PLB says reported 90% layoff figure is inaccurate, media arm had fewer than 100 staff

[Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to include PLB’s response.]

Singapore property agency PropertyLimBrothers (PLB) is undergoing a major internal reshuffle, with its media arm, PLB Media, laying off staff as several realtors also exit the business.

A report from The Edge on Tuesday (Apr 14) stated that around 90% of employees in PLB Media were allegedly affected.

It added that the department had close to 100 employees across editorial, tech, video, and overseas teams. The staff supported the agency’s realtors through research, marketing, and social media execution, forming the backbone of its content-driven property business model.

While PLB has confirmed the layoffs, it has denied these figures.

Staff allegedly told to choose between resignation or retrenchment

According to The Edge, the cuts are part of a wider restructuring that has seen key leadership changes within the company, following recent controversies and leadership exits.

Separately, another affected employee shared that those who chose to resign were also offered the same retrenchment package. They were additionally allowed to keep their company-issued devices and would receive a recommendation letter to support their job search.

In late Jan, rumours began circulating online alleging that PLB co-founder Melvin Lim and then vice-president of strategy Grayce Tan were involved in an extramarital affair. Both Lim and Tan are married, and the claims quickly drew public attention to the firm.

The two subsequently stepped down, prompting leadership changes and the introduction of a new whistle-blowing channel within the company.

Following the controversy, several realtors have reportedly left PLB for other agencies in recent months.

PLB confirms layoffs

While PLB did not respond to Vulcan Post’s queries, it has said to several media outlets that it has undergone a restructuring focused on “certain media and backend functions as part of a broader shift towards a more streamlined, AI-supported and technology-driven model”.

It said figures cited on the proportion of employees affected are not accurate and do not reflect the scope of the restructuring, adding that the company “will not be providing detailed headcount breakdowns at this point in time.”

The media function did not have close to 100 local employees. Our local team size was significantly smaller… following the exercise, a core team remains in place to support content strategy, creative direction, and production oversight.

In Sep 2025, the company previously announced that PLB Media would be closing down to rebrand as MediaX. It also said it had significantly reduced its editorial, tech, video, and overseas teams under PLB Media.

On employee arrangements, PLB said it took a “structured and considered approach,” including notice arrangements and support for affected staff.

“Our priority remains to manage this transition responsibly while ensuring continuity for our clients and stakeholders,” the property agency said.

The company added that its core real estate operations, including sales and marketing of listings, continue as usual with no disruption to clients.

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Featured Image Credit: PropertyLimBrothers