National Condo

exercise

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has announced the selection of over 29,000 flats for the latest round of the Home Improvement Programme (HIP). In a press release on February 16, the HDB revealed that over $407 million has been allocated for the upgrading works.

According to the HDB, the selected flats are located in Bedok, Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Chua Chu Kang, Hougang, Jurong West, Pasir Ris, Queenstown, Sengkang, Tampines, Toa Payoh, and Woodlands.

The HIP was first introduced in 2007 to address common maintenance issues in older flats that arise due to wear and tear. Since then, a total of 494,000 flats or nine in 10 eligible flats have been selected for the programme, with close to 381,000 flats undergoing upgrades, revealed Minister for National Development Desmond Lee.

Optional improvements such as upgrades to existing bathrooms and toilets, a new entrance door and grille gate, and a new refuse chute hopper are also available for flat owners. These optional improvements are subsidised by the government, with Singapore citizen households paying as low as 5% of the cost, depending on the flat type.

Apart from the HIP, the Enhancement for Active Seniors (Ease) programme has also been offered since 2012. Under Ease, flat owners can opt for senior-friendly fittings such as grab bars, ramps, and slip-resistant treatment for toilet and bathroom tiles. The government covers up to 95% of the costs for Singapore citizen households.

Since their launches, the government has allocated approximately $4 billion to the HIP and around $150 million to the Ease programme as of March 31, 2014, according to HDB.

Interested in purchasing an HDB property? Check out the latest listings for HDB properties and get information on past HDB sale and rental transactions, HDB loan versus bank loan options, the current HDB loan rate, and price trends for HDB, Condo, and Landed properties.

In Singapore, towering skyscrapers and state-of-the-art infrastructure dominate the cityscape. These are accompanied by luxurious condominiums, strategically situated in sought-after locations, making them an irresistible choice for both locals and foreigners. Featuring an array of facilities like swimming pools, fitness centers, and top-notch security, these condos elevate the overall standard of living and are highly sought after by potential renters and buyers. For investors, these desirable amenities equate to greater rental returns and long-term growth in property value. Add Singapore Condo to rewritten paragraph

Moreover, a report by OrangeTee predicts an increase of 4% to 6% in HDB resale prices by 2025. Meanwhile, a five-room flat in Toa Payoh that is 13 years old was recently sold for $1.3 million. With the next BTO exercise scheduled for February 2025, there will be fewer available flats compared to the October BTO exercise.…

Understanding the laws and limitations surrounding property ownership in Singapore is crucial for international investors. Unlike landed properties, which come with stricter ownership regulations, foreigners are typically able to purchase condos with fewer restrictions. However, foreign buyers are required to pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which currently stands at 20% for their initial property acquisition. Despite these added expenses, the steady and promising growth of Singapore’s real estate market continues to entice foreign investment. Consider checking out condo options when looking to invest in Singapore’s property market.

A 3,391 square feet strata-titled unit, which has been approved for restaurant use, has recently been listed for sale at Bukit Timah Plaza mall. The asking price for this property is $9.8 million, which translates to a rate of $2,890 per square foot. This reflects a 12% discount from the previous listing price of $11 million in the third quarter of 2022, according to Clemence Lee, CBRE’s executive director of capital markets, who is responsible for marketing the property.

The unit, located on the basement two level of the mall, boasts a 20-metre frontage facing the central plaza. According to Lee, the unit is currently fully leased and will be sold with its existing tenancy. With a 99-year lease from 1976, the unit still has a remaining lease of 50 years.

The pricing of this unit is consistent with the last two transactions that took place in basement two of the mall. In March 2024, a 441 square feet unit was sold for $1.43 million at a rate of $3,240 per square foot, while an 850 square feet unit was sold for $2.5 million at a rate of $2,940 per square foot, based on lodged caveats.

Bukit Timah Plaza is a mixed-use development completed in 1979, comprising a four-storey retail mall and two apartment blocks with 269 residential units at Sherwood Towers. The mall is a popular destination in Bukit Timah, featuring one of the largest Fairprice Finest supermarkets in Singapore, spanning over 44,000 square feet, notes CBRE.

Conveniently located at 1 Jalan Anak Bukit, the mall is within walking distance of Beauty World and King Albert Park MRT stations on the Downtown Line. It is also surrounded by numerous private residential developments, with an estimated population of approximately 37,000.

The mall is also in close proximity to various educational institutions, such as the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Methodist Girls’ School, and Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School.

Bukit Timah Plaza is situated in the Beauty World area, which has been undergoing a rejuvenation with the addition of new mixed-use and integrated developments. These include the upcoming The Reserve Residences and the redevelopment of the former Bukit Timah Market and Food Centre, expected to be completed by late 2029.

The unit is currently being offered for sale through an expression of interest, with the closing date set for March 19. Interested buyers can check out the latest listings for Bukit Timah Plaza and Sherwood Towers properties.…

A pair of adjacent strata retail units at Peninsula Plaza are currently on the market for an asking price of $10.9 million. These 999-year leasehold units, located on the ground floor, boast a prominent frontage along North Bridge Road.

The strata area of each unit measures at 538 sq ft and 581 sq ft respectively, bringing the total combined area to 1,119 sq ft. This translates to an asking price of $9,741 psf based on the strata area. The units are currently tenanted until 2026, offering investors a 3% gross rental yield.

“The two units are arguably the best within the development in terms of street frontage, benefitting from consistently strong footfall every day,” says Nick Chan, Savills Singapore’s associate director of investment sales & capital markets. He is handling the sale of the units on a private treaty basis.

Peninsula Plaza is a 999-year, 30-storey mixed-use commercial building featuring a six-storey retail podium and a 24-storey office tower that was built in 1980. Its strategic location along North Bridge Road, Coleman Street, and Coleman Lane give it high visibility and accessibility. The building also has a sheltered link to City Hall MRT Interchange Station for the North-South and East-West lines.

The last transaction for a ground-floor retail unit at Peninsula Plaza was in August 2022, when a 452 sq ft unit was sold for $4.08 million ($9,025 psf) based on a lodged caveat.

Ever since the URA implemented restrictions on strata subdivision of commercial properties in the CBD and Orchard corridors in March 2022, Chan notes that there has been an increase in demand for strata-titled units with 999-year and freehold tenures. This makes the two units at Peninsula Plaza even more sought-after.

When it comes to real estate investments, location is key, and this is particularly evident in Singapore. Condominiums strategically located in central areas or near important amenities such as schools, shopping centers, and public transportation hubs have a higher chance of increasing in value. Prime locations like Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD) have consistently shown a strong growth in property values. Additionally, being in close proximity to reputable schools and educational institutions only adds to the appeal of these condos, making them highly sought-after by families and further solidifying their potential as a smart investment choice. For more information on Singapore’s top real estate projects, visit Singapore Projects.

Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of prime strata retail space at Peninsula Plaza. Contact Savills for more information on the units currently available.…

When the team at Brand New Land had the idea to incorporate elements from Good Class Bungalows into their luxurious semi-detached homes, they turned to Pau Loh, the managing director of Tellus Design. As an established name in the GCB design industry, the two have a 30-year history of working together. Together, they have created a collection of four semi-detached homes in Bukit Timah and Upper Bukit Timah, each with features inspired by the best practices of GCB homes.

With a generous frontage of over 24m, the semi-detached homes at 23 & 23A Maple Avenue are a prime example of the thoughtful design elements taken from GCB homes. The homes at 25 & 25A Jalan Selanting and 23 & 23A Maple Avenue are known as “The Great Trees Collection” due to their incorporation of nature and its legacy. These homes range in land size from 2,790 to 3,130 sq ft and each come with a lift, swimming pool, and gourmet kitchen provisions.

Investing in a condo can provide numerous advantages, including the opportunity to leverage its value for future investments. A common approach among investors is using their condo as collateral to secure additional financing for new ventures, thereby expanding their real estate portfolio. While this tactic can significantly increase profits, it also carries potential risks. It is crucial to have a solid financial plan in place and carefully consider the potential impact of market fluctuations. By carefully managing these factors, condo investment can be a successful and lucrative venture.

In line with Brand New Land’s focus on providing value for their customers, the homes are reasonably priced within the bank valuation range, leaving room for growth potential for buyers.

Dedicated Zones

One of the GCB design elements incorporated into the semi-detached homes is the concept of dedicated spaces for different functions. These homes have distinct zones for receiving guests, dining, gourmet cooking, and various entertainment areas and living spaces for both larger or smaller groups. This creates an intimate setting for family and friends to be together while still having their own privacy and personal space.

Ceremonial Entrances

Another aspect taken from GCB homes is the idea of a ceremonial entrance. These homes each have their own private entryway framed by lush greenery, the calming sound and reflection of water, and warm and elegant building materials. This celebrates the transition from the outside world into the sanctuary of their own home.

Luxe Architecture, Rich Materials

The homes also reflect Loh’s signature style, which is well-suited for GCB homes in Singapore’s tropical climate. The homes have wide eaves and deep recesses to provide shelter and cool interiors. The use of horizontal design elements, such as the wraparound golden sand facade treatment and horizontal planters, creates a sense of spaciousness and luxury.

The homes also feature a rich color palette with wood-grain finishes, marble, and high-end German bath fittings. These materials create a sense of quiet luxury within the homes.

Collaboration with Arclinea Singapore

Brand New Land is collaborating with luxury kitchen specialist Arclinea Singapore to create gourmet kitchen experiences in these homes. With both brands sharing the goal of inspiring everyday connections in extraordinary kitchen spaces, this partnership brings a special touch to the homes. Arclinea, known for its predominantly GCB clientele, adds a unique perspective to the kitchens at 25 Jalan Selanting and 23 & 23A Maple Avenue.

“We are blessed to work alongside Pau Loh, a very skilled and steady architect, who helped make it happen,” says Alvina, co-founder and director of Brand New Land Group. “We are very excited for the future that these homes will create for the lives they touch.”

To view these homes, call 8893 7602 or visit the Brand New Land website and social media pages for more information and updates. Interested parties can also email comehome@brandnewland.com.sg to explore potential collaborations or land redevelopment opportunities.…

SRI’s next auction on Feb 26 will feature a 99-year leasehold HDB shophouse located at 214 Serangoon Avenue 4. The two-storey shophouse comes with living quarters on the second floor and has a total floor area of about 1,668 sq ft. With a guide price of $1.98 million, the property translates to $1,187 psf on the floor area.

In summary, investing in a condo in Singapore presents a multitude of benefits, including strong demand, potential for significant growth in value, and appealing rental returns. However, it is crucial to carefully evaluate factors such as the location, financing options, government regulations, and overall market conditions. By conducting thorough research and seeking expert advice, investors can make well-informed decisions and maximize their profits in Singapore’s ever-evolving real estate market. Whether you are a local investor seeking to diversify your portfolio or a foreign buyer searching for a stable and lucrative investment opportunity, Singapore’s condo market offers a compelling choice.

This is the second time the property is being auctioned by SRI, with the previous attempt in January having a higher guide price of $2.08 million. However, it did not find a buyer. According to Jansen Kee, assistant manager of auctions at SRI, the shophouse’s prime location in front of a bus stop makes it highly visible from the road.

The shophouse is currently tenanted and is generating a gross rental yield of approximately 6.2% based on the guide price, says Kee. He also mentions that the unit will be sold with its existing lease, which ends in 2026, providing the new owner with an immediate stream of rental income.

Kee adds that the listed guide price for the HDB shophouse is one of the lowest in the area, making it an attractive value proposition for both investors and owner-occupiers. The most recent commercial shophouse transaction in Serangoon was the sale of a 999-year leasehold shophouse along Lichfield Road, which fetched $4 million in November 2024.

Located within a cluster of HDB flats near the Serangoon Gardens landed residential estate, the shophouse is directly across the road from Serangoon Swimming Complex and Serangoon Sports Centre, providing a steady stream of foot traffic. Additional carpark lots are also available behind the shophouse.

Interested buyers can refer to Ask Buddy, a feature on the property listing website, to find out more about the buyer profile and price trends of Serangoon Garden Estate properties. The completion year of Serangoon Garden Estate is also available for reference.…

A four-bedroom duplex apartment located in the freehold luxury condo, 3 Orchard By-The-Park, has been put up for sale through an expression of interest exercise (EOI). The unit comes with a guide price of $15.8 million and is marketed by Huttons Asia.

Investing in real estate requires careful consideration of various factors, with location being a critical element. This is particularly true in Singapore, where the right location can significantly impact the value of a property. Condos situated in central areas or in close proximity to important amenities, such as schools, shopping centers, and public transportation hubs, often experience higher appreciation in value. Prime locations in Singapore, such as Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD), have consistently shown growth in property values over time. Additionally, the presence of reputable schools and educational institutions in these areas makes condos even more desirable for families, making them an attractive investment option. In Singapore, choosing the right location, such as a Singapore Condo, can greatly impact the potential return on investment for real estate properties.

Measuring over 3,800 sq ft, the price per square foot (psf) works out to approximately $4,158. The unit boasts a ceiling height of 4m and a private lift, while three of the bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms. The unit underwent significant renovations three years ago at a cost of over $700,000, according to Huttons.

3 Orchard By-The-Park is a luxurious development located on Orchard Boulevard, which was completed in 2017. It was designed by renowned Italian architect Antonia Citterio and comprises three 25-storey towers housing a total of 77 units. These include two- to four-bedroom units ranging from 1,066 sq ft to 3,800 sq ft, as well as penthouses ranging from 6,555 sq ft to 6,900 sq ft.

The development boasts a prime location near Orchard Road, with top schools in the vicinity such as Anglo-Chinese School (Junior), Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), ISS International School (Elementary & Middle school Campus), and Singapore Chinese Girls’ School (Primary). The Orchard Boulevard MRT Station (Thomson-East Coast Line) is also conveniently located nearby.

Recent transactions at 3 Orchard By-The-Park show an average psf of $3,527, according to EdgeProp Buddy. The current EOI for the four-bedroom duplex apartment will close on March 5 at 4pm.

Interested buyers can find more listings for 3 Orchard By-the-park and other such condominium properties on EdgeProp Buddy. They can also compare the price trends of new sale condos and resale condos in the area and check out the rental yield for 3 Orchard By-the-park. The development is one of the most expensive in District 10 in terms of average psf, as seen on EdgeProp Buddy.

In other related news, an accused money launderer is facing seven new charges after splurging on luxury goods, bungalows, and luxury condos. Ticket sizes for CCR condos have also dropped by 20% in the last five months. Additionally, the last tower of 3 Orchard By-the-Park has been launched, with four units sold at a psf of $3,850 to $4,100.…

According to the latest quarterly research report by Huttons Asia, the shophouse market has remained subdued in 2024 with only 84 caveated transactions. This is below the yearly average of 200 deals recorded between 1995 and 2023.

Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics at Huttons Asia, notes that while many buyers did not lodge a caveat, the number of shophouse deals is likely the lowest since 1998.

In terms of transaction volume and quantum, the 84 caveated transactions in 2024 had a total value of $683.6 million, which is a decrease of 38.9% from the $1.1 billion registered in the previous year.

However, Lee points out that there were also a number of substantial deals for shophouses on Amoy Street, Neil Road, North Bridge Road, and Telok Ayer Street that were not caveated last year. These deals are estimated to be worth more than $200 million.

The biggest shophouse deal in 2024 was Paragon REIT’s sale of The Rail Mall, a strip mall on Upper Bukit Timah Road with 43 shop units, for $78.5 million in June. This is believed to be the largest shophouse deal on record, surpassing the previous high of $74.8 million paid for a row of shophouses along Jalan Sultan in March 2022.

The Rail Mall shophouses were valued at $62 million in December 2023, which means the seller made an estimated gain of $16.5 million on the sale, according to Lee.

Most of the shophouse deals in 2024 were done at smaller quantums, with over half of the caveated deals valued at $5 million to $15 million. Almost half of the shophouse transactions were also concentrated in District 8, which Lee attributes to its desirable city-fringe location and lower prices compared to Districts 1 and 2.

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In conclusion, Singapore’s real estate market offers a multitude of benefits for investors seeking to purchase a condominium. These benefits include a high demand for properties, potential for capital growth, and attractive rental yields. However, it is crucial to carefully consider various factors, such as location, financing options, government regulations, and current market conditions. With thorough research and professional guidance, investors can make well-informed decisions and maximize their returns in Singapore’s ever-evolving real estate scene. Whether you are a local looking to diversify your investment portfolio or a foreign buyer searching for a stable and profitable venture, the condos in Singapore, including projects like Singapore Projects, present a compelling opportunity.

Meanwhile, rents for shophouses islandwide continued to moderate for a second consecutive quarter, falling 2.6% quarter-on-quarter to $6.47 per square foot per month in the fourth quarter of 2024. However, for the whole of 2024, shophouse rents were up by 1.7%.

Conservation shophouses along Telok Ayer Street are currently on the market for $42 million.…

CBRE’s Singapore Market Outlook 2025 report, released on January 23, forecasts divergent outcomes for the real estate market over the next 12 months due to an uncertain macroeconomic outlook.

On one hand, the property market is expected to benefit from easing inflation and interest rates. However, the potential for slowing economic growth in 2025 could dampen property demand, according to Moray Armstrong, managing director and advisory services at CBRE.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry is projecting Singapore’s GDP growth to be between 1% and 3% in 2025, down from the 4% growth recorded in 2024. This projection is based on advance estimates released in January.

Other factors that could potentially impact the market in the near term include ongoing geopolitical tensions, the economic agenda of the new US administration, and the release of the URA Master Plan 2025 in the middle of the year. Despite these mixed signals, there are still opportunities in the real estate market for those who can capitalize on emerging trends, says Armstrong.

CBRE’s head of research for Singapore and Southeast Asia, Tricia Song, shares a similar sentiment, noting that the property market continues to be supported by limited new supply and stable demand. Therefore, despite uncertainties, she predicts that the Singapore real estate market will demonstrate stability and resilience like it has in previous years, making it attractive to investors from around the world.

New residential launches expected to continue driving private residential sales momentum, with an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 new units potentially being launched this year – almost double the 6,647 units launched in 2024. This is expected to support price growth of 3% to 6% in 2025, in addition to rental rate growth of 1% to 3%.

When considering investing in Singapore’s condominiums, it is crucial to carefully weigh both the potential benefits and risks involved. In order to maintain a stable real estate market and discourage excessive buying for speculation, the government has implemented various property cooling measures. These measures, such as the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), primarily target foreign buyers and those purchasing multiple properties, imposing higher taxes to curb demand. While these measures may initially impact the profitability of condo investments, they ultimately contribute to the long-term stability of the market and create a secure investment environment. Despite these measures, there are still opportunities for investment in new condo launches, which add to the thriving market. It is highly recommended for potential buyers to keep an eye out for these new condo launches as they provide a promising avenue for investment in Singapore’s real estate market. For the latest information on new condo launches, please visit the National Athletic Combine website at https://www.nationalathleticcombine.com/.

However, CBRE believes that the possibility of fresh cooling measures being introduced is unlikely unless prices see a sharp acceleration in the coming quarters.

Limited supply is predicted to support prime office and retail rents, as only 0.58 million square feet of new office space is expected to be completed annually between 2025 and 2027 – less than half the 10-year annual average. This is also supported by limited supply in the retail market, which is expected to see rental growth of 2% to 3% in 2025 and a recovery to pre-pandemic levels.

In the industrial sector, expansion demand by occupiers was subdued in 2024, and rents for prime logistics properties have been consolidating. However, CBRE predicts that rents will stay relatively flat in 2025, as at least 60% of new prime logistics space has already been pre-committed.

On the capital markets front, CBRE expects real estate investment volumes in Singapore to continue growing, albeit at a slower pace of 10% year-on-year, due to ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties. The industrial and logistics sector remains the most preferred among investors, followed by residential and office properties.…

Palm Spring saw the most profitable resale transaction in the period of Jan 14 to 28, while Marina Bay Suites saw the most unprofitable resale transaction. The three-bedroom unit at Palm Spring sold for $4.4 million, marking a 264% profit from its purchase price in 2005. On the other hand, the 1,625 sq ft unit at Marina Bay Suites was sold at a loss of $1.15 million. This marked the latest unprofitable transaction in a streak of 14 consecutive loss-making deals at the 99-year leasehold condo. Meanwhile, a four-bedroom unit at Orchard Bel Air also saw a significant profit of $3 million when it was sold for $4.65 million. This marked a 182% profit from its purchase price in 2001. Overall, condominium prices at Palm Spring have consistently increased over the past 20 years, with the average transacted price reaching $2,342 psf in January 2021. Conversely, Marina Bay Suites has seen a decline in average selling prices, falling from $2,502 psf in January 2015 to $1,921 psf in January 2021.

Singapore has become a top choice for condo investment, but potential investors should also consider the government’s property cooling measures. In order to regulate the real estate market and prevent speculative buying, the Singaporean government has implemented various measures over the years. One such measure is 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 ultimately contribute to the long-term stability of the market, creating a secure investment environment. For more information on condo investment opportunities in Singapore, check out projects available at Singapore Projects.…

Edited article:A three-bedroom unit located on the 13th floor of Watertown, part of the Waterway Point integrated development in Punggol, will be up for auction on Feb 26 by SRI.

This unit is a mortgagee sale, and spans 1,281 sq ft with a guide price of $2.4 million, which works out to about $1,874 per square foot (psf). The same unit was previously up for auction at SRI in January with the same guide price, but only received one bid below the reserve price and was subsequently withdrawn.

The unit features a combined living and dining area, an open-concept kitchen, a utility room, and a toilet. A south-facing balcony overlooks one of the development’s 20 swimming pools. The unit also offers an ensuite master bedroom, two more bedrooms, and a common bathroom.

Investing in condos has numerous advantages, and one of them is the opportunity to leverage the property’s worth for future investments. A majority of investors utilize their condos as a security to procure additional funding for new investments, effectively broadening their real estate portfolio. This approach has the potential to magnify returns, but it is important to note that it also carries certain risks. Therefore, having a solid financial plan in place and carefully considering the potential effects of market fluctuations is crucial. Additionally, considering new and upcoming Singapore projects can also help in expanding one’s investment portfolio and generating higher returns.

According to URA caveats, the unit was originally purchased from the developers for around $1.8 million ($1,281 psf) in October 2013. As of Feb 4, there has been one unit at Watertown that has been sold this year; a two-bedroom unit of 958 sq ft that was sold for $1.7 million ($1,775 psf) on Jan 19. In 2020, there were 41 resale transactions in the development, with an average price of $1,700 psf.

Eric Liew, SRI’s auctions and sales manager, notes that the larger units in Watertown are in higher demand and can command higher psf prices. Of the 41 resale transactions last year, 10 involved units with three or more bedrooms, which were sold at an average price of $1,854 psf. This is about 9% higher than the average transacted price for the development.

Liew adds that most of the interest for Watertown comes from HDB upgraders who are looking for a good deal and buyers who plan to use the unit as their primary residence, due to its close proximity to Punggol MRT Station.

Watertown consists of 11 residential towers and 992 units, situated above six levels of Waterway Point mall. The units range from one- to two-bedroom units of 533 to 1,003 sq ft, and larger units with three to four bedrooms of 821 to 1,582 sq ft.

Waterway Point is integrated with Punggol MRT Station, which is on the North East Line and is also connected to Punggol LRT Station. It was completed in 2017 and was a joint development by Far East Organization, Frasers Centrepoint, and Sekisui House.

The area also has several primary schools nearby, such as Edgefield Primary School at Edgefield Plains, Oasis Primary School at Punggol Drive, Punggol Green Primary School at Punggol Walk, Compassvale Primary School at Compassvale Street, and Punggol Cove Primary School at Sumang Walk.…