The Cost of Waiting: When Emotions Derail Retirement Plans

The Client We’ll Never Forget

We’ll call him Johnny — not his real name — but his story is painfully real.

At 68, Johnny came to us seeking help. He wanted to sell his freehold walk-up apartment, a third-floor unit in a charming but ageing development. “What if one day I can’t walk anymore?” he asked, “I won’t even be able to reach my home.”

He dreamed of downgrading to a place near the MRT, with lifts, food courts, clinics, and a mall within reach. It wasn’t just a property move — it was his plan for ageing with dignity.

When Freehold Isn’t Freedom

Johnny’s unit was a freehold — a term often worshipped as the holy grail of property ownership. But here’s the hard truth:

In the last 10 years, his freehold apartment appreciated by just 20%.

Meanwhile, a nearby 99-year leasehold condo beside the MRT saw gains of 40%.

We showed him the numbers. Using our W.A.T.E.R. strategy — Wealth Accumulation Towards Early Retirement — we saw it clearly:

Now was the best time to move.

Another 2–3 years of waiting could mean being priced out forever.

The Offer He Should Have Accepted

Then, it happened — a record price offer came in for his walk-up unit. A serious buyer, paying well above market.

But Johnny and his spouse turned it down.

They said:

• “The price is too low — it’s a freehold, it should be worth more.”

• “We won’t make much profit — not worth the hassle to move.”

• “We’ll just rent out this place and rent somewhere else.”

We understood. Emotion is powerful. They raised a family there. The views were serene. But what they didn’t see was this:

They were holding a freehold asset that was quietly losing relevance and appeal.

Niche, walk-up units appeal to fewer buyers each year.

And rental yield? Not enough to fund the lifestyle they wanted.

Fast Forward 3 Years…

Today, Johnny is still healthy, thankfully. But climbing three flights of stairs? It’s a daily challenge. He called us again, ready to sell.

But the price? Barely moved.

And that condo near the MRT? Now out of reach. It appreciated beyond what he could afford.

The regret in his voice was unmistakable.

The Silent Truth About “Timeless” Assets

There’s a belief that freehold means you’re safe. That time is on your side. But in this case, time wasn’t the friend. It was the cost.

Real estate isn’t just about tenure. It’s about:

• Demand and liquidity.

• Accessibility and ageing.

• Capital unlock and timing.

Holding an asset too long, just because it’s freehold, can quietly erode wealth.

It can shrink your options when you need them the most.

Our Message: Don’t Let Emotion Write Your Retirement Plan

“You don’t lose money by moving — you lose money by standing still, when everything else is moving.”

This story isn’t to shame. It’s a cautionary tale for anyone sitting on an ageing freehold or outdated property, hoping for a miracle price.

We’re here not just to help you sell or buy — but to help you preserve your freedom and choices in retirement.

Are you sitting on a property that’s quietly costing you your future?

Let us help you decide — with clarity, compassion, and strategy.