Is Singapore’s property market quietly shifting after Budget 2026?

In this episode of Money and Me, hosted by Michelle Martin, we break down what new policies on foreign work passes, AI investment and housing demand could mean for buyers and investors.

Michelle speaks with Christine Sun, Chief Researcher and Strategist at Realion Group (OrangeTee & ETC), about whether the absence of new cooling measures signals confidence that prices have stabilised.

They unpack why demand for some Prime and Plus HDB flats appears softer, and why first-time buyers may now prioritise space over central locations.

The conversation also explores how stricter foreign hiring rules could affect rental demand and whether Singapore’s push to become an AI hub might boost long-term property values.

Finally, Christine shares where investors might find the smartest opportunities in Singapore’s property market in 2026.

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Budget 2026 continues to expand support for families through measures such as Child LifeSG credits and enhanced preschool and student-care subsidies, continuing efforts to ease the financial burden of raising children. But some argue that while these schemes reduce upfront costs, they may not address the longer-term income and career penalties associated with caregiving.

So, are current family policies targeting the right constraints? And could more structural forms of support, including experimentation with caregiving compensation, influence decisions around family formation?

Dr Kalpana Vignehsa, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what a deeper rethink of family policy might look like amid mounting demographic pressures.

For more Budget 2026 insights: https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

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Budget 2026 has added nuance to Singapore’s sustainability journey. While the country remains committed to its long-term net-zero ambitions, the tone around carbon pricing appears more measured, reflecting a global environment where climate momentum has become less uniform and economic pressures more pronounced.

Beyond the carbon tax, the Government continues to push ahead with solar expansion, regional electricity imports and the exploration of emerging low-carbon energy sources.

So how should businesses interpret this mix of pragmatism and ambition? Mun Lock Kum, Deputy Managing Director at Univers joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what Budget 2026 signals for corporate sustainability strategies and long-term investment decisions.

For more Budget 2026 insights:

https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

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In Budget 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the Government’s push to support an ageing population, introducing measures aimed at helping seniors live with dignity, security, and peace of mind. These include a one-time CPF top-up of up to $1,500 for those with lower retirement savings and higher CPF contribution rates for older workers starting next year.

But beyond the policy announcements, are these measures enough to ease the day-to-day concerns of seniors? How do older Singaporeans truly feel about the support offered, and is there more they’re quietly hoping for but not voicing?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Cheng Chuan Loo, Chairman of Access Digital, Founder of 1M65 Movement, and Co-Founder of PremiumMall, as he shares insights on what Budget 2026 really means for retirees and older Singaporeans.

For more Budget 2026 insights:
https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

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“If there’s a time to invest in AI and advanced manufacturing, it’s now.”

That was the message from Lennon Tan, President of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, as Singapore’s Budget 2026 placed AI firmly in focus with plans for a National AI Council and a dedicated mission for advanced manufacturing.

On Industry Insight, The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo speaks with Lennon about the realities manufacturers are navigating today — mixed demand, cost pressures, and the growing role of AI inside factory operations. They unpack why upgrading is happening in stages, how firms are moving at different speeds, and what that means for Singapore’s competitive edge.

For more Budget 2026 insights:
https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

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Under Budget 2026, Singapore will raise the qualifying salaries for Employment Pass and S Pass holders from 2027, alongside lifting the local qualifying salary and adjusting selected work permit levies. The changes are phased in, but they form part of a continued calibration of the foreign workforce framework. So, how might firms adjust their workforce mix? And what should businesses be reviewing now as the changes take effect from 2027?

Jod Gill, Partner, Deloitte SG Tax Services, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what the Budget 2026 measures mean for employers on the ground.

For more Budget 2026 insights:

https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

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Budget 2026 is putting mid-career workers front and centre, with a range of measures designed to support reskilling, career transitions, and staying competitive in an AI-driven economy.

From enhanced SkillsFuture programmes and expanded training allowances to new AI initiatives and a merger of workforce agencies for more seamless career support, there’s a lot for workers to navigate.

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Allison Ching, Executive Career Coach at Dream, Do, Deliver, and Muralee Reddy, Co-Founder of Mamashop Inc., about what Budget 2026 means for mid-career workers, from upskilling, career transitions, AI-readiness, and navigating the changing job landscape.

For more Budget 2026 insights:
https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

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Budget 2026 sets aside $50 million for a new SG Partnerships Fund to back ground-up community projects as part of a broader push to strengthen social bonds and build what Prime Minister Lawrence Wong calls a “we first” society. Corporate volunteer and donation tax incentives have also been extended to 2029, signalling a continued effort to encourage businesses to play a larger role in social impact.

But will funding and tax deductions be enough to shift behaviour? According to the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre’s latest study, only 14% of companies in Singapore engage in corporate volunteering, with leadership interest cited as the biggest barrier.

Megan Fernandes, Head of Community Investment, Prudential Singapore joins the Breakfast Show to examine whether Budget 2026’s measures can translate intent into sustained action and what it will take for businesses to step up.

For more Budget 2026 insights:

https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.