Happy CNY...
Thanks for the responses.
I am living overseas and mum joined me a couple of years back (hence rented out her flat).
She heard stories about 30 yr old flat unable to sell and raised the question.
Plus, I am unsure if I want to return to Singapore and sorting out the flat after she's gone might be a chore. So, it is better to let go when the flat is not too old.
Agents told us that 30 yr old flat is very hard to sell and advised us to think about it.
Question is, what can substitute the rental income if she sell her flat now. Major part of the sale proceeds will go back to CPF, which she can't access (from what we understood)
If I were u, thinking of not returning to Singapore with mum for good (this is most important consideration to me), I will consider the following:
1. Sell the flat, estimated proceeds of $350k. 200k+ will be returned to CPF OA (based on your first post), leaving her with about 150k cash. If this is more than 5 years of rental income, it is worth it.
2. CPF OA now 60k, no need for property purchase? (only 20k earns 2.5%+1%). Transfer all to SA to earn 4%+1% interest pa
3. Add 200k sale proceeds to OA, transfer to SA of up to 181k-60k = 121k to earn 4% interest. OA still has about 79k balance.
4. If she has no immediate need for the 150k for the next 5 years, topup 60k to MA to earn 4%(or less depending on how much she has in MA now), the rest of excess monies VC to OA/SA/MA. (depends on how strong u can support her for the next 5 years, then keep more cash for emergency use)
Earning 4% “risk free, guaranteed interest” is better than putting your monies into annuities or investments.
When she hit 55, she can withdraw excess above FRS (current limit is 181k, u can estimate what it will be 5 years later) from SA/OA or treat SA/OA as on demand high interest bank savings account.
If she finally decides to give up Singapore citizenship, she can apply to withdraw her RA/MA monies. She should make her decision before 70, the final age to join CPF Life, where her RA/MA would have ballooned big enough for her retirement. (u can do your own calculations)
Since she is living overseas, u can apply to suspend payment of Medishield Life premium. Also remember to update her CPF nominations if needed.
(further details can be discussed if u are keen to know more on each item and at "key CPF age stages").
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