Month: March 2025

HPL, a leading property player and hotelier, is making moves to expand its global presence with the recent announcement of its proposed acquisition of InterContinental Auckland for NZ$180 million ($138.5 million). This marks HPL’s first investment in New Zealand and its second InterContinental hotel acquisition, following the successful launch of InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort.

According to JLL’s Asia Pacific Hotels & Hospitality Group, the off-market transaction is said to be the largest single hotel asset sale in New Zealand to date. The sale was advised by New Zealand’s Precinct Properties.

The purchase of the InterContinental Auckland is a strategic move for HPL, as it continues to grow its luxury hospitality portfolio across key markets in the Asia Pacific region. This is driven by the company’s experienced hospitality management team and strong partnerships with operators such as IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Chairman of HPL Hotels and Resorts, Stephen Lau, comments that the proposed acquisition of the InterContinental Auckland presents a rare opportunity for the company to acquire a premium asset in New Zealand. The property is conveniently connected to the bustling NZ$1 billion Commercial Bay lifestyle precinct, which opened in January 2024. With striking views of the Waitematā Harbour, the hotel rooms offer a luxurious and unique experience for guests.

Currently, the existing hotel boasts 139 rooms. However, there is potential to expand to 190 rooms in the future by repurposing the current office space to meet the growing demand. This showcases HPL’s forward-thinking approach to investing in long-term success and growth.

Investing in a Singapore Condo offers numerous advantages, one of which is the opportunity to utilize the property’s value for future investments. A lot of investors use their condos as leverage to secure additional financing for new investments, allowing them to broaden their real estate portfolio. With this strategy, returns can be amplified, but it also comes with potential risks. It is crucial to have a solid financial plan in place and carefully consider the potential impact of market fluctuations before proceeding. This way, investors can make the most of their Singapore Condo investment and achieve long-term success.

In addition to the InterContinental Auckland, HPL has also recently launched The Boathouse Tioman in Malaysia, featuring 31 bungalows, and The Four Seasons Hotel Osaka in Japan, a 176-room hotel. The company’s strong financial performance has been reflected in its earnings, with a decline of 95.1% year-on-year to $27.2 million in FY2024.

HPL’s continued expansion and investment in the luxury hospitality sector showcase its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for guests and driving long-term growth in key markets. With its strategic partnerships and experienced team, HPL is poised to solidify its position as a leading player in the global hospitality industry.…

Institutional investments in the Asia Pacific (Apac) real estate market amounted to US$83.2 billion ($112 billion) in the second half of 2024, marking a 6% year-on-year increase, according to research conducted by Colliers. This brings the full-year investments for 2024 to US$155.9 billion, a significant 12% rise compared to the previous year. The study focuses on the top nine markets in the region, including Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand and Taiwan.

The steady increase in investments demonstrates the resilience of the Apac real estate market and sets the stage for a promising year ahead, according to Chris Pilgrim, Colliers’ managing director of global capital markets, Asia Pacific. He also notes that domestic investors have been the driving force of growth in key markets like South Korea, Taiwan, and New Zealand, contributing over 80% of real estate inflows in these countries during the second half of 2024.

The office sector emerged as the largest contributor to the Apac investment volume, accounting for US$26.5 billion or 32% of the total volume in the second half of 2024. For the entire year, office investments reached US$51.4 billion, a 14% increase from the previous year. The industrial and logistics sector followed closely, with investments totaling US$22.6 billion in the second half of 2024, constituting 27% of the total. This sector saw a 29% year-on-year rise, bringing the full-year investments to US$39.4 billion.

The retail sector bounced back significantly, with investments reaching US$15 billion in the second half of 2024, driven by substantial deals in countries such as Australia and South Korea. The total investments for the year was US$26.1 billion, marking a 27% increase compared to the previous year.

Rewritten:

Investing in a condo offers many advantages, including the potential to leverage the property’s value for more investments. Some investors opt to use their condos as collateral to secure additional funding for new investments, allowing them to grow their real estate portfolio. While this can lead to increased returns, it is important to have a solid financial plan in place and carefully consider the potential impact of market changes. Singapore Condos are a popular option for investors looking to benefit from this strategy.

Pilgrim believes that domestic capital will continue to dominate most markets in 2025, while offshore investments are expected to show improvement due to improving investor confidence and attractive valuations. The office and industrial segments are expected to maintain their robust performance, but Pilgrim predicts that retail, hospitality, and alternative asset classes will also gain traction as investors capitalize on the recovery momentum and evolving consumer trends. “With economic growth remaining strong and continued policy support, the Apac real estate market is well-positioned for sustained investment activity in 2025,” he adds.…

A student accommodation property in Sydney, Australia has been successfully sold by Singapore private equity real estate firm SC Capital Partners Group. In a press release issued on March 3, the company announced the sale of the asset located on Anzac Parade and Lorne Avenue in Kensington, at a substantial premium from its initial acquisition price. The buyer of the property is the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, reflecting a 19% increase from its current book value.

The property was originally purchased by SC Capital Partners in 2016 for A$57 million, and has now been sold at a significant profit. With a total area of 85,035 sq ft, the purpose-built student accommodation offers 233 beds and a commercial podium on the ground floor. Its prime location within 600m of the UNSW Kensington Campus makes it a highly sought-after residence for students. Currently, the student accommodation is fully leased to UNSW, with a new 20-year master lease signed in 2019.

Investing in a condo in Singapore has become an increasingly favored option for both local and foreign investors. This is largely due to the city-state’s strong economy, stable political environment, and exceptional quality of life. With a dynamic real estate market, Singapore offers a plethora of opportunities, and condos stand out as a top choice for their convenience, amenities, and potential for lucrative returns. In this article, we will delve into the advantages, factors to consider, and necessary steps when considering condo investment in Singapore.

This transaction has further elevated the competitive race for assets under management (AUM) in the real estate market, with another company, CLI, recording a substantial increase in its FUM (funds under management) to $113 billion. The sale of this student accommodation by SC Capital Partners Group is a testament to the strong and growing demand for quality accommodation in the education sector.…

as part of $1.3 bil investment strategyCapitaLand Investment subsidiary to invest $800 mil in data centre projects in China, Europe
Lee Chee Koon, the group CEO of CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI), has been honoured as the ‘Industry Figure of the Year’ for Asia Pacific at the prestigious PERE Global Awards 2024. The annual PERE awards, hosted by the esteemed London-based publication that covers private equity real estate markets, honour influential firms, remarkable individuals, and noteworthy deals from the previous year. CLI also bagged the runner-up award for ‘Firm of the Year’ in Asia Pacific.

The winners of the 2024 awards were chosen by a panel of PERE journalists, a departure from previous editions where PERE shortlisted submissions and readers voted to determine the winners. According to CLI’s press release on March 4, the award for CEO Lee acknowledges “his role in driving CLI’s transformational growth and his significant impact on the private real estate industry in the Asia Pacific region.”

Singapore’s cityscape is defined by towering skyscrapers and contemporary infrastructure. The city boasts luxurious condominiums located in prestigious locations, offering a perfect mix of opulence and practicality that appeals to locals and foreigners alike. These upscale residences are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including swimming pools, fitness centers, and top-notch security services, elevating the overall living experience and making them highly desirable to potential tenants and buyers. For investors, these enticing features equate to higher rental returns and appreciation of property value over time. With the inclusion of Condo, the urban landscape of Singapore is truly a sight to behold.

Ever since he took over as CapitaLand’s group CEO in September 2018, Lee has made some key moves under his leadership. This includes the acquisition of Ascendas-Singbridge in 2019 and the 2021 restructuring of CapitaLand Group, which led to the listing of CLI and the privatization of its real estate development arm, CapitaLand Development.

In 2024, CLI invested in real estate investment manager SC Capital Partners Group and also acquired Wingate Group Holdings’ property and corporate credit investment management business. The company is aiming to manage $200 billion in funds by 2028. According to CLI, it is on track to achieve this goal.…

City Developments (CDL) shares saw a sharp decline of 5.47% as trading resumed today after being halted since February 26. This halt came after the sudden cancellation of a results briefing, which was followed by news of a dispute between executive chairman Kwek Leng Beng and his son, group CEO Sherman Kwek.

In response to media reports on the matter, CDL issued a statement on March 3 saying, “The company will not comment on the validity of these allegations, as many of these allegations are the subject of the court proceedings in relation to the Application, which is ongoing.” The company also assured that its business operations are not affected, and Mr. Sherman Kwek remains the Group CEO until there is a board decision to change company leadership.

As analysts adjust their predictions and rating for the company, there is a general consensus that the dispute will have a negative impact on CDL’s share prices in the short term. UOB Kay Hian has downgraded their rating from “buy” to “hold”, with a revised target price of $4.60, compared to their previous target of $7. This is based on a valuation of 2 standard deviations below the company’s five-year average price-to-book (P/B) ratio.

DBS Group Research and OCBC Investment Research also maintain their “buy” rating for CDL, but with a lower target price of $6.70 and $6.02 respectively. Both research teams see the potential for renewed focus on shareholder returns and profitability once the board dispute is resolved.

Citi Research, on the other hand, highlights the share price overhang and uncertainties caused by this episode, while JP Morgan describes the situation as a “dynastic discord” that has been building up over time. Both research teams hope for a positive resolution and a reconciliation among the Kwek family members.

In summary, despite the negative impact on CDL’s share prices in the short term, analysts believe that the company’s fundamentals remain intact and its assets are undervalued. They also see potential for a positive re-rating once the board dispute is resolved and the company’s focus returns to driving profitability and maximizing shareholder returns.

When purchasing a condo, it is crucial to consider the maintenance and management of the property. Typically, condos come with maintenance fees that cover the upkeep of shared areas and facilities. Although these fees may increase the overall cost of ownership, they also guarantee that the property stays in excellent condition and maintains its value. Enlisting the services of a property management company can assist investors in efficiently handling the day-to-day management of their condos, turning it into a more passive investment.…

Elite UK REIT, managed by Perpetual (Asia) Limited, has recently sold Crown Buildings in Caerphilly for GBP710,000, representing an 18% increase from its previous value. The property, which was unoccupied, was valued at GBP600,000 at the end of 2024 based on an independent assessment by CBRE. Located in Wales, the building was valued at GBP530,000 at the end of 2023. The proceeds from the sale will be used to pay off the outstanding debt of Elite UK REIT. According to Elite UK REIT’s website, Crown Buildings has a total gross floor area of 20,712 square feet. Thanks to its successful GBP28 million preferential offering in January 2024, Elite UK REIT was able to reduce its leverage ratio from 50.0% at the end of 2023 to 43.4% at the end of 2024, as well as its net gearing ratio from 47.5% to 42.5%. There is no debt maturing in 2025 and 2026, and refinancing is only expected in 2027.

Investing in a condominium in Singapore offers numerous benefits, one of which is the potential for capital appreciation. This is largely due to the country’s strategic position as a global business hub and its robust economic stability, which continuously drives demand for real estate. In fact, over the years, property prices in Singapore have consistently demonstrated an upward trend, particularly in prime locations where condos are highly sought after. By purchasing a condo at the right time and holding onto it for the long term, investors can reap significant gains in terms of capital appreciation. To further capitalize on this opportunity, investors can keep an eye on new condo launches such as those offered by New Condo Launches and make informed decisions to further enhance their investment portfolio.…