Category Archives: Property Market / Real Estate

New homes on the rise in the CBD

Singapore’s central business district (CBD) is evolving from a traditionally corporate location, with more buyers looking for prime residential properties in the area.

According to Savills Singapore, more than 4,600 new homes will likely be completed in the district by end-2015. A number of these homes will be located in Shenton Way, Robinson Road and Tanjong Pagar. This is expected to boost the population of the CBD by 14 times since 2007, according to Alan Cheong, Research Head at Savills.

Meanwhile, various upcoming projects are seeing strong interest from buyers despite the high prices.

For instance, Far East Organization’s The Clift has sold 250 out of the 312 units available, with the smallest unit going for around S$2 million. The condo development along McCallum Street offers one- to two-bedroom units priced at S$2,579 psf on average.

At the same time, the 62-storey Altez condo in Tanjong Pagar has sold 213 of the 280 units on offer at an average price of S$2,206 psf.

Over at 70 Shenton Way, the upcoming mixed development Eon Shenton has sold 95 units of the total 132 at a median price of S$2,400 psf. The 99-year project is jointly developed by Fission Group, Macly Group, Roxy-Pacific Holdings, Pinnacle Assets and architect-turned-developer Chee Hsian Sing.

Other notable projects such as Robinson Suites, the mixed-use Oxley Tower and Skysuites @ Anson will complement earlier developments such as Marina Bay Residences, The Lumiere and Icon.

The new projects will draw in the crowds even after office hours, in line with the government’s plan to transform the CBD into a place to work, live and play.

“The city is finally a hip place to be seen and live and no longer just a place for a quick beer after work,” said Sulian Tan-Wijaya, Senior Director for Retail and Lifestyle at Savills Singapore.

Dr Chua Yang Liang, Research Head at Jones Lang LaSalle South-east Asia, noted that downtown living could be popular, specifically with younger professionals.

“In other mature cities like New York, downtown living is part of the city fabric. In fact, in some cities in the US, the silver population will move back into the city because of the amenities.”

Source : PropertyGury -21 May 2012

What can you buy for less than S$1 million?

A number of private homes in Singapore are going for less than S$1 million, but their location and décor may not be on par with the pricier developments. However, these properties could end up being a good deal if they are located in an area that’s set to be rejuvenated or developed.

According to Nicholas Mak, Head of Research at SLP International Property Consultancy, about 1,249 private units of 1,000 sq ft or more were sold below S$1 million from 1 January to 4 May this year.

The figure includes new and resale private and executive condominiums (ECs).

Mak added that most sales were for 99-year resale condos sited in suburban areas. Meanwhile, freehold properties were mostly located in city fringe areas such as Geylang.

Ong Kah Seng, Director at R’ST Research, said that while homes priced below S$1 million could be found in the primary and secondary market, it is rarer in the former as the rise in land prices has forced developers to offer higher psf prices and smaller units.

New homes that are at least 1,000 sq ft and priced below S$1 million are generally located in north-eastern areas like Sengkang, Hougang and Punggol.

In the first four months of 2012, there were around 74 transactions at The Minton (pictured), a 99-year leasehold condo at Lorong Ah Soo, while 36 transactions were recorded at Riversound Residence, another leasehold condo in Sengkang.

Upcoming condo developments in Pasir Ris also saw good take-up, with 24 and 12 sales recorded at The Palette and Ripple Bay respectively.

“(These areas) are more valued propositions as the north-east promises exciting future growth while Pasir Ris is an established and refreshing resort-living area,” noted Ong.

Source : PropertyGury 21 May 2012