Month: January 2025

As you ponder over the idea of investing in a condo, it is crucial to also evaluate the potential rental yield it can offer. Rental yield refers to the yearly rental income generated from the property as a percentage of its purchase price. In Singapore, the rental yields for condos can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, property condition, and market demand. Generally, areas with high demand for rentals, such as those near business districts or educational institutions, tend to provide better rental yields. To gain a better understanding of a specific condo’s rental potential, it is essential to conduct thorough market research and seek advice from real estate agents. You can also visit Condo for additional information.

During the week of Dec 27 to Jan 3, Commonwealth Towers emerged as the top private non-landed property to achieve a new price per square foot (psf) peak. This 99-year leasehold development set a new psf-high of $2,460 on Dec 27 when it sold a 904 sq ft, three-bedroom unit on the 40th floor for $2.22 million.

This record surpasses the previous high of $2,402 psf, set just three months ago in September 2024 when a 689 sq ft, two-bedroom unit on the 42nd floor was sold for approximately $1.65 million.

Over the past three years, the average resale price of units at Commonwealth Towers has been on the rise. In 2022, there were 53 transactions at an average price of $1,971 psf. The following year, the average price went up to $2,097 psf over 51 resale transactions. Last year, there were 37 resale transactions with an average price of $2,200 psf. This is an 11.6% increase in average resale prices since 2022.

The most expensive unit to be sold at Commonwealth Towers by absolute price was a 1,302 sq ft, four-bedroom unit on the 39th floor for $2.96 million, or $2,273 psf. This transaction occurred in November 2024.

Commonwealth Towers was completed in 2017 and has a remaining lease of about 87 years. Located along Commonwealth Avenue, it comprises two 43-storey residential blocks with a total of 845 units ranging from one to four bedrooms and sizes from 441 sq ft to 1,302 sq ft.

Second on the list is freehold project Parq Bella, which saw a new psf-peak of $2,416 when the developer sold a 1,076 sq ft, three-bedroom unit on the fourth floor for about $2.6 million on Dec 31. This was also the first unit to hit above $2,400 psf at this development.

This beats the previous psf price record of $2,385 set in August 2023 when a 926 sq ft, two-bedroom unit on the fourth floor was sold for about $2.2 million.

Parq Bella comprises 20 freehold units ranging from two to four bedrooms, with sizes ranging from 926 sq ft to 1,787 sq ft. It is expected to be completed by December 2026. Last year, the boutique project saw five new sales transactions with an average price of $2,347 psf. Since its launch in 3Q2023, Parq Bella has sold 19 out of its 20 units (95%) at an average price of $2,244 psf based on caveats lodged as of Jan 14.

The only private residential development to see a new psf-price low during the period in review is freehold luxury project Klimt Cairnhill. The new psf-price floor came from the developer’s sale of an 829 sq ft, two-bedroom unit on the 24th floor for $2.55 million on Jan 3. This translates to $3,077 psf.

The 829 sq ft, two-bedroom unit on the 24th floor was the final unit to be sold at Klimt Cairnhill, a 138-unit freehold development that achieved 100% sales at an average price of $3,665 psf, based on caveats lodged. The project was previewed in August 2021 and officially launched in January 2023.

Klimt Cairnhill is located along Cairnhill Road in Prime District 9 and has a mix of two- to four-bedroom apartments ranging from 829 sq ft to 2,368 sq ft. There are also two penthouses of 4,898 sq ft and 5,920 sq ft. It is expected to obtain its Temporary Occupation Permit in April this year.…

estimates

HDB to launch 25,000 new flats in 2025, including 19,600 BTO and over 5,500 SBF units

HDB is gearing up to launch over 25,000 new flats in 2025, according to a joint press release by HDB and the Ministry of National Development (MND) on Jan 16. This will include about 19,600 build-to-order (BTO) flats across three sales exercises and more than 5,500 sales of balance flats (SBF) in one SBF sale exercise.

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Singapore’s urban scenery is characterized by towering skyscrapers and state-of-the-art infrastructure. These sleek and modern structures offer a mix of opulence and convenience, making them highly desirable for both local residents and foreigners. These luxurious condominiums, strategically located in sought-after areas, are equipped with a variety of facilities including swimming pools, fitness centers, and top-notch security services. These amenities not only enhance the overall quality of living, but also make the condos an attractive option for potential tenants and buyers. As a result, new condo launches continue to entice investors with their promise of higher rental yields and increasing property values over time.

The units will be a mix of Standard, Plus, and Prime BTO flats under the new classification framework. The February BTO launch will offer approximately 5,000 flats in Kallang/Whampoa, Queenstown, Woodlands, and Yishun.

Next month, HDB will also conduct its largest-ever Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise, offering over 5,500 flats across various estates. About 40% of the flats in the SBF exercise are completed units, while the rest are at different stages of construction and are expected to be completed between 2025 and 2028.

In total, more than 10,000 new flats will be available under the February BTO and SBF exercises. Over the last four years, from 2021 to 2024, HDB has launched about 82,700 BTO flats. With a planned pipeline of 19,600 BTO flats in 2025, HDB is on track to launch around 102,300 BTO flats — exceeding its commitment of 100,000 units over five years.

The ramp-up in BTO supply has resulted in a drop in application rates. In 2024, the average application rate among first-time homebuyers for BTO across all flat types was 2.1, compared to the pre-pandemic rate of 3.7 in 2019. The average first-timer application rate last year for three-room and larger flats was 2.2, down from 4.0 in 2019.

HDB will continue to release “a steady pipeline of flats to meet housing demand in the next few years”, says Minister for National Development, Desmond Lee. Over 50,000 flats will be launched between 2025 and 2027, bringing the total to about 130,000 flats from 2021 to 2027.

About 3,800 of the 19,600 new flats, or about one-fifth of the BTO flats slated for launch in 2025, will be Shorter Waiting Time (SWT) flats of less than three years. This is a boost from the 2,876 SWT flats offered in 2024, and more than the committed annual supply of 2,000 to 3,000 SWT flats.

“The SWT flats will also increase the options for buyers and may attract some demand away from the resale market,” says Lee Sze Teck, Senior Director of Data Analytics at Huttons Asia.

In 2025, Lee estimates that about 7,000 HDB flats will reach their five-year minimum occupation period (MOP), making it the lowest supply of such resale flats since 2015. “With HDB assuring buyers that they will push out more BTO and SBF flats to meet demand, this will offer more choices for buyers and stabilize the resale market,” he says. “This larger flat supply and SWT flats will address the shortfall in MOP flats.”

Huttons’ Lee estimates that HDB resale flat transactions in 2025 will range between 26,000 and 28,000, lower than the 28,876 units recorded last year. Resale flat prices are expected to grow at a slower pace of 5% to 8% this year, compared to the 9.6% increase reflected in HDB’s flash estimate for 2024.…

The recent sale of a three-bedroom penthouse at Orchid Mansion, located on Amber Road in District 15, has resulted in a hefty profit of $2.58 million (112%). This transaction, which took place on December 31, 2024, stands as the most profitable resale deal from December 31, 2024 to January 7, 2025.

The 2,842 square feet unit, situated on the 21st floor, was sold for $4.88 million ($1,717 per square foot). The original purchase price for this freehold development in March 2009 was $2.3 million ($809 per square foot), making the annualized profit over nearly 16 years at 4.9%.

This sale also sets a new record at Orchid Mansion, surpassing the previous profit gained from the resale of a 1,507 square feet three-bedroom unit on the seventh floor for $1.15 million (72.6%) in July 2022. The unit was bought in June 2007 for $1.58 million ($1,050 per square foot).

Orchid Mansion, a 20-year-old condo at 11 Amber Road, comprises a 21-story residential tower with a mix of two- and three-bedroom units ranging from 1,346 square feet to 2,002 square feet. The development also features two penthouses of 2,842 square feet and 2,734 square feet respectively.

Another profitable transaction took place at Villa Marina, where a 1,625 square feet unit was sold for $2.35 million ($1,446 per square foot) on January 3. The ground floor three-bedroom unit, initially purchased in September 2006 for $630,500 ($388 per square foot), resulted in a profit of $1.72 million (273%). This translates to an annualized profit of 7.6% over 18 years.

This sale also beats the previous highest profit recorded at Villa Marina, which was the sale of a 1,916 square feet unit on the fourth floor for $2.3 million ($1,200 per square foot) on July 16, 2024. The unit was bought in November 1998 for $720,416 ($376 per square foot).

Villa Marina, a 99-year leasehold development located at Jalan Sempadan in District 15, was completed in 1999 and comprises 27 low-rise residential blocks. It offers a mix of one- to four-bedroom units ranging from 1,087 square feet to 2,314 square feet and is situated near Siglap MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line and East Coast Park. The development is also within a 1km radius of primary schools such as Bedok Green Primary School, CHIJ (Katong) Primary, Ngee Ann Primary School, St Stephen’s School, and Tao Nan School.

On the other hand, the most unprofitable resale transaction was recorded at Marina Bay Residences, where a 1,130 square feet unit on the 17th floor was sold for $2.1 million ($1,858 per square foot) on January 2, resulting in a loss of $386,000 (16%). The unit was initially purchased for $2.49 million ($2,200 per square foot) in November 2007. This translates to an annualized loss of 1% over 17 years.

When purchasing a Singapore condo, it is crucial to give consideration to its maintenance and management. This is due to the fact that condos typically have maintenance fees, which cover the maintenance of shared areas and amenities. Although these fees may increase the overall cost of owning a condo, they also ensure that the property remains in good condition and maintains its value. To make the investment more passive, investors can enlist the services of a property management company to handle the day-to-day management of their Singapore condo.

According to resale caveats at Marina Bay Residences, a total of 25 transactions were recorded last year, out of which 13 were unprofitable with losses ranging from $1.25 million to $43,600. The most significant unprofitable sale took place on March 22, 2024, when a 1,227 square feet unit was sold for $2.8 million ($2,282 per square foot).

Marina Bay Residences, a 428-unit development on Marina Boulevard, recently underwent a $5 million renovation from January 2022 to September 2023 to upgrade its facilities and enhance its communal spaces. The 15-year-old condo is situated in Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC), along with two other premium condos, namely Marina Bay Suites and the 221-unit Marina One Residences. Currently, the average resale price at Marina Bay Residences stands at $2,242 per square foot, which is higher than the surrounding condos such as The Sail @ Marina Bay ($2,052 per square foot), Marina Bay Suites ($1,917 per square foot), and Marina One Residences ($2,133 per square foot).…

Choosing to invest in a condominium also requires careful consideration of its maintenance and management. As with any property, condos generally come with maintenance fees that are meant to cover the upkeep of shared areas and amenities. Although these charges may increase the overall cost of ownership, they guarantee that the property remains well-maintained and maintains its value. To further ease the burden of managing a condo, many investors opt to engage a property management company. This allows for a more hands-off approach to investing, leaving the day-to-day management to the experts. For the latest and most exciting condo developments, check out New Condo Launches.

City Developments Limited (CDL) has recently announced that it successfully divested assets worth over $600 million last year, as part of its capital recycling efforts. This amount, however, fell short of the company’s initial target of $1 billion, which was stated in early 2024. The decrease in the volume of deals across various markets and asset classes contributed to this shortfall.

According to CDL, completed divestments include the sale of Ransome’s Wharf site in London, a freehold 8-storey industrial building known as Cideco Industrial Complex in Singapore, as well as several strata units at Citilink Warehouse Complex, Cititech Industrial Building, Fortune Centre, and Sunshine Plaza. These divestments were made in line with the company’s goal to accelerate its capital recycling initiatives.

In addition, CDL’s mixed-use development project, Hong Leong City Centre (HLCC) in Suzhou, has also been sold, with the retail and office components currently under contract and expected to be completed this quarter. Group CEO Sherman Kwek explains that these divestments demonstrate the company’s commitment to optimise its capital management and align its portfolio with strategic objectives, ultimately maximising shareholder value.

Despite the challenging market conditions, CDL remains determined to push forward with its divestment plans. As of January 16, CDL’s shares closed at $5.05, down 0.2% for the day and 20.97% lower than its value a year ago. Interested buyers can check out the latest listings for properties at Sunshine Plaza. Alternatively, they can also get assistance from Ask Buddy, a real estate platform offering condo rental listings in District 7. They can also compare the price trend of Condo new sale versus EC new sale, and the rental transactions in District 7. In addition, they can also compare the price trend of HDB versus Condo versus Landed properties and determine the top condo projects with the most unprofitable transactions in District 7.…

A beautiful two-storey bungalow located at 11 Whitley Road has recently been listed for tender. This highly coveted property is currently on the market for a guide price of $31.88 million. Spanning over an expansive freehold elevated site of 15,276.27 square feet, the guide price translates to $2,087 per square foot of land area.

Originally built in 2016, the bungalow has been renovated with a rear extension. Boasting five bedrooms, three of which are en suite, the house also boasts two living rooms, two dining rooms, a large well-equipped kitchen, and a helper’s room. The property is conveniently located near Novena MRT Station, only 700m away, and is in close proximity to shopping malls such as Velocity at Novena Square, Square 2, United Square, and Zhongshan Park.

It is crucial for foreign investors considering the purchase of real estate in Singapore to have a thorough understanding of the regulations and restrictions in place. While condos may present fewer limitations for non-citizens, the same cannot be said for landed properties. These types of properties are subject to stricter ownership rules that must be adhered to. In addition, foreign buyers are also required to pay a 20% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for their initial property purchase. Despite this added expense, the Singapore real estate market remains highly attractive to foreign investors due to its stability and potential for growth. The recent increase in New Condo Launches has only further enhanced the appeal of the market, making it an even more appealing option for those interested in investing in Singapore’s real estate. For more information on New Condo Launches, please visit homesearch-md.com.

According to Aric Lim, associate district director at Huttons Asia, the exclusive marketing agent for the property, the land parcel can be subdivided to accommodate the development of eight terraced houses. Each site would range from 1,614 square feet to 2,389 square feet, with a potential gross floor area (GFA) of 21,528 square feet, subject to land betterment charges.

Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics at Huttons Asia, notes that this is likely the largest plot of land available along Whitley Road. He also mentions that the asking price of $2,087 per square foot based on land is significantly lower compared to recent transactions of new semi-detached houses in the area, which have sold for more than $3,000 per square foot.

The tender for 11 Whitley Road will close on Feb 12, presenting a rare opportunity for potential buyers to own a grand bungalow in the desirable Whitley Road neighborhood. Don’t miss out on your chance to make this magnificent property your own. Contact Huttons Asia today for more information.…

Investing in real estate is a strategic decision, and location plays a vital role in its success. This is especially true in Singapore, where the value of properties is heavily influenced by their location. In particular, condos located in central areas or close to important amenities such as schools, shopping centers, and transportation hubs tend to appreciate in value. Areas like Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD) are considered prime locations, known for their consistent property value growth. Families also prefer these areas because of their proximity to good schools and educational institutions, making condos here even more desirable and attractive for investment. When it comes to real estate, choosing the right location, such as in condos, is crucial for long-term success.

GuocoLand has successfully secured two green facilities from DBS Bank and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation. The first facility is a $1.135 billion green loan which will be used to refinance Guoco Midtown. The second facility of $105 million will be used to refinance Midtown Bay. These green facilities are in line with the company’s focus on sustainable development and were raised under GuocoLand’s Green Finance Framework.

This $1.135 billion green loan for the refinancing of Guoco Midtown is the largest to date for the property developer. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to incorporating green elements into its projects and promoting sustainability in the built environment.

GuocoLand has secured around $5 billion of green financing to date, which includes green facilities for other developments such as Guoco Tower, Lentor Mansion, Lentor Modern, Midtown Modern, and the upcoming Upper Thomson Road Development. This further solidifies the company’s position as a leader in sustainable development in the real estate industry.

According to Group CFO of GuocoLand, Andrew Chew, this refinancing activity allows the company to optimize its capital structure while staying true to its commitment to creating thoughtfully designed spaces that balance economic, environmental and social factors.

On the stock market, shares in GuocoLand closed flat at $1.45 on January 15. This reflects the company’s steady growth and positive outlook in the real estate market. With the opening of Porsche Singapore Studio’s duplex showroom at Guoco Midtown and the leasing of 55,000 sq ft to Publicis Groupe at Guoco Midtown office tower, GuocoLand continues to attract high-profile tenants to its developments. The future of work has also come to life at Guoco Midtown’s new Network Hub, which showcases the company’s innovative approach to creating sustainable and dynamic workspaces.

In conclusion, with its successful securing of $1.135 billion green loan and $105 million green facility, GuocoLand has once again proven its dedication to sustainable development and solidified its position as a leader in the real estate industry. Investors can look forward to the company’s future projects and its continued commitment to creating thoughtfully designed and sustainable spaces.…

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Investing in a condo comes with numerous advantages and one of them is the potential to use the property’s value to further increase your investments. Numerous investors take advantage of their condos as collateral in order to secure additional financing for new investments, hence expanding their real estate portfolio. This approach has the potential to amplify returns, however, it is important to have a solid financial plan in place and carefully consider the potential impact of market fluctuations. Singapore Projects can also provide lucrative opportunities for condo investment.

Located in Katong, the freehold mixed-use development Roxy Square will be relaunched for collective sale. Marketing agent JLL announced that the development, which comprises of 296 shops, 26 apartments, and the 576-room Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel, was initially launched for tender in July 2019 at a minimum price of $1.25 billion. The tender closed on Sept 26 last year.However, in a press release, JLL reveals that the owners of the development are now in the process of signing a supplemental agreement to lower the collective sale price by 10.8% to $1.115 billion. The new price would require at least 80% of the owners’ support to take effect. Currently, over 70% of owners are in favor of the lower price.…

at Boon Keng Road:

The Arcady at Boon Keng, a freehold condominium with 172 units, is set to become a prominent landmark in the Boon Keng area upon its completion in 2027. Developed by trusted local companies KSH Holdings, SLB Development and H10 Holdings, in collaboration with award-winning architecture firm Park + Associates, this project will offer modern and distinctive architecture and create a verdant green space along Serangoon Road, setting it apart as a standout private residence in the neighbourhood.

Since its launch in January, The Arcady at Boon Keng has captured the attention of both investors and local buyers. The efficiently designed one-bedroom plus study and two-bedroom units have resonated with many, while families have appreciated the spacious units and abundance of family-friendly amenities.

This development presents an exceptional opportunity for discerning buyers to invest in an affordable freehold property in a city-fringe location. It stands out among only a handful of new freehold projects launching this year.

Creating a Garden Oasis

The Arcady at Boon Keng has been carefully designed to create a tranquil urban oasis amidst the bustling city fringe. The developers and designers have collaborated to adopt a bold architectural form that seamlessly blends with a curated landscape design. The result is a unique multi-layered design that maximises the available space for verdant greenery while combining three-storeys worth of facilities into a single ‘one-stop’ zone across two floors at the base of the tower. This compact design can also be seen in other areas like the 14th floor and rooftop terrace, which feature an array of facilities for residents to enjoy.

The many water features and facilities at The Arcady at Boon Keng include an infinity pool, spa pool, and family pool on the second-storey Sky Terrace (Picture: KSH Holdings)

Families with young children and couples will appreciate the thoughtfully designed amenities for diverse needs and lifestyles. The development boasts 47 condo facilities spanning 4,000 sq m, ensuring that each of the 172 households will find their pocket of excitement. Parents can take a break in the Social Deck while watching their little ones play at the Kids Playground, or enjoy a fun-filled family weekend at the Family Deck, which features a Splash Patio and Family Pool. Other water facilities include an infinity pool, spa pool and family pool on the second-storey Sky Terrace, which also offers a spectacular view of the surrounding skyline. The development also includes a kids’ zone with a Party Deck and Kids Club, a Chill Out Lounge, a Botanic Club, a community garden on the rooftop to grow fresh produce, and a Gourmet Vista on the 14th floor with a 360-degree panoramic view of the skyline.

Spectacular Views from the Heart of Boon Keng

The orientation of the residential tower and units has been carefully considered, resulting in a north-south orientation that offers optimum views of the Kallang River for units on higher floors. The south-facing units also face the direction of Marina Bay. Moreover, the units are tilted away from the main road, significantly reducing traffic noise.

More Space for Families

Each unit at The Arcady at Boon Keng has been efficiently designed to meet the needs of modern families. The master bedrooms are spacious enough to fit a king-sized bed, while the common bedrooms can easily accommodate a queen-sized bed. The project has seen steady sales of its larger units, including three-bedroom units of 969 sq ft, three-bedroom-plus-study units of 1,281 sq ft, and four-bedroom units of 1,410 sq ft. It also features two penthouses of 2,433 sq ft and 2,583 sq ft. Families with school-going children will appreciate the development’s convenient location near reputable schools such as Bendemeer Primary School, Bendemeer Secondary School, St Andrew’s Junior School, and Hong Wen School.

The Arcady at Boon Keng is conveniently located near Bendemeer Primary School, Bendemeer Secondary School, St Andrew’s Junior School, and Hong Wen School. (Picture: KSH Holdings)

The surrounding amenities include Woodleigh Mall at Bidadari Park Drive and Bendemeer Mall along Bendemeer Road. According to Ismail Gafoor, CEO of PropNex Realty, one of the project’s marketing agents, “Buyers are drawn to The Arcady at Boon Keng owing to its convenient location and connectivity. With the Boon Keng MRT Station on the North-East Line just a few minutes’ walk away, residents can enjoy a relatively short commute to the city.” Dhoby Ghaut MRT Interchange Station, which links the North-East Line, North-South Line, and Circle Line, is just three stops from Boon Keng MRT Station. Gafoor observes that “Many home buyers these days prefer projects within walking distance to an MRT station; convenience is highly valued in today’s busy lifestyle.” Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia, agrees that The Arcady at Boon Keng presents a rare opportunity as a freehold property in a central location with easy access to major expressways such as the CTE and PIE.

Revitalising the Kallang Precinct

The Arcady at Boon Keng will also benefit from its proximity to the rejuvenated Kallang precinct, which will see new sports and leisure facilities developed as part of the Kallang Alive Masterplan announced during Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s inaugural National Day Rally this year. As Singapore’s future sports hub, the masterplan aims to bring together several key sporting associations and the Singapore Sports School into one integrated precinct. It will be supported by planned state-of-the-art sports facilities and a new 12,000-seat stadium.

Affordable Freehold Property

Since the project’s launch in January 2024, all one-bedroom plus study units have been snapped up, and close to 90% of the two-bedroom units have been sold. With an average selling price of about $2,570 psf, the freehold tenure and potential for relatively greater capital appreciation compared to new 99-year leasehold projects make The Arcady at Boon Keng a compelling choice for buyers and investors.

Gafoor shares that “The Arcady at Boon Keng is attractively priced relative to its location near the city and the MRT station.” He adds that “The average transacted price of $2,570 psf at The Arcady at Boon Keng is lower than the average unit price of about $2,840 psf for new freehold, non-landed private homes in the Rest of Central Region (RCR) in 2024.” He also points out that it is “slightly lower than the average transacted unit price of new 99-year leasehold projects in the RCR of about $2,600 psf.” Yip agrees and notes that “The Arcady at Boon Keng presents a compelling opportunity as a freehold property in a prime location at an attractive price.” Gafoor sums it up by saying, “Overall, we think The Arcady at Boon Keng checks many boxes for homebuyers today. The project is located in a well-established neighbourhood in the city fringe, has good connectivity and easy access to the PIE. Another plus is that it has a freehold land tenure, making it ideal for legacy planning and wealth preservation.”

A major benefit of purchasing a condominium in Singapore lies in its potential for capital growth. This is largely due to the country’s advantageous position as a global economic hub, and its robust economic foundation which drives a consistent demand for real estate. Over time, the real estate market in Singapore has demonstrated a consistent rise, with prime locations experiencing notable appreciation. Savvy investors who make timely investments and maintain their properties for the long haul can reap significant gains in their capital. Additionally, with the recent introduction of new condo launches such as those found on homesearch-md.com, the potential for capital appreciation is even further heightened.

According to Marcus Chu, CEO of ERA, “With the scarcity of new home launches in the area, we anticipate HDB upgraders will naturally gravitate towards The Arcady at Boon Keng. The nearly 1,400 upcoming MOP units from the Bidadari HDB estate further expands the pool of potential buyers for The Arcady at Boon Keng.”

Potential buyers who want to view the sales gallery, located beside City Square Mall, can contact the developers’ appointed marketing agencies or visit their website.…

Ultimately, purchasing a condo in Singapore proves to be a wise investment choice due to its numerous benefits. These include a high demand for properties, potential for increased value over time, and attractive rental yields. However, it is crucial to carefully consider various factors, including location, financing options, government regulations, and overall market conditions. By conducting comprehensive research and seeking advice from professionals, investors can make well-informed decisions and maximize their returns in Singapore’s ever-changing real estate market. Whether you are a local investor looking to diversify your portfolio or a foreign buyer seeking a stable and lucrative investment opportunity, condos in Singapore present a compelling opportunity.

04 Sep 2021 | A portfolio of freehold strata retail units in Lucky Plaza is up for sale at a total of $52.6 million, making it an attractive investment opportunity for potential buyers. Marketed by Savills Singapore, the mixed-use development is located at Orchard Road, consisting of a residential tower and a six-storey mall with a basement.The portfolio comprises 14 retail units, ranging from 118 to 3,046 sq ft in size, spread across the basement and the first two levels of the mall. Together, they make up a total strata area of 7,266 sq ft. The highlight of the offering, according to Savills Singapore, is a food court spanning seven adjoining strata units, spanning 3,046 sq ft and housing 11 stalls. The remaining retail units are currently tenanted by various businesses such as a pub, retail shops, beauty service providers, and a maid agency.Read also: Flagship stores grow bigger and bolder as luxury brands target millennials and Gen ZThe location of the retail units in Lucky Plaza is expected to benefit from high foot traffic, notes Sophia Lim, director of investment sales and capital markets at Savills Singapore. “The basement food court, in particular, benefits from consistently strong crowds daily,” she continues.For those interested in the food court, the guide price stands at $25.43 million, while the entire portfolio is available at $52.6 million. Individual strata retail units are also available for purchase, with prices starting from $1.1 million. Foreigners and companies are eligible to purchase, and there will be no additional buyer’s or seller’s stamp duty imposed.Lim believes that prime strata freehold retail assets are highly sought-after among investors due to their scarcity and URA’s prohibition on further subdivision of commercial properties along Orchard Road. In addition, she expects the planned revitalisation of the Orchard precinct by URA to contribute to the growth in rental and capital appreciation of Lucky Plaza. For those interested in finding out more about the property, check out the latest listings for Lucky Plaza properties and compare the price trend of resale condos in District 9.…

In summary, there are many compelling reasons to consider investing in a condo in Singapore. This type of property is in high demand, with a potential for capital appreciation and attractive rental yields. However, it is crucial to carefully consider crucial factors such as location, financing options, government regulations, and market conditions. By conducting thorough research and seeking guidance from professionals, investors can make well-informed decisions and maximize their returns in Singapore’s dynamic real estate market. Whether you are a local investor looking to diversify your portfolio or a foreign buyer seeking a stable and profitable investment, condos in Singapore, with new launches like New Condo Launches, offer a compelling opportunity for investors to thrive.

The tender for the Government Land Sale (GLS) site at Tengah Gardens Avenue attracted three bids before closing on Jan 14. The top bid of $675 million, or $821 psf per plot ratio (ppr), was submitted by a consortium led by Hong Leong.The 99-year leasehold site, which is zoned ‘Residential with Commercial at 1st storey’, measures approximately 273,906 sq ft and has a maximum gross floor area (GFA) of 821,720 sq ft. It is expected to yield around 860 residential units, according to URA. The site is located near the upcoming Hong Kah MRT Station on the Jurong Region Line (JRL), which is set to enhance connectivity in the area.AdvertisementThe Hong Leong-led consortium, which includes GuocoLand Singapore and CSC Land Group, plans to develop an 860-unit condominium on the site, taking advantage of the upcoming JRL to attract buyers. Loke Kee Yeu, general manager (Projects) at Hong Leong Holdings Limited, believes that the growing development of the new Tengah estate will make it an attractive location for prospective homebuyers.Read also: Government ramps up private housing supply; offers three EC sites on Confirmed ListAdvertisementThe site’s close proximity to the Hong Kah MRT Station and the upcoming Tengah Town Centre, as well as its direct route to the second CBD at Jurong Lake District, make it an ideal location for developers. The top bid of $821 psf ppr was only 0.73% higher than the second-place bid of $815 psf ppr, submitted by Chinese developer Kingsford Group. Local developer Sim Lian Group submitted the third and final bid of $812 psf ppr, creating a very tight bid price spread between the three bidders.Despite the increase in homebuyer activity towards the end of 2024, developers have remained cautious in their approach, according to Leonard Tay, head of research at Knight Frank Singapore. He also believes that developers may have chosen to focus on existing sites that are due to be launched in 2025 rather than bidding on the Tengah Gardens Avenue site.Read also: URA launches tenders for two GLS sites at Media CircleAdvertisementAccording to Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia, developers may be trying to keep their bids reasonable to maintain an attractive selling price for potential buyers. He expects to see more joint bids from property developers for GLS sites this year as a way of diversifying risk. This could be a contributing factor to the lower number of bids that have been received for GLS tenders recently.Another reason for the low number of bids could be the current availability of GLS sites, according to Marcus Chu, CEO of ERA. With seven sites still open for tender and six more scheduled to be launched in the first half of 2025, developers may be taking a more measured approach and weighing their options amid moderated interest rates. However, interest in the Tengah Gardens Avenue site may have been affected by the existence of another nearby GLS site, notes Justin Quek, CEO of OrangeTee & Tie. He believes that some developers may be considering bidding on a different GLS site along Lakeside Drive and Lakeside MRT, which is scheduled to be launched in April 2025.The Tengah Gardens Avenue site is set to be the first private residential site (excluding Executive Condominiums) in the Tengah HDB township. The site was awarded to City Developments Ltd (CDL) and MCL Land for the development of Copen Grand, a 639-unit EC that was launched for sale in 2022 and sold out within a month. If the Tengah Gardens Avenue site is awarded at the top bid of $821 psf ppr, PropNex estimates that the average selling price of the new private condo could be around $2,000 psf. The site’s proximity to the future Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), which is set to become a co-ed school in 2030, could make it an attractive location for families with school-aged children, according to Ismail Gafoor, CEO of PropNex.…