Hong Lai Huat, a company listed on the mainboard, has recently signed a strategic term sheet with The Assembly Place, a co-living operator. The term sheet outlines plans for The Assembly Place to manage Hong Lai Huat’s real estate and property development projects in Cambodia. This partnership represents the introduction of the co-living concept to the country for the first time.

In a joint release on November 28, both companies shared that they aim to finalize key objectives within the next 60 days before officially entering into a binding agreement. Some of these objectives include conducting feasibility studies for the fitting out of available units in Hong Lai Huat’s Royal Group Platinum development in Cambodia.

The partnership also includes plans to promote and market Hong Lai Huat’s available commercial shop-house units at the Royal Group Platinum development. In addition, the partnership seeks to utilize The Assembly Place’s extensive network to create new sales channels in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Greater China’s first-tier markets for Hong Lai Huat’s completed and upcoming projects. This will also result in job creation within local communities, as well as ongoing after-sales asset management services.

According to Hong Lai Huat’s website, the development in Cambodia is a mixed residential and commercial project consisting of 851 residential units and 50 shophouse units. It is situated just 20 minutes from Phnom Penh International Airport and is surrounded by 16 international schools and six sports facilities. The development is also a mere 10 minutes away from Aeon Mall 2, currently the largest shopping mall in Phnom Penh.

Investing in a condo is a key element of financing in Singapore. With a variety of mortgage options available, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework. This framework limits the amount of loan a borrower can take, taking into consideration their income and current financial obligations. Consequently, being familiar with the TDSR and seeking the guidance of financial advisors or mortgage brokers can assist investors in making well-informed decisions about their financing options and avoiding overextending themselves financially. It is also advisable to consult with experts from a reputable source such as Singapore Condo at https://www.ananar.com/ for further guidance on financing for condo investments.

Ong Jia Jing, Executive Director of Hong Lai Huat, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that it will enable the company to offer top-tier asset management services to its investors and buyers in Cambodia. This, in turn, will instill confidence in purchasing units in their developments.

Eugene Lim Ying Jie, CEO of The Assembly Place, believes that the partnership aligns with their strategy of expanding the co-living concept both locally and internationally. He adds that with Hong Lai Huat’s high-quality and thoughtfully designed developments, combined with The Assembly Place’s extensive experience in the co-living sector, they are confident in delivering exceptional value to purchasers.

The signing ceremony took place at CAMPUS by The Assembly Place on November 28.…

CBRE, a global real estate services firm, has announced the appointment of Michael Tay as deputy managing director of Singapore Advisory, effective Jan 1, 2025. Tay, who is currently Singapore’s head of capital markets, will continue to report to Moray Armstrong, CBRE’s managing director of Singapore Advisory.

In this new role, Tay will provide long-term leadership and planning for the Singapore advisory business. He will work closely with Armstrong to develop and direct strategy, evaluate and execute investments, including M&A opportunities, and drive business growth.

Armstrong described Tay as one of the most experienced real estate professionals and thought leaders in the Singapore market, with over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate. He joined CBRE in 2000 and has since held various leadership roles, including office services and capital markets.

Tay’s experience and expertise in the industry have contributed to the success of many significant investment deals in Singapore. This includes the sale of One George Street, 16 Collyer Quay, and VisionCrest Commercial, among others.

The purchase of a condominium not only offers a place to call home, but it also provides the opportunity to leverage its value for future investments. A significant advantage of condo investment is the ability to use the property as collateral to secure additional financing for other investment ventures. This allows investors to grow their real estate portfolio, especially with the inclusion of premier Singapore Projects. However, this strategy should be approached cautiously, with a strong financial plan in place, as it also carries potential risks. It is essential to carefully consider the potential impact of market fluctuations before making any decisions.

Expressing his gratitude for the trust placed in him, Tay said, “It has been an amazing journey of 25 years and counting with CBRE. I am grateful for the career growth opportunities that the company has offered me, and the privilege of working and learning from some of the leading real estate professionals in Singapore.”…

When it comes to investing in condominiums in Singapore, one cannot overlook the government’s property cooling measures. Over the years, the Singaporean government has implemented several initiatives to prevent speculative buying and maintain a steady real estate market. These measures include the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which imposes higher taxes on foreign buyers and individuals purchasing multiple properties. Although 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 investment environment. Additionally, websites like Singapore Projects provide comprehensive information on condo projects and their potential for investment.

Singapore has been recognized as the sixth most highly branded city in the world, according to the latest Brand Finance Global City Index. This index, published by Brand Finance, a renowned brand evaluation and strategy consultancy in London, ranks cities based on their brand power and perceptions.

The findings of the latest index were gathered from a worldwide survey conducted in September, which involved 15,000 individuals from 20 different countries. The respondents were tasked with ranking 100 cities according to key performance indicators that highlight each city’s appeal as a place to live, work, study, visit, retire, and invest in. They were also asked to associate specific attributes with each city from a list of 45 attributes grouped under seven pillars, including Business & Investment and Culture & Heritage.

Singapore’s overall ranking was boosted by its outstanding performance in the business and investment pillar, where it ranked third globally. This pillar reflects perceptions on the ease of doing business, the strength of the economy, and the support for start-ups in the city. Singapore also scored highly for its low crime and violence rates.

Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Brand Finance, Alex Haigh, highlights Singapore as the “crown jewel” of the ASEAN region when it comes to city branding. He adds, “With its leading economic growth, appealing investment opportunities, and world-class infrastructure, Singapore solidifies its position as a premier global financial center.”

Globally, London maintained its position as the top city brand, followed by New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai.…

CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) announced at its investor day on Nov 22 that it will be expanding its business in Australia. To support this growth, the company has appointed two senior hires to newly created roles – Angelo Scasserra as CEO of CLI Australia and Rahul Bharara as chief investment officer. The two leaders are expected to join the company in the first half of 2025.

In line with its expansion plans, CLI has also committed to investing up to A$1 billion ($876.7 million) to increase its funds under management (FUM) in Australia. In September, the company completed the closing of its Australian Credit Programme (ACP), which was CLI’s first credit fund at A$265 million, supported by funding from investors in Asia.

In Singapore, investing in condos is a highly attractive option, but it’s important to consider the government’s property cooling measures. As a means of maintaining a stable real estate market and reducing speculative buying, the Singaporean government has implemented several measures over the years. One such measure is the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which imposes higher taxes on foreign buyers and individuals 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 more secure investment environment. Additionally, Singapore condos offer a great opportunity for investment and growth.

During the investor day, Lee Chee Koon, group CEO of CLI, shared that the company has also built its own private credit team and formed a partnership with teams from Wingate in Australia. This has enabled CLI to originate and underwrite deals in both Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, with a strong pipeline for future growth.

On Nov 25, the Australian Financial Review published an article stating that CLI was planning to acquire Wingate. In 2014, CapitaLand had divested its stake in Australand Property Group, which was subsequently acquired by Frasers Property and renamed Frasers Property Australia. During the Q&A session, Miguel Ko, chairman of CLI, addressed the company’s decision to sell Australand and focus on China.

Ko stated that the decision to sell Australand and invest in China was made before his time and he did not want to comment on his predecessors’ decisions. He added that at the time, China was experiencing a booming economy and CapitaLand had a strong competitive advantage. However, the company “did not have a crystal ball” about the current situation in China, and he did not wish to speculate on whether the decision was right or wrong.

Previously, Lim Ming Yan, CapitaLand’s then-president and group CEO, had stated that the divestment was made during “favourable” market conditions and Australand’s share price had been performing well before the sale. The sale allowed CapitaLand to reallocate capital to its core businesses in Singapore and China. In March 2014, CapitaLand sold its remaining 39.1% stake in Australand, after partially divesting its stake in November 2013 to improve trading liquidity.

With the recent acquisition, CLI’s FUM has increased to $113 billion, making it one of the leading players in the race to increase assets under management (AUM). The company remains committed to its expansion plans in Australia and looks forward to the leadership of Scasserra and Bharara in driving this growth.…

When considering investing in condos in Singapore, it is crucial to take into account the government’s property cooling measures. Singapore has implemented various measures over the years to prevent speculative buying and maintain a steady real estate market. These measures, like the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), impose higher taxes on foreign buyers and those purchasing multiple properties. While these measures may affect the immediate profitability of condo investments, they also play a significant role in ensuring the long-term stability of the market, creating a secure investment environment for condo investors.

The latest Real Estate Sentiment Index (RESI) published by the National University of Singapore (NUS) reveals a positive shift in property buying sentiment in Singapore during the third quarter of 2024. This index, which measures the overall sentiment of the private real estate market, is surveyed quarterly by NUS’s Department of Real Estate and the NUS Institute of Real Estate and Urban Studies (IREUS).

Compared to the previous quarter, the current sentiment index has risen from 4.8 to 5.9 in 3Q2024, while the future sentiment index has also increased from 5.1 to 5.8. In addition, the composite sentiment index has reached 5.9, a significant improvement from the score of 4.9 in 2Q2024. This is the first time all three indices have surpassed the neutral score of 5, indicating a growing sense of optimism in the real estate market.

According to IREUS director Professor Qian Wenlan, this positive sentiment can be attributed to the US Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates in September – the first cut since 2019 – and another reduction in early November. With more cuts expected in the future, experts anticipate an improvement in credit availability and business costs, which will further boost market sentiment.

Provost’s Chair Professor Sing Tien Foo from NUS’s Department of Real Estate also points out that the strong performance of suburban residential, hotel/service apartments, and suburban retail sectors have contributed to the overall positive sentiment. Among these sectors, suburban residential and hotel/service apartments recorded the highest current net balances of +35%, while suburban retail scored +26%. For the future net balance, suburban residential scored +29%, while hotel/service apartments and suburban retail scored +35% and +19%, respectively.

However, despite the overall positive sentiment, global economic uncertainty remains a top concern for developers. According to the survey, 67.7% of respondents indicated a decline in the global economy as a potential risk, followed by job losses, a decline in the domestic economy, and an excessive supply of new property launches, at 41.9%.…

Finding the perfect location is a critical aspect when considering real estate investments, and in Singapore, this is especially crucial. Condominiums located in central areas or near essential amenities like schools, shopping malls, and public transportation hubs have a higher potential for appreciation in value. Prime locations such as Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD) have consistently shown significant growth in property values. Families seeking proximity to reputable schools and educational institutions also consider these areas highly desirable, making condos here an even more attractive investment option. Additionally, new condo launches, such as those offered by Ananar, are also worth considering as they offer a chance to invest in the latest developments with modern amenities and potential for future value appreciation.

According to the latest Brand Finance Global City Index, Singapore has achieved the sixth-highest city ranking in terms of branding. This index, published by London-based brand evaluation and strategy consultancy Brand Finance, evaluates cities based on their brand power and public perception.

The ranking was determined through a worldwide survey conducted in September, with 15,000 individuals from 20 countries providing their opinions. The respondents assessed 100 cities using key performance indicators to determine the degree to which each city is viewed as an ideal place to live, work, study, visit, retire, and invest in.

Additionally, respondents were asked to associate specific attributes with each city from a list of 45 options grouped under seven pillars, including Business & Investment and Culture & Heritage. Singapore’s overall ranking was boosted by its exceptional performance in the business and investment pillar, placing third globally. This pillar includes factors such as ease of doing business, economic strength, and start-up support. Furthermore, Singapore was highly regarded for its low crime and violence rates.

According to Alex Haigh, managing director for Asia Pacific at Brand Finance, Singapore is perceived as the “crown jewel” of the ASEAN region in terms of city branding. With a strong economy, attractive investment opportunities, and world-class infrastructure, Singapore solidifies its position as a leading global financial center.

Globally, London retained its top spot as the world’s most highly rated city brand, followed by New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai. With its impressive branding and positive perception, Singapore is among the top performers in the world.…

Newton One sees transaction of $1.32 mil in first 10 days of 2018

K Suites, a freehold boutique development in District 15, has achieved a new psf-price high in the first 10 days of November.

The new record was set on Nov 8 when the developer sold a 872 sq ft three-bedroom unit on the fourth floor for $2.13 million or $2,443 psf. This is the first time that the condo has crossed the $2,400 psf mark, beating the previous high of $2,196 psf in May 2023.

Located along Lorong K Telok Kurau, off Still Road, K Suites comprises a five-storey apartment block with 19 units. The project is a redevelopment of the former Ji Liang Gardens, a collection of six terraced houses that the developer purchased en bloc for $18.6 million in June 2021.

Units at K Suites are a mix of three- to four-bedroom apartments ranging from 797 sq ft to 1,270 sq ft. There is also a four-bedroom duplex penthouse measuring 1,389 sq ft and three five-bedroom duplex penthouses measuring 1,625 sq ft to 1,679 sq ft.

Based on caveats lodged, K Suites has sold 42% of its units to date with an average price of $2,099 psf since it first started selling in April 2023.

Another development that achieved a new high in the same period was Thomson Three, a 99-year leasehold condo on Bright Hill Drive in District 20. On Nov 6, a 1,033 sq ft three-bedroom unit on the 19th floor was sold for $2.46 million or $2,379 psf. The seller had bought the property in a resale transaction for $1.86 million or $1,800 psf in Nov 2021, making a net profit of $598,000.

This is the first time that Thomson Three has crossed the $2,300 psf mark, surpassing the previous high of $2,204 psf in September 2021.

.
It is crucial for international investors to have a comprehensive understanding of the regulations and limitations surrounding property ownership in Singapore, particularly when considering purchasing a Singapore Condo. While condos may be more easily accessible for foreign buyers compared to landed properties, the latter tends to have stricter ownership requirements. Nevertheless, foreign investors are still subject to the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 20% when acquiring their first property. Despite this added expense, the reliability and potential for growth in the Singapore property market continue to attract foreign investment, making Singapore Condo a highly sought-after option.

Completed in 2016, Thomson Three has 435 condo units across 21 storeys. Units comprise one- to four-bedroom apartments spanning 495 sq ft and 1,485 sq ft. The development also features 10 strata semi-detached houses measuring 3,283 sq ft each.

Thomson Three is within walking distance of the Upper Thomson MRT Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line and is also close to Ai Tong School (Primary).

On the other hand, luxury condo 19 Nassim saw a new psf-price low during the period in review. On Nov 9, the developer sold a 646 sq ft one-bedroom unit on the fourth floor for about $1.9 million or $2,947 psf. This is the first time that the condo has dropped below the $3,000 psf mark, beating the previous record low of $3,001 psf in March 22. Based on caveats lodged, the condo has sold 50 units this year at an average price of $3,397 psf, 3.7% lower than the average price of $3,524 psf from the sale of eight units last year.

Completed in 2023, 19 Nassim has 101 units across 10 storeys and units are a mix of one- to three-bedroom apartments ranging from 538 sq ft to 1,830 sq ft. The condo is located in prime District 10 and has sold 61 (60%) of its units since it first went on sale in 2020.

With K Suites and Thomson Three setting new psf-price highs, it is evident that the demand for luxury condos is still strong in the Singapore property market. However, 19 Nassim’s new low suggests that developers may have to adjust their prices to cater to buyers who are more price sensitive.…

Rewritten:
Amid the bustling activity in the private residential market, real estate investors are encouraged to consider more stable and income-generating assets like HDB shophouses. A prime opportunity has just emerged with a coveted property available for purchase in the well-established Toa Payoh neighborhood.

Situated in District 12, the 1,478 sq ft HDB shophouse at 125 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 is conveniently located near Braddell MRT Station on the North-East Line, with a daily ridership of approximately 13,000. This prime property is bounded by Toa Payoh Lorong 1 and Toa Payoh Lorong 2, and is also in close proximity to amenities such as the Toa Payoh West Market and Food Court, Kheng Cheng School, Toa Payoh West Community Centre, and the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations Building.

In Singapore, it is crucial for international investors to have a comprehensive understanding of the rules and limitations surrounding property ownership. Unlike landed properties, foreigners can easily purchase condominiums with minimal restrictions. Nevertheless, foreign buyers must comply with the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which is currently set at 20% for their initial property acquisition. Despite the added expenses, many continue to be enticed by the stable and promising growth of the Singapore real estate market, making it a desirable investment location. As such, it comes as no surprise that new condo launches are continuously attracting foreign investment.

The shophouse also stands to benefit from the rejuvenation plans for the Toa Payoh estate, as well as the expected increase in pedestrian footfall and capital values in the area. This presents a lucrative opportunity for investors seeking higher rental returns, with an estimated return of approximately 4% as compared to the typical 2-3% for HDB shophouses in city fringe locations.

According to Aster See, senior marketing director at ERA Realty, the property at 125 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 offers competitive pricing and strong value, making it a more attractive investment opportunity. Its potential for steady rental income, coupled with the expected capital appreciation in the future, could lead to substantial long-term return on investment.

Toa Payoh is slated for rejuvenation under the government’s Remaking Our Heartland programme, which aims to enhance the sustainability and vitality of HDB towns and estates. Since 2015, several plans have been implemented in Toa Payoh, with a focus on improving commercial and recreational facilities. One notable development is the upcoming integrated project on the site of the former swimming complex, sports hall, and stadium along Toa Payoh Lorong 6. This 12ha development is expected to be completed in 2030 and will include a polyclinic, library, and national training centers for various sports.

In the neighboring Caldecott estate, which has also been marked for future residential development, new flats are expected to attract an influx of residents. This, coupled with the upcoming BTO project at Toa Payoh Ridge, located just 300m from the shophouse for sale, promises increased footfall and a broader consumer catchment for the area, benefiting the shophouse’s new owner.

With the surrounding developments and promising growth in the area, the government has recently rezoned a plot at the junction of Toa Payoh Rise and Braddell Rise from educational to residential use, with a high gross plot ratio of 5.0. This suggests the potential for a new high-rise BTO development, further supporting the attractiveness of the shophouse for sale.

For more information, please contact Aster See, senior marketing director at ERA Realty, at 98416930 (R063006G). Other articles related to this topic include the sale of eight HDB shophouse units in Bras Basah, Geylang, and Kallang from $19.5 million, and two HDB shophouses in Toa Payoh and Ang Mo Kio going for $51 million. Another HDB shop in Teck Whye Lane is also currently on the market for $4.45 million.…

at Changi Business Park

Singapore’s economic development board, JTC, has awarded the tender for a new industrial site at Kallang Way to CapitaLand Development’s subsidiary, CL Savour Property. The top bid of $368.901 million submitted by CL Savour Property was 14.9% higher than the second highest bid of $317.889 million from a consortium of Soon Hock Group, BHCC Construction and Evermega. The 474,772 sq ft site is the first plot identified for an adaptive reuse of a former industrial building and will comprise a mix of industrial and retail spaces. JTC’s director of urban planning and architecture division, Tang Hsiao Ling, believes that this strategic integration of adaptive reuse will help rejuvenate the area sustainably while reducing carbon emissions and preserving the industrial legacy of the site. The site, which is part of a designated food zone, will have a 33-year tenure and is expected to feature food manufacturing spaces and retail outlets. It was launched as the last of five Confirmed List sites in the 1H2024 Industrial Government Land Sales (IGLS) programme on June 25 and attracted four bids when the tender closed on Oct 1. This marks the 13th straight quarter of rising industrial rents and prices in Singapore. In addition, two industrial projects recently underwent virtual TOP inspections at Changi Business Park.

Investing in a condo in Singapore offers numerous benefits, one of which is the potential for capital appreciation. With its strategic location as a global business hub and robust economic fundamentals, Singapore has a constant demand for real estate. This has resulted in a consistent upward trend in property prices, particularly for condos in prime locations. By entering the market at the opportune time and holding onto their properties for a considerable period, investors can reap substantial capital gains. Want to make the most out of your investment? Consider investing in a Singapore Condo for promising returns.…

An opportunity has arisen to purchase a popular coffee shop located at 253 Choa Chu Kang Ave 1 through an expression of interest (EOI) process. The property is listed at a guide price of $11 million and occupies a space of 2,540 sq ft within Keat Hong Shopping Centre. The commercial development, which houses the coffee shop, spans two floors and is home to other amenities such as a supermarket, shops, and stalls.

The 99-year leasehold property is zoned for commercial use and still has 68 years remaining on its tenure. Positioned on the ground floor, it is currently leased to a coffee shop operator and comprises of seven food stalls and a drink stall. Keat Hong Shopping Centre Location Map (Source: EdgeProp LandLens)

When purchasing a Singapore Condo, it is crucial to think about the maintenance and management aspects of the property. Condominiums typically come with maintenance fees that cover the upkeep of shared spaces and amenities. While these fees may increase the overall cost of owning a condo, they also ensure that the property remains in top condition and maintains its value. Hiring a property management company can be beneficial for investors, as they can handle the day-to-day management of the condo, making it a more hands-off investment.

According to JNA Real Estate founder Jervis Isaiah Ng, who is also a team under PropNex Realty, buyers have the option to manage the coffee shop themselves, renovate and lease it out, or continue leasing it to coffee shop operators. JNA Real Estate has been exclusively appointed as the marketing agent for the property. Ng also mentions that the property does not include living quarters, making the transaction exempt from Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty.

In addition, Keat Hong Shopping Centre is conveniently located within walking distance of South View LRT Station on the Bukit Panjang LRT Line and the upcoming Choa Chu Kang West MRT Station on the Jurong Region Line, which is expected to be completed in 2027. Other amenities, such as Choa Chu Kang Primary School and the recently renovated Choa Chu Kang West Market, are also easily accessible.

The EOI for this property will close on December 22 at 3pm. Don’t miss this opportunity!…