From defense tech to property sales: Meet the record breaker matching suitable property to your life goals

Two and half years ago, Donavan Tan was analysing defense technology systems. Today, he is closing property deals and has recently achieved the ERA Millionaire Achiever status, earning over $1 million in commissions in 2024.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit and financial uncertainty loomed, this Nanyang Technological University mechanical engineering graduate made a calculated move to ERA Singapore that would transform not just his career, but his entire approach to success. He wanted a career path with growth and autonomy to dictate his own work schedule, and the prospect of becoming a real estate professional made the most sense to him.

While the 34-year-old branch division director’s journey into the real estate industry was not part of his plans, he quickly felt deeply connected to it because of the way it blended “relationships, strategy and the opportunity to impact lives in a very real way”.

One of his career highlights reflects this: a record-breaking sale for a high-floor condominium unit with panoramic sea views in a prime district, completed in just two weeks. The unit sold for almost $200 per square foot higher than a similar unit just two floors down – a premium of $300,000. The sellers were clinic owners with busy schedules who needed an agent who could handle their specific requirements efficiently. Through the sale, they were able to upgrade to a landed home that better suited their needs.

The secret to his success, he says, lies in his systematic, research-based approach to treating each property as a unique case study.

“Clients know I go the extra mile, because I never approach two listings the same way,” he explains, tailoring everything from high-end video tours to niche digital targeting strategies. Nights are often spent researching market trends and comparable sales to understand precisely what makes each property unique.

Likewise, even when setbacks happen, Tan maintains a cool, rational head – adapting quickly to focus on solutions, and keeping his clients informed to ensure that trust is not broken.

Despite his achievements, Tan keeps it real about what it takes to thrive in the industry. “What people often don’t see are the long nights, the calls at all hours, and the months you work on a deal that might not close.” Beyond his personal workload, he also manages a team of 11 associates who operate with the same methodical approach. “Building a team that shares similar work ethics has been crucial,” he notes, adding that he’s always open to bringing on new talent who align with this philosophy.

When advising clients, he applies the same realistic lens to investment decisions. “Real estate should be viewed as both a financial and lifestyle asset – location, timing and capital appreciation but also how a property fits into your life goals.”

Ultimately, what drives his commitment in bringing his A-game to every property deal goes beyond closing transactions. “Every home represents a turning point in someone’s life and being trusted with that decision is something I never take for granted.”

Donavan Tan is available on Instagram. Or get in touch with him at 9668 0193.  

Read more about the real estate agents shaping Singapore’s luxury property market.