Tag Archives: Capitaland

Keen interest in Cairnhill and Scotts Road projects

Homes around Cairnhill and Scotts Roads are getting a buzz from new launches and the completion of condominiums in the neighbourhood. CapitaLand recently launched its boutique development, the 64-unit Urban Resort Condominium, and of 34 units launched, 21 had been sold as at end-April, with the latest median price achieved at $3,076 psf, according to the latest data by URA.

At the neighbouring The Laurels, Sing Holdings sold a unit at the 229-unit project for $2,947 psf last month.

Up on Cairnhill Rise, SC Global’s 240-unit upscale condo Hilltops and the neighbouring 140-unit Helios Residences by Wing Tai have obtained their temporary occupation permits (TOP) earlier this year. Along Cairnhill Road, KOP Properties is expected to complete its 56-unit boutique branded residences, Ritz-Carlton Residences by 2H2011. The most recent transaction here was in February, when the 6,501 sq ft triplex penthouse on the 36th level was sold for a whopping $28 million, or $4,307 psf.

Meanwhile, Cairnhill Mansions along Cairnhill Road was put up for en bloc sale last month at a reserve price of $361.5 million, or $2,308 psf ppr. Based on the price tag, the breakeven cost for the developer would be in the range of $3,000 to $3,100 psf, and that means the new development could sell at prices averaging $3,500 psf. The tender for the site, which closes at end-May, is handled by CB Richard Ellis.

Work is also underway at the show flat of Scotts Tower, a bespoke development by Far East Organization. The project, designed by award-winning Dutch architect Ben van Berkel of UNStudio, is located on Cairnhill Road, just off Scotts Road. The development could potentially be launched later this year.

With the spotlight in the Cairnhill-Scotts Road neighbourhood, it’s not surprising that some homebuyers are also turning to the existing condos there. One that has been receiving quite a lot of attention, resulting in a spike in the number of transactions last month, is the 136-unit Scotts 28 located along Scotts Road. The project was jointly developed by Hotel Properties Ltd and MCL Land, and completed in 1999. It was considered one of the most upscale developments in the area when launched, and coveted by the who’s who in Singapore. Scotts 28 has a mix of sizeable units, starting from two-bedroom to four-bedroom apartments, with sizes ranging from 1,098 to 3,606 sq ft. Penthouses are from 4,650 to 6,846 sq ft.

At the peak of the market in 2007, a 1,636 sq ft unit was sold for $3.93 million, or $2,400 psf. Prices this year are approaching that level, and hit a high of $2,250 psf last month when a 1,733 sq ft unit on the 13th floor was sold for $3.9 million. These days, owners of units at Scotts 28 are asking for prices of as high as $2,500 psf on the resale market, notes Arthur Tan, an agent with PropNex. “The sellers are basing their price tags on the recent transacted prices of condos in the area,” he says.

There were three transactions at Scotts 28 from April 26 to 29, with prices ranging from $1,991 to $2,222 psf. A 1,733 sq ft unit on the 15th floor was sold for $3.85 million ($2,222 psf) on April 27. This represents an 81% gain for the previous owner who purchased it at $2.125 million ($1,226 psf) in 2004. Before this, the unit changed hands at $2.2 million ($1,280 psf) in 1999 and $2.4 million ($1,393 psf) in 1995.

Another 1,733 sq ft unit on the 23rd floor was sold for $3.45 million ($1,991 psf). Before this, the unit changed hands at $2.78 million ($1,600 psf) in 1999 and $2.49 million ($1,437 psf) in 1995.On the 18th floor, a 1,636 sq ft unit was sold for $3.5 million ($2,139 psf), or a more than 51% premium over the last transacted price of $2.3 million ($1,408 psf) during the launch in 1995.

Source : The Edge

CapitaLand submits highest bid for white site at Jurong Lake district

Southeast Asia’s largest property developer CapitaLand has submitted the highest bid of S$968.99 million for a vast “white site” property in the Jurong Lake district.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) closed the tender for the site, after receiving five bids in total.

The top bid also translates to about S$1,012 per square foot per plot ratio.

The next highest bid of S$917 million came from the joint-venture between United Engineers and Singapore Press Holdings.

Analysts said they expect the 1.8-hectare site to be turned into a vibrant commercial hub that will rival the one in Tampines.

The “white site”, the second to be put up for sale by the URA, gives developers the flexibility to change the mix of use or the quantum of each use stipulated in the conditions of tender, without having to pay a differential premium.

The sale site at Boon Lay Way is ideal for sizeable mixed-use development with a potential gross floor area of about 88,980 square meters.

CapitaLand’s offer is approximately double the S$510 million trigger bid, according to Li Hiaw Ho, executive director at CBRE Research.

The bid was launched through JG Trustee and JG2 Trustee, a joint venture between CapitaMalls Asia, which has a 50 per cent stake, and HSBC Trust Services (30 per cent) and CapitaLand (20 per cent).

If successful, the property would be near CapitaLand’s IMM Building and its upcoming JCube.

CBRE estimates an average monthly rent of S$15 per square foot (psf) and S$6 psf for the retail and office space respectively.

“It is likely that a pure commercial development with a high proportion of retail element will be developed on this 1.8 ha parcel,” Mr Li said.

A successful award of the property would hasten the development of Jurong East as a vibrant commercial hub, he added.

“Given the sizeable amount of retail pipeline supply from the neighbouring Lend Lease’s and JCube projects as well as existing retail amenities in this area, it would offer residents/workers a retail experience rivalling that of Tampines in the east,” Mr Li said.

The other bidders for the site were the partnership of JL Retail Management and JL Office Management, as well as a consortium composed of the Far East Civil Engineering, OPH Marymount, Sekisui House and China Construction (South Pacific) Development Co.

Lowest bidder Aquamarine Development and FC Commercial Trustee, meanwhile, has put its offer price at S$639.88 million.

Source : Channel NewsAsia – 25 May 2011