Property News & Market Trends

News in a nutshell

Business-oriented Statutory Boards
Since the changes brought by HDB-URA Home Office Scheme in 2003, there are more than 20,000 home users of the scheme.

SLA is also hoping to encourage more innovative land use under their ‘ideas tender’ concept introduced in 2005. The scheme allows innovative ideas instead of just sticking to pre-approved uses. Ideas submitted are subject to non disclosure protection during the tender stage.

Industrial space is taking a sprint
Among factories & warehouses, space for high-tech industries out-sprint the industry average of $1.20 - $1.50psf by $0.50psf to $0.80psf. Market will remain strong as office rentals saw a sharp spike on the back of bullish landlords.

Condos Stocks & Trends
Sky@eleven 273 units were sold in 30 hours, averaging $975psf.
One North Residences sold 345units out of 405units in a week, averaging $880psf.
Interestingly, most buyers are Singaporeans and speculation is missing in these 2 projects.
Smaller units seem to reverse the trends in commanding a lesser price, as compared to previous years. This can only point to the more affluent buyers nowadays.

Asia is more than a tiger in real estate
It's devouring tons and tons of funds raised for real estate investment, and at an astonishing rate.
Commercial property investments rose to US$94 billion in Asia in 2006.
Citigroup’s property unit raised US$1.29 billion for an Asian real estate-related fund.
Prudential is planning to invest  US$1 billion in the region’s property market.
ING Real Estate is creating two $1 billion Asia property funds.
Aberdeen Asset Management is launching two funds worth about US$600m.
Invesco is planning a $300 million fund for Japan and China.
Singapore is also one hot tiger to watch, ratio pointing to 7:1 in demand & supply.

'Li Luda Star' - the sign of philanthropy
Or the Star of Li Loke Tai, chairman of the Hudson Holdings group of companies. Mr Li had contributed so much to his Fujian's hometown, that the Chinese government bestowed an honour none had received - a star named after him. Inspired by the late Tan Kah Kee, Mr Li quietly "do good for the society". A note to those who had made millions in real estate, are you being inspired too?

Strong winds on Enbloc sails
Last year saw enbloc sales crossing $7b. This year, analysts are very bullish it'll surpass $10b. Looks like nothing can stop the sellers from pushing up the treshold prices developers are lapping up. This, in turn, will fuel higher prices in future. Buyers, brace yourself. Either you join the climb now or wait for the waves to ride.

More ...

	Weekly News in a nutshell Invasion of Foreign Talents?Trillium, the 231-unit condo opposite the Great World City was invaded by foreign buyers who scooped up more than 50% of what were offered. How could Singapore withstand these onslaught of foreigners stashed with cash? In come a patriotic Singaporean, Mr Thio, from Lippo ... 28 Mar 2007 - Read Details
	How high is high actually? Some analysts would compare the prices of Singapore's high-end with other developed cities. In London, reputed to have one of the most expensive property averages S$7000psf! In Hongkong, prices went through the roof when the Peak really hits the peak at S$7000psf! So, what can be made out of t ... 23 Mar 2007 - Read Details
	Orchard hits $4000psf! Incredible! Capitaland has outdone herself again. Orchard Turn Residences strike at $4000psf! Compared to St Regis, which took the market by storm when it passes $2900psf, Orchard Turn's location seems irresistibly powerful. Branding aside, buyers seem to be willing to plough in deeper in thei ... 22 Mar 2007 - Read Details
	Will US housing blues affect S'pore property boom? That's on every anaylsts' minds. In fact, some developers will be trying out the market treshold again. Capitaland will push out The Seafront@Meyer at $1,800psf.  That's a competitive price considering the neighbouring The View@Meyer by Guocoland. I bet the sentiments from US markets may ... 18 Mar 2007 - Read Details
	The Stock is down again? US stocks are down, heavily. Worries over their housing is - worrying. Singapore Property & Banking stocks take a heavy beating today. Will the poor performance of the stock market drag the sentiments of our property market? Previously, many would have ignore such drops as ... 15 Mar 2007 - Read Details
	Top Billionaires are in Real Estate industry! The results are out.  Forbes rank Mr Ng Teng Fong(Far East Org) as the richest billionaire in Singapore at US$6.7b while Mr Kwek Leng Beng(CDL) stands at US$4.3b. And new entrant Mr Yong from Yanlord makes his presence felt at US$1.7b. In case, you still didn't realise, they made thei ... 11 Mar 2007 - Read Details
	The Buying Spree continues... A new record was set for the 99-years Seaview Collection at Sentosa Cove. Ho Bee Investment & Malaysia’s IOI Properties group bidded for $459.8m, about $1,360psf per plot ratio, which can be develop for 200 units. To get a 20% margin, it'll be likely price about $3.2m - $3.5m each. Ambiti ... 9 Mar 2007 - Read Details
	Earthquake shook properties! Yesterday was a traumatic experience for many.  Earthquake jots hit Singapore and with thousands were affected, at least 100 casualties and counting. No, not in Singapore, but in Indonesia, Padang. In Singapore, it was merely a wake up call. More than 200 buildings were affected. Som ... 7 Mar 2007 - Read Details
	How can one be fair to ALL owners in an enbloc sale? The recent implementation by the Ministry of Law is a good thing. But nevertheless, it will never be “fair” to all. How could it be? In an enbloc sales, the ones who benefit the least will be a disgruntled party. Sentimental reasons aside, monetary value is always the prime issue. Out of every suc ... 5 Mar 2007 - Read Details
	How to find if the property is hot! Needless to say, if you see a beeline, join them.  That's the unique Singaporean mentality.  It happened when Mac issued Kitties. It worked for Waterside and many years later, the Marina Bay Residences, followed by One Shenton.  And how can we miss the hilarious HDB queue-for-nothing ... 2 Mar 2007 - Read Details