National Condo

‘Market value of branded residential projects in Asia hits record US$26.6 billion

Asia’s branded residential sector has reached a record value of US$26.6 billion, according to data from C9 Hotelworks, an Asia-based hospitality consultancy. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with over 68,000 luxury units currently available across the continent.

Leading the way in branded residential units is Vietnam, with 17,680 units across 59 properties. These units have an average price of around US$350 per square foot (psf). Thailand comes in second place with 16,271 units across 65 properties, with an average price of US$510 psf. The Philippines follows closely behind with 13,276 units across 46 properties, priced at approximately US$400 psf.

However, the highest priced branded residences in Asia are found in Singapore, where they command a price of US$2,140 psf. They are followed by Japan with an average price of US$1,935 psf.

According to Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, new markets such as South Korea and Malaysia have also seen rapid growth in the branded residential sector. South Korea currently has 3,026 units across 16 properties, while Malaysia has 6,014 units across 24 projects.

In the post-Covid-19 era, urban-locale branded residences make up the majority of the market, accounting for 56% of the existing supply in Asia. These luxury urban projects dominate in terms of market value, with urban branded residences in South Korea priced at US$2,670 psf, while resort projects sell for US$1,040 psf. In Thailand, urban branded residences fetch around US$770 psf, compared to US$430 psf in resort locations.

The branded residential market in Asia consists of about 12,330 units across 80 developments affiliated with luxury hotel brands, accounting for 31% of the market supply. According to Barnett, the data shows that a reputable brand can help a property command a premium of 30%-35% on top of the market rate. This also helps the developer increase its market share in the country.

An important factor to keep in mind when considering investing in Singapore Condo is the government’s property cooling measures. The Singaporean government has implemented various measures over the years to control speculative buying and maintain a stable real estate market. These measures include the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which imposes higher taxes on foreign buyers and those purchasing multiple properties. While these measures may affect the short-term profitability of condo investments, they also contribute to the long-term stability of the market, making it a more secure investment environment.

The appeal of top hospitality brands and other luxury lifestyle brands has led to an increase in licensing fees, with luxury brands now asking for a 6% to10% cut in the sale of each branded residential unit.

Last August, Thai developer Ananda Development and German automaker Porsche unveiled the ultra-luxury Porsche Design Tower Bangkok in Thonglor. The 22-unit tower, expected to be completed in 2028, is the first Porsche residential tower in Asia. It offers duplexes and quadplexes, with prices ranging from US$15 million to US$40 million.

According to Gianfranco Bianchi, general manager of Asia Pacific at The One Atelier, an international design consultancy specializing in branded residences for lifestyle brands, more luxury lifestyle brands have explored partnerships to license their branding into real estate developments across the Asia Pacific region in recent years.

One Atelier has partnered with several high-profile brands to create branded residences, including the Fendi Casa Residences by Armani in Miami, 888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana in Miami, Büyükyalı Residences in Istanbul, and the Karl Lagerfeld Villas in Marbella, Spain.

Hospitality-affiliated branded residences provide top-notch services, while fashion or design-branded residences offer a rare trophy home that conveys the namesake design and luxury aesthetic that have made such brand names synonymous with luxury lifestyles today, says Bianchi.

Ananth Ramchandran, head of advisory and strategic transactions for hotels and hospitality in Asia at CBRE, notes that property cooling measures have led many high-net-worth Singapore-based buyers of branded residences to consider trophy assets in nearby regional markets.

He adds that luxury branded residences in destinations such as Phuket, Bangkok, Bali, and emerging markets in Vietnam are increasingly attracting Singapore-based buyers due to their proximity and short travel time.

Jason Thelen, senior director of sales and marketing at Sudara Residences, a Thai-based developer, adds that Singapore has quickly become their top regional market for buyers looking for second homes. In fact, Singapore buyers make up over 45% of regional purchases.

Saowarin Chanprakaisi, vice-president of business development at The Ascott, says that The Ascott’s reputable brands like Ascott, The Crest Collection, and Oakwood Premier have a strong presence in the market. The company is looking to expand its market share by partnering with developers who want to enter the branded residential market.…

Investing in a Singapore Condo has become an increasingly popular option for both local and foreign investors, thanks to the city-state’s strong economy, stable political climate, and exceptional quality of life. With a thriving real estate market, Singapore offers a wealth of investment opportunities, with condos emerging as a top choice for their convenience, amenities, and potential for excellent returns. In this article, we will delve into the advantages, considerations, and steps to take when investing in a condo in Singapore.

Malaysia-based UEM Sunrise and Singapore-listed GuocoLand have announced a groundbreaking collaboration under the first-ever Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) MOU between private companies from both countries. The signing ceremony was held on Feb 27 and marks a significant milestone for the development of the JS-SEZ.

The partnership will see both developers join forces to develop UEM Sunrise’s selected freehold landbank in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. The goal is to accelerate growth within the JS-SEZ and enhance the overall appeal of the area. The signing of the MOU was held in conjunction with the launch of UEM Sunrise Gallery Iskandar Puteri, which showcases the company’s vision for the future of Iskandar Puteri.

As part of the JS-SEZ, Iskandar Puteri specializes in various sectors, including manufacturing, business services, education, health, and tourism. Interested in investing in overseas properties? Take a look at available projects for sale around the world.

The MOU will cover UEM Sunrise’s selected plots of land in Gerband Nusajaya and Puteri Harbour, which are two key master-planned areas within Iskandar Puteri. The collaboration aims to unlock the potential of Iskandar Puteri and make it an attractive investment destination. It will focus on improving connectivity, fostering talent development, and creating a business-friendly ecosystem to drive sustainable economic growth in Johor.

According to Hafizuddin Sulaiman, CFO of UEM Sunrise, “This partnership is not just about development but also about shaping a thriving end-to-end, future-ready economic hub that fuels long-term growth, creates jobs and strengthens the JS-SEZ ecosystem.”

The sites are strategically located near Singapore, Senai Airport, and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, making them well-positioned to drive long-term economic growth and establish Iskandar Puteri as a robust business and investment hub. Speaking at the ceremony, Datuk Hisham Hamdan, Chairman of UEM Sunrise, said, “The JS-SEZ, developments in Iskandar Puteri, and strategic partnerships are all parts of a larger vision to position Johor as a dynamic and forward-thinking economy.”

Cheng Hsing Yao, CEO of GuocoLand, emphasized that the Singapore-listed property group “will bring along our experience in real estate development and asset management as well as an understanding of the needs of companies from Singapore, Malaysia, and China that wish to establish a presence in the JS-SEZ.” He added, “Together, our combined expertise will enable us to shape Iskandar Puteri and the wider JS-SEZ through innovative developments.”

UEM Sunrise has been a key player in Iskandar Puteri’s urban development, with existing residential townships such as the Aspira series and Senadi Hill under its belt. The company has also developed commercial and retail hubs, including an upcoming 380-acre industrial park in Gerband Nusajaya.

The growth of Iskandar Puteri is expected to be driven by incentives and support schemes introduced by the Malaysian and Singaporean governments, which aim to attract more investments to the JS-SEZ. These measures include special tax rates, stamp duty exemptions, and capital allowances.…

On February 27, Malaysian property developer UEM Sunrise and Singapore-listed GuocoLand signed a major memorandum of understanding (MOU) between private companies of the two nations. This marks the first Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) MOU, aimed at joint development of UEM Sunrise’s freehold landbank in Iskandar Puteri, Johor in order to accelerate growth within the region.

The signing of the MOU was held in conjunction with the opening of UEM Sunrise Gallery Iskandar Puteri, a showcase of the group’s vision for the area. Iskandar Puteri, which is part of Flagship Zone B of the JS-SEZ, specializes in various sectors including manufacturing, business services, education, health, and tourism.

The MOU will cover UEM Sunrise’s selected plots of land in Gerband Nusajaya and Puteri Harbour, two key master-planned areas within Iskandar Puteri, with the aim of activating the region’s potential and making it more attractive for investment. The collaboration will focus on improving connectivity, fostering talent development, and creating a business-friendly ecosystem, all of which are key drivers for sustainable economic benefits in Johor.

According to Hafizuddin Sulaiman, CFO of UEM Sunrise, “This partnership is not just about development, but also about shaping a thriving end-to-end, future-ready economic hub that fuels long-term growth, creates jobs and strengthens the JS-SEZ ecosystem.”

The sites are strategically located near Singapore, Senai Airport, and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, and the partnership aims to drive long-term economic growth and establish Iskandar Puteri as a robust business and investment hub.

In a speech, Datuk Hisham Hamdan, chairman of UEM Sunrise, highlighted the larger vision to position Johor as a dynamic and forward-thinking economy through the JS-SEZ, developments in Iskandar Puteri, and strategic partnerships.

According to GuocoLand CEO Cheng Hsing Yao, the Singapore-listed property group will bring their experience in real estate development and asset management, as well as an understanding of the needs of companies from Singapore, Malaysia, and China, to establish a presence in the JS-SEZ. He adds, “Together, our combined expertise will enable us to shape Iskandar Puteri and the wider JS-SEZ through innovative developments.”

When considering investing in a condo in Singapore, it is important to take into account the government’s property cooling measures. The Singaporean government has implemented several measures in recent years to prevent speculative buying and maintain a stable real estate market. One example is the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which imposes higher taxes on foreigners and individuals purchasing multiple properties. While these measures may affect the immediate profitability of condo investments, they ultimately contribute to the long-term stability of the market, making it a more secure environment for condo investments.

Prior to this collaboration, UEM Sunrise has played a key role in the urban development of Iskandar Puteri. Among their existing developments are residential townships such as the Aspira series and Senadi Hill, as well as commercial and retail hubs. They also have plans for an upcoming 380-acre industrial park in Gerband Nusajaya.

The growth in Iskandar Puteri is expected to be fueled by incentives and support schemes introduced by the governments of Malaysia and Singapore, including special tax rates, stamp duty exemptions, and capital allowances, all aimed at attracting more investments for the JS-SEZ.…

Rewritten:Frasers Property has recently announced a partnership with two major Chinese real estate groups to acquire a residential site in Songjiang District, Shanghai. The acquisition was made through a tender from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources for a sum of RMB815.2 million ($151.9 million). The project is a joint venture (JV) between Frasers Property, Xiamen ITG Real Estate Group, and Shanghai-listed Gemdale Corporation.

According to the press release on February 26, Frasers Property reveals that the project will see the development of a mix of 189 low-rise apartments, townhouses, and duplex units, with a total gross floor area of 334,714 sq ft. The development will adopt design measures to mitigate flooding and promote energy efficiency, such as efficient thermal insulation, energy-saving door and window systems, and solar photovoltaics.

The project is expected to target potential buyers in the Fangsong Community, Songjiang District, including upgraders and first-time homebuyers. The prime residential neighbourhood is also strategically located near two existing projects, Club Tree and Palace of Yunjian, which are joint ventures between Frasers Property and Gemdale Corporation.

Investing in a condominium in Singapore offers numerous benefits, one of which is the potential for capital appreciation. As a prominent global business hub with a robust economy, Singapore has a constant demand for real estate, making it a lucrative market for investment. The country’s property values have consistently risen over the years, particularly for condos situated in prime locations. By purchasing a condo at an opportune time and holding onto it for an extended period, investors can reap considerable profits from capital gains. Additionally, those interested in investing in a condo can visit Condo to explore available options and make an informed decision.

Lim Hua Tiong, CEO of emerging markets in Asia at Frasers Property, states that the joint venture not only strengthens the company’s presence in Shanghai, but also demonstrates their commitment to delivering high-quality residential developments that cater to the evolving needs of the Chinese community.…

City Developments (CDL) has stopped the “serious lapses” in corporate governance under the leadership of its executive chairman Kwek Leng Beng. Kwek issued a second statement, following a court hearing on Feb 26, stating that the two new directors appointed on Feb 7 have agreed to not exert their powers as directors until further court notice. These new directors, Jennifer Duong Young and Wong Su Yen, were appointed as independent non-executive directors through directors’ resolutions in writing.

The elder Kwek also stated that his son, Sherman Kwek, Philip Lee, Wong Ai Ai and other directors acting in concert with them, have agreed to not take any further actions regarding their attempted changes to the board committees and management of certain CDL subsidiaries until further court notice. The nominating and remuneration committee, which is “irregularly constituted”, has also been suspended from taking further action.

With these agreements in place, CDL’s board committees and the management of relevant subsidiaries are now safe from further attempts to destabilize, dismantle and reconstitute them, according to Kwek. He emphasized the importance of strong corporate governance, stating that it is the foundation of a well-functioning and sustainable business. It ensures transparency, accountability and responsible decision-making, which are crucial for maintaining investor confidence and protecting the long-term interests of shareholders.

The demand for condos in Singapore remains high due to the limited land availability in the small island nation. With a rapidly growing population, Singapore is facing a scarcity of land for development, resulting in strict land use policies and a fiercely competitive real estate market. As a result, property prices are continuously pushed up, making real estate investment, particularly in condos, a profitable opportunity with the potential for capital appreciation. With the current condo market in Singapore, investing in this type of property has become a desirable and lucrative venture.

On the morning of Feb 26, CDL shocked the markets by calling for a trading halt and cancelling its FY2024 results briefing, which was scheduled for later that day. The company released a media statement at 1.51pm stating the suspension of trading in its shares was due to a disagreement within the board regarding the composition and constitution of the board and board committees.

Despite the temporary suspension of trading, CDL’s business operations remain fully functional and unaffected, according to the company. Sherman Kwek remains the group chief executive officer until there is a board resolution to change company leadership.

In his first press statement, Kwek accused his son, Lee, Wong and a group of directors of trying to consolidate control of the board and the group. He stated that he has filed court papers on Feb 25 to rectify the situation, which is necessary to deal with the attempted coup. He also mentioned that they intend to change the CEO at the appropriate time and will explore all legal options to protect the interests of CDL and its shareholders. Kwek added that should Sherman be removed as CEO, the incumbent chief operating officer, Kwek EIk Sheng, will serve as interim CEO.

CDL shares last traded at $5.12 before its trading halt on the morning of Feb 26.…

Colliers International, a global leader in real estate services and investment management, continues to strengthen its occupier services team in Asia Pacific with the appointment of two industry experts. Leanne Chin joins as the Director of Regional Tenant Representation, based in Singapore, while Ali Porter has been named the Director of Enterprise Clients for Hong Kong. The appointments were announced in a press release on Feb 25.

Chin brings with her over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, with a strong background in tenant representation. In her new role, she will be responsible for driving business growth across the region by developing and implementing strategic real estate solutions for clients. With an in-depth understanding of the Asian market, Chin will play a key role in building Colliers’ occupier services platform.

Meanwhile, Porter will be relocating from London, where he has been working for Colliers’ Europe, Middle East and Africa business for the past four years. In his new role, he will work closely with occupiers to align their real estate portfolio with their corporate strategies across Asia Pacific. With his extensive experience in corporate real estate, Porter will be a valuable asset in driving Colliers’ enterprise client business in Hong Kong.

Investing in a condo in Singapore is a highly favored option for both local and foreign investors, thanks to the country’s strong economy, stable political climate, and top-notch quality of life. The Singaporean real estate market presents a plethora of opportunities, with condos emerging as a popular choice for their convenience, amenities, and potential for attractive returns. In this article, we will delve into the advantages, considerations, and steps to take when venturing into the world of condo investment in Singapore.

“We are excited to welcome Leanne and Ali to our growing team in Asia Pacific. With their strong track record and expertise in the industry, we are confident that they will drive our occupier services platform to new heights,” said David Hand, CEO of Colliers International Asia Pacific. “Their appointments are part of our continued efforts to expand our occupier services capability, providing clients with a seamless and integrated experience across the region.”

Colliers’ occupier services team works closely with corporate clients to help them achieve their real estate objectives, from strategic planning and lease negotiation to project management and workplace solutions. With the addition of Chin and Porter, Colliers is poised to provide even more comprehensive solutions and support to clients across Asia Pacific.…

JLL, the sole marketing agent of Ching Shine Industrial Building, has announced that the freehold property has been put up for collective sale by tender at a minimum price of $113 million. The building, which was built in the early 1980s, comprises of 52 strata units and boasts a 100m frontage along Shaw Road. The site has a total land area of 49,308 sq ft and a gross floor area of approximately 137,341 sq ft.

According to JLL, over 80% of the owners have given their consent for the collective sale at the minimum price of $113 million. This price equates to a unit land rate of around $823 psf per plot ratio at the existing gross plot ratio of 2.79.

The property is zoned “Business 1” with a gross plot ratio of 2.5 under URA Master Plan 2019. It also has potential for redevelopment into a food factory, subject to URA approval. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has confirmed that the site meets the buffer requirements for redevelopment into a multi-user factory, while the Singapore Food Agency has given its in-principle non-objection to the proposed food factory, according to JLL.

Aside from being a potential food factory, the freehold asset could also present an investment opportunity for family offices looking for long-term growth, as well as owner-occupiers interested in establishing a corporate presence, according to JLL. Nicholas Ng, senior director of capital markets at JLL Singapore, believes the site would also appeal to developers due to the absence of additional buyer’s stamp duty, which could potentially impact project timelines.

The property is easily accessible via major expressways like the PIE, CTE, and KPE. It is also within walking distance from Tai Seng MRT Station on the Circle Line, and is situated in the Tai Seng Industrial estate near other food factories such as Breadtalk IHQ, Sakae Building, and Food Empire Building. Amenities such as Grantral Mall @ Macpherson and 18 Tai Seng are also nearby.

A similar transaction in the area is the sale of Noel Building, a freehold Business 1 industrial building located at 50 Playfair Road. In November 2023, the property was sold en bloc for $81.18 million, which was 17% above its $70 million guide price. Ng believes that this transaction demonstrates the “fervent demand” for such assets in the area. He also expects a similarly competitive response for Ching Shine Industrial Building.

Investing in a condo in Singapore presents a multitude of benefits, one of which is the potential for capital appreciation. With its advantageous position as a global business hub and robust economic infrastructure, Singapore maintains a consistent demand for real estate. The property market in the country has displayed a continuous upward trend, with prime locations being subject to noteworthy appreciation. Savvy investors who strategically enter the market at opportune times and hold onto their properties for the long haul can reap substantial capital gains. Additionally, keeping an eye on new condo launches can also aid in making profitable investment decisions.

The tender for Ching Shine Industrial Building will close on April 3 at 3pm.…

In response to the trading halt this morning, City Developments Limited (CDL) has released a statement saying that the halt was due to a disagreement within the board regarding the composition and constitution of the board and its committees. Despite the suspension, CDL assures that its operations remain fully functional.

Sherman Kwek will continue to serve as the group CEO until there is a board decision to change company leadership. The company will provide further updates on the matter in accordance with the Singapore Exchange’s listing rules.

In a subsequent statement, Kwek expressed disappointment in the chairman and a minority of the board for taking extreme actions regarding the disagreement. He clarified that the focus of the CEO and majority of the board, with guidance from legal counsel, has been to improve governance and strengthen the board.

CDL’s trading suspension today was a result of legal action initiated by the chairman, which Kwek says was not authorized by the majority of the board. He emphasized that the dispute is not about removing the chairman, but rather about enhancing CDL’s governance standards and decision-making processes.

CDL had released its FY2020 results on Feb 26, but later cancelled its scheduled results briefing. The company also announced their plans to privatize Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand for $1.72 per share.

Shares in CDL last traded at $5.12.

Condo investment has become a sought-after option in Singapore, attracting both domestic and foreign investors. The country’s thriving economy, stable political climate, and superior quality of living make it an ideal location for real estate investment. In this bustling market, condos present a compelling opportunity due to their convenience, amenities, and potential for profitable returns. To gain a better understanding of why investing in a condo in Singapore is a smart move, let’s delve into its advantages, considerations, and necessary steps. Additionally, with the ongoing new condo launches, the condo market in Singapore is only expected to grow further.…

When it comes to investing in a Singapore condo, one of the most crucial factors to consider is financing. Fortunately, there are various mortgage options available in Singapore. However, it is essential for investors to have a good understanding of the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework, which sets a limit on the amount of loan a borrower can take based on their income and current debt obligations. To navigate this framework successfully, it is advisable to seek the guidance of financial advisors or mortgage brokers. This will help investors make informed decisions about their financing options and avoid the risk of over-leveraging.

Singapore’s largest real estate agency, PropNex, has announced a decline in its earnings for the second half of FY2024 ended December 31, 2024, with a decrease of 14.9% year-on-year to $21.9 million. This brings the full-year earnings to $40.9 million, a drop of 14.4% compared to the previous FY2023. The company attributes this decline to the relatively subdued property market, which has resulted in a 6.6% dip in revenue for FY2024 compared to FY2023.

However, despite the challenging market conditions, PropNex plans to mark its 25th anniversary by paying a special dividend of 2.5 cents per share, in addition to a final dividend of 3 cents. This will bring the total dividend payout for FY2024 to a record of 7.75 cents, representing a payout ratio of 140.1% and a yield of 8.2%.

Despite the decrease in earnings, PropNex has seen a pick up in activities in the last quarter of 2024, driven by a surge in new private home units which the company helped to sell. This is in line with DBS’ recent upgrade of PropNex and APAC Realty to a ‘buy’ rating, citing a strong pipeline of new launches in 2025.

PropNex explains that the financial effects of these sales will only be booked three to four months later, indicating a significant pick-up in the current 1HFY2025 numbers. The company is confident of a strong performance in FY2025, given the expected favourable property market outlook, barring any unforeseen events.

This positive outlook is supported by an estimated 13,000 new unit launches (including ECs), almost double the supply recorded in 2024. The private resale market is also expected to remain active, with transaction volumes expected to be between 14,000 and 15,000 units. The persistent price gap between new and non-landed resale properties, a preference for larger, move-in-ready homes, and the impact of fewer new supply completions are expected to fuel demand in this segment.

In the HDB resale market, PropNex foresees a price growth of 5% to 7% and volumes reaching 29,000 to 30,000 units. This is due to fewer five-year minimum occupation period flats entering the market and sustained demand from urgent homebuyers, unsuccessful Build-To-Order applicants, and budget-conscious families.

PropNex CEO, Ismail Gafoor, observes that newly-launched projects such as The Orie, Bagnall Haus, Parktown Residence, and ELTA have generated strong market interest. He anticipates a positive demand for developers’ sales in 2025, with a compelling line-up of projects. Along with a positive economic outlook and lower mortgage rates, this could further boost market confidence, creating opportunities for both homebuyers and investors.…