Monthly Archives: August 2009

Resale prices of Caribbean at Keppel bay cross $1,100 psf

With the opening of the $6 billion Resorts World at Sentosa fast approaching, there is a buzz of excitement as investors anticipate the influx of visitors expected in 1Q2010. To cater for a surge in tourists and locals to the island, a 620m $70 million walkway is being constructed and is expected to be completed in November 2010.

As development at the upcoming casino gain traction, interest in properties on the mainland of Singapore and Sentosa Cove have picked up in recent months.

For instance, at the 969-unit Caribbean at Keppel Bay, developed by Keppel Land and completed in 2004, there were three transactions in the week of July 3 to 10, according to caveats lodged with URA Realis. A check against the monthly number of transactions shows there was an average of five units changing hands from April to June this year versus only two from January to March.

According to property agents, buying activity has picked up and there is more interest from foreigners. However, transaction levels remain low, owing to higher quantum prices and the gap in asking prices ranging from $1,300 to $1,400 psf versus buyers’ expectations of $1,000 Continue reading

Swings in liquidity flows set to continue

IN THE face of the continuing economic slowdown affecting developed economies such as the United States and Japan, the soaring financial markets around the globe present a big puzzle.

Stock prices across the region have hit 12-month highs, clawing back the losses sustained in the fallout from the collapse of US investment bank Lehman Brothers. The property market has turned sizzling hot as well.

Yet, this financial mini-boom sits oddly, with tell-tale signs of the recession that still ravages Asian economies.

Last week, disk-drive maker Seagate said it is axing 2,000 workers from its Ang Mo Kio plant as it relocates some of its operations to other countries.

But try telling house-hunters that Singapore is still mired in recession. They were more worried about a further surge in prices as they rushed head-long into the Optima condo project next to Tanah Merah MRT station, snapping up all its 297 units within three days last week.

Some suburban condo projects such as the Centro Residences in Ang Mo Kio have also been commanding prices of more than Continue reading