Tag Archives: Singapore Property

Developers ready to launch, but may hold their fire

Many looking at market conditions, competition before deciding launch date

DEVELOPERS are busy getting projects launch ready. However, whether they release them by this year’s end or next year will depend on market conditions, ‘ground feedback’ from potential buyers and the segment of the market the projects are in.

Far East Organization began previewing its Alba condo at Cairnhill Rise this week. The property giant is believed to have released 18 units up to the seventh floor of the 18-storey freehold condo, which has a total 50 units. The 18 units range from 1,862 to 2,250 sq ft.

Under the project’s ‘white plan’, Far East can customise apartment layouts to suit buyers’ preferences. The developer told BT that prices start from $2,400 psf. Alba comprises a single Y-shaped tower; most floors will have three units per floor although there are two levels in the development with just one unit per floor.

Oxley Land also began previewing Suites@Guillemard at Lim Ah Woo Road yesterday. The five-storey freehold project comprises 72 units, of which 45 are smallish one-bedders of 258-527 sq ft. The smallest unit is said to have been snapped up at about $400,000. As of 6pm yesterday, more than 50 units in the project were said to have been sold. The average price is believed to be about $1,000 psf. No interest absorption scheme (IAS) was offered. Continue reading

Govt asked to release more land sites in less central areas

Property developers in Singapore are calling for the government to release more land sites in less central areas so that they can build more affordable mass market homes.

On the sidelines of a lunch hosted by the Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore (REDAS) on Friday, industry players said demand for private homes will continue to rise and push up prices.

It said most of the recent residential sites released for tender have been in “hotspot” areas. These are places located near MRT stations and other neighbourhood amenities, and cost more than those located further away.

REDAS has since requested for the Urban Redevelopment Authority to release a more even spread of sites.

Simon Cheong, president of REDAS, said: “There is an adequate number of sites now, to be honest. But perhaps in the next confirmed list, we’ll have sites that are more spread out across the island for developers to pick from.

“Land that is not in an MRT area or in a ‘hotspot’ probably would have a lower price, so the developer would have a better choice for homebuyers. In other words, more affordable land for developers will mean more affordable products for the consumers.” Continue reading