House & Land Market?

Singapore landed yields 3% and costs millions. Melbourne house-and-land compared — including the duty concession it misses out on.

Why Are Singapore’s Savvy Investors Shifting to Melbourne’s House & Land Market?

Key takeaways

  • Singapore landed property requires millions upfront and yields around 3% or less; Melbourne offers a lower entry price with higher yield and full land ownership.
  • As at March 2025, Melbourne prices were 6.9% below the 2022 peak. The projected 3.5% rise for 2025 and 6% for 2026 did not eventuate.
  • Melbourne house values were down 1.2% year-on-year to June 2026 — the window did not close, it stayed open.
  • House-and-land gives freehold land, which is what drives long-run growth, but is excluded from Victoria's off-the-plan duty concession.
  • Foreign buyers can access house-and-land through vacant land with a four-year build obligation, or a newly built home never sold or occupied.

While Singapore’s private and landed homes require millions upfront and yield 3% or less, Melbourne offers a lower entry price, higher rental yields, and full ownership of land—all in a fast-growing city set for price appreciation.

As of March 2025, CoreLogic reports that Melbourne’s property prices are still 6.9% below their 2022 peak. But with a projected 3.5% rise this year and 6% in 2026, the window to buy low is rapidly closing. Smart investors are locking in properties now—before the inevitable surge.

Top Cities For Cross-Border Investment and Preferred StrategyTop cities for cross border investment and preferred strategySource: CBRE

Affordability & Entry Price: Get More for Less in Melbourne

SingaporeMelbourne
A prime freehold landed home easily costs S$5M to S$10M. A luxury condo? S$3M+. On top of that, ABSD (20-30%) adds hundreds of thousands to your cost.A brand-new house and land package in prime suburbs starts from A$700k–A$900k (S$620k–S$800k).
The difference? For the cost of one private property in Singapore, you could own multiple freehold properties in Melbourne.

Why Melbourne Outperforms Even Singapore HDBs

A 2-bedroom HDB in Singapore costs upwards of SGD 700k and offers rental yields of just 2.5-3%. Compare that to Melbourne’s house and land packages:

  • Rental yields of 4-6%—double that of an HDB. - Generous rebates up to $40k—instant savings- Freehold ownership—no lease countdown. - Energy-efficient homes—lower running costs & higher tenant appeal. - High demand from students, professionals, and families.

Take the Evergreen Estate in Clyde as an example: With $20k-$40k in rebates, you get a brand-new home in a rapidly growing area, surrounded by schools, shopping centers, and transport links. While others wait in long BTO queues, you could own a freehold property, generating passive income.

Ownership & Land Value: Freehold vs. Leasehold

SingaporeMelbourne
Most condos are 99-year leasehold, meaning they depreciate over time. Even landed homes face strict foreign ownership restrictions.House and land packages offer freehold ownership, meaning you own the land indefinitely—a rare advantage even Australians compete for.

Land appreciates over time, and in growth areas like Clyde, Truganina, and Thomastown, demand is pushing prices up. Investing now means securing a scarce asset before prices climb higher.

Prime Investment Locations: Where to Secure Your Spot Now

1. Clyde (Evergreen Estate)

Rebates: $20k-$40k off on premium packages like Oakdene 26.4 (double-storey). Growth corridor: Near 10 schools, shopping hubs, and future transport links. Hot pick: Lot 2852 Ruben 22.4 (4 beds + study) for under A$800k. 2. Thomastown (Marran Run)

Price: 6-figure townhouses just 15km from Melbourne CBD. Tenant demand: Close to RMIT and La Trobe University—high student rental demand. Hot pick: Lot 109 Marran Run DS (3-bed townhouse) with strong equity potential. 3. Berwick (Minta Estate) Rebate: $40k discount on 7-star energy-rated homes (high tenant demand). Fast commute: 45 mins to Melbourne CBD, 10 mins to Monash Freeway. Hot pick: Lot 2722 Yering 20.4 (modern, low-maintenance, tenant-ready). 4. Truganina (Mt Atkinson) Affordable land: Starting from $302k in Melbourne’s high-growth west. Convenience: 20 mins to Werribee Plaza, 35 mins to the CBD. Hot pick: Lot 30442—perfect for dual occupancy.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: How These Packages Build Wealth Let’s break down a Malbec (DS) Package in Clyde: Cost: $720k (after $40k rebate) Rent: $600/week = $31k/year Mortgage: $42k/year (5.2% rate) Cash flow: Positive from Day 1 after depreciation tax benefits.

Unlike Singapore’s 99-year leasehold properties, you own the land forever—a rare opportunity even for Australians. Fast forward a year, will you be enjoying capital gains and rental income, or regretting missing out?

The Clock Is Ticking: Why You Must Act Before June 30, 2025

  • $40K savings gone after June 30 (limited-time only). - Victoria may increase foreign buyer fees.  - Interest rate cuts are expected in 2025. More buyers will flood in, driving prices higher. Expected Direction of Central Bank Policy Rates in 2025

What About Risks? Yes, Victoria’s land taxes are higher than in some states but consider this:

  • Prices are still below peak levels - Melbourne’s rental market is booming Singapore’s property market is tough, but you don’t have to be stuck in it. Melbourne offers a way out—a chance to grow wealth, earn stronger yields, and own a property without expiry dates. The window is open now, but not for long.

Timing is everything. Secure Your Spot Now!

As Melbourne's property market continues to flourish, now is the time to make your move before prices climb higher. Contact us now!

Josh Tay

Common questions

Can Singaporeans buy house and land in Melbourne?

Yes, through vacant land with FIRB approval and a requirement to complete construction within four years, or by buying a newly built home that has never been sold or occupied. Established houses are closed to foreign buyers until 30 June 2029.

Is Melbourne house and land better than an apartment?

House-and-land gives you the land content that drives long-run capital growth and avoids owners corporation fees. Apartments yield more income, are cheaper to enter, and qualify for the off-the-plan duty concession, which house-and-land does not — often a difference of tens of thousands.

Did Melbourne prices recover from the 2022 peak?

No. They were 6.9% below peak in March 2025 and have fallen further, down 1.2% in the year to June 2026. Forecasts of 3.5% growth in 2025 and 6% in 2026 were not met.

Why do Singaporeans buy Melbourne land rather than Singapore landed property?

Price and yield. Singapore landed starts in the millions and yields around 3%; Melbourne house-and-land packages start under A$600,000 in the outer growth corridors with yields around 4-4.3%. The trade-offs are distance, currency risk, and Victoria's holding taxes.

General information only — not financial, tax, legal or investment advice. Foreign investment rules, stamp duty and tax treatment change; verify with the relevant authority and your own advisers before acting.

Not sure whether it stacks up for you?

Send me your budget and timeline. I'll tell you honestly whether an Australian purchase makes sense — including when it doesn't.

Start a conversation