Hi folks, just wana share my experience as my sis's fren is a property agent so i do hear from her about how the propety mkt is like nowadays.
Its true that valuation has risen, hence many sellers are beginning to lower their expectations on COV as they find it increasingly difficult to sell off their flats. Esp for young couples where cash is our main concern, i suggest you consider Sengkang / Punggol as the flats are relatively newer, and my sis's fren has managed to close a few deals at COV of $10k below recently, and some of which have built-in cabinets in rather good conditions. According to her, the owners at these new estates are generally younger couples, so in terms of design and maintenance should be pretty acceptable.
Was very shocked to hear this as i rem the COV was at least $30k back in Oct 2007 when i started home hunting. Luckily i got my flat from the ballot early this year, but to those of u who are looking at the resale market, looking at the newer estate may be a good alternative. Just my two cents worth..