What it takes to be a top realtor in Singapore: Gina Tng on integrity, market shifts, and mastering high-end deals

Singapore’s high-end real estate market moves fast, but Gina Tng has stayed ahead by building lasting relationships. With 14 years in the industry, over 1,200 properties transacted, and a track record — including four consecutive years as an ERA Top 10 Achiever out of more than 9,500 realtors and two successive years as ERA’s Top 4th Asia Pacific Achiever — she stands among Singapore’s elite realtors.

But beyond the accolades of six-time millionaire realtor, ERA League of Honour member — the highest accolade awarded to realtors who are ERA Top 10 Achievers more than thrice — and industry-level SEAA Diamond award winner for four years running, her success is rooted in simple values: hard work, integrity, and putting clients first.

From a young age, Tng often accompanied her father, who ran a construction business, visiting property sites and showrooms. Her fascination with how spaces shape lives stayed with her, even as she pursued an environmental engineering degree at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

Still, the corporate world didn’t appeal to her. She wanted a fast-paced, results-driven career where success was self-made. So, fresh out of university, she took a leap of faith into real estate. “I knew from the start this wasn’t a job where you wait for things to happen. You have to learn, adapt, and earn trust constantly,” she reflects.

A reputation built on trust

Many realtors dream of closing luxury property deals, but few understand the depth of expertise required to navigate the world of ultra-high-net-worth clients. Tng, however, has built a clientele that spans years. Some even started with her when they were renting their first homes, and today, they own multiple properties, turning to her at every stage of their real estate journey.

Her personalised, high-touch approach has made her the go-to realtor for clients who expect expertise and efficiency. “They don’t want to waste time. They value realtors who walk the talk,” she explains.

However, Tng is determined to change the perception in an industry that sometimes faces scepticism. “There’s a common perception that realtors are just focused on closing deals rather than offering genuine advice,” she acknowledges. Some clients worry about aggressive sales tactics, lack of transparency, or agents prioritising commissions over their best interests. This is where Tng values trust above all else.

“It’s a lifelong career for me. I believe in putting clients’ interests first and giving them genuine advice,” she says.

And she has certainly worked to build that trust over the years, with years of consistency and reliability. “People assume top realtors only close a couple of big deals a year, but I personally handle 80 to 100 deals annually,” she reveals. “Success in this industry isn’t only about having the right connections — it’s about hard work, discipline, and always putting clients first.”

Adapting to a changing market

And in an industry as dynamic as real estate, adaptation is key. The past year saw significant changes in the high-end segment, particularly the introduction of a 60 per cent Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for foreigners in 2023. This led to a sharp decline in foreign investment in Singapore’s prime properties.

Instead of being caught off guard, Tng adapted quickly. “I shifted my focus to high-net-worth local buyers, newly converted PRs, and Singapore Citizens looking at Core Central Region properties,” she explains. She also recognised a growing pool of buyers from ABSD-exempt countries, such as the United States, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.

But adaptation isn’t merely responding to policy changes — it’s also about how you engage with clients in an increasingly digital-driven world.

For Tng, social media offers clients an unfiltered glimpse into her work and allows clients to see her life as a realtor and her personality. “I share my daily life, behind-the-scenes experiences, and rare footage of ultra-high-end properties,” she says. By offering an unfiltered glimpse into her work, she allows clients to see her as a realtor and a trusted industry insider.

A legacy beyond sales

Despite her phenomenal success, Tng isn’t slowing down. She’s now mentoring the next generation of realtors, leading a team of over 100 agents. “I’m grateful for where I am, and I want to pay it forward by grooming top achievers,” she says.

Her vision extends beyond personal milestones. She wants to elevate the real estate profession, proving that realtors can be trusted advisors, not just salespeople, who lead with the right values, knowledge, and dedication.

At the heart of it all, Tng’s motivation remains deeply personal. “My parents and family are my greatest motivation. Everything I do, I do for them,” she shares.

Gina Tng is available on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and WeChat (ginatng212).