More than 100 property agents are expected to leave boutique real estate agency KW Singapore following a wave of leadership changes linked to the ongoing PropertyLimBrothers (PLB) controversy. The departures mark a significant shake-up for the relatively new firm, which was launched less than a year ago amid high expectations.
KW Singapore was founded in July 2025 as a local franchise of US-based real estate group Keller Williams. The firm was led by Melvin Lim, who served as operating principal, alongside Grayce Tan, who held the role of director of growth. Both were previously senior figures at PLB and played a key role in shaping KW Singapore’s early direction.
However, both Lim and Tan stepped down from their leadership roles in late January after allegations surrounding an extramarital affair surfaced publicly. The firm confirmed their resignations on Jan 29, stating that the changes were necessary to allow operations to move forward.
LEADERSHIP TRANSITION AND AGENCY RESPONSE
Following the resignations, Jonathan Lee, a growth consultant from the KW Worldwide Asia Pacific Hub, was appointed as interim head of KW Singapore. The agency has since emphasised that it operates independently from PLB and is a standalone business entity, despite the overlapping leadership history.
Despite these assurances, agent confidence appears to have been shaken. Data from the Council for Estate Agencies’ public register shows that the number of registered agents at KW Singapore fell from 162 on Jan 28 to 157 as of Feb 5. Industry observers believe this decline is only the beginning.
According to reports, close to 100 agents are in the process of leaving the firm. Since January, at least 38 salespeople from KW Singapore have sought to join PropNex, Singapore’s largest real estate agency by headcount. This signals a broader migration of talent amid uncertainty over leadership stability and long-term direction.
MAJOR TALENT SHIFTS TO RIVAL AGENCIES
PropNex co-founder and executive chairman Ismail Gafoor confirmed that two senior agents from KW Singapore had already moved over with their respective teams. He noted that these departures included two high-performing “millionaire producer” agents, along with several rising achievers and experienced team managers.
In a separate development, Rayne Chua, one of KW Singapore’s top brokers, has also resigned and joined ERA Realty Network. Commenting on her decision, Chua said she was seeking an organisation that genuinely prioritises agent development and long-term growth, hinting at concerns beyond the immediate controversy.
The movement of high-performing agents is particularly significant in Singapore’s competitive property market, where brand reputation, leadership credibility and training support play a crucial role in recruitment and retention.
BROADER IMPACT ON SINGAPORE’S PROPERTY INDUSTRY
The situation has sparked wider discussion within the real estate sector about leadership accountability and the reputational risks faced by boutique agencies closely associated with high-profile personalities. While KW Singapore remains operational, the scale of the departures raises questions about its ability to stabilise and rebuild trust in the near term.
Industry analysts note that established players such as PropNex and ERA stand to benefit from the ongoing reshuffle, especially as agents seek platforms offering compliance assurance, income stability and long-term career progression.
As the fallout from the PLB saga continues, the episode serves as a reminder that in Singapore’s tightly regulated property market, leadership issues can have swift and far-reaching consequences, not just for firms, but for the agents whose livelihoods depend on them.