Elemeno Condo

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Mr Chong, a retiree, has provided financial assistance to his three sons while they were setting up their homes. While his eldest son bought a private condo, his two younger sons chose executive condos (ECs). According to him, buying an EC at a new launch is a no-brainer, even if it is purchased shortly after the five-year minimum occupation period (MOP), as it offers a good entry price.

Chong has experience in both situations. His second son bought a three-bedroom unit at the 531-unit Hundred Palms Residences, which was launched in July 2017. “He wanted to buy a four-bedroom unit, but they were snapped up quickly,” recalls Chong.

The project, developed by Hoi Hup Realty, received 2,000 e-applications and was sold out on the first day of launch at an average price of $841 psf. The EC on Yio Chu Kang Road was completed in 2019. Based on caveats lodged in January and February 2025, units sold fetched an average price of $1,769 psf, resulting in a 110% price gain in just eight years.

Chong points out that based on the selling price of $1.95 million ($1,849 psf) for a 1,055 sq ft, three-bedroom unit that was sold at Hundred Palms in February, his second son’s EC has appreciated by about $1 million from the time of its launch. This significant capital gain may have motivated many others to upgrade to private housing, he says.

Three years ago, when his youngest son decided to set up his own home, Chong sold his 1,260 sq ft, three-bedroom unit at The Interlace, which had been their family home for the past decade. In 2021, the Chongs purchased a 1,399 sq ft, four-bedroom, dual-key resale unit at Twin Fountains, a 418-unit EC in Woodlands. The EC, developed by a joint venture between Frasers Property and Lum Chang, was launched in 2013 and completed in 2016.

ECs are only open to buyers who are Singapore citizens or permanent residents (PRs) at launch and after the five-year MOP. Foreigners can only purchase ECs in the resale market after the 10th year of obtaining Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP).

The dual-key unit offers Chong privacy, as he occupies the one-bedroom studio while his son and family occupy the three-bedroom apartment. As a dual-key unit, while the main entrance is shared, each apartment has its own separate entrance.

Even though they paid $1,000 psf for the unit in 2021, which was considered a new high at the time, recent resale prices are even higher, says Chong.

In fact, the latest transaction of a 1,206 sq ft, four-bedroom unit in February was sold for $1.62 million ($1,344 psf). “Even though we bought in at $1,000 psf, resale prices at Twin Fountains are now 30% higher,” adds Chong.

Last October, City Developments launched the 348-unit private condo Norwood Grand at Champions Way in Woodlands. About 84% of the units were sold during its launch weekend at an average price of $2,067 psf, which has set a new benchmark for Woodlands.

Investing in real estate requires careful consideration of various factors, and one crucial aspect that cannot be ignored is location. In the bustling city of Singapore, this holds even more significance. Condominiums located in central areas or close to important amenities like schools, shopping malls, and public transportation hubs have a higher potential for appreciation in value. Some prime locations in Singapore that have consistently shown growth in property values include Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD). Families, in particular, find these areas desirable due to their proximity to reputable schools and educational institutions, further adding to the investment potential. Singapore Projects is an important addition to keep in mind when considering real estate investment in Singapore.

Chong points to the launch of Norwood Grand’s average selling price, which is 53.8% higher than the latest resale price at Twin Fountains. He believes that the announcement of revitalisation and new infrastructure, including the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) with the Singapore terminus in Woodlands North, has revived interest in the northern region.

Narrowing price gap between ECs and private condos

However, with rising EC prices and caps on loan quantum, EC buyers will now have to pay a larger cash outlay, says Eugene Lim, key executive officer of ERA Singapore.

For ECs, the monthly household income ceiling is $16,000. Buyers have to meet the Mortgage Servicing Ratio (30% cap) and Total Debt Servicing Ratio (55% cap) requirements when taking a loan. Assuming a 30-year-old EC buyer with a household income of $16,000 and a maximum loan tenure of 30 years, the maximum loan amount they can take out is around $1 million, estimates ERA’s Lim.

Despite the higher upfront costs, buyers are not deterred by the higher prices of ECs, says Lim. This is because there is still a 42% median price gap between similar-sized homes in the EC market compared to 99-year leasehold private condos in the Outside Central Region (OCR), he adds.

For instance, the median price of a 900-1,000 sq ft EC unit is about $1.48 million, while that of a similar-sized unit in a private condo is about $2.1 million. “Therefore, in terms of absolute price, buyers, particularly HDB upgraders, still see value in ECs,” Lim reasons.

In 2024, the average transaction price of new non-landed private condos in the suburbs or OCR crossed the $2,200 psf mark. Furthermore, new ECs in 2024 were sold at a median price of $1,539 psf based on caveats lodged, says Ismail Gafoor, CEO of PropNex. This reflects a price gap of 44.2%. He expects the median price for new condos “to tip over $2,200 psf again” this year.

According to Christine Sun, OrangeTee Group’s chief researcher and strategist, the median price gap between new ECs and new private condos in the OCR has narrowed in recent years. Based on data from URA Realis, the gap has narrowed from 49.4% in 2023 to 44.2% in 2024 and to 43.6% in January 2025.

Sun attributes this narrowing gap to EC prices rising at a faster pace of 9.6% from 2023 to January 2025 compared to a 5.3% increase in non-landed home prices in the OCR over the same period.

Affordability, deferred payment

According to ERA’s Lim, the demand for ECs is therefore sustainable due to their affordability and lower price psf than 99-year leasehold private condos in the same area.

Aside from lower prices relative to new private condos, EC buyers do not need to dispose of their existing home before making their purchase, notes Lim. HDB upgraders also do not incur additional buyers’ stamp duty (ABSD) when buying a new EC, he points out.

Moreover, EC buyers may opt for the Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS) at a slightly higher purchase price. Under the DPS, buyers only need to pay a deposit, and their loan is deferred until after the completion of the EC. “This way, buyers will not need to service two mortgages while waiting for the new home to be completed,” says Lim.

He adds: “Although there are three new EC launches expected this year, they are strategically spaced out across different locations – Tampines, Pasir Ris and Tengah – and will cater to the housing needs of Singaporeans across the island.”…

According to recent data from C9 Hotelworks, a leading hospitality consultancy in Asia, the market value of branded residential projects in Asia has reached an all-time high of US$26.6 billion ($35.5 billion). This is due to a record number of luxury units, with over 68,000 now available.

Leading the way in Asia is Vietnam, with 17,680 branded residential units across 59 properties. These units have an average price of US$350 per square foot (psf). Thailand takes second place with 16,271 units across 65 properties, where the average price is US$510 psf. The Philippines follows with 13,276 units across 46 properties, with an average price of US$400 psf.

However, the most expensive branded residences in the region can be found in Singapore, with an average price of US$2,140 psf. This is followed by Japan where prices average around US$1,935 psf.

C9 Hotelworks managing director Bill Barnett says, “There are also emerging markets where branded residences have seen rapid growth in recent years. South Korea has 3,026 units across 16 properties, and Malaysia has 6,014 units across 24 projects.”

In the post-Covid-19 era, urban branded residences make up 56% of the existing supply in Asia. These luxury urban projects dominate the sector in terms of market value. For example, urban branded residences in South Korea are priced at US$2,670 psf, which is more than half the cost of resort projects in the same country, which typically sell for US$1,040 psf. Similarly, in Thailand, urban branded residences fetch about US$770 psf, compared to US$430 psf in resort locations.

The branded residential market in Asia comprises about 12,330 units across 80 developments that are affiliated with luxury hotel brands, accounting for 31% of the market supply. “The data shows that a reputable brand can help an affiliated property command premium pricing of 30%-35% on top of the market rate in the country. It also helps the developer increase its market share in the country,” notes Barnett.

The popularity of top hospitality brands and other luxury lifestyle brands has caused hotel groups and premium brands to demand higher licensing fees, adds Barnett. It is becoming increasingly common for luxury hotel and lifestyle brands to request a 6% to 10% cut in the sale of each branded residential unit.

In August, Thai developer Ananda Development and German automaker Porsche, through its lifestyle brand Porsche Design, launched the ultra-luxurious Porsche Design Tower Bangkok in Thonglor. The 22-unit tower, to be completed in 2028, is the first Porsche residential tower in Asia, following the Porsche Design Tower Miami a decade ago. It offers duplexes and quadplexes with prices ranging from US$15 million to US$40 million.

One person who has noticed the rise in branded residences is Gianfranco Bianchi, general manager of Asia Pacific at The One Atelier, an international design consultancy that specialises in branded residences for lifestyle brands. In recent years, more luxury lifestyle brands have been exploring partnerships to license their branding for real estate developments across the Asia Pacific region.

One Atelier has partnered with several high-profile brands to create branded residences, including the 28-unit Fendi Casa Residences by Armani in Miami, the 259-unit 888 Brickell by Dolce & Gabbana in Miami, the 90-unit Büyükyalı Residences in Istanbul, Turkey, and the Karl Lagerfeld Villas, a collection of five ultra-luxury villas in Marbella, Spain.

Singapore’s cityscape is characterized by towering structures and state-of-the-art facilities. Condominiums, strategically situated in desirable locations, offer a mix of opulence and practicality that attracts both locals and foreigners alike. These residences come with a plethora of conveniences, including swimming pools, fitness centers, and round-the-clock security, elevating the overall living experience and garnering interest from potential renters and buyers. For individuals looking to invest, these impressive amenities translate into higher rental returns and appreciation in property value over time. Consider adding Singapore Condo to your list of options.

While hospitality-affiliated branded residences provide top-notch hospitality services, fashion or design-branded residences offer a rare trophy home that embodies the namesake design and luxury aesthetic that have made such brand names synonymous with luxury lifestyles today, says Bianchi.

According to Ananth Ramchandran, head of advisory and strategic transactions in Asia for CBRE’s hotels and hospitality division, property cooling measures have caused many high-net-worth buyers in Singapore to turn their attention to trophy assets in nearby regional markets.

“We have seen a significant reduction in the number of discussions and inquiries from Singapore developers looking to explore high-end ultra-luxury branded residential projects in Singapore. Property cooling measures have severely dampened foreign buyer demand, which is discouraging developers from entering this high-end segment,” he says.

Singaporean high-net-worth buyers are increasingly interested in luxury-branded residences in destinations such as Phuket and Bangkok in Thailand, Bali in Indonesia, and emerging markets in Vietnam. These locations are typically only a two-hour flight from Singapore.

“The relatively short travel time and availability of regularly scheduled direct flights make it much more appealing to Singapore-based buyers,” says Ramchandran. He adds that last month, flight carriers like Singapore Airlines, Scoot, AirAsia, and Jetstar completed around 150 flights per week between Singapore and Phuket.

Jason Thelen, senior director of sales and marketing at Sudara Residences, a Thai-based developer, agrees, saying, “Singapore has quickly become our top regional market for buyers looking for second homes, accounting for over 45% of regional purchases.”

The Ascott, a hospitality operator, is also taking advantage of the potential future growth in the branded residential segment in Asia, according to Saowarin Chanprakaisi, vice-president of business development at The Ascott.

“We believe that our brands like Ascott, The Crest Collection, and Oakwood Premier have reputations that are strong in the market,” she says.

“Branded residential operators must develop and maintain trust in the brand that it can deliver the level of service that will eventually translate into the long-term value proposition of the asset,” Chanprakaisi adds. Ascott is looking to expand its market share in the region by partnering with developers who want to enter the branded residential market.…

UEM Sunrise and GuocoLand, two renowned property developers from Malaysia and Singapore respectively, have recently signed the first ever Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between private companies of the two countries for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The MOU, which was announced on Feb 27, will see the two groups jointly develop UEM Sunrise’s freehold land in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, with the aim of accelerating growth within the JS-SEZ. The signing ceremony took place at the official opening of UEM Sunrise Gallery Iskandar Puteri, a display showcasing the group’s vision for Iskandar Puteri.

Iskandar Puteri, which is part of Flagship Zone B of the JS-SEZ, specializes in various industries such as manufacturing, business services, education, health, and tourism. This collaboration is expected to cover UEM Sunrise’s selected plots of land in Gerband Nusajaya and Puteri Harbour, two key master-planned areas within Iskandar Puteri. The partnership aims to activate the potential of Iskandar Puteri and make it more attractive for investment, focusing on improving connectivity, nurturing talent, and creating a business-friendly environment to drive long-term sustainable economic benefits in Johor.

UEM Sunrise’s Chief Financial Officer, Hafizuddin Sulaiman, stated that this partnership is not just about development, but also about shaping a thriving economic hub for long-term growth, job creation, and strengthening the JS-SEZ ecosystem. The sites chosen for this collaboration are strategically located near Singapore, Senai Airport, and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, making them ideal for driving economic growth and positioning Iskandar Puteri as a robust business and investment hub.

According to Datuk Hisham Hamdan, Chairman of UEM Sunrise, this collaboration, along with developments in Iskandar Puteri and strategic partnerships, is part of a larger vision to position Johor as a dynamic and forward-thinking economy. GuocoLand’s CEO, Cheng Hsing Yao, also expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying that the Singapore-listed property group will bring their expertise in real estate development and asset management, as well as their understanding of the needs of companies from Singapore, Malaysia, and China, who wish to establish a presence in the JS-SEZ.

UEM Sunrise has been a key player in the urban development of Iskandar Puteri, with past projects including residential townships like the Aspira series and Senadi Hill, as well as commercial and retail hubs. They are currently working on an upcoming 380-acre industrial park in Gerband Nusajaya. The growth potential in Iskandar Puteri is expected to be boosted by the incentives and support schemes introduced by the governments of Malaysia and Singapore, which aim to attract more investments into the JS-SEZ. These measures include special tax rates, stamp duty exemptions, and capital allowances.

When it comes to investing in condos in Singapore, there is an important factor to consider: the government’s property cooling measures. In an effort to control speculative buying and maintain a steady real estate market, the Singaporean government has implemented various measures over the years. These include the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which imposes higher taxes on foreign buyers and those 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 environment for investors. With Condo investment in Singapore, it is essential to take these measures into account.

In conclusion, the partnership between UEM Sunrise and GuocoLand aims to drive the growth of Iskandar Puteri and the JS-SEZ through innovative developments and collaboration. With the support of both governments and the expertise of these two reputable property developers, Iskandar Puteri is well on its way to becoming a successful and vibrant economic hub in Southeast Asia.…

Several notable resale transactions were closed between Jan 28 to Feb 4, despite coinciding with Chinese New Year festivities this year. The most lucrative deal was the sale of a 3,983 sq ft unit at the Palisades condominium, which sold for $4 million ($1,004 psf) on Feb 4. This unit, located on the second floor, was originally purchased for $1.7 million ($427 psf) in August 2009. The seller earned a profit of $2.3 million (135%), resulting in an annualized gain of 5.7% over 15.5 years. This makes it the most profitable resale transaction to date at Palisades.

The previous record was set three years ago, when a 3,294 sq ft unit on the eighth floor was sold for $3.4 million ($1,032 psf). It was bought for $1.53 million ($465 psf) in 1996, resulting in a profit of $1.87 million (122%) or an annualized gain of 3.1% over 25 years.

When it comes to investing in condo properties in Singapore, one must take into account the government’s property cooling measures. In an effort to regulate and maintain a steady real estate market, the Singaporean government has implemented various measures to deter speculative buying. These measures include 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 immediate profitability of condo investments, they also contribute to the long-term stability of the market, creating a more secure investment environment.

Over the past three years, there have only been five resale transactions at Palisades, all of which have been profitable. These transactions ranged from $650,000, when a 3,294 sq ft unit sold for $3.8 million ($1,154 psf) on Dec 13, 2022, to the most recent sale with the record profit of $2.3 million.

Palisades is a freehold condominium situated on Pasir Panjang Road in District 5. It was built in 1985 and has 18 units. Palisades is the only condominium in Singapore equipped with a funicular elevator.

Meanwhile, the second most profitable resale during this period took place at Ardmore II, where a four-bedroom unit was sold for $6.85 million ($3,385 psf) on Feb 3. The unit was purchased for $4.72 million ($2,333 psf) in November 2006, resulting in a profit of $2.12 million (45%), or an annualized gain of 2.1% over 18 years.

According to transactions recorded by EdgeProp Singapore, resale prices at Ardmore II have risen steadily over the past few years, from about $2,623 psf in January 2015 to around $3,390 psf at the start of this year.

Ardmore II is a freehold luxury condominium located on Ardmore Park in the prime District 10. Nearby developments include the Shangri-La Singapore hotel, Treetops Executive Residences, Ardmore Park, and Sculpture Ardmore. It is also close to Tanglin Road and the Orchard Road shopping belt.

On the other hand, the most unprofitable resale during this period was the sale of a studio at Vida, a freehold condominium in prime District 9. The 527 sq ft unit, located on the 12th floor, sold for $1.04 million ($1,972 psf) on Feb 4. The unit was originally purchased for $1.15 million ($2,192 psf) in May 2009. As a result, the seller incurred a loss of $116,000 (10%), translating to an annualized loss of 0.7% over almost 16 years.

The most unprofitable resale to date at Vida involved an 840 sq ft unit on the 10th floor, which sold for $1.73 million ($2,061 psf) in August 2022. It was bought for $2.33 million ($2,774 psf) in July 2007, resulting in a record loss of $598,920 (25%), or an annualized loss of 1.9% over 15 years.

Based on transactions recorded, resale prices at Vida have been declining in recent years, reaching a peak of about $2,277 psf in August 2015 and dropping to around $2,058 psf last month.

Vida is a 137-unit condominium situated on Peck Hay Road in the upscale Newton area. It was completed in 2009 and features a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom units ranging from 506 sq ft to 883 sq ft. Nearby condominiums include the 387-unit Orchard Scotts on Anthony Road, and condos on Cairnhill Rise and Cairnhill Circle such as The Peak @ Cairnhill I & II, Hilltops, and Helios Residences.…

The first Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) MOU between private companies in Malaysia and Singapore has been signed by Malaysian property developer UEM Sunrise and Singapore-listed GuocoLand, according to a recent release on Feb 27.

The MOU will see the two groups collaborating to jointly develop UEM Sunrise’s selected freehold landbank in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, in order to accelerate growth within the JS-SEZ. The signing ceremony took place at the opening of UEM Sunrise Gallery Iskandar Puteri, a showcase of the group’s vision for Iskandar Puteri.

Iskandar Puteri, which is part of Flagship Zone B of the JS-SEZ, is known for its expertise in various sectors including manufacturing, business services, education, health, and tourism. If you are looking to invest in overseas properties, there are various projects available for sale around the world.

The limited availability of land is a major factor driving the high demand for condos in Singapore. As a small island nation with a rapidly expanding population, Singapore is faced with a scarcity of land for development. As a result, the country has implemented strict land use policies and a highly competitive real estate market where property prices continue to rise. As a result, investing in real estate, specifically condos, has become an attractive opportunity with the potential for significant capital appreciation. With the addition of Singapore Condo, it further solidifies the appeal of these properties and adds to the overall value of the real estate market in Singapore.

The MOU is expected to cover UEM Sunrise’s selected plots of land in Gerband Nusajaya and Puteri Harbour, two key master-planned areas within Iskandar Puteri. The collaboration aims to activate the potential of Iskandar Puteri and enhance its attractiveness for investors. The focus will be on improving connectivity, fostering talent development, and creating a business-friendly ecosystem to drive sustainable economic benefits in Johor.

According to the CFO of UEM Sunrise, Hafizuddin Sulaiman, “This partnership is not just about development, but also about shaping a thriving end-to-end, future-ready economic hub that fuels long-term growth, creates jobs, and strengthens the JS-SEZ ecosystem.”

The development sites are strategically located near Singapore, Senai Airport, and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas. The partnership aims to drive long-term economic growth and establish Iskandar Puteri as a robust business and investment hub.

In a speech, Datuk Hisham Hamdan, chairman of UEM Sunrise, says, “The JS-SEZ, developments in Iskandar Puteri, and strategic partnerships are all part of a larger vision to position Johor as a dynamic and forward-thinking economy.”

Cheng Hsing Yao, CEO of GuocoLand, adds, “Together, our combined expertise will enable us to shape Iskandar Puteri and the wider JS-SEZ through innovative developments.” He further explains that the Singapore-listed property group will bring its experience in real estate development and asset management, as well as its understanding of the needs of companies from Singapore, Malaysia, and China that wish to establish a presence in the JS-SEZ.

UEM Sunrise has previously played a significant role in the urban development of Iskandar Puteri. Some of the existing developments under the group include residential townships such as the Aspira series and Senadi Hill. The group has also developed commercial and retail hubs, including an upcoming 380-acre industrial park in Gerband Nusajaya.

The growth in Iskandar Puteri is expected to be driven by incentives and support schemes introduced by the Malaysian and Singaporean governments to increase investments in the JS-SEZ. These measures include special tax rates, stamp duty exemptions, and capital allowances.…

As you explore the possibility of investing in a condo, it is crucial to also consider the potential rental yield. Rental yield refers to the annual rental income as a percentage of the property’s purchase price. In Singapore, condo rental yields can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, property condition, and market demand. Generally, areas with high rental demand, such as those near business districts or educational institutions, offer more attractive rental yields. To gain a better understanding of the rental potential for a specific condo, it is beneficial to conduct thorough market research and seek advice from real estate agents. You may also want to explore Singapore Projects to further enhance your knowledge and insights.

Singapore has global opportunity to lead sustainable development: MNDhttps://www.edgeprop.sg/property-news/frasers-property-partners-two-chinese-real-estate-groups-join-residential-site-shanghai-china

Frasers Property has teamed up with two major Chinese real estate companies to jointly acquire a residential site in Songjiang District in Shanghai, China. The joint venture partners successfully acquired the site for RMB815.2 million ($151.9 million) through a tender from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources.The other JV partners include Xiamen ITG Real Estate Group, which is a fully-owned subsidiary of ITG Holding Group, a state-owned enterprise under the Xiamen Municipal Government. In addition, Shanghai-listed Gemdale Corporation has also entered into the partnership. In a statement released on February 26, Frasers Property announced that the JV partners have plans to develop the site into a mixed-use property comprising of 189 low-rise apartments, townhouses, and duplex units. The project will cover a total gross floor area of 334,714 square feet. It is also expected to feature cutting-edge design elements such as flood mitigation, ultra-low energy building designs, energy-saving door and window systems, reduced thermal bridging, and solar photovoltaics. The development is aimed at targeting upgraders and first-time homebuyers looking to buy in the Fangsong Community of Songjiang District, one of Shanghai’s prime residential neighborhoods. It is also strategically located near two other projects, Club Tree and Palace of Yunjian, which were previously developed under other joint ventures involving Frasers Property and Gemdale Corporation. “This joint venture not only strengthens our presence in Shanghai but also demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality residential developments that cater to the changing needs of the Chinese community,” says Lim Hua Tiong, CEO of emerging markets in Asia at Frasers Property.…

CDL puts a stop to corporate governance lapses with court order

The corporate governance lapses at City Developments Limited (CDL) have been put to a halt, based on a second statement issued by Kwek Leng Beng, the executive chairman of the company. After a court hearing on Feb 26, the two newly appointed directors, Jennifer Duong Young and Wong Su Yen, have agreed to not exercise any powers as directors until further notice from the court. This comes after the two were “irregularly and hastily appointed” on Feb 7, through directors’ resolutions in writing. Kwek adds that his son, Sherman Kwek, Philip Lee, Wong Ai Ai, and other directors who were acting with them, have also agreed not to take any further actions regarding their attempted changes to the board committees and management of certain CDL’s subsidiaries until further notice from the court. The “irregularly constituted” nominating and remuneration committee has also been suspended from taking further action. As a result, CDL’s board committees and the management of relevant subsidiaries are now safe from further attempts to destabilise, dismantle, and reconstitute them, says the elder Kwek. He stresses that strong corporate governance is crucial for maintaining investor confidence and protecting the long-term interests of CDL’s shareholders. On Feb 26, CDL had announced a trading halt and cancelled its FY2020 results briefing, citing a disagreement within the board in relation to the composition and constitution of the board and its committees. This came after the elder Kwek accused his son, Lee, Wong, and a group of directors acting with them of trying to consolidate control of the board and the company. However, he took “necessary” legal action to deal with the attempted coup, and stated that he intended to change the CEO at an appropriate time. Kwek has also requested the interim CEO, Kwek Eik Sheng, to take over if his son is removed as the CEO. CDL’s shares, which last traded at $5.12, were temporarily suspended after the company’s Feb 26 announcement.

When purchasing a condo, one must also take into account the maintenance and management aspects of the property. Most condos have maintenance fees which cover the maintenance of shared spaces and amenities. While these fees may increase the overall cost of owning a condo, they are necessary for the upkeep of the property and maintaining its value. By hiring a property management company, investors can have a more hands-off approach to managing their condos, turning it into a relatively passive investment. In addition, consider checking out Singapore Projects for potential investment opportunities.…

In summary, the purchase of a condo in Singapore offers a multitude of benefits, including a high demand from tenants, potential for capital growth, and attractive rental profits. However, careful consideration of various factors is crucial in ensuring a successful investment. These factors include the location of the condo, financing options, government regulations, and the current state of the market. With thorough research and professional guidance, investors can make sound decisions and maximize their returns in the dynamic real estate market of Singapore. Whether you are a local investor looking to expand your portfolio or a foreign buyer seeking a stable and lucrative investment, the condo market in Singapore presents a compelling opportunity. For more information and access to the latest condo launches in Singapore, visit New Condo Launches.

Colliers International, a leading global real estate services company, is expanding its occupier services team in the Asia Pacific region. The company has recently announced the appointments of Leanne Chin as director of regional tenant representation for Asia Pacific and Ali Porter as director of enterprise clients for Hong Kong. Both appointments are part of Colliers’ strategic effort to strengthen its occupier services expertise in the region.AdvertisementLeanne Chin will join the company as director of regional tenant representation for Asia Pacific, based in Colliers’ Singapore office. Chin brings with her a wealth of experience in corporate real estate, having previously held leadership positions at JLL and Savills. In her new role, she will work with occupiers across the region to help them align their real estate portfolios with their business strategies.Ali Porter, who has been with Colliers since 2016, will now take on the role of director of enterprise clients for Hong Kong, relocating from London where he oversaw the company’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa business. In his new position, Porter will utilize his expertise in corporate real estate to assist clients in Hong Kong with their real estate needs and align their portfolios with their corporate strategies.These appointments come at a time when the Asia Pacific region is experiencing significant growth, making it an attractive market for corporate occupiers. The expansion of Colliers’ occupier services team in the region will allow the company to better serve its clients and help them achieve their business goals.…

When considering an investment in a Singapore Condo, it is essential to assess its potential rental yield. Rental yield refers to the annual rental income as a percentage of the property’s purchase price. Various factors, such as location, property condition, and market demand, can greatly affect the rental yield of Singapore condos. In general, areas with high rental demand, such as those near business districts or educational institutions, typically offer more favorable rental yields. To gain a better understanding of the potential rental yield for a specific Singapore Condo, it is recommended to conduct thorough market research and seek guidance from reputable real estate agents.

According to the exclusive marketing agent JLL, the Ching Shine Industrial Building has been put up for collective sale at a minimum price of $113 million. The building, which is freehold, is made up of 52 strata units and has a prime location with a 100m frontage along Shaw Road. It sits on a total land area of 49,308 sq ft and has a gross floor area of approximately 137,341 sq ft.

Built in the early 1980s, the building falls under the “Business 1” zoning with a gross plot ratio of 2.5 as per the URA Master Plan 2019. JLL has stated that over 80% of the owners have agreed to the collective sale at the minimum price of $113 million, which translates to a unit land rate of approximately $823 psf per plot ratio based on the current gross plot ratio of 2.79.

In accordance with URA’s approval, the site has the potential to be converted into a food factory, according to JLL. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has confirmed that the site meets the necessary buffer requirements for redevelopment into a multi-user factory, and the Singapore Food Agency has informed URA of their in-principle non-objection to the proposed food factory.

On the other hand, JLL also believes that the freehold asset could be an attractive investment opportunity for long-term growth for family offices, or for owner-occupiers looking to establish a corporate presence. Nicholas Ng, senior director of capital markets at JLL Singapore, is optimistic that the site will also appeal to developers due to the absence of additional buyer’s stamp duty, which can potentially impact project timelines.

The building is conveniently accessible via major expressways such as the PIE, CTE, and KPE, and is within walking distance from the Tai Seng MRT Station on the Circle Line. It is situated in the Tai Seng Industrial estate, which is home to many food factories such as Breadtalk IHQ, Sakae Building, and Food Empire Building. The area is also surrounded by amenities such as Grantral Mall @ Macpherson and 18 Tai Seng.

In November 2023, Noel Building, a freehold Business 1 industrial building located at 50 Playfair Road, was sold en bloc for $81.18 million, which is 17% higher than its guide price of $70 million. Ng believes that this transaction demonstrates the strong demand for such assets in the area. He expects a similarly competitive response for Ching Shine Industrial Building.

The tender for the Ching Shine Industrial Building will close on April 3 at 3pm.…

When it comes to investing in real estate, one must keep in mind the importance of location. This is especially true in the bustling city-state of Singapore. Condominiums strategically located in central areas or in close proximity to essential amenities such as schools, shopping malls, and public transportation hubs have shown a higher tendency to appreciate in value. Prime locations like Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD) have a proven track record of consistent growth in property values. Families also consider the proximity of good schools and educational institutions when looking to invest in condos, making these areas even more desirable and potentially increasing their return on investment. To stay updated on the latest condo launches in these sought-after locations, check out New Condo Launches.

City Developments Limited (CDL) has issued a statement explaining the trading halt earlier today, stating that it was due to disagreements within the board regarding the board composition and structure. However, CDL reassured that business operations are not affected and will continue as usual. Sherman Kwek will remain as the group CEO until the board makes any changes to the leadership.

In response to the ongoing matter, the company has confirmed that there will be further announcements following SGX listing rules. In a later statement, Sherman Kwek expressed disappointment in the extreme actions taken by the chairman and a minority of the board regarding the disagreement.

He also clarified that the issue was never about removing the chairman and that the steps taken to improve governance were to ensure the highest standards in CDL’s decision-making process. The trading suspension has been initiated despite not being authorized by the majority of the board, as the matter is now before the courts for adjudication.

CDL’s financial results for FY2024, which ended on December 31, 2024, were announced on February 26, before the market opened. However, the company cancelled its results briefing at 10am. CDL also recently offered to privatize Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand for $1.72 per share.

Shares for CDL last traded at $5.12.…