PropertyBT

The Business Times

<p>Synopsis: Get insights from The Business Times on all things Singapore property, to help you in your property investment journey from senior correspondent Leslie Yee and industry players.</p> <p>Podcaster: Leslie Yee</p> <p>Produced by correspondent and podcast host Howie Lim, The Business Times, SPH Media Trust.</p>

  • 23 minutes 14 seconds
    China's real estate market: A rebound in sight?

    Examine the state of play with Chinese consumers, retailers, mall owners and tourists.

    Host Leslie Yee chats with seasoned China hand Cecilia Tan, former CEO of the manager of Sassuer Reit. Are things looking up for China’s troubled housing market? What are the prospects for physical retail spaces in China? Are there opportunities for Singapore players in the Chinese real estate market? Also, learn about developments in China’s Reit market and get insights on the future of Singapore-listed Reits that own China properties. 

    Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

    Highlights of the podcast:

    01:38 China’s real estate market 

    08:42 China’s physical retail property landscape

    12:25 China Reits 

    19:42 Are there opportunities in China property for Singapore groups?

    Read Leslie’s article:

    Reits that don’t trade well should be privatised, or sell assets and be liquidated

    Handle with extreme care any Reit mergers should CapitaLand, Mapletree merge

    ---

    Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected].

    ---

    Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee ([email protected])

    With Cecilia Tan, former CEO of Sasseur Asset Management

    Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Leslie Yee, Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

    ---

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    Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

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    23 March 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 23 minutes 19 seconds
    Is buying Reits and shares in property developers better than investing directly in physical property?

    Examine the investment landscape today and understand the risk-reward of various property investment types.

    In this episode of PropertyBT, host Leslie Yee chats with veteran investor Gabriel Yap of GCP Global.

    Amid low interest rates, we do a deep dive into the investment merits of shares in property groups and units in real estate investment trusts. We also see what overseas real estate opportunities are worth considering. Learn too whether you can be a full-time investor.

    Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

    Highlights of the podcast:

    06:55 Listed developers

    13:18 Outlook for Reits

    17:47 Outlook for S-Reits 

    19:07 Physical property vs property equities

    Read Leslie’s article:

    Seeing positives for Singapore Reits from investors’ support of Keppel Reit’s DPU-dilutive MBFC Tower 3 acquisition

    Unlock Bukit Sembawang’s deep value by putting it up for sale

    ---

    Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected].

    ---

    Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee ([email protected])

    With Gabriel Yap, executive chairman, GCP Global

    Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Leslie Yee, Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

    ---

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    Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

    ---

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    23 February 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 17 minutes 52 seconds
    Is it better investing in commercial property instead of residential property?

    Examine the state of play and outlook in private housing, office property and retail spaces.

    In this episode of PropertyBT, host Leslie Yee chats with Realion’s head honcho Desmond Sim.

    We look at what to consider when choosing whether to invest in private homes, office property or retail spaces. Also, get frank views on whether new retail entrepreneurs are fairly treated by landlords. And see what lies ahead for new boy Realion. 

    Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

    Highlights of the podcast:

    00:57 Outlook for private housing

    03:21 State of play in office property 

    07:40 Where should an investor put his money

    12:30 Are small retailers being fairly treated?

    Read Leslie’s article:

    Will FCT’s Causeway Point reel from the opening of the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link?

    Housing developers should brace for rougher conditions in 2026

    ---

    Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected].

    ---

    Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee ([email protected])

    With Desmond Sim, group CEO, Realion Group

    Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Leslie Yee, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

    ---

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    Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

    ---

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    26 January 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 15 minutes 11 seconds
    Where is Singapore's housing market headed in 2026?

    What will 2026 hold for HDB resale flats, new condos, resale condos and landed homes?

    In this episode of PropertyBT, host Leslie Yee chats with Ismail Gafoor of PropNex.

    We explore the demand drivers for the housing market as well as key risks. We look at the priorities of home buyers. Also, get valuable tips on buying homes and building a career in real estate from PropNex’s charismatic co-founder.  

    Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

    Highlights of the podcast:

    00:55 HDB resale market outlook

    05:54 New condo demand 

    10:27 Landed housing aspirations

    12:53 What next for PropNex and Ismail

    Read Leslie’s article:

    Housing developers should brace for rougher conditions in 2026

    ---

    Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected].

    ---

    Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee ([email protected])

    With Ismail Gafoor, co-founder and executive chairman, PropNex

    Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Leslie Yee, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

    ---

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    Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

    ---

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    22 December 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 13 minutes 24 seconds
    Is there gold in green buildings?

    Singapore’s skyline is growing fast — but how green are the buildings we live, work and play in? 

    This week on PropertyBT, senior correspondent Leslie Yee sits down with Schneider Electric’s Jackson Seng to unpack the real value of green buildings, from energy savings and tenant wellbeing to rental premiums and the risk of stranded assets. 

    They explore whether retrofitting can trump redevelopment, how Singapore stacks up globally, and why sustainability is becoming a business imperative rather than a buzzword. 

    If the future is green, what will it take for every building to get there?

    Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

     

    Read Leslie’s article:

    https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion-features/columns/tighten-en-bloc-rules-encourage-reuse-so-more-private-housing-blocks-stand-over-50-years

    ---

    Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee ([email protected])

    With Jackson Seng, vice president, Schneider Electric

    Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Leslie Yee & Emily Liu

    Engineered by: Joann Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

    ---

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    28 November 2025, 6:18 am
  • 14 minutes 49 seconds
    Can Vers solve HDB’s 99-year lease decay problem?

    By the 2030s, nearly 300 of Singapore’s earliest HDB blocks will enter the final 30 years of their 99-year leases. 

    In this episode of PropertyBT, Leslie Yee unpacks the government’s proposed Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (Vers): what it could mean for homeowners, the potential challenges of the scheme and the risk of lease decay. 

    Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

    Highlights of the podcast:

    02:32 Voting threshold

    05:31 Compensation amount

    09:02 Will Vers be popular?

    10:37 Selling old flats in the resale market

    Read Leslie’s articles:

    Keep Vers for HDB flats simple and fair

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    Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected].

    ---

    Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee ([email protected])

    Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Leslie Yee, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

    ---

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    Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

    ---

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    27 October 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 19 minutes 4 seconds
    Is Singapore retail property in dire straits?

    What ails retail, F&B and nightlife in Singapore? 

    In this episode of PropertyBT, host Leslie Yee chats with Knight Frank Singapore’s retail head Ethan Hsu.

    We explore the challenges facing F&B operators, Orchard Road and nightlife players as well as the threats posed by online shopping and retail offerings in Johor Bahru. What is the outlook for various segments of retail and lifestyle properties here and what should landlords do? 

    Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

    Highlights of the podcast:

    00:51 F&B woes

    08:15 Johor Bahru threat

    13:47 Orchard Road

    15:54 Nightlife scene

    Read Leslie’s articles:

    Owning more of Ion Orchard and some of Jewel Changi Airport will boost CICT’s retail exposure and attractiveness

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    Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected].

    ---

    Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee ([email protected])

    With Ethan Hsu, head, retail, Knight Frank Singapore

    Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Leslie Yee, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

    ---

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    Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

    ---

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    22 September 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 15 minutes 50 seconds
    Bringing life to state properties

    Can state properties become vibrant spaces that create economic and societal value? 

    In this episode of PropertyBT, host Leslie Yee chats with Singapore Land Authority’s Carrie Wong.

    We explore the challenges of managing black-and-white bungalows. We see how the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) is different from private sector landlords. We also look at success stories in transforming state properties and the SLA’s work in supporting social enterprises and the arts.

    Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

    Highlights of the podcast:

    01:12 Diverse range of state properties

    02:31 Black-and-white bungalows

    09:11 Creating great physical spaces

    13:45 Staying ahead of trends

    Read Leslie’s articles:

    Tighten en bloc rules, encourage reuse so more private housing blocks stand for over 50 years

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    Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected].

    ---

    Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee ([email protected])

    With Carrie Wong, director of business planning and development (land operations), Singapore Land Authority

    Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Leslie Yee, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

    ---

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    Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

    ---

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    25 August 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 14 minutes 10 seconds
    Making property agents do better by consumers

    What should be done with rogue agents, inactive agents and big agencies dominating the market? 

    In this episode of PropertyBT, host Leslie Yee chats with Prof Sing Tien Foo to explore ideas like regulating sales commission rates and eliminating the role of agents in selling HDB resale flats. 

    We discuss the responsibility of agencies for the actions of agents, whether inactive agents should be stuck off and the impact of having an agency landscape dominated by a few big players. 

    Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

    Highlights of the podcast:

    01:08  Dealing with rogue agents

    04:49 Dominance of a few big agencies

    08:23 Sales commission rates

    09:59 What to do with inactive agents

    Read Leslie’s articles:

    Low mortgage rates help; but be cautious in pursuing condo dreams as economic outlook weakens

    See the positives in having choice HDB resale flats that transact for over a million dollars each

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    Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected].

    ---

    Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee ([email protected])

    With Prof Sing Tien Foo, provost’s chair professor, Department of Real Estate, NUS Business School

    Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Leslie Yee, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

    ---

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    Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

    ---

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    21 July 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 16 minutes 5 seconds
    Why GuocoLand’s bet on new condos is paying off: PropertyBT

    Why are Singaporeans so smitten with shiny new condos?

    In this episode of PropertyBT, host Leslie Yee chats with GuocoLand’s Dora Chng to unpack what’s driving the demand—from MRT-connected launches to forest-fringed retreats.

    We explore why the Lentor area is so hot right now, why buyers are paying a premium for that “brand new” feel, and how green living and flex rooms are becoming the new must-haves. 

    Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

    Highlights of the podcast:

    00:49 New vs. Resale?

    02:37 Explore the Lentor neighbourhood

    08:07 Paying premium for Green

    10:59 Behind the scenes of show flats

    Read Leslie’s articles:

    Trade tariffs may remove Fomo among new condo buyers, open the way to relax ABSD

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    Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected].

    ---

    Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee ([email protected])

    With Dora Chng, residential director, GuocoLand

    Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Leslie Yee, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

    ---

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    Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

    ---

    Discover more BT podcast series:

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    23 June 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 14 minutes
    Will Singapore commercial properties survive the trade war? PropertyBT

    Half-way into 2025, Singapore has a new government, and the world has a new trade war.

    Should we be bracing for another downturn for Singapore’s commercial properties?

    But don’t panic just yet, things may not be as bad as they seem.

    In this episode, Senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from Cushman & Wakefield’s Wong Xian Yang on the surprising resilience of Singapore’s commercial property market. 

    Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts.

    Highlights of the podcast:

    02:19 How will a recession impact properties?

    03:15 Will businesses still come to Singapore? 

    05:04 Will office rents hold up?

    08:20 Will industrial properties go vacant?

    10:05 Will investment activity slow down?

    Read Leslie’s article:

    Build more CBD offices; go slow on decentralised offices and CBD homes

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    Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected].

    ---

    Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee ([email protected])

    With Wong Xian Yang, head of research Singapore and South-east Asia, Cushman & Wakefield

    Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Leslie Yee, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

    ---

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    Website: bt.sg/btcorresp

    Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

    ---

    Discover more BT podcast series:

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    26 May 2025, 4:00 pm
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