143# What does it take to grow from HDB to $6.5M in value?

In this episode of Nuggets On The Go, Melvin Lim from PropertyLimBrothers explores how to move from a modest property base—say an HDB or BTO—for a disciplined real‑estate portfolio that can grow meaningfully over decades. They introduce the concept of the Equity Triangle and walk through a real‑world case study of how a family scaled from roughly S$800 k in property value to about S$6.5 million by combining utility assets (for stay) with investment properties, and carefully calibrating leverage and timing.

 

They emphasise key strategic themes: choosing asset classes you understand, avoiding over‑diversification that undermines discipline, leveraging “set and forget” real‑estate instruments with appreciation potential, and recognising the co‑investor model where the bank and tenant help you expand. By age 55,  you may want freedom and choice—and this episode shows how the journey can begin with one stay‑home and one rental property.

 

0:00 – Teaser
0:51 – The Starting Point: BTO, Resale HDB or Private Property
1:34 – Growing an $800K Portfolio to $6.5M
1:50 – Key Framework: The Equity Triangle Explained
2:23 – Diversification Depends on Knowledge, Time and Strategy
3:25 – Understanding Set-and-Forget in Real Estate
4:46 – Why Stagnating Assets Can Hurt Your Portfolio
6:07 – Case Example: From $670K to Landed Property at $6.9M
7:06 – Leveraging Time: Holding from Age 39 to 65
8:36 – Portfolio Structure: Living in One, Renting the Other
9:32 – End Goal: Freedom and Choice from Age 55 Onwards
10:04 – Targeting a $6.5M Portfolio by 55–65
11:00 – Case Study: From HDB to Dual Condo Strategy
12:38 – High Growth vs. High Rental Strategy
13:13 – Planning for the Winter Season: Divestment and Income Buckets
14:44 – Property Divestment Strategy: Low Quantum, High Yield
18:00 – Leveraging Tenants and Banks as Co-Investors
23:06 – From Dual Properties to Landed and Beyond
24:35 – Portfolio Status at 40+: $6.5M and Growing
25:15 – Deciding When to Exit or Hold: Based on Income Season
26:05 – Scenario Planning: $800K HDB with $600K Equity
28:41 – Strategic Property Pairing: Stay vs. Investment Property
29:52 – Closing: Planning Property Moves with Numbers in Mind