Home Search

The Singapore government has announced plans to offer a one-time property tax rebate of 20% for owner-occupied HDB flats and 15% for owner-occupied private residential properties in 2025. This comes in light of the impending increase in annual value (AV) bands for owner-occupied residential properties, set to take effect on January 1, 2024, as part of Budget 2024. Additionally, the rebate for owner-occupiers of private residential properties will be capped at $1,000.

Investing in a condo requires careful consideration of financing options. In Singapore, there are various mortgage options available, but it is crucial to be aware of the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework. This framework sets limitations on the amount of loan a borrower can take based on their income and existing debt obligations. To make informed decisions regarding financing, it is advisable to understand the TDSR and seek guidance from financial advisors or mortgage brokers. Additionally, exploring Singapore Projects can provide valuable insights for investors looking to invest in condos. By being knowledgeable about financing options and avoiding over-leveraging, investors can set themselves up for success in the condo market.

Property tax is determined based on a property’s AV, which is the estimated annual rent it can generate if rented out. As per the government, the rebate aims to mitigate cost-of-living concerns for Singaporeans and is expected to benefit over 90% of private residential property owners and all HDB flat owners.

Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics at Huttons Asia, predicts a flat AV for private properties due to minimal growth in private residential rents this year. However, HDB rents are expected to increase by 4% in 2021, resulting in a rise in AV for HDB flats. The one-time property tax rebate may help cushion the impact of this increase for HDB owners. For instance, if the AV of an HDB flat is $30,000, the property tax payable in 2025 would be $720. However, with this rebate, the owner will only need to pay $576, a savings of $144.

Similarly, some owners of private residential properties may also benefit from the rebate. For example, if the AV of their property is $85,000, the property tax payable in 2025 would amount to $5,760. With the 15% rebate, capped at $1,000, the owner would only need to pay $4,896, resulting in a savings of $864.

Lee emphasizes that while this one-time rebate is beneficial, it does not reduce the appeal of investing in residential properties in Singapore. The main appeal of such investments lies in the potential for capital appreciation, which far outweighs the increase in property tax.

All in all, the government’s decision to offer a one-time property tax rebate aims to ease the financial burden on homeowners and support their goal of alleviating cost-of-living concerns.…

Rewritten:

The thriving economy, stable political climate, and excellent quality of life have made investing in a condo in Singapore a highly attractive option for both local and foreign investors. With a strong real estate market and a variety of opportunities, condos are particularly appealing for their convenience, amenities, and potential for lucrative returns. For those considering investing in a condo in Singapore, this article will outline the advantages, factors to keep in mind, and necessary steps to take. Additionally, keeping an eye on New Condo Launches can offer further opportunities for potential investors.

With this mission at the core of the company, Aurico is set to continue its remarkable growth and become a well-known name in the property investment industry.Rewritten: Jason Ng, the CEO and executive chairman of the property investment and training firm Aurico Global, has achieved great success in just two years. From his humble beginnings, where he grew up in a rental flat, Ng has built a diverse portfolio of businesses and properties, with Aurico now managing a total of $52 million in assets.Upon starting Aurico in 2023 with his wife, Emelyn Ho, Ng consolidated his various business ventures under one roof. These include JC Global Developments, which focuses on co-living investments and management, Anchor of Life Training Consultants, which provides property and investment training, and My Preschool Hub, a provider of preschool enrichment resources and programmes.Aurico’s portfolio encompasses a variety of property types, including residential (co-living), commercial, and industrial assets. Its co-living arm, Communa, currently manages 380 units in shophouses, condos, and landed properties, with plans to expand to 600 units by the end of the year. Ng and his team are always on the lookout for valuable properties in high traffic areas, purchasing them below market valuation to ensure profitable investments.The company also has its sights set on strategic commercial properties, such as the mixed-use development Woods Square in Woodlands, where Aurico recently acquired a 560 sq ft commercial strata office unit for its own use. Additionally, Aurico has invested in food factories to tap into the growing demand for food production, as part of the government’s “30 by 30” goal to produce 30% of the country’s nutritional needs by 2030.In May, Aurico acquired a controlling stake in Autagco Ltd, a company listed on the Singapore Exchange. With plans to diversify and expand into property investment, co-living property management, education, and other businesses, Autagco’s board of directors recently announced their intention to enter the residential assisted living sector. Communa Gold, a wholly owned subsidiary of Autagco, will manage these projects.Motivated by his belief that investment education should be accessible to everyone, Ng has developed comprehensive and high-quality training courses for property investment. With the aim of reaching and empowering younger investors, Aurico is dedicated to helping people from all backgrounds make informed decisions and achieve their financial goals through real estate. It’s clear that with its strong portfolio and focus on education, Aurico is set to continue its remarkable growth and establish itself as a prominent player in the property investment industry.…

Maple Woods topped the list of most profitable condo resale transactions for the week of Nov 12 to 19. A three-bedroom unit on the first floor was sold for $3.3 million ($2,144 psf) on Nov 15, making it the most profitable deal of the week. The seller had purchased the 1,539 sq ft unit in April 2009 for $1.28 million ($830 psf), raking in a profit of $2.02 million. This translates to a capital gain of 158% or an average profit of 10.6% per year over a holding period of 15 and a half years.

Located in prime District 10 on Bukit Timah Road, Maple Woods is a freehold condo built in 1997. It comprises 697 units of two- to four-bedrooms, ranging from 850 sq ft to 3,003 sq ft. The development is a five-minute walk from King Albert Park MRT Station on the Downtown Line and is also near prestigious schools such as Methodist Girls’ School and the Rail Corridor.

Apart from the most profitable deal, there were 10 other resale transactions at Maple Woods this year, all of which were profitable. The sellers made gains of at least $425,000 for each unit, with three units achieving profits of over $2 million.

The first unit was a three-bedroom unit on the eighth floor measuring 1,787 sq ft, which was sold for $3.75 million ($2,099 psf) on July 1997. The seller made a profit of $2.15 million after purchasing the unit in July 1997 for $1.6 million ($895 psf).

Investing in a condominium in Singapore has proven to be a wise decision for many individuals. With a high demand for these properties, they offer numerous advantages such as potential for capital appreciation and attractive rental yields. However, it is crucial to carefully consider various factors before making a decision. Location, financing, government regulations, and market conditions are all essential factors to take into account. It is recommended to conduct extensive research and seek professional advice to ensure a well-informed decision is made. By doing so, investors can maximize their returns in the dynamic real estate market of Singapore. Whether you are a local investor looking to diversify your portfolio or a foreign buyer seeking a stable and profitable investment, condos in Singapore present an appealing opportunity. To explore new and exciting condo launches in the country, you can visit New Condo Launches. This platform provides the latest information on new developments and helps investors stay ahead in the competitive market. With careful consideration and the right resources, investing in a condo in Singapore can be a lucrative and fulfilling opportunity for individuals seeking a profitable investment.

Another 1,787 sq ft three-bedroom unit was sold on Sept 10. It changed hands for $3.82 million ($2,138 psf), netting a gain of $2.47 million for the seller who had bought the unit in March 2007 for $1.35 million ($756 psf). The third unit was a four-bedroom unit on the eighth floor, measuring 3,003 sq ft, which was sold for $5 million ($1,665 psf) on the same day. The seller, who had purchased the unit in September 1998 for $2.4 million ($798 psf), made a profit of $2.6 million.

Located on Clemenceau Avenue in District 9, near Clarke Quay, UE Square is a freehold mixed-use development that comprises a residential component and an office tower. The development houses 345 units, ranging from one- to five-bedrooms and penthouses, with sizes ranging from 506 sq ft to 2,379 sq ft. A 18-storey office tower and a four-storey shopping podium complete the development.

On Nov 14, a three-bedroom unit measuring 1,528 sq ft on the seventh floor was sold for $2.95 million ($1,930 psf), making it the second most profitable resale transaction for the week. The seller had purchased the unit in the sub-sale market in December 1997 for $1.3 million ($850 psf), earning a profit of $1.65 million (127%) after holding onto the property for nearly 27 years.

The most unprofitable transaction for the week took place at Tomlinson Heights on Nov 19. The 2,745 sq ft three-bedroom unit on the 19th floor was sold for $8.25 million ($3,006 psf), incurring a loss of $601,000 (6.8%) for the seller who had bought the property from the developer in February 2011 for $8.85 million ($3,225 psf).

Tomlinson Heights is a luxury freehold condo comprising a 36-storey tower, with a mix of three- and five-bedroom units ranging from 2,551 sq ft to 6,738 sq ft. It is situated off Orchard Boulevard and within walking distance of Orchard Road shopping belt. Only one other resale transaction has been registered at Tomlinson Heights since the start of the year, back on Jan 5, when another 2,745 sq ft unit was sold for $10.5 million ($3,825 psf). The seller, who bought the unit from the developer in May 2011 for $8.38 million ($3,053 psf), made a gain of $2.12 million.…

Hong Lai Huat, a company listed on the mainboard, has recently announced a strategic collaboration with co-living operator The Assembly Place. Under the terms of the agreement, The Assembly Place will manage Hong Lai Huat’s real estate and property development projects in Cambodia. This partnership aims to introduce the concept of co-living to the country for the first time.

In a joint statement released on Nov 28, both companies have expressed their commitment to finalizing key objectives within the next 60 days before entering into a binding agreement. These objectives include conducting feasibility studies for fitting out available units in Hong Lai Huat’s Royal Group Platinum development in Cambodia.

In addition, the partnership will focus on finding ways to market Hong Lai Huat’s available commercial shop-house units at Royal Group Platinum. The group also plans to leverage The Assembly Place’s extensive network to establish new sales channels in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Greater China’s first-tier markets for Hong Lai Huat’s completed and upcoming projects. The collaboration will also involve ongoing after-sales asset management services and the creation of job opportunities in local communities.

According to Hong Lai Huat’s website, the Royal Group Platinum development is a mixed residential and commercial project consisting of 851 residential units and 50 shophouses. Located just 20 minutes from Phnom Penh International Airport, the development boasts close proximity to 16 international schools and six sports facilities. It is also only a 10-minute drive from Aeon Mall 2, the largest shopping mall in Phnom Penh.

Ong Jia Jing, executive director of Hong Lai Huat, has expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating that it will enable the company to provide top-notch asset management services to its investors and buyers in Cambodia. He believes that this collaboration will instill confidence in purchasers when investing in the company’s developments.

For The Assembly Place’s CEO, Eugene Lim Ying Jie, this partnership aligns with the company’s strategy of expanding the concept of co-living both locally and internationally. He believes that with Hong Lai Huat’s high-quality and well-designed developments and The Assembly Place’s expertise in the co-living sector, they can bring exceptional value to purchasers.

The signing ceremony for this partnership took place at CAMPUS by The Assembly Place on Nov 28.

.

When purchasing a condo, it is crucial to take into account the necessary maintenance and management of the property. Condos usually come with maintenance fees that encompass the regular maintenance of shared spaces and amenities. Although these fees may increase the overall cost of ownership, they play a vital role in keeping the property in good condition and preserving its value. For investors looking for a more hands-off approach, hiring a property management company, such as New Condo Launches, can take care of the day-to-day management of their condos, making it a more passive investment.…

CBRE, a global real estate services firm, announced on November 27 that Michael Tay has been appointed as the deputy managing director of Singapore Advisory, effective January 1, 2025. This appointment comes in addition to his current role as the head of capital markets in Singapore. Tay will continue to report to Moray Armstrong, the managing director of Singapore Advisory.

The deputy managing director role has been created to provide long-term leadership and planning for CBRE’s Singapore advisory business. Tay will be working closely with Armstrong to develop and direct strategy, evaluate and execute investments, including potential mergers and acquisitions, and drive business growth.

When purchasing a condo, it’s crucial to also take into consideration the maintenance and management of the property. These types of properties usually come with maintenance fees that cover the maintenance of shared areas and amenities. Although these fees may increase the overall cost of owning a condo, they are essential in keeping the property in good condition and preserving its value. Hiring a property management company can be a valuable asset for investors, as it can assist with the day-to-day management of their condo, creating a more hands-off investment.

Armstrong praised Tay’s 30 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, stating that he is one of the most experienced professionals and thought leaders in the Singapore market. Tay has progressed from office leasing to leadership roles in office services and capital markets during his 25 years with CBRE.

Tay joined CBRE in 2000 and has since worked with some of the largest office building owners and prominent occupiers. In 2019, he took over the role of leading the Singapore capital markets team, which has been instrumental in numerous significant investment deals in the country. These include the sale of One George Street, 16 Collyer Quay, and VisionCrest Commercial.

In response to his appointment, Tay expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by CBRE and the career growth opportunities the company has provided him. He also expressed his enjoyment of the past 25 years working and learning from some of the top real estate professionals in Singapore.…

Rewritten:

Investing in a condo requires careful consideration of the property’s maintenance and management. Condominiums often have maintenance fees, which include the upkeep of shared spaces and amenities. Although these fees increase the overall cost of ownership, they guarantee that the property is well-maintained and maintains its value. To make condo ownership more passive, investors can enlist the help of a property management company to handle daily management tasks. If you’re interested in investing in a condo, be sure to check out the latest New Condo Launches for potential opportunities.

In the recent Brand Finance Global City Index, Singapore has emerged as the sixth-highest city in the world in terms of branding. This index, published by a renowned London-based brand consultancy, evaluates and ranks cities based on their brand power and perceptions.

The latest index is the result of a worldwide survey conducted in September across 15,000 individuals in 20 countries. The respondents ranked 100 cities based on key performance indicators, showcasing how each city is perceived as an ideal place to live, work, study, visit, retire, and invest in. They were also asked to associate specific attributes with each city, choosing from a list of 45 attributes grouped under seven pillars like Business & Investment and Culture & Heritage.

Singapore’s overall ranking was boosted by its impressive performance in the business and investment pillar, securing the third spot globally. This pillar encompasses perceptions such as the ease of doing business, strength of the economy, and the city’s environment for start-ups. The city also ranked highly for its low crime and violence rates.

Alex Haigh, the Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Brand Finance, highlights Singapore as the Asean region’s “crown jewel” when it comes to city branding. He adds that Singapore excels in economic expansion, investment appeal, and world-class infrastructure, solidifying its position as a premier global financial center.

On a global level, London maintained its top spot as the world’s best city brand, followed by New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai.…

CapitaLand Investment (CLI) is seeking to expand its business in Australia, as revealed during its investor day on Nov 22. The company announced the appointment of two senior executives to newly created roles, in order to enhance its talent pool and drive growth in its target market. The two hires are Angelo Scasserra, who will take on the role of CEO for CLI Australia, and Rahul Bharara, who will serve as its chief investment officer. They are expected to join the company in the first half of 2025.

In addition, CLI has announced its plans to invest up to A$1 billion ($876.7 million) in order to increase its funds under management (FUM) in Australia. This follows the recent closure of its Australian Credit Programme (ACP) in September, which was CLI’s first credit fund at A$265 million, and received backing from investors in Asia.

During the investor day, CLI’s group CEO Lee Chee Koon stated, “For private credit, we have built our own team and formed a partnership with teams from Wingate in Australia, originating and underwriting deals. There is a lot more pipeline we can build in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.”

Interestingly, on Nov 25, the Australian Financial Review published a story reporting that CLI was planning to acquire Wingate. It is worth noting that in 2014, CapitaLand divested Australand Property Group, which was later acquired by Frasers Property and rebranded as Frasers Property Australia. During the Q&A session at the investor day, CLI’s chairman Miguel Ko addressed the decision to sell Australand and invest more in China, stating that it was made before his time and he did not want to comment on his predecessors’ actions. He also added that the company did not have the ability to foresee the current situation in China and did not want to pass judgement on their decisions. At the time, China was experiencing a boom and CapitaLand had a strong competitive advantage. He stated, “That could have been a major win or a wrong move. This is not a comment on whether my predecessors made a right or wrong decision.”

Former CapitaLand president and group CEO Lim Ming Yan had previously stated that the divestment was made during “favorable” market conditions and Australand’s share price had been performing well in the months leading up to the sale. He also added, “This divestment would allow us to reallocate capital to our core businesses in Singapore and China.” CapitaLand had sold its remaining 39.1% stake in Australand in March 2014, following a partial divestment in November 2013, in order to improve trading liquidity.

In conclusion, CLI’s recent move to expand its business in Australia highlights the company’s focus on strategic growth and its confidence in the potential of the Australian market.

One advantageous aspect of investing in a condo is the opportunity to leverage its value for future investments. Countless investors utilize their condos as collateral to secure additional funding for new ventures, ultimately expanding their real estate portfolio. This can potentially increase profits, although it does come with its own set of risks. It is essential to have a solid financial plan in place and carefully consider the potential effects of market fluctuations. With New Condo Launches constantly emerging, there are endless possibilities for utilizing this investment strategy.…

The latest Real Estate Sentiment Index (RESI) published by the National University of Singapore (NUS) indicates a positive change in the property buying sentiment in Singapore during the third quarter of 2024. This index, which measures the overall performance of the private real estate market, is based on surveys carried out by NUS’s Department of Real Estate and the NUS Institute of Real Estate and Urban Studies (IREUS) with senior executives of real estate firms. The current sentiment index has seen a growth from 4.8 in the second quarter to 5.9 in the third quarter. The future sentiment index has also seen an increase from 5.1 to 5.8 in the same period.

IREUS director, Professor Qian Wenlan, attributes this positive change in sentiment to the US Federal Reserve’s rate cut in September, which was the first since 2019, and another cut in November. This, she believes, will lead to improved credit availability and business costs, thus raising the overall market sentiment. Similarly, Professor Sing Tien Foo, Provost’s Chair Professor at the NUS Department of Real Estate, notes that the performance of suburban residential, hotel/service apartments, and suburban retail areas has also contributed to the positive sentiment in the market. These sectors have recorded the highest current net balances of +35%, +35%, and +26%, respectively. The future outlook for these sectors is also positive, with net balances of +29%, +35%, and +19%, respectively.

In Singapore, it is crucial for international investors to be familiar with the regulations and limitations surrounding property ownership. While foreigners can freely purchase condos, they face more stringent ownership rules when it comes to landed properties. Additionally, foreign buyers must also consider the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which currently stands at 20% for their initial property acquisition. Nevertheless, the steady and promising growth of the Singapore real estate market remains a strong draw for foreign investment, making it a prime spot for New Condo Launches.

Despite the positive sentiment, global economic uncertainty remains the top risk concern for developers, with 67.7% of respondents indicating a decline in the global economy as a potential risk. This is followed by job losses, a decline in the domestic economy, and an excessive supply of new property launches, which are ranked at 41.9%.…

Singapore has been named the sixth highest city in the world for branding, according to the latest Brand Finance Global City Index. The index, published by London-based brand evaluation and strategy consultancy Brand Finance, ranks the top cities in terms of brand power and perception.

The latest index was compiled from a global survey of 15,000 individuals across 20 countries in September. The participants were asked to rank 100 cities based on key performance indicators, such as their perceived desirability as a place to live, work, study, visit, retire, and invest in. They were also asked to associate certain attributes with each city from a list of 45, grouped under seven pillars including Business & Investment and Culture & Heritage.

Singapore’s impressive performance in the Business and Investment pillar, where it ranked third globally, contributed to its high overall ranking. This pillar considered factors such as the ease of doing business, strength of the economy, and support for start-ups. The city also scored well for its low crime and violence rates.

Singapore boasts a dynamic urban landscape, characterized by towering skyscrapers and state-of-the-art infrastructure. One prominent feature of this landscape is the abundance of luxurious condominiums, strategically situated in prime locations. These sleek residential complexes offer the perfect combination of opulence and convenience, making them a highly sought-after choice among both locals and foreigners. With top-notch facilities like swimming pools, fitness centers, and round-the-clock security, these condos offer an elevated standard of living, making them incredibly desirable to potential tenants and buyers. Moreover, for investors, these alluring amenities translate into higher rental yields and escalate property values over time. Explore the latest Singapore projects at Singapore Projects, and experience the epitome of luxury living.

According to Alex Haigh, managing director for Asia Pacific at Brand Finance, Singapore stands out as the “crown jewel” of the ASEAN region in terms of city branding. Haigh also notes that Singapore’s strong economic growth, investment appeal, and world-class infrastructure solidify its position as a premier global financial center.

Globally, London maintained its top spot as the world’s leading city brand, followed by New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai.…

EdgeProp | December 6, 2021

Singapore’s boutique development K Suites has set a new record for condos that saw new psf-price highs from Nov 1 to Nov 10. The freehold development achieved a new high of $2,443 psf from the developer’s sale of a 872 sq ft three-bedroom unit for $2.13 million on Nov 8. This is the first time that the condo has crossed the $2,400 psf mark, surpassing the previous high of $2,196 psf set in May 2023.

Located in District 15, K Suites is currently under construction and features a five-storey apartment block with 19 units. The project is a redevelopment of the former Ji Liang Gardens, which was purchased by the developer for $18.6 million in June 2021. Units at K Suites range from three to four bedrooms and have sizes ranging from 797 sq ft to 1,270 sq ft. The development has sold 42% of its units since it first started selling in April 2023, with an average price of $2,099 psf.

Thomson Three, a 99-year leasehold condo in District 20, also achieved a new high during the period in review. The developer’s sale of a 1,033 sq ft three-bedroom unit on the 19th floor for $2.46 million on Nov 6 set a new record of $2,379 psf. The seller had previously bought the unit in a resale transaction for $1.86 million ($1,800 psf) in Nov 2021, making a net profit of $598,000.

On the other hand, luxury condo 19 Nassim saw a new psf-price low of $2,947 psf during the period in review. This came from the developer’s sale of a 646 sq ft one-bedroom unit on the fourth floor of the development for $1.9 million on Nov 9. This is the first time that the development has dropped below the $3,000 psf mark, setting a new record low.

Completed in 2023, 19 Nassim features 101 units ranging from 538 sq ft to 1,830 sq ft. Despite previously achieving a high of $3,001 psf, the condo has seen a decline in average prices this year, with 50 units sold at an average price of $3,397 psf, 3.7% lower than last year’s average price of $3,524 psf.

Overall, the condo market in Singapore has seen a mix of record highs and lows during the period in review, with K Suites breaking a new record and 19 Nassim experiencing a decline in average prices. It remains to be seen how the market will fare in the coming months.

The scarcity of land in Singapore is a major driver of the high demand for condos in the country. Being a small island with a rapidly increasing population, Singapore struggles with limited land for development. This has resulted in strict land use regulations and a cut-throat real estate market where property costs continue to rise. In such an environment, the option of investing in real estate, specifically condos, becomes highly enticing due to the potential for capital appreciation. With the introduction of new condo launches, the demand for condos in Singapore is expected to increase even further.…