Elemeno Condo

PropNex, Singapore’s leading real estate agency, recently announced a decline in earnings of 14.9% y-o-y for its 2HFY2024 ending on Dec 31, 2024. This brings its full-year earnings to $40.9 million, a 14.4% decrease compared to the previous FY2023. This drop in earnings was mainly attributed to the subdued property market in Singapore.

When contemplating an investment in a condo, it is crucial to also evaluate its potential rental yield. Rental yield refers to the annual rental income as a percentage of the condo’s purchase price. In Singapore, the rental yields of condos can vary significantly based on factors such as location, property condition, and market demand. Areas with high rental demand, such as those near business districts and educational institutions, often offer more favorable rental yields. To gain a comprehensive understanding of a condo’s rental potential, it is recommended to conduct thorough market research and seek guidance from real estate agents. For more information on condos, please visit Condo.

Despite the challenges faced, PropNex will be commemorating its 25th anniversary by paying a special dividend of 2.5 cents per share, in addition to the final dividend of 3 cents. This will bring the total dividend payout for FY2024 to a record high of 7.75 cents, with a payout ratio of 140.1% and a yield of 8.2%.

The company has observed increased activities in the last quarter of 2024, particularly in the private property sector, where there was a surge in new home unit sales that were facilitated by PropNex.

The company has also disclosed that the financial impact of these sales will only be reflected in their current 1HFY2025 results, suggesting a significant uptick in performance. With a positive outlook for the property market in 2025, PropNex is confident of delivering a strong performance in FY2025, barring any unforeseen events.

This optimism is backed by an expected launch of approximately 13,000 new units (including executive condominiums), almost double the supply recorded in 2024. Furthermore, the private resale market is also expected to remain active, with transaction volumes projected to range between 14,000 and 15,000 units.

PropNex believes that the demand for private resale properties will be fueled by the persistent price gap between new and resale properties, as well as the preference for larger, move-in-ready homes. Additionally, the impact of fewer new property completions will also contribute to the market’s demand.

In the HDB resale market, PropNex foresees a price growth of 5% to 7%, with transaction volumes estimated to reach 29,000 to 30,000 units. This segment is expected to continue to be supported by a decrease in the number of flats reaching the five-year minimum occupation period, as well as sustained demand from homebuyers, unsuccessful Build-To-Order applicants, and budget-conscious families.

PropNex’s Executive Director, Ismail Gafoor, notes that the newly-launched projects, such as The Orie, Bagnall Haus, Parktown Residence, and ELTA, have generated strong interest among buyers. With an encouraging line-up of projects in the pipeline, Ismail expects an increase in demand for developers’ sales in 2025. Moreover, a positive economic outlook and lower mortgage rates may further boost market confidence, providing opportunities for both homebuyers and investors.…

Asia

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Investing in a condo offers many advantages, including the opportunity to leverage its value for future investments. Numerous investors take advantage of this by using their condos as collateral to secure additional financing for new investments. This not only expands their real estate portfolio, but also has the potential to increase their returns. However, it is important to note the risks involved and to have a solid financial plan in place. It is also crucial to consider the potential impact of market fluctuations when utilizing this strategy. New condo launches, such as those offered by Elemeno Pee, can present even more opportunities for leveraging a condo investment.

PropNex Shophouse Elites is pleased to announce the sale of a unique corner two-storey shophouse located at 209 Jalan Besar. This 999-year leasehold shophouse comes with an attic and has a total area of approximately 5,502 sq ft. Gracelynn Zhu, the agent in charge of marketing the property, reveals that it is currently priced at “below $20 million”.

The shophouse, which is zoned for commercial use, boasts a strategic location in the Desker Road Conservation Area in District 8, near Little India. It is also within walking distance to the Jalan Besar MRT Station on the Downtown Line. The first floor of the shophouse has been approved for restaurant use, while a portion of the second floor also has the same approval.

Based on the asking price of $20 million, the property’s per square foot price works out to be $3,635, making it a worthwhile investment opportunity. A map showing the exact location of the shophouse can be found on the EdgeProp LandLens.

According to Zhu, the shophouse is currently undergoing asset enhancement initiatives (AEI), which involves the installation of micro piles extending up to 30m to enhance the property’s structural foundations. The AEI is expected to be completed by the end of this year, making the shophouse an even more attractive asset.

In a separate listing, PropNex Shophouse Elites is also marketing a shophouse on Geylang Road and a shop unit at Bras Basah Complex for a combined price of $14 million. These properties are also strategically located in prime areas and offer great potential for investors.

For interested parties, do not hesitate to contact PropNex Shophouse Elites for more information on these highly sought-after properties. The shophouse market has ended the year with 84 confirmed transactions, making it a promising market to invest in. Chinatown Business Association is also planning to revitalize the Smith Street area with new and traditional lifestyle concepts, making it an even more desirable location for shophouse investments.…

A recent survey conducted by CBRE has revealed that the Asia Pacific (Apac) hotel sector is likely to see strong investment activity continue into 2025. According to the survey, which was carried out in November and December of last year, 72% of hotel investors plan to purchase more hotel assets this year.

The survey also found that nearly half of the respondents (45%) intend to increase their purchasing volume by more than 10% in 2025. CBRE’s head of hotels, capital markets for Asia Pacific, Steve Carroll, believes that this is due to optimistic pricing expectations for hotel and living assets in the region.

One of the key factors driving the healthy buying intentions is the rebound in tourist arrivals, particularly in countries like Japan, Singapore, and Australia. This has led to a rise in hotel room rates, resulting in continued income growth for hotel operators.

In addition, investors are also encouraged by the limited hotel supply in Apac. According to data from hospitality data intelligence group STR, the hotel supply pipeline in the region is expected to grow at a CAGR of only 2.2% between 2024 and 2028, compared to a CAGR of 5% between 2013 and 2023.

A breakdown of investment intentions by investor type found that REITs (real estate investment trusts) had the highest net buying intentions at 22%. This is a significant improvement from the -13% recorded in last year’s survey. CBRE notes that REITs had been in a negative investment mode for several years but are now looking to acquire more assets in 2025.

Institutional investors and property funds also registered high net buying intentions at 12% and 10%, respectively. According to CBRE, this is due to the increasing activity of private equity and real estate funds in the hotel sector, which is expected to continue this year.

On the other hand, private investors and high-net-worth individuals are expected to drive fewer hotel acquisitions in 2025. After being the most active buyers in the region for two years, private investors are now anticipating a higher level of selling activity as they look to capitalize on the improving market sentiment.

The survey also found that upscale and upper midscale hotel assets are expected to be the most attractive for investment this year, surpassing the upper upscale category which was the top choice in last year’s survey. According to CBRE, investors see value-add opportunities in these segments through strategies like redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and rebranding of existing properties.

Aside from these trends, investors are also interested in long-stay or hybrid hospitality models. CBRE cites the growing appetite for converting assets into co-living spaces, particularly in markets like Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, where there is high demand for cost-effective accommodation.

Other emerging trends include a preference for assets with vacant possession at the time of acquisition, allowing for more flexibility in terms of operator selection and renovation works. Limited-service hotels have also seen increased interest from investors, as they focus on minimizing operational costs.

Among the top cities for hotel investment, Tokyo remains in the lead due to low interest rates and stable income streams from hotel properties. Osaka also ranks among the top five cities for similar reasons. Singapore and Sydney also make the list, thanks to solid hotel fundamentals and growth in daily rates and operating profits. Seoul has also seen a rise in investor activity, driven by an increase in Chinese visitors and daily rates.

In summary, the CBRE survey highlights the positive outlook for hotel investment in the Asia Pacific region in 2025, driven by factors such as rebounding tourist arrivals, limited supply, and shifting investor preferences towards value-add opportunities and alternative hospitality models.

The prime location of Singapore, coupled with its robust economy, makes it a desirable destination for real estate investors. Boasting a strategic position as a global business hub, the demand for properties here remains consistently strong. This has resulted in a steady rise in property prices over the years, particularly for condos in prime areas. For savvy investors who enter the market at the opportune moment and hold onto their properties for the long haul, there is great potential for significant capital appreciation. Keep an eye on new condo launches for more opportunities to invest in the Singapore condo market.…

When it comes to investing in real estate, location is a critical factor to consider, particularly in Singapore. In this country, the value of a condo is greatly influenced by its location. Properties that are situated in central areas or near important amenities like schools, shopping malls, and public transportation hubs generally have a higher appreciation value. Prime locations in Singapore include Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD). These areas have a consistent track record of showing growth in property values, making them ideal for condo investments. Families also find condos in these areas highly desirable due to their proximity to reputable schools and educational institutions, further increasing their investment potential. In short, choosing a condo in a prime location like the ones mentioned above can be a smart move for those looking to invest in the real estate market in Singapore. To learn more about prime condo locations in the country, be sure to check out Condo.

A joint press release from ETC (formerly known as Edmund Tie) and OrangeTee Group on Feb 24 announced their merger, forming a new holding company whose name has yet to be revealed. “It’s not an acquisition, but a meeting of minds with the merger,” stated Desmond Sim, CEO of ETC.The merged entity will be headed by Sim as the group CEO, with Justin Quek, the current CEO of OrangeTee & Tie, serving as deputy group CEO. ETC will focus on consultancy and advisory services, while OrangeTee will concentrate on proptech and its real estate agency business, supported by a network of 2,803 registered salespersons with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) as of Feb 24.Read also: United House relaunched for collective sale at $166 milAdvertisementAdvertisementQuek will take on the role of deputy group CEO of the new holding company post-merger (Photo: Samuel Isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore)The combined entity will have a staff of over 520, in addition to the 2,803 salespersons. Sim believes that by combining their expertise, resources, and networks, they can achieve significant growth and create value for all stakeholders, enabling them to thrive in the ever-changing real estate landscape.The latest merger builds upon the joint venture between the two firms in August 2017, where the former Edmund Tie and OrangeTee merged their associate business under a new entity, OrangeTee & Tie. This move resulted in a sales force of over 4,000 agents, propelling OrangeTee & Tie to the third position among the top three agencies. After the joint venture, the former Edmund Tie acquired a 20% stake in OrangeTee & Tie.Ng family’s Triplestar Holdings and TH Investments are the major stakeholdersThe merger between ETC and OrangeTee was facilitated by Triplestar Holdings and TH Investments, both related to the family of Roland Ng, managing director, and group CEO of Tat Hong Holdings. In 2016, the two entities acquired a stake in ETC following its management buyout. As some of the original shareholders, including Edmund Tie, retired, the company bought back their shares, increasing the stake of Triplestar and TH Investments to approximately 60%. Today, both entities own a 100% stake in ETC.This year marks an important milestone for ETC, as the firm celebrates its 30th anniversary, as noted by Sim. Read also: Edmund Tie & Company rebrands as ETCAdvertisementAdvertisementOrangeTee Group stakeholdersSince its incorporation in 2000, OrangeTee Group will also be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The investment holding company is led by a board of directors and C-suite, including Quek as CEO of OrangeTee & Tie, Marcus Oh as the managing director of OrangeTee Advisory, Teo Yak Huat as CFO, and Christine Sun as the chief researcher and strategist.”With a strengthened brokerage and consultancy team, supported by advanced proptech, we are set to expand our capabilities and deliver innovative and seamless solutions across all real estate sectors,” said Quek about OrangeTee & Tie.Tokyu Livable Inc., one of Japan’s largest real estate agencies with 198 offices nationwide, has a 22.5% stake in OrangeTee Group since 2014. It is a subsidiary of Tokyu Fudosan Holdings, the real estate division of the giant conglomerate Tokyu Group. Another shareholder of OrangeTee Group is private property fund Vogue Capital Group, alongside Tokyu Livable. Both entities will also hold a stake in the new holding company post-merger with Ng’s Triplestar Holdings and TH Investments.ETC expanded into Johor Bahru last year through its joint venture company in Malaysia, Nawawi Tie. The firm already has a presence in Penang and Malaysia, as well as an associate in Thailand, Edmund Tie & Co (Thailand). “We believe this merger will provide more opportunities for us in the ASEAN region and Japan, especially through our partnership with Tokyu Livable,” Sim added.Read also: Private residential resale prices remain steady in 3Q2024AdvertisementAdvertisement…

On Feb. 23, joint developers UOL Group and CapitaLand Development (CLD) announced the successful launch of ParkTown Residence in Tampines North, with a whopping 87% of the total 1,193 units sold during the launch weekend. According to Anson Lim, UOL’s general manager of residential marketing, the project achieved an average price of $2,360 psf and was well-received by both Singaporean homebuyers and investors.

Most of the units at ParkTown Residence were two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, which accounted for 83% of the project’s total units. These were also the most popular unit types, with 92% of them being snapped up over the launch weekend. The project’s unique selling point as a fully integrated residential and lifestyle development, directly connected to a retail mall, future MRT station, bus interchange, green boulevard, community club, and hawker centre, was a major draw for buyers, according to a spokesperson for UOL and CLD.

Prior to the launch weekend, ParkTown Residence had received a total of 2,367 cheques, resulting in a remarkable sales conversion rate of 44%, which is above the average of 30% to 35% for most new project launches in recent years. Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia, notes that no other mega project has sold over 1,000 units during its launch weekend since the launch of the 1,399-unit High Park Residences in July 2015. This makes ParkTown Residence at Tampines 62 the project with the highest number of units sold during a launch weekend since the 846-unit Emerald of Katong, which sold 835 units (99%) in November 2020, according to Ismail Gafoor, CEO of PropNex.

“The take-up at ParkTown Residence has also surpassed that of previous integrated developments,” adds Gafoor. The most recent integrated project launch was the 732-unit The Reserve Residences, which recorded a 71% take-up rate during its launch weekend in May 2023. As of Feb 23, the project was 98.2% sold at an average price of $2,484 psf, based on caveats lodged.

Mixed-use developments integrated with transport hubs have been popular among homebuyers and investors, with the last two completed projects being the 920-unit North Park Residences in Yishun (launched in 2015) and the 680-unit Sengkang Grand (launched in 2019) at Buangkok. The average price of North Park Residence is $1,809 psf, 65% higher than the average resale prices of residential units across District 27, while Sengkang Grand commands an average price of $2,029 psf, 25% higher than the average resale prices in District 19, notes Marcus Chu, CEO of ERA Singapore.

ParkTown Residence is part of the first mixed-use development integrated with transport hub at Tampines Street 62. Tampines is the third largest HDB town after Hougang and Woodlands. “Quite a number of buyers were HDB upgraders who desired to stay in Tampines,” says Huttons’ Yip, adding that the development’s completion in 2030 will coincide with the scheduled opening of the Tampines North MRT Station on the Cross Island Line (CRL), a major arterial line from East to West of Singapore.

When purchasing a Singapore condo, it is crucial to also take into consideration its maintenance and management. Usually, condos come with maintenance fees that cover the maintenance of shared areas and amenities. While these fees may increase the overall cost of owning a condo, they also guarantee that the property remains in good condition and maintains its value over time. To make it a more hands-off investment, investors can hire a property management company to handle the day-to-day operations of their Singapore condo.

2030 also marks the scheduled relocation of the neighbouring Paya Lebar Airbase, freeing up an estimated 800ha of land for future developments. Under the URA Master Plan, three more government land sales (GLS) sites will be linked to the upcoming Tampines North MRT Station. “However, these new projects could potentially be launched at higher prices,” says Ken Low, managing partner of SRI.

Tampines will also see new infrastructure developments by 2027, including a cycling bridge, an underpass, and another 7.7km of cycling paths, bringing the total to 40km. There will also be a new pedestrian route between Tampines MRT Station and the malls in the regional centre. All these will enhance the livability in Tampines, which according to SRI’s Low, already has strong attributes.…

In a joint venture project by MCL Land and CSC Land Group, 326 out of 501 units at Elta located at Clementi Avenue 1 were sold on February 22, equating to 65% of the units at an average price of $2,537 psf. The majority of buyers were Singaporeans at 90%, while the remaining 10% were permanent residents. The top three districts with the highest number of buyers were districts 19, 5, and 23. The two-bedroom units were the most popular among buyers, with 98% of the 179 units sold at an average price of $2,261 psf. The three-bedroom units had 81% sold at an average price of $2,198 million, while the one-bedroom plus study units were also popular with 78% of units sold at an average price of $1,158 million.

The robust sales at Elta demonstrate buyers’ confidence in a development that offers a seamless blend of modern living, convenience, and comfort, according to MCL Land CEO Lee Tong Voon. MCL Land is the development arm of Hongkong Land based in Singapore. The project at Clementi Avenue 1 is the last development plot available in the area, with the two earlier projects, The Clement Canopy and Clavon, having been launched by UOL Group and Singapore Land Group on government land sale sites.

Elta is located in a prime spot near various employment nodes, such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), one-north, Pandan Loop Industrial Estate, the Science Park, Jurong Lake District, and the future Dover Knowledge District. It also enjoys excellent connectivity with access to the East-West Line at Clementi MRT Station and the upcoming Cross Island Line that will run from east to west across Singapore.

The two-bedroom units at The Clement Canopy have been leased at $4,200 to $4,700 per month, while at Clavon, the latest rental transaction was for a 764 sq ft, two-bedroom unit leased for $4,600 per month. Elta is also near various schools, including Nan Hua High School, NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), and tertiary institutions such as NUS, Singapore Polytechnic, and United World College of South East Asia (Dover Campus).

Based on data from EdgeProp Landlens and URA Realis, 60% of the units sold at Elta were the one- and two-bedroom types, which are popular with international students and professionals. Additionally, Elta has attracted many HDB upgraders from Clementi and Queenstown, with over 2,500 HDB units having reached their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) since 2021 and an estimated 1,100 units set to do so this year.

Investing in real estate requires careful consideration, with one of the most important factors being the location. This is particularly true for properties in Singapore. Condos that are situated in central areas or those that are in close proximity to essential amenities such as schools, shopping malls, and public transportation hubs have shown to appreciate in value over time. Some prime locations in Singapore that have consistently seen growth in property values include Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD). These areas are highly sought after and continue to attract investors due to their potential for growth. Additionally, condos located near reputable schools and educational institutions are highly desirable for families, making them a smart investment choice. For more information on upcoming Singapore projects, please visit Singapore Projects.

The weekend of February 22-23 also saw the launch of ParkTown Residence, with 1,041 units sold out of the 1,193 units. With over 1,300 units sold between Elta and ParkTown Residence, February has seen a strong sales momentum that is expected to continue through 2025, with improved sentiment in the primary market. Developers are projected to have sold more than 1,500 units in February, and Huttons Data Analytics forecasts full-year sales to be between 7,500 and 8,500 units, with a price growth of between 4% and 7%.…

CapitaLand India Trust (CLINT) has recently announced its plans to acquire an office project in Nagawara, Outer Ring Road, Bangalore for $233.6 million. The acquisition will be made through a forward purchase agreement with Maia Estates Offices.

The group believes that the addition of this 1.13 million sq ft office project to their portfolio will not only improve their earnings but also benefit their unitholders. On a stabilized basis, CLINT is expecting a net profit of $7.7 million while the distribution per unit is expected to increase from 6.84 cents to 6.98 cents.

The office project is a part of a mixed-use development that also includes retail space. As per the forward purchase agreement, CLINT will be fully funding the development of the office project and in return, will receive interest on the funding at a rate higher than their borrowing cost.

Are you looking to invest in overseas properties? Check out our range of projects available for sale around the world.

Upon completion of the development, CLINT is expected to acquire the office space in the first half of 2030 while Maia will retain the retail portion. This will result in an increase in the operational area of CLINT’s portfolio in Bangalore from 8.7 million sq ft to 9.9 million sq ft.

CLINT has other properties under development in Bangalore, including two office buildings in Gardencity, an IT park at Hebbal, and an IT park at ITPB.

With the addition of this office project, CLINT’s portfolio size, including their committed investment pipeline, will increase by 4.0% from approximately 30.2 million sq ft to 31.47 million sq ft.

“The acquisition of this strategically located office project will further strengthen CLINT’s presence in Bangalore, one of India’s most prominent office markets. In 2024, Bangalore recorded the highest ever leasing levels for Grade A office space. Outer Ring Road is the largest office micro-market in Bangalore. With the addition of this prime office property, we will be able to offer our tenants a larger selection of premium office spaces across key micro-markets in Bangalore,” says Gauri Shankar Nagabhushanam, CEO of CLINT.

On Feb 21, units in CLINT closed flat at $1.

(CapitaLand India Trust in $201 million forward purchase of development in Bangalore)

The landscape of Singapore is renowned for its breathtaking skyline, dominated by towering skyscrapers and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The city’s prime locations are home to a range of luxurious Condos, which combine opulence with convenience, making them a popular choice among locals and expats alike. These exclusive residences offer an array of amenities, including lavish swimming pools, well-equipped fitness centers, and top-of-the-line security services, providing residents with a superior standard of living. As a result, these Condos are in high demand among potential tenants and buyers, boasting attractive rental yields and steady property appreciation over time. For those looking to make a savvy investment, these Condos prove to be a lucrative opportunity. To experience the epitome of luxury living, check out Condo.

CLINT has proposed to acquire International Tech Park Pune from their subsidiary CLI and their JV partner for $221.9 million. Additionally, CapitaLand India Trust and India developer L&T Realty have joined forces to develop 6 million sq ft of prime offices in India.…

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Obtaining financing is a crucial factor when it comes to investing in a condo. In Singapore, there are various mortgage choices available, but it is imperative to stay informed about the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework. This framework sets a limit on the amount of loan that a borrower can take based on their income and current debt obligations. Familiarizing oneself with the TDSR and seeking guidance from financial advisors or mortgage brokers can assist investors in making well-informed decisions about their financing options and prevent excessive borrowing. Additionally, keeping an eye on New Condo Launches can provide valuable opportunities for investors in the condo market.

Sim Lian Group has announced that its latest executive condominium (EC) project, Aurelle of Tampines, will open for e-application on February 22nd. The 760-unit development is located at Tampines Street 62 in Tampines North and is the first new EC project launch for 2025.

Conveniently located just a five-minute walk from the upcoming Tampines North Transport Hub, the Aurelle of Tampines is perfectly situated for easy access to transportation. The hub will feature the Tampines North MRT Station, which is part of the Cross Island Line and is slated to open in 2030. It will also include an air-conditioned bus interchange, integrated with the mixed-use development, ParkTown Mall, which will also feature a Community Club, Hawker Centre, and ParkTown Residence. The 1,093-unit ParkTown Residence will also be officially launched for sale on February 22nd.

The Aurelle of Tampines project consists of fourteen 14-storey residential blocks spread across a site area of 301,391 sq ft. According to Sim Lian, the units are designed for young professionals and growing families, with a mix of three- to five-bedroom units.

The latest details on available units and prices for Aurelle of Tampines can be found on the project’s website. Prices start from $1.417 million ($1,687 psf) for a three-bedroom unit of 840 sq ft, $1.689 million ($1,651 psf) for a four-bedroom unit of 1,023 sq ft and $2.258 million ($1,665 psf) for a five-bedroom unit of 1,356 sq ft.

Next door to Aurelle of Tampines is the 618-unit Tenet EC, developed by Qingjian Realty and Santarli Realty. Launched in December 2022, the project has already sold 617 units at an average price of $1,385 psf. Based on recent transactions, the highest transacted price on a psf basis was a 1,367 sq ft unit that sold for $2.26 million or $1,651 psf in December 2022. As of February 21st, there is only one available unit for sale in Tenet.

E-application for Aurelle of Tampines will begin on February 22nd and end on March 4th. Sales bookings will commence on March 8th. The appointed marketing agents for the project are ERA, Huttons, OrangeTee, and PropNex.

Under current EC regulations, during the initial launch (the first 30 days), 70% of the project must be allocated to first-time buyers, with only 30% open to second-timers. For more information on available units in Aurelle of Tampines, Tenet, and Parktown Residence, visit the project’s website. You can also use EP Buddy and URA Realis to check out the latest transactions and price trends for new and resale condos, as well as the available units in Tenet.…

The recent sale of River Valley Apartments, a freehold condominium located on River Valley Road, has made headlines as the first successful residential collective sale deal to close in 2025. The property was sold for a whopping $56 million, translating to a land rate of $1,622 psf per plot ratio (psf ppr). This deal has caught the attention of many, as it is a promising sign for the residential market.

According to the press release from Knight Frank Singapore, the marketing agent for the property, the purchaser is a local Singapore family office. They have plans to redevelop the site into serviced apartments, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has already granted an Outline Permission for this development.

Chia Mein Mein, the head of capital markets (land and collective sale) at Knight Frank Singapore, expressed her excitement over this successful transaction, especially during a time when the collective sale market is facing challenges, particularly in the residential sector. This marks the first collective sale site sold in 2025, and it is a positive development for the real estate industry.

As a foreign investor, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the regulations and limitations surrounding property ownership in Singapore. While purchasing condos is typically less restrictive for foreigners, the rules for owning landed properties are more stringent. One key factor to consider is the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 20% that foreign buyers must pay for their initial property purchase. Nevertheless, the Singapore real estate market remains a popular choice for foreign investment due to its reliability and potential for growth. Keep an eye out for upcoming New Condo Launches that may offer enticing opportunities for foreign buyers.

The River Valley Apartments collective sale is also the first residential collective sale site to be sold in a prime district since 2023, when Kew Lodge was sold for $66.8 million to Aurum Land. Chia believes that the property’s appeal lies in its excellent location in the popular River Valley neighbourhood and its potential for redevelopment into serviced apartments. This is in line with the current trend of serviced apartments being in high demand in Singapore.

River Valley Apartments comprises of a four-storey building with 24 units. The 12,408 sq ft site, which is zoned “residential”, has a gross plot ratio of 2.8 under the latest Master Plan. The owners of River Valley Apartments initiated the collective sale of the development on January 7, with a guide price of $56 million. After several attempts in the past, this is the first time they have managed to secure the 80% consensus from the owners to proceed with the tender launch. Jerry Tan, the chairman of the River Valley Apartments collective sale committee, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the tender.

In conclusion, the successful collective sale of River Valley Apartments is a positive sign for the real estate market, showing that there is still demand for prime residential properties in Singapore despite the challenging market conditions. This sale also highlights the potential for redevelopment of older properties into newer and more sought-after developments in prime locations.…

When contemplating an investment in a condominium, it is crucial to assess the potential rental yield as well. Rental yield refers to the annual rental income as a percentage of the property’s purchase price. In Singapore, condos can have varying rental yields 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 better rental yields. To gain insight into the rental potential of a specific condo, it is advisable to conduct thorough market research and consult with real estate agents. Additionally, keeping an eye on new condo launches can be beneficial in identifying potential opportunities.

The highly sought-after 8M Residences has once again topped the list of private condos that achieved a new psf-price peak during the week of Feb 1 to 7. According to recent data, the freehold development achieved a record-breaking price of $2,384 psf when a two-bedroom unit on the 15th floor was sold for $1.54 million on Feb 3. This marks the first time that a unit at 8M Residences has been sold for more than $2,300 psf.In comparison, the previous peak at the development was set in April 2023 when a similar two-bedroom unit on the 11th floor was sold for $1.46 million at a rate of $2,261 psf.8M Residences also saw another transaction during this period that surpassed the record set in 2023. On Feb 3, a one-bedroom unit on the 11th floor was sold for $1.2 million, marking a new high of $2,275 psf.In terms of absolute price, the most expensive unit sold at 8M Residences is a 1,841 sq ft, three-bedroom unit that fetched $2.85 million ($1,548 psf) in October 2012.Resale data collected by EdgeProp Singapore shows that resale prices at 8M Residences have been consistently rising over the past few years. According to a 12-month rolling average, the average price of units at the condo increased by 7.3% from $2,028 psf in February 2022 to $2,177 in February 2025.8M Residences, completed in 2017, is a 20-storey residential tower that boasts 68 units ranging from one to three bedrooms. It also has four penthouses varying in size from 1,184 to 1,841 sq ft.8M Residences is located close to several prestigious schools such as EtonHouse International Research Pre-School, Katong Swimming Complex and Katong Park MRT Station.Meanwhile, the sale of a 1,076 sq ft, three-bedroom unit at Kovan Jewel, a freehold condo on Kovan Road in District 19, took second place on the list of private condos that achieved a new psf-price high. This unit was sold by the developer for $2.41 million on Feb 7, setting a new high of $2,236 psf. This record surpasses the previous peak set in August 2023 when a similar three-bedroom unit was sold for $2.4 million at a rate of $2,228 psf.Kovan Jewel, completed last year, features 34 units with one to three bedrooms measuring 624 to 1,345 sq ft. There are also four-bedroom penthouses ranging from 1,237 to 2,153 sq ft.As of Feb 18, 17 units (50%) at Kovan Jewel have been sold at an average price of $2,111 psf, based on caveats lodged. Nine units were sold last year at an average price of $2,111 psf. The unit sold on Feb 7 is the first transaction this year.Finally, boutique condo Oleanas Residence takes third place on the list of private condos that achieved a new psf-price peak. On Feb 3, a 1,141 sq ft, three-bedroom unit on the sixth floor sold for $2.52 million, marking a new record of $2,207 psf at the condo.Previously, the highest transacted price at Oleanas Residence was $2,157 psf, from the sale of a 1,238 sq ft, three-bedroom unit for $2.67 million in August 2022. The most expensive resale unit at the condo, however, is a 1,636 sq ft, three-bedroom unit that sold for $3.3 million ($2,017 psf) in December 2022.Oleanas Residence, completed in 1999, is a freehold condo located on Kim Yam Road in District 9. In the last three years, the condo has recorded only four resale transactions, with prices ranging from $2.4 million ($2,103 psf) for a 1,141 sq ft, three-bedroom unit in November 2023 to $3.3 million ($2,129 psf) for a 1,550 sq ft, four-bedroom unit in April 2024.The condo is situated close to two MRT Stations: Great World MRT Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line and Fort Canning MRT Station on the Downtown Line. It is also within the 1km radius of educational institutes such as River Valley Primary School and Outram Secondary School.…