Why developer quality matters more than most buyers realise

Vann Lim
Dec 9
3 min read

When you buy a new launch in Singapore, you’re essentially buying something you cannot see yet. No walls to knock on, no lifts to ride, no facilities to explore. Everything is a promise — a promise that the developer will deliver what they showed you in glossy brochures and beautiful showflats.

And this is exactly why developer quality and execution track record are among the eleven factors we look at when evaluating any new launch. In my experience, a strong developer doesn’t just build a condo. They build confidence, drive resale demand, enhance tenant appeal, and ultimately drive long-term capital growth.

A developer’s track record is your best crystal ball

When you think about it, buying a new launch is a six-figure or seven-figure decision where the final product only arrives years later. So the only logical way to predict what you’re getting is to study what the developer has delivered before.

And we don’t just look at the pretty façade. We look at how their past projects have aged.

Did the facilities stand the test of time?
Are there recurring defects?
Did residents complain about seepage, wiring issues, or shortcut workmanship?
Did the project TOP run on schedule?

Your home’s durability — and its future value — is heavily shaped by choices the developer makes long before you sign the OTP.

Vann Lim holds a folder against a cityscape. Text reads: "Homeowner's Playbook: Why Developer Quality Matters More Than Most Buyers Realize?"

Why developer quality directly impacts your capital growth

1. Better workmanship protects your future exit price

A well-built project ages gracefully. And buyers will always pay more for quality. When you eventually sell, your exit pool becomes bigger simply because people trust reputable developers.

It’s the same reason why brands like CDL, GuocoLand, and UOL command stronger confidence. Quality compounds.

2. Strong developers minimise delays and nasty surprises

Construction delays can affect everything — from your move-in plans to your rental income. Developers with solid project management and financial muscle simply deliver more consistently.

3. Tenant appeal is higher

If you’re buying for investment, this matters even more. Tenants are savvy. They recognise developers with a track record of building comfortable, reliable homes. A well-regarded brand usually translates into:

faster rental take-up
lower vacancy
more stable rental yields

4. Financial strength = lower buyer risk

When construction costs rise, or market conditions soften, developers with strong balance sheets don’t cut corners. Weaker ones do. And the last place you want a developer cutting costs is your home’s foundation, fixtures, and fittings.

How we analyse developer track record at CapStacked

We don’t rely on hearsay. There’s a structured method behind every evaluation — the same method we use in this playbook and with our clients.

We look at:

1. Past completed projects

Especially those similar in scale and segment. This gives us a real indication of what your project may look like in 5, 10, or 15 years.

2. Long-term resident feedback

Ground-up views often reveal what brochures never will — issues such as thin walls, plumbing problems, poor finishing, or developer responsiveness during the defect liability period.

A colourful CONQUAS chart shows firms in bands for Developers and Builders, labelled 1 (Very Good) to 6 (Very Poor), with the number of firms per band. — CONQUAS banding system

3. The Quality Housing Portal (QHP)

This is my go-to resource. The CONQUAS banding system evaluates actual on-site workmanship over six years. Band 1 is the best, Band 6 is the worst.

For example, in the playbook we examined GuocoLand, which currently sits at Band 2, with past projects like Martin Modern and The Avenir showing strong scores. This provides objective reassurance regarding craftsmanship standards.

4. Legal or operational issues

Repeated disputes, controversies, or unresolved defect escalations can hint at deeper structural or quality concerns.

The bottom line

A good developer doesn’t guarantee profits — but a poor one almost guarantees problems.

When you buy a new launch, you’re not just buying a layout, a view, or a floor plan. You’re buying the competence, reputation, and execution quality of the developer behind it.

And from our analysis of hundreds of condos across Singapore, developer quality is one of the leading indicators of long-term capital appreciation.

Want to learn all 11 factors that make a new launch profitable?

This is just one of the eleven factors.

If you want the full framework — the exact one that we use when advising clients — download our free playbook: How to Choose a Profitable New Launch.