Category Archives: HDB

Concerns over low-storey HDB flats

Posted on 12 May 2012 | Comments Off on Concerns over low-storey HDB flats

Letter from Marcus Phang

There is always talk about home buyers shunning low-storey units in Build-To-Order or Sale of Balance Flats launches. The Housing and Development Board must not, however, be too quick to accuse such buyers of being too fussy.

As an owner of a new flat, I have brought up several concerns to the HDB’s project consultants and relevant parties such as its contractors.

These are important aspects on home security, high-rise littering, dropped laundry and problems caused by strong wind and rain, which require design modifications for a better living environment and to prevent mishaps such as break-ins.

However, there has been no concrete, permanent action to rectify these concerns. If the HDB wants home buyers to take up such units at its sales launches, then it would be imperative to make a concerted effort to address such concerns first.

Source: May 11, 2012

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Over 600 applications for 1 Canberra

Posted on 11 May 2012 | Comments Off on Over 600 applications for 1 Canberra

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Over 600 e-applications for the 665-unit 1 Canberra executive condo development were recorded as balloting closed on Wednesday.

The developer MCC Land expects the project to be oversubscribed “once the last person leaves the showroom,” said a spokesman, who estimated e-applications to range between 670 and 680.

But Colin Tan, Research Head at Chesterton Suntec International, expected a better response. The lukewarm demand was attributed to intense competition among developers, especially first-time buyers who usually account for oversubscriptions.

“First-time applicants… have a lot more choices now. There have been a string of EC and DBSS (Design, Build and Sell Scheme) projects all coming out at the same time,” noted Tan.

“The advertisements have also come out quite strongly, which reflects a bit on the competition, because they’re all launching at the same time, they’re all in the far north-east, and they’re competing for the same segments of the market.”

Nevertheless, 1 Canberra will likely draw more interest when it opens to the public, as it offers competitive pricing. A standard three-bedroom unit is expected to sell for between S$680,000 to S$880,000 while four-bedroom units range from S$860,000 to S$970,000.

“Because it’s an EC, pricing is affordable, so it doesn’t mean it won’t do well once it’s opened for all. It’s still more affordable, compared to private property,” noted Tan.

Despite its better location, interest in 1 Canberra is still weaker than Pasir Ris One, which was 1.94 times oversubscribed.

Source: PropertyGuru – 11 May 2012

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