“Jason, should I only buy near the checkpoint?” I get this question almost every time I meet a Singapore-linked buyer. My answer: it depends on who the property is for.
Your situation is different? Ask me on WhatsApp. I reply myself, usually the same day.
Ask Jason on WhatsAppWhy the checkpoint matters
Many buyers assume that being close to the checkpoint automatically makes a great location. It is important. The Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link, running between Bukit Chagar in JB and Woodlands North in Singapore, is now due to start passenger service in February 2027 (announced on 2 October 2026), and areas within easy reach of the CIQ and the RTS station have drawn a lot of attention.
But proximity alone does not guarantee long-term value. When everyone is buying the same thing for the same reason, supply often rises to meet it, and rents and resale prices have to compete.
Start with who will live there
Before I recommend any location, I ask who the target buyer or tenant is:
| Who is it for? | What they value most | Near the checkpoint? |
|---|---|---|
| Daily commuters to Singapore | Short, predictable trip to the CIQ or RTS | Usually yes |
| Families with children | Schools, space, parks, malls | Not necessarily |
| Retirees | Healthcare, quiet, walkable amenities | Not necessarily |
| Long-term investors | Sustainable demand beyond today’s trend | Depends on supply and price |
Three questions to ask about any location
- Are the people you are buying for commuting to Singapore every day?
- Do they value convenience, schools or lifestyle more?
- Is there demand beyond today’s market, and how much new supply is coming nearby?
For some buyers, being near the checkpoint makes perfect sense. For others, another area gives better value and stronger long-term potential. I don’t choose locations because they are popular. I choose the ones that match my client’s goals and future demand. The best location is not always the closest; it is the one that fits your strategy.
Not sure which part of JB suits you? Tell me who the property is for, and I will shortlist areas that fit.
Source: LTA: Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link. General information, not financial advice. By Jason Lim (REN 84424, IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. E (1) 1584/6).