 Singapore’s latest move to tighten property rules may deliver a short-term dip in domestic housing demand, but market fundamentals remain solid, according to a new report by UOB.
The bank expects the revised Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD)—which raises rates by four percentage points and extends the minimum holding period for sellers to four years—to have only a moderate cooling effect in the near term. UOB pointed to supportive conditions including lower interest rates, stable employment, and a healthy pipeline of new housing supply as factors that will continue to underpin buyer confidence and housing demand. The policy change, which took effect on 4 July, is aimed at curbing speculative activity in the private residential market, particularly the sharp rise in sub-sales of uncompleted units. Sub-sales had surged to 9.5% of total transactions in Q4 2023, a level not seen since 2011, and remained elevated in Q1 2025 at 4.4%—well above the pre-pandemic average. Authorities from the Ministry of National Development, Ministry of Finance, and Monetary Authority of Singapore said the move is designed to dampen short-term flipping and reinforce market stability. The measure follows a series of previous cooling steps, including a hike in Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty in April 2023. Although price growth has moderated in the first half of 2025, UOB noted that transaction volumes have picked up, prompting concern that low borrowing costs could re-ignite speculative buying. Still, the bank views the broader outlook as resilient, highlighting Singapore’s sound economic backdrop and measured housing policy as key buffers.
0 Comments
 mm2 Asia Ltd. aims to raise $15 million through a proposed placement of 1,875,000,000 shares at S$0.008 each.
The proposed placement price represents a premium of approximately 14.3% to the volume-weighted average price of $0.007 for trades done on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited on 4 July. mm2 said the issuance of placement shares is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial position and provide funding for the repayment of debts and outstanding liabilities. The placement shares represent 28.7% of the existing issued and paid-up share capital and 22.3% of the enlarged issued and paid-up share capital of the company.  Exercising takes it out of you doesn’t it? You’re hot, sweaty, knackered and your mouth is so dry you feel as though you could drink the entire Atlantic Ocean and still be dying of thirst! But what do you rehydrate with after a workout; what really hits the spot and quenches that unrelenting thirst, whilst also helping to restore your body back to it’s functional best?
Many of us would naturally choose water, I mean surely that’s the most hydrating liquid of all, right?! And if you’re happy with drinking the stuff that comes out of the tap, then it’s free. Perfect solution. Or maybe you go for something a bit more performance based, one of those sports drinks with added electrolytes and minerals that look as though they’ve been poured straight out of a glowstick – seriously how on earth do they make them look so day glo?! But it’s ever so confusing, because there are so many sports drinks out there that it is near on impossible knowing a) which one to choose and b) whether it’s actually doing you any good. And don’t even get me started on the sugar content of some of those drinks! So, it’s back to good old refreshing, albeit slightly boring, H2O. Downing a pint of water post-workout can’t be a bad thing surely? Well, no of course not, water is a key element to hydration and considering the average adult body is made up of 60% water, it’s pretty obvious that if you’ve just sweated out a large amount of it, then you’re gonna need to get those levels topped up quick smart. But drinking too much water in a short space of time i.e. downing it like a student on an all you can drink bar crawl, is not doing you any favours, because it ends up diluting any remaining minerals in your body all of which will be lost when you inevitably need to go to the little girl’s room more frequently! What’s The Solution? Milk! Yep I know, it’s not exactly the first drink I’d think of reaching for post-workout either. Personally, I always feel pretty close to puking after I’ve worked out (well, I do like to push myself sometimes!), so the thought of drinking something so creamy, thick and rich makes me gag just thinking about it. But hear me out, because a rather knowledgeable running friend of mine (Lizzie Mant I’m looking at you!) informs me that milk is the absolute best thing you can give your body when it needs some intense rehydration and here’s why: Protein Power Milk is made up of two different types of protein – Casein and Whey. Recognise those words? Yeah, they’re the very proteins you’ll find in your favourite protein powders, snacks, sports and energy drinks, but milk actually contains higher levels of these proteins and most importantly it’s natural! Casein is a slow digesting protein and milk is predominantly (80%) made up of this bad boy. Slow digesting = fuller for longer…simple. And the 20% that’s left is whey; the fast digesting protein. Whey helps muscle repair, so get this in your system straight after exercise and it will set straight to work repairing all those muscles you’ve just trained the hell out of. Ideally you need to be getting a good supply of protein in you within half an hour of finishing your workout, as this is the time your body benefits most. Drinking a big glass of milk will not only start rebuilding muscle, but it will also help prevent soreness and replenish essential fluids. And if you’re exercise goal is for greater gains, then milk is your secret weapon. Drinking the white stuff after resistance or weight training is the best way to boost muscle gain and reduce body fat. Contains Carbs People often shy away from carbs, believing they are the root cause of rapid weight gain. And OK yes, too many of the wrong type of carbs isn’t exactly going to do much for your waistline, but carbs are an essential part of any healthy, balanced diet and in fact they help activate protein and get it working quicker and more efficiently. Which is great, because milk contains both protein and carbohydrates; the perfect all in one liquid solution. Unfortunately it’s not good news for everyone though, as it’s the carbs, in this case the lactose, in milk that can sometimes cause discomfort to people who have an intolerance. If this is the case you can opt for a lactose-free cow milk and still benefit from it’s nutritional content or alternatively you could try exploring some of the other numerous milk brands out there, such as:
Slow and Long Research has proven that milk remains in the digestive system longer than both water and sports drinks do, and therefore hydrates and satisfies for much longer too. And the main reason for this slow releasing energy is fat. Contrary to popular belief, eating the right amount of full fat foods will actually help you lose weight. Now, don’t all go rushing out to the shops to stock up on family sized tubs of lard, because that’s not what I’m saying, but basically all those diets that tell you to swap from whole milk to semi or even skimmed milk…poppycock! Fat digests slowly, keeping you fuller for longer and therefore decreasing hunger levels. So do you see? Drinking a glass of full fat milk after exercising is not only a fantastic hydrating drink, but also a satisfying keep you going until lunchtime snack! Essential Electrolytes You’ve probably all seen the word electrolytes on the side of sports drinks, but what actually are they? I confess, I had to Google it. Basically they are chemicals found in the body that help certain functions from, well…functioning. From regulating heartbeat, allowing muscle contraction, preventing cramps, headaches and dehydration (ah ha hydration!), electrolytes include the minerals sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate and chloride. These minerals are the ones we lose when we sweat, so it’s absolutely essential that we help get them back into the body after a workout. Sports drinks add them, milk naturally has them…which one you gonna choose?! Hydrating Water So we’ve established that milk has a lot more going for it than water, but of course water is still incredibly important, it’s the very essence of hydration itself. Well the good news is that milk is made up of approximately 87% water, so you’re getting two drinks in one! It can be very difficult to gauge how much water has been lost from the body through sweating, particularly for long distance runners or athletes who compete in very intensive training regimes. The best indicator is wee! Just remember this: Proper hydration improves muscle recovery and will increase strength levels by preventing fatigue and energy loss. It’s also important to bear in mind that more often than not, when you think you’re hungry you are actually thirsty, so always have a drink first, give it 10 minutes or so and then decide if you still need something to eat. Chances are if you’ve had your milk, you won't! Cheap and Easy And finally, other than water (which is basically free if you drink it from the tap), there is no other fluid that will give you as many benefits for literally the price of a pint of milk. Considering its high nutritional content, milk really is one of the cheapest foods going. And what could be easier than grabbing a bottle of milk from the fridge, opening it and taking a dirty great big swig – just don’t tell your mum! It certainly makes you think about milk in a whole different light doesn’t it? So next time you workout, rather than grabbing a ghastly neon sports drink from the vending machine at the gym, save your money and reach for a pint of the white stuff instead.  Proper skin care is important for all ages no matter the gender, but using the inappropriate one can cause even more problems and may worsen the issues you already have. That’s why the best you can do is follow doctor’s orders and visit your cosmetologist regularly to fight the problems both responsibly and professionally. Although perfectly normal, the aging process is just the same. It requires discipline and the use of appropriate products to start the fight against the first signs from their early onset. Depending on genetics and environmental factors, some skin types age mildly and others experience severe marks, like deep wrinkles and spots.
In order to soothe the first signs of aging, try out a few of these methods and solutions, which have proven to be useful. Use Age Appropriate Products Regardless of the severity of the aging signs you experience, always use products intended for your age and skin type. Wrong creams and lotions can disrupt the pH value of your skin, the bacteria living on it and have the opposite effect to the one you want to achieve. If you’re unsure what product is right for your skin, use professional help to find out or get recommendations. Remember that if the products are expensive it doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best or that they will 100% work for you. To avoid any possible irritation, start off with milder products based on natural oils and vitamins, and slowly introduce medical creams if needed. Start Practicing Face Yoga It may seem like a joke, but face yoga is very popular among not only the middle-aged population but also with the younger crowd. The practitioners not only swear that it has had positive effects on their wrinkles, but that it has also helped tighten their skin and define their features. And the great thing about it is that you don’t have to pay for classes, because you can choose between hundreds of videos online and practice it at work or at home, in front of the mirror. If you want to be aware of the results, take a selfie before and a couple of months after and never skip a session. Derma Fillers And Laser Treatments May Help When it comes to anti-age treatments, cosmetic salons have certainly followed the newest trends. From manual treatments to the newest high-tech equipment, expert staff are there to provide services and advice for any skin problem, including innovative polynucleotides treatment tailored to individual needs. These treatments may not have the same effect as a face thread lift in Singapore would, but will certainly provide more natural results with less invasiveness. It may look pointless to pay handsomely for something which lasts for a limited time only, but these treatments are perfect for those who are afraid of surgery or just want to smooth the signs of aging without making any permanent changes to their features. Consult A Professional You should visit a dermatologist for regular skin checks, not only to fight issues but to prevent possible serious health conditions like melanoma, for example. Also, the state of your skin can sometimes indicate some internal organ issues or underlying diseases. The dermatologist will take a closer look at your skin, take into account your dietary habits and lifestyle, and prescribe the necessary treatments. If you want to try some cosmetic procedures, see if your doctor can recommend the best plastic surgeons to consult with, as well as on the possible risks and benefits of such a decision. Anti-Age Massage When it comes to massaging your face and neck to fight the aging signs, you have two choices. You can either book an appointment at the massage parlour and pay for it, or you can make it a part of your daily routine. Just like with face yoga, massage moves and techniques vary, and usually the most popular ones are the Japanese and Korean practices. Never massage your skin without previously applying a product like argan or jojoba oil, for example. Also, never use too much pressure so that it becomes painful and always follow advice and rules from the instructor. Finally… Don’t panic if you notice fine lines or a couple of grey hairs, but calmly proceed to inform yourself of all the available options to treat them. Making rash decisions is the last thing you want to do when starting with anti-age treatments, and your skin loses its regenerative properties with age so any mistake will take more time to remedy and correct.  You practice your serves, while they serve up food and drinks—that’s what you’re getting at the newly-opened TopTable. It’s Singapore’s first table tennis-themed bar and cafe, and you’ll find it located within the lifestyle enclave New Bahru.  Along with a dedicated bar and some dining tables, TopTable is fitted with numerous table tennis tables. Those who aren’t inclined towards table tennis can opt for beer pong instead, or even darts—there are two dart boards installed in a corner. If you’re looking for a game, prices start from $13++ per person for 55 minutes of playtime. Those going with three or more people can opt for Group Packages, which start from $170++ and include 85 minutes of games, as well as food and drinks.  Speaking of food, TopTable has a decent range of pizzas for you to feast on. Many of these are classics, such as Margherita ($20++), Pepperoni ($28++), and Prosciutto ($30++). You’ll also find bites including Tater Tots ($12++) and Truffle Fries ($14++), as well as Tiramisu ($14++), Gelato (from $6++) and other desserts.  As for drinks, the bar offers all sorts of cocktails, beers, liqueurs and more. Not into alcoholic drinks? Opt for an Ice Cream Float (from $9++) and even Matcha Latte ($9++)!
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, New Bahru, #04-12, 239351 Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm to 11pm Tel: 8068 2866 Website TopTable is not a halal-certified eatery.  The government increased seller stamp duty (SSD) rates by four percentage points for each tier of the holding period on residential properties to curb property flipping.
According to the government, the number of private residential property transactions in recent years with short holding periods has increased sharply. In particular, there has been a significant increase in the sub-sale of units that have not been completed. Therefore, the government will revert to the pre-2017 SSD holding period of four years and raise the SSD rates by four percentage points for each tier of the holding period. For properties sold within one year of purchase, the rate will rise to 16% from the current 12%. Those sold after more than one year but within two years will be subject to 12%, up from 8%. Properties held for more than two years but up to three years will see the rate increase to 8% from 4%. A new 4% rate will apply to properties sold after more than three years but within four years, which are currently exempt. Properties held for more than four years will remain exempt from SSD, with no change to the 0% rate. The changes took effect on 4 July 2025, at 12 AM.  Singapore's startup funding dipped in June 2025, declining 4.29% month-on-month to $245m, according to the latest Monthly Funding Tracker by Tracxn.
Despite the MoM decline, startup funding in June showed a 19.04% growth year-on-year. Late-stage deals continued to dominate, accounting for 78.9% of total funding during the month. Early-stage funding represented only 18.7%, whilst seed-stage funding stood at 2.4%. Amongst the month’s largest deals, Bolttech led the pack with a $147m raise, followed by Syfe ($53m), Sleek ($23m), IOST ($21m), and Decentro ($3.5m). DragonFunds, Ellerston Capital, and DWF Labs all emerged as the top investors overall, with one deal each.  You’ve probably heard that your immediate environment affects your mood and health, but did you know that it impacts your sleep quality, too?
Apparently, sweet dreams are made of home, sweet homes, but contrary to common misconceptions, the list of factors that affect the quality and duration of our Zzzs doesn’t stop with the bed and linens. Other environmental aspects, such as bedroom colour scheme, light intensity, temperature, sound levels and the presence of electronic devices, can make or break a good night’s rest. But while an odd sleepless night may sound like a trifling concern, sleep deprivation shouldn’t be taken lightly, because it can lead to daytime drowsiness, focus dips and an increased risk of accidents as well as a whole host of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. To stay on the safe side of the bed, make sure your home is designed with superior sleep quality in mind – and here’s how you can do it. Colours of a Good Night’s Rest Colours affect human mood and alertness, which is why you should be careful when choosing the colour scheme and furniture for the master bedroom. Although any soothing bedroom paint will work nicely, a 2013 study found that blue is the best colour to use when decorating your sleeping area, since the hue has a calming effect on the nervous system and can help lower blood pressure and heart rate, both of which are essential for optimal sleep quality. Optimal Room Temperature It can be tough trying to fall asleep when you’re shivering with cold; or sweating your pyjamas off for that matter. According to Sleep.org, the temperature that is most conducive to a good night’s sleep ranges between 60°F and 67°F. If you don’t want to spend nights counting sheep, you should aim to set the thermostat to a slightly cooler than average room temperature to prompt your body to go into shutdown mode and help you fall asleep faster. To stay asleep, invest in a bed cooling machine like Chilipad Dock Pro bed cooling system, which tracks and optimizes sleep in real-time. Best Lights for Light Sleepers Lighting type and intensity is another important environmental factor that impacts the quality and duration of your sleep. As a 2014 whitepaper by GE Lighting states, lighting can strengthen or disrupt the circadian rhythm, so homeowners who want to take their sleep game to the next level may want to invest in quality light solutions, such as LED or CFL lights. For bonus nighttime peace, energy-saving lighting will also help cut long-term utility costs, taking another worry off your drowsy mind. Make Your Bed…and Lie in It Your mattress, pillow and bedding also play a role in the quality of your nighttime rest. Fortunately, the range of first-rate bedware available on the market is impressive, so finding a quality latex mattress or memory foam pillow shouldn’t be a problem, regardless of your budget size. To hack superior sleep quality and long-term wellbeing, it would be smart to get hypoallergenic bedware and have the mattress steam-cleaned at least twice a year. In the (Not Too) Silent Night For some people, the dead of night isn’t exactly a byword for peaceful dreams. While noise isn’t best buddies with a good night’s sleep, silence can sometimes be louder than noisy neighbours. If you’re fidgeting in your bed and silence is standing between you and the realm of dreams, you can try playing a soothing bedtime melody or getting a white noise machine to serve as a lullaby in nights when the Sandman appears to be off duty. Breathe in Sandman’s Dust Sandman’s dust is in the bedroom air – or is it? The air quality of your home can impact alertness and focus, and as such is essential for proper sleep. For people suffering from allergies and conditions such as sleep apnoea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, an air purifier and dehumidifier can make a difference between another sleepless night and a good rest, so be sure to clean the air in your bedroom of nightmares and air pollutants. Screen Lights Out, Please! If you’re staring at your smartphone every evening before turning in, it’s small wonder you still have any sleep left in you. Studies have found that exposure to blue light emitted by screens such as PCs, tablets, or smartphones, suppresses the release of melatonin, a hormone responsible for circadian rhythm function. The solution? If you want to read at bedtime, grab a hardback, not an e-book: the latter will only add blue-lit fuel to the flames of your sleep woes. Environmental factors such as colour, temperature, light intensity, air quality and noise levels can all chip off chinks of a good night’s rest, so if you want to make sure you don’t spend a single night tossing and turning in the bed, don’t hesitate to tweak your home using the tips listed above.  Thanks to the ever-growing health and fitness revolution, we’ve become much more educated on what foods our bodies need to function optimally. And although we already know that the fast-food craze cannot possibly be good for us, the research on just how bad certain foods are for our complexion is still emerging.
Curious to find out how your menu affects your health? The following five are the basic elements of your skin-food relationship, and it’s up to you to adjust your daily habits to purify your complexion and boost your health! 1. Antioxidants Are Your Best SPF Vitamins and minerals are your best allies in fighting free radical damage and they also provide you with protection from the sun’s harmful rays. The most powerful ones on the list include vitamin C from citrus fruits and berries, and vitamin E from nuts and seeds. They work together with vitamin A to keep your skin sun-safe and youthful as much as possible, both when eaten or applied topically. Selenium and zinc are minerals with similar protective properties, and they are incredibly potent in keeping your skin wrinkle-free, helping it boost collagen production and keep it safe from UV rays. Not to mention the kick your energy levels and your immune system will get from these mighty bites! 2. The Building Blocks Of Life Or proteins, as they’re also known, are vital for your skin health, much like they meddle in every important process in your body. Proteins are made of amino-acids, among which quite a few play a crucial role for the production and repair of collagen – primarily L-lysine and L-proline, both of which we should thank for keeping our skin elastic. However, every one of us is different, and consuming the essential amino acids is, literally, essential. They are found in all lean meats – poultry, beef, salmon being your top choices, and eggs, dairy, plants such as beans and lentils. Protein is your bones’ and muscles’ best friend as well, so you have the chance to grow your strength and resilience with healthy protein sources. Plus, protein is very satiating, which will help you keep your appetite under control. 3. Smooth And Silky With Omega 3s Healthy fats, such as your beloved Omega 3, found in fatty fish like salmon and leafy greens are natural moisturisers for your complexion, preventing inflammation and irritation, which leads to a pure, acne-free skin without redness and other sensitivity issues. Even eczema and psoriasis patients can benefit from implementing more of this lovely fatty acid – its restorative potential helps lubricate the skin naturally and repair the damaged tissue. It can be difficult to get enough via food, so high-quality supplements are sometimes recommended. 4. Sugar-free Diet An occasional cupcake won’t lead to a massive acne breakout, but indulging your sugar cravings on a regular basis can wreak havoc on your health. So, while we tend to watch what we eat on weekends when we have time to cook, and perhaps pre- and post-workout, it gets hectic during the days when we’re working and not to mention those special occasions. When holidays and birthdays come a-knockin’, it can get exceptionally difficult to stick to your sugar-free diet and not reach for those sweet, sweet treats that are harmful for your skin and your overall well-being. As a response to those who wish to stay consistent even in the greatest of temptations, healthy catering in Sydney and other cities has become quite a popular choice for special occasions with a fit twist. 5. Diversify Your Healthy Munchies If your body is used to running on sugar, then you’ll have a “detox” period when you replace the bad with the good snacks – fresh fruits and vegetables are always welcome, but versatility is key to maintaining proper health. Why not enjoy some popcorn or healthy ice-cream varieties? A fruit smoothie with dairy will boost your energy in a healthy way, while providing you with all the nutrients your body needs. It boils down to providing your body with delicious sustenance consistently and with imagination, because healthy food can taste incredible when prepared and mixed right. Jack’s Place Has 1-For-1 Mains At All Outlets, Including Fish And Chips, Lamb Chop And More7/4/2025  Like many of you, we appreciate good food deals that allow us to save a bit of money in this economy. Good news: Jack’s Place has brought back their 1-for-1 happy hour main course promotion in celebration of SG60! The dining deal is available between 2:30pm and 5pm from Monday to Friday, and applies to all 13 outlets, for dine-in only. The 1-for-1 promotion comprises six main courses and seven coffee beverages. Locations include Jewel Changi, NEX, JEM, and City Square Mall.  The fanciest and priciest option of the six selected mains is Lamb Chops & Fish Fillet ($21.80++), consisting of tender, grilled lamb chop and flaky fish fillet. You also get some pasta, greens, and gravy on the side. With the 1-for-1 promotion, each diner only has to pay $10.90++ for this hearty meal!  If you’re not a fan of lamb, consider the Chicken Steak & Cheesy Sausage ($19++) or BBQ Chicken Steak with Pineapple ($16.80++) instead. The latter is especially affordable at just $8.40++ per diner with the promotion.  There are seafood options too, with the crispy New England’s Fish & Chips ($17++) being a hot pick, best eaten with their house-made tartar sauce.
The cheapest item of the lot is r the Classic Beef Bolognese ($16.50++), which amounts to just $8.25++ per person with the deal. Make full use of the 1-for-1 promotion by pairing your main dish with a caffeinated drink. There’s the classic Long Black ($4++) or sweet Cafe Mocha ($5.50++). Alternatively, their Affogatto ($5.50++) featuring hot coffee topped with a scoop of vanilla gelato, makes for a great dessert to round off your meal. These drinks are all part of the 1-for-1 dining deal! We checked with the staff to find out when the promotion ends, but there’s no fixed date at the time of writing, so head down to any of their outlets on a weekday and enjoy while it lasts. Website | Full list of locations Jack’s Place is not a halal-certified eatery. |