I've had various rental properties here over last 10 years, and none have ever been empty for more than a month. Chose carefully and as sensible rents and there has been no problem.
. The ignorance of the 'for the price of a shoebox here for the price of whatever elsewhere ' brigade does amuse me. Property here (as anywhere) is priced at whatever someone will pay for it. It's all about the return on the investment not how big or nice the place is. If a dog box goes up on value and an idyllic country cottage does not, then (all other things bring equal) the dog box is the better investment.
It's not unusual that a unit is untenanted even for 6 months... This reminds me of Christmas 2008 and when my friend was looking for a unit to rent. Just like now, it was a declining market. After negotiation there was still 100 sgd difference in their offers so my friend took another unit in the same condo, opposite block.
From his balcony we could see the other unit. It was empty for 6 months and by then the market had dropped so much the LL definitely didn't get even that missing 100 sgd. Not to mention all the months he missed out on rent.
