Singapore Property Watch

Latest News On Singapore’s Booming Property Market


Live in the heart of it all

Step into a world that bings you the beat of waterfront living. Live and be seen at the centre of it all - Tribeca by the waterfront.

Imagine your own private oasis in the heart of the city. A lush paradise inspired by clean lines and distinctive facade, realizing a perfect blend of modernity and natural serenity. A magnificient freehold property, Tribeca by the waterfront offers you the opportunity to experience riverside living at its finest. Here, the choices are always yours to make - bask in the peaceful sanctity of modern refinement and pristine greenery, or move to the rhythm and pulse of the city.

Current major projects

Project Tenure District Developer Location Total
Concourse Skyline 99 07 Hong Fok Land Beach Road 360
Skyline 360° at St Thomas Walk FH 09 Hiap Hoe Group St Thomas Walk 61
Belle Vue Residences FH 09 Wing Tai Oxley Walk 176
Volari FH 10 CDL Balmoral Road 85
Latitude FH 10 CapitaLand Jalan Mutiara 127
The Orange Grove FH 10 Ho Bee Orange Grove Road 72
Madison Residences FH 10 Keppel Land Bukit Timah Road 56
VIVA FH 11 Allgreen Properties Suffolk Walk 235

Speculators a minority as they shoot for small flipping gains

By EMILYN YAP

This brings to mind the government’s warning last week - that some element of speculation is back in the property market. Industry watchers say, however, that subsales are common for fully sold projects and speculation still remains mild.According to industry watchers, sellers in the subsale market need to charge a premium of at least 5 per cent to break even. This would cover stamp duty, legal fees and any agent’s commission. To earn more, some may set prices which are up to 10 per cent more than what they paid.

SAVILLS Singapore has launched for sale two residential properties - the freehold No 3 Balmoral Road with an indicative price of $65 million; and an 86,402 square foot plot at No 162 Tagore Avenue, within the Teachers Housing Estate, with an indicative price of $15 million. The latter is being sold on a 99-year leasehold tenure by the Singapore Teachers’ Union, which holds the freehold interest in the property.No 3 Balmoral Road currently comprises a development of 11 apartments, all leased out, but Savills is marketing the property for its redevelopment potential. The property is owned by an investment company and has a land area of 23,821 sq ft, a permissible plot ratio (ratio of maximum gross floor area to land area) of 1.6 and a height restriction of 12 storeys.

Some firms may expand as rents fall and the economy stabilises

 

By EMILYN YAP

(SINGAPORE) A plunge in Grade A office rents has raised Singapore’s competitive edge somewhat. According to Colliers International, office occupancy costs here were the fourth-highest among 26 Asia-Pacific cities in Q2 this year - down a notch from a quarter ago.

As rents stay weak while the economy stabilises, property consultants also expect some companies to take advantage of the situation to expand.

By UMA SHANKARI

Prime first-storey rents in the Orchard/Scotts Road area fell 0.8 per cent to $39.60 per sq ft per month (psf pm). This was a slower pace of decline, after rents fell 4.8 per cent in Q1. Rents for second-storey space fell 4.5 per cent in Q2 - also less than a 6.4 per cent fall in Q1. Rents in suburban areas fell marginally in Q2, supported by resident catchments. Prime first-storey rents eased 0.6 per cent in Q2 - the same as the fall in Q1.

However, rents in ‘other city areas’ fell more in Q2 than Q1, partly due to new supply that will be completed in the second half of 2009. Prime first-storey rents declined 3.1 per cent to $25.40 psf pm in Q2, more than the previous quarter’s fall of 2.2 per cent. 1.3 million sq ft or 56 per cent of new retail space that will be completed in the rest of the year will be in ‘other city areas’, DTZ estimates.

12.8% increase in average price of 2-bedroom units; firm expects full-year primary market sales to top 2006 figure of 11,147 units

 By KALPANA RASHIWALA

This followed a 3.7 per cent quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) price fall in Q1.
Two-bedroom units posted a 12.8 per cent q-on-q gain in Q2, as their lower quantum prices stimulated interest among people hoping to own prime district property.

But DTZ considers the Q2 price gain a blip supported by buyers’ fears of missing the bottom, pent-up demand and low interest rates - rather than economic fundamentals.

Next month, Jardine Lloyd Thompson and QBE Insurance Group will launch a rent protection insurance policy aimed at protecting landlords of private homes and HDB flats.

The timing of this first-of-its-kind product in Singapore is perfect given rising instances of early terminations as global economic conditions worsen.

‘This is something you can find in Australia. We talked about offering it here a year ago and it is now ready,’ said Institute of Estate Agents (IEA) president Jeff Foo. ‘From feedback gathered from our members, there are more people breaking their leases early this downturn compared with the previous downturn. Landlords are not really protected.’

Thanks to the mini-buzz created by two new successful launches - Caspian in Jurong and Alexis @ Alexandra - a few developers have decided to release their projects for sale.

It is an improvement, even if it is just a slight one, from the very sombre mood a month ago, when market watchers were expecting the lull in the market to continue.

Over the weekend, TG Development launched 30 units of the freehold, 102-unit St Patrick’s Residences in St Patrick’s Road in the East.

On average, prices start at around $675 per sq ft (psf) for a two-bedroom unit and rise to about $900 psf for a four-bedroom penthouse.


Live in the heart of it all

Step into a world that bings you the beat of waterfront living. Live and be seen at the centre of it all - Tribeca by the waterfront.

Imagine your own private oasis in the heart of the city. A lush paradise inspired by clean lines and distinctive facade, realizing a perfect blend of modernity and natural serenity. A magnificient freehold property, Tribeca by the waterfront offers you the opportunity to experience riverside living at its finest. Here, the choices are always yours to make - bask in the peaceful sanctity of modern refinement and pristine greenery, or move to the rhythm and pulse of the city.

Current major projects

Project Tenure District Developer Location Total
Concourse Skyline 99 07 Hong Fok Land Beach Road 360
Skyline 360° at St Thomas Walk FH 09 Hiap Hoe Group St Thomas Walk 61
Belle Vue Residences FH 09 Wing Tai Oxley Walk 176
Volari FH 10 CDL Balmoral Road 85
Latitude FH 10 CapitaLand Jalan Mutiara 127
The Orange Grove FH 10 Ho Bee Orange Grove Road 72
Madison Residences FH 10 Keppel Land Bukit Timah Road 56
VIVA FH 11 Allgreen Properties Suffolk Walk 235

Speculators a minority as they shoot for small flipping gains

By EMILYN YAP

This brings to mind the government’s warning last week - that some element of speculation is back in the property market. Industry watchers say, however, that subsales are common for fully sold projects and speculation still remains mild.According to industry watchers, sellers in the subsale market need to charge a premium of at least 5 per cent to break even. This would cover stamp duty, legal fees and any agent’s commission. To earn more, some may set prices which are up to 10 per cent more than what they paid.

SAVILLS Singapore has launched for sale two residential properties - the freehold No 3 Balmoral Road with an indicative price of $65 million; and an 86,402 square foot plot at No 162 Tagore Avenue, within the Teachers Housing Estate, with an indicative price of $15 million. The latter is being sold on a 99-year leasehold tenure by the Singapore Teachers’ Union, which holds the freehold interest in the property.No 3 Balmoral Road currently comprises a development of 11 apartments, all leased out, but Savills is marketing the property for its redevelopment potential. The property is owned by an investment company and has a land area of 23,821 sq ft, a permissible plot ratio (ratio of maximum gross floor area to land area) of 1.6 and a height restriction of 12 storeys.

Some firms may expand as rents fall and the economy stabilises

 

By EMILYN YAP

(SINGAPORE) A plunge in Grade A office rents has raised Singapore’s competitive edge somewhat. According to Colliers International, office occupancy costs here were the fourth-highest among 26 Asia-Pacific cities in Q2 this year - down a notch from a quarter ago.

As rents stay weak while the economy stabilises, property consultants also expect some companies to take advantage of the situation to expand.

By UMA SHANKARI

Prime first-storey rents in the Orchard/Scotts Road area fell 0.8 per cent to $39.60 per sq ft per month (psf pm). This was a slower pace of decline, after rents fell 4.8 per cent in Q1. Rents for second-storey space fell 4.5 per cent in Q2 - also less than a 6.4 per cent fall in Q1. Rents in suburban areas fell marginally in Q2, supported by resident catchments. Prime first-storey rents eased 0.6 per cent in Q2 - the same as the fall in Q1.

However, rents in ‘other city areas’ fell more in Q2 than Q1, partly due to new supply that will be completed in the second half of 2009. Prime first-storey rents declined 3.1 per cent to $25.40 psf pm in Q2, more than the previous quarter’s fall of 2.2 per cent. 1.3 million sq ft or 56 per cent of new retail space that will be completed in the rest of the year will be in ‘other city areas’, DTZ estimates.

12.8% increase in average price of 2-bedroom units; firm expects full-year primary market sales to top 2006 figure of 11,147 units

 By KALPANA RASHIWALA

This followed a 3.7 per cent quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) price fall in Q1.
Two-bedroom units posted a 12.8 per cent q-on-q gain in Q2, as their lower quantum prices stimulated interest among people hoping to own prime district property.

But DTZ considers the Q2 price gain a blip supported by buyers’ fears of missing the bottom, pent-up demand and low interest rates - rather than economic fundamentals.

Next month, Jardine Lloyd Thompson and QBE Insurance Group will launch a rent protection insurance policy aimed at protecting landlords of private homes and HDB flats.

The timing of this first-of-its-kind product in Singapore is perfect given rising instances of early terminations as global economic conditions worsen.

‘This is something you can find in Australia. We talked about offering it here a year ago and it is now ready,’ said Institute of Estate Agents (IEA) president Jeff Foo. ‘From feedback gathered from our members, there are more people breaking their leases early this downturn compared with the previous downturn. Landlords are not really protected.’

Thanks to the mini-buzz created by two new successful launches - Caspian in Jurong and Alexis @ Alexandra - a few developers have decided to release their projects for sale.

It is an improvement, even if it is just a slight one, from the very sombre mood a month ago, when market watchers were expecting the lull in the market to continue.

Over the weekend, TG Development launched 30 units of the freehold, 102-unit St Patrick’s Residences in St Patrick’s Road in the East.

On average, prices start at around $675 per sq ft (psf) for a two-bedroom unit and rise to about $900 psf for a four-bedroom penthouse.

SC Global sells units at $3,100-$3,400 psf at the exclusive 4-storey project

By KALPANA RASHIWALA

 SINGAPORE) Upmarket developer SC Global Developments is said to have sold six units at its Seven Palms at Sentosa Cove condo at between $3,100 per square foot (psf) and $3,400 psf - record prices for the upscale waterfront housing district.

On a lump-sum basis, the three and four-bedroom units were sold at about $9 million to $15 million each.

All units in the four-storey development will face either Tanjong Beach next door, or the sea or the Tanjong Golf Course at the Sentosa Golf Club.

Another site at Meyer Road offers bite-size option, with $65m price tag

By KALPANA RASHIWALA

DEVELOPERS hungry for land were offered two plum residential sites yesterday. One is a 99-year leasehold plot at Upper Thomson Road, opposite the Singapore Island Country Club’s Island Golf Course, which boasts views of Lower Peirce Reservoir.

The 224,303 square foot plot, which was triggered for release from the government’s reserve list, can be developed into a condo of up to 20 storeys with about 400 units.

Analysts say group could be eyeing conversion to hotel

By KALPANA RASHIWALA

(SINGAPORE) Another office block has been sold. Premier Centre, a seven-storey property at the corner of Beach Road and Tan Quee Lan Street, changed hands earlier this month for $18 million, or about $1,076 psf based on a strata area of 16,727 sq ft.

Premier Centre stands on a site with a 999-year leasehold tenure starting from January 1827.

Market watchers reckon that buyer Fragrance Group could be eyeing the possibility of converting Premier Centre into a hotel when its existing office leases run out in 2011.

FRASERS Commercial Trust (FCOT) last week announced a series of bold steps to recapitalise the group in a bid to address the refinancing concerns raised by investors and analysts.

But while FCOT unitholders will no doubt be following the developments with interest, shareholders of parent Fraser and Neave (F&N) should also take note as the recapitalisation exercise will affect their company directly as well.

FCOT, which has a $1.5 billion property portfolio spanning Singapore, Australia and Japan, plans to raise $213.9 million in a three-for-one rights issue.

Wing On Life Garden

Details

Address: 335 Bukit Timah Road
Type of Development: Condominium
Tenure: Freehold
District: 10
No. of Units: 81
Year of Completion: 1982
Developer: The Wing On Investment Company (S) Pte Ltd
Unit sizes:
4 bedrooms: 301 - 359 sq m
Penthouse: 643 - 707 sq m

Wing On Life Garden is a full facilities high rise condominium development located in the heart of Bukit Timah Road, which is 5 minutes drive to Orchard Road and around 15 minutes drive to the Central Business District.Its nearby amenities includes eateries, Coronation Plaza, supermarkets and good schools in the area.

Visioncrest Residence

Details

Address: 33-39 Oxley Rise
Type of Development: Mixed Commercial / Condominium
Tenure: Freehold
District: 09
Year of Completion: 2007
No. of units: 265
Developer: WingTai Asia

Visioncrest Residence is a mix-development which consist of 265 luxurious apartments and a commercial block. It is located at Oxley Rise near Orchard Road, Penang Road Killiney Road and Orchard Boulevard. Living in such luxury is like being at the right place at the perfect time.

The Trumps

Details

Address: 1 Jalan Kembangan
Type of Development: Condominium
Tenure: 99 years
District: 14
No. of Units: 189
Year of Completion: 2005
Developer: Sureworth Developments Pte Ltd
Unit sizes:
Studio: 630 - 699 sq ft
2 bedrooms: 936 - 969 sq ft
3 bedrooms: 1,200 - 1,270 sq ft

The Trumps is a modern landmark situated next to the the Kembangan MRT station. This condominium has a modern architecture with glass floor to ceiling windows in the living room and master bedroom which gives the apartment an expansive feel and bright interior.

The Tomlinson

Details

Address: 20 Cuscaden Road
Type of Development: Apartment
Tenure: Freehold
District: 10
No. of units: 29
Year of Completion: 2003
Developer: Wingtai Holdings
Unit sizes:
4 bedrooms: 2,347sq ft, 2,368 sq ft
5 Bedrooms 3,692 sq ft, 3,703 sq ft
Penthouse (Triplex): 9,720 sq ft

Prime & Exclusive Location

The Oceanfront @ Sentosa Cove

Details

Address: Ocean Drive, Sentosa Cove, Sentosa Island
Type of Development: Seafront Condominium
Tenure: 99 years
District: 04
No. of Units: 264
Year of Completion: 2008
Developer: TC Development Pte Ltd
Unit sizes:
2 bedrooms apartments:
113 sq m (1,216 sq ft) - 166 sq m (1,787 sq ft)
3 bedrooms apartments:
153 sq m (1,647 sq ft) - 209 sq m (2,250 sq ft)
4 bedrooms apartments:
187 sq m (2,013 sq ft) - 398 sq m (4,284 sq ft)
Villas
426 sq m (4,585 sq ft) - 437 sq m (4,704 sq ft)
Sky Suites
309 sq m (3,326 sq ft) - 468 sq m (5,038 sq ft)
Sky Villas
255 sq m (2,745 sq ft) - 752 sq m (8,095 sq ft)

The Levelz

Details

Address: 38 Farrer Road
Type of Development: Apartment
Tenure: Freehold
District: 10
No. of Units: 126
Year of Completion: 2004
Developer: CapitaLand Residential
Unit sizes:
1 bedroom + study: 743 sq ft - 784 sq ft
2 bedrooms + study: 980 sq ft - 1335 sq ft

The Levelz possesses a style of living designed for those of you who know what you are looking for. Built on an incline, the Levelz is designed with clean structural lines nestled against the lush foliage. Combining stunning aesthetics with serene living space, the Levelz brings you a sophisticated haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

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