Month: November 2024

When it comes to investing in condos in Singapore, there is an important factor to consider: the government’s property cooling measures. Over the years, the Singaporean government has implemented various measures in order to control speculative buying and maintain a stable real estate market. One such measure is the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which imposes higher taxes on foreign buyers and those who are purchasing multiple properties. Although these measures may impact the short-term profitability of condo investments, they play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term stability of the market and creating a safer investment environment. This is why investing in a condo through Condo is a wise choice for investors in Singapore.

The newly launched Emerald of Katong has sold 99% of its 846 units over its first three days of sales, with an average price of $2,617 psf, according to caveats lodges. This means that only 13 units are left unsold, due to buyers backing out of their purchases during the launch. In response, a balloting session was conducted for these 13 units, with all of them taken up by interested buyers. This shows that the demand for this 99-year leasehold private condominium on Jalan Tembusu is high, and it has created a ripple effect on other nearby projects in the East Coast area of prime District 15. As of 30th November, a total of 825 units at Emerald of Katong have been sold. Advertisement advertisementThe two neighbouring projects that have been the biggest beneficiaries of this launch are the 638-unit Tembusu Grand, developed by City Developments Ltd (CDL) and MCL Land, and the 1,008-unit Grand Dunman by SingHaiyi. Since the start of November, Tembusu Grand has sold 52 units, with a total sales of 581 units (91%). Meanwhile, Grand Dunman has sold 18 units since 11th November, with cumulative sales of 731 units (72.5%).The third project that has seen a significant increase in sales is the 816-unit freehold The Continuum. Since 9th November, a total of 126 units have been sold, bringing the total sales to 528 units (64.7%) as of 30th November. This shows that the newly launched Emerald of Katong has boosted the sales for these three neighbouring projects, with The Continuum being the biggest beneficiary. This is because of its pricing, with an average of $2,788 psf. This is a 6.53% premium over the average price of $2,617 psf at Emerald of Katong. AdvertisementAlthough a total of 21 units at Emerald of Katong achieved prices ranging from $2,901 psf to $2,958 psf, a total of 13 caveats lodged at The Continuum showed prices exceeding $3,000 psf. These include 11 units that were sold this November, including nine two-bedroom, high-floor units and two small three-bedroom units. On the other hand, some three- and four-bedroom units ranging from 1,066 sq ft to 1,270 sq ft were sold at prices between $2,667 psf and $2,681 psf in The Continuum during the past month.Overall, there have been 2,805 units sold this November, which has already surpassed the previous peak of 2,793 monthly private new home sales recorded in March 2013. This will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the take-up rate of new homes in 2025. For instance, the Emerald of Katong has received over 800 cheques for just 13 units, which are sold out, meaning that unsuccessful buyers will now be seeking alternatives. This will boost the new home sales in the early months of 2025. This shows that November is shaping up to be a robust month for new home sales, which is expected to have a significant impact on the take-up rate of new homes in 2025. Check out the latest listings for Emerald Of Katong, Tembusu Grand, The Continuum properties.This article was first published in EdgeProp. Reproduced with permission.*The data provided is for reference only and does not constitute investment advice. Please seek independent advice before making any investment.…

Savills Research recently released its global outlook report for 2025 and found that Asia Pacific’s (Apac) real estate market continues to outperform its global peers. According to the report, Apac has seen its real GDP growth surpass that of the US and Europe, signaling a stable economic outlook for the region.

Paul Tostevin, Savills head of world research, says that for the first time in five years, there is more stability and conviction in the economic outlook, which will boost investment and activity in the real estate market.

In the first three quarters of 2024, Apac saw a 4% year-on-year growth in investment volumes, reaching a total of US$108.7 billion. The three markets that experienced the most significant growth in investment volumes were Singapore, South Korea, and Australia, with growth rates of 74%, 71%, and 63%, respectively.

Savills Research forecasts global real estate investments to rise 27% to US$952 billion in 2025, with global investment activity expected to surpass the US$1 trillion mark for the first time since 2022. The report also predicts that global investments will return to pre-pandemic levels by 2026, thanks to stabilizing interest rates and improved investor confidence.

Alan Cheong, executive director of research & consultancy at Savills Singapore, says that Singapore’s real estate market is expected to follow the global trend.

Meanwhile, Apac is expected to see a full recovery in real estate investments next year, driven by sectors such as tourism, living, and industrial sectors. These include logistics and data centers, which have seen a surge in demand due to the rise in e-commerce and digitalization. Simon Smith, Savills regional head of research & consultancy for Apac, says that while there are positive signs for a recovery in real estate investments in the region, the winners and losers will be determined by how global themes play out and who is best positioned to take advantage of them.

In summary, purchasing a Singapore condo presents a multitude of benefits, including high demand, potential for capital appreciation, and attractive rental yields. However, it is crucial to carefully assess various factors, such as location, financing options, government regulations, and market conditions. Through thorough research and seeking professional guidance, investors can make well-informed decisions and maximize their returns in Singapore’s ever-changing real estate market. Whether you are a local investor seeking to diversify your portfolio or a foreign buyer looking for a stable and profitable investment, Singapore Condo offers a compelling opportunity.

The office sector remains a top choice for investors in Apac, accounting for 37% of total regional real estate investment in the first three quarters of 2024, significantly higher than the global average of 23%. Singapore, China, South Korea, and Japan are the top cities in the region for office utilization, with occupancy rates exceeding 90%. Additionally, Apac has a strong presence of green-certified office spaces, as ESG matters become increasingly important for office occupiers.

Cheong notes that Singapore has also seen a slight recovery in activity levels, with more leases being concluded and CBD Grade-A space rental expected to remain firm from 2025 to 2026. As a hub and gateway to the region, Singapore is a popular destination for new overseas brands. The prime retail sector also continues to see healthy demand, keeping rental levels stable.

Despite cost pressures, demand for industrial spaces remains robust in key sectors like logistics, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and data centers. This should help stabilize rental rates and capital values in the long term. Cheong also adds that the growing adoption of AI is leading to more data centers being built in Singapore, with many service providers using the city-state as a base to explore potential sites for infrastructure development.

Tostevin concludes by stating that as the global economy and real estate market return to sustained growth, the industry must adapt to changing legislative landscapes and geopolitical dynamics while maintaining sustainable and socially responsible development to meet the needs of a changing world. Savills also predicts that Apac will remain a top investment destination for family offices worldwide, as the region continues to outperform its global peers.…

Understanding the regulations and limitations regarding property ownership in Singapore is crucial for foreign investors. In comparison to landed properties, which have stricter ownership rules, foreigners are generally permitted to purchase condos with less restriction. However, they must be aware of the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 20%, which is applicable to their first property purchase. This extra cost is worth considering, given the stability and potential for growth in the Singapore real estate market, which continues to attract foreign investment. With its thriving real estate market, Singapore Condo remains a desirable option for foreign buyers.

Please find below the rewritten article:SINGAPORE (EDGEPROP) – The boutique development Hill House has emerged as the top performing condo between November 10 to 21, with a new psf-price high of $3,267. The developer sold a 452 sq ft, two-bedroom unit on the fifth floor for $1.48 million on November 11, setting a new record for the development.According to data, this new high is only 0.1% higher than the previous record of $3,263 psf set in November 2023. This was from the sale of a 624 sq ft two-bedroom unit on the ninth floor, which was sold for $2.04 million.The 999-year leasehold Hill House, located at Institution Hill off River Valley Road in District 9, has seen 11 transactions this year with an average price of $3,098 psf. This is slightly lower than the average price of $3,127 psf for the five transactions recorded last year.Search for the latest New Launches to find out the latest transaction prices and available units. The artist’s impression of Hill House, developed by Macly Group, which saw a record of $3,267 psf during the reviewed period (Photo: Macly Group)Launched in 2022, Hill House has 72 units, consisting of 40 one-bedroom and one-bedroom plus study apartments ranging from 431 sq ft to 452 sq ft. There are also 24 two-bedroom units measuring 624 sq ft and eight three-bedroom apartments of 753 sq ft.According to URA caveats, 29 units (40%) at Hill House have been sold at an average price of $3,060 psf since its launch in November 2022. The development is still under construction and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026.Receiving second place on the record of condos with new psf-price highs is the freehold development, The Continuum, which achieved $3,084 psf for the sale of a 721 sq ft two-bedroom unit on the 17th floor on November 16. This transaction surpassed the previous record of $3,071 psf at The Continuum, from the sale of a 721 sq ft two-bedroom unit on the 16th floor for $2.22 million on November 15.The Continuum, located on Thiam Siew Avenue off Haig Road and Tanjong Katong Road in District 15, was launched in April last year. It has 816 units spread across six residential towers on two plots of land, connected by a private pedestrian overhead bridge. Available units range from one- to five-bedroom apartments spanning between 560 sq ft and 2,260 sq ft.A total of 489 units (59.8%) at The Continuum have been sold at an average price of $2,779 psf since its launch in May 2023. The development is still under construction and is expected to be completed by 2026.Read also: K Suites achieves new high of $2,443 psfMeanwhile, freehold boutique development Lavender Residence set a new psf-price low on November 17, with the sale of a 990 sq ft one-bedroom + studio unit on the second floor for $1.61 million. This translates to $1,626 psf.Compared to this, the previous record for Lavender Residence was $1,710 psf from the purchase of a 1,335 sq ft four-bedroom unit on the sixth floor for $2.28 million in June 2023. With this latest transaction, Lavender Residence has been fully sold for an average price of $1,984 psf.The 17-unit Lavender Residence is located at the junction of Lavender Street and Kempas Road in Boon Keng, District 12. The development incorporates three two-storey conservation shophouses built in the art-deco style in the 1940s. Its units range from studios to three-bedroom units, including dual-key variants, from 463 sq ft to 1,550 sq ft. The development is within walking distance of Bendemeer MRT Station on the Downtown Line. To find out more about the latest listings for Hill House, The Continuum, and Lavender Residence properties, simply ask Buddy. You may also compare the price trend for Condo new sale versus EC new sale and view sale transactions for Hill House. For more information on the most profitable transactions for Condo sale in District 9 and the most expensive average PSF for Condo projects in District 12, kindly visit EdgeProp.…

The government has announced a one-off property tax rebate for owner-occupied homes in Singapore. In 2025, HDB flat owners will receive a 20% rebate, while owners of private residential properties will receive a 15% rebate. However, the rebate for owners of private residential properties will be capped at $1,000.

Property tax is based on a property’s annual value, which is the estimated rental income it can generate in a year if it were to be rented out. This rebate was announced on November 29, as part of Budget 2024, which will see an increase in all annual value bands for owner-occupied residential properties from January 1 next year.

This move by the government is expected to result in lower property taxes for over 90% of private residential property owners and all HDB flat owners. The government’s aim is to alleviate the cost of living concerns among Singaporeans.

Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics at Huttons Asia, predicts that the annual value of private properties will remain unchanged this year due to a marginal growth in private residential rents. On the other hand, HDB rents are expected to increase by 4%, which will lead to a rise in the annual value of HDB flats.

The one-off property tax rebate aims to help owners of HDB flats cope with any increase in annual value. For instance, if a HDB flat has an annual value of $30,000, the property tax payable in 2025 would be $720. However, with the 20% rebate, the owner would only need to pay $576, resulting in a savings of $144.

Private residential property owners could also benefit from the rebate. If the annual value of their property is $85,000, the property tax payable in 2025 would be $5,760. With a 15% rebate, capped at $1,000, the owner would pay $4,896, saving $864.

However, Lee stresses that the appeal of investing in residential properties in Singapore lies in the potential for capital appreciation, which outweighs the increase in property tax. He also adds that the government has offered property tax rebates before, and it has not affected the appeal of investing in residential properties in Singapore.

When contemplating an investment in a condo, it is crucial to also evaluate its potential rental yield. This refers to the annual rental income in relation to the property’s purchase price. In Singapore, rental yields for condos can differ greatly depending on factors such as location, property condition, and market demand. For instance, areas near business districts or educational institutions typically have higher rental demand, thus offering better rental yields. It is beneficial to conduct thorough market research and seek guidance from real estate agents for insights on the rental potential of a specific condo. For more information on Singapore projects, visit our website.

In summary, the one-off property tax rebate announced by the government for owner-occupied homes aims to alleviate the cost of living concerns among Singaporeans. This move is expected to result in lower property taxes for most private residential property owners and all HDB flat owners. However, the appeal of investing in residential properties in Singapore lies in its potential for capital appreciation, which far outweighs any increase in property tax.…

A young entrepreneur with a deep sense of responsibility, Jason Ng, has established his property investment and training firm, Aurico Global, in just two years, reaching a remarkable $52 million in assets under management.

Even before Aurico, Ng has always been involved in real estate development since 1993, where he started out with a humble 1,400 sq ft three-bedroom apartment that was purchased for $435,000. Growing up in a rental flat in Dakota Crescent with six family members, Ng was driven by the responsibility to provide for his family.

Through hard work and determination, Ng expanded his real estate portfolio and ventured into student enrichment and parenting training, becoming accredited as a family life educator and working closely with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Social and Family Development for the past 15 years.

In January 2023, Ng co-founded Aurico with his wife, Emelyn Ho, to consolidate his diverse business portfolio. This includes Aurico’s co-living investment and management arm, JC Global Developments, property and investment training arm, Anchor of Life Training Consultants, and My Preschool Hub – a provider of preschool enrichment resources and programmes.

Rewritten:

Singapore is a top destination for both local and foreign investors looking to purchase a condo, thanks to its thriving economy, stable political climate, and exceptional quality of life. In the real estate market of Singapore, there are many profitable prospects, but investing in a condo is particularly advantageous. With its convenient location, luxurious amenities, and potential for significant returns, condos are highly sought after by investors. In this article, we will delve into the advantages, factors to consider, and crucial steps to take when investing in a condo in Singapore. To explore the latest options in Singapore’s real estate market, check out Singapore Projects.

Acquiring strategic and quality portfolio, Aurico has a diverse property portfolio ranging from residential (co-living) to commercial and industrial assets. Under JC Global Developments, Aurico manages 380 co-living units in shophouses, condos, and landed properties, valued at over $30 million. The company also plans to acquire more properties to almost double its current slate to 600 units by the end of this year.

Aurico’s strategy is to acquire valuable properties in high-traffic areas below valuation. For instance, in September, Aurico bought a two-storey shophouse on 321 Joo Chiat Road for $5.1 million, which was 12% below the valuation price of $5.8 million. This demonstrates the firm’s strong property investment team and Ng’s sharp property investment acumen.

Apart from residential and commercial properties, Aurico also has its eyes on food factory assets, tapping into the rising demand for food production in line with the government’s “30 by 30” goal to produce 30% of the country’s nutritional needs by 2030. The company has also acquired a 560 sq ft commercial strata office unit at Woods Square in July for its own use, believing that the investment will allow them to be at the forefront of changes in Woodlands.

In May, Aurico acquired a 29.8% controlling stake in Autagco Ltd, a Singapore-listed company, and appointed Patrick Loke as the executive director. Autagco’s board of directors announced a strategic review in July to potentially diversify into property investment, co-living property management, education, and other businesses, with plans to inject Aurico’s assets into the company.

Under Autagco, Aurico will be venturing into residential assisted living with its subsidiary, Communa Gold, which focuses on assisted living projects. With an ageing population in Singapore, Ng believes that assisted living is a viable sector to be in and is currently in the process of securing a suitable property for development.

Aside from property investment, Aurico has also gained a reputation for providing comprehensive and high-quality property investment education to aspiring investors. Ng aims to make residential and commercial property investment accessible to anyone through his courses, regardless of their investment experience and background. The company also provides participants with the opportunity to leverage its network and strategies to enhance their investment portfolio, which is especially beneficial for beginner investors.

Ng hopes to help more millennial and Gen Z investors, who often feel that they have no chances of investing in property due to their background. He believes that anyone can start their investment journey with proper guidance and training, and Aurico is committed to empowering individuals to make informed decisions and achieve their financial goals through real estate.…

The most profitable condo resale transaction of the week of November 12 to 19 was recorded at Maple Woods, where a three-bedroom unit on the first floor was sold for a whopping $3.3 million ($2,144 per sq ft) on November 15. This freehold condo, located in prime District 10 along Bukit Timah Road, boasts 697 units ranging from two to four bedrooms and sizes between 850 sq ft to 3,003 sq ft. The 1,539 sq ft unit that was sold is a five-minute walk from King Albert Park MRT Station and is also close to Methodist Girls’ School and the Rail Corridor.The seller, who bought the unit in April 2009 for $1.28 million ($830 psf), made a substantial profit of $2.02 million. This translates to a massive capital gain of 158%, or a profitable annualised return of 10.6% over a holding period of about 15.5 years.Apart from this, Maple Woods has seen 10 other successful resale transactions this year. All of these deals have resulted in profitable returns for the sellers, with a minimum profit of $425,000. Three of the units that were sold netted gains of over $2 million. For instance, a three-bedroom unit on the eighth floor with a floor area of 1,787 sq ft was sold for $3.75 million ($2,099 psf) on July 1997, earning the seller a profit of $2.15 million. The same unit was purchased in July 1997 for $1.6 million ($895 psf), resulting in a profit of $2.15 million. In another transaction that took place on March 2007, a similar 1,787 sq ft three-bedroom unit was sold for $3.82 million ($2,138 psf), earning the seller a profit of $2.47 million. Similarly, a 3,003 sq ft four-bedroom unit on the eighth floor was sold at $5 million ($1,665 psf) on the same day, netting the seller a handsome gain of $2.6 million. This unit was bought in September 1998 for $2.4 million ($798 psf).Another prime location where profitable resale transactions took place was at UE Square. A 1,528 sq ft unit on the seventh floor with three bedrooms fetched a whopping price of $2.95 million ($1,930 psf) on November 14. The seller had previously gotten the unit through a sub-sale in December 1997 for $1.3 million ($850 psf). This resulted in the seller gaining a hefty profit of $1.65 million, or an astounding return of 127%, after owning the property for nearly 27 years. This transaction stands as the fourth most profitable resale deal that has been registered at UE Square so far. The record for the most profitable resale transaction had been set by a four-bedroom penthouse with a floor area of 3,089 sq ft, which sold for a massive price of $6.27 million ($2,031 psf) way back in Oct 2023. The seller had acquired the unit during December 2009 for $4.1 million ($1,327 psf), which resulted in an impressive profit of $2.17 million.UE Square is a part of UE BizHub City, a mixed-use development along Clemenceau Avenue in District 9, close to Clarke Quay. It comprises an 18-storey office building with a four-storey shopping arcade, along with two 18-storey residential buildings that hold a total of 345 units. The mixed-use development is divided by a service road, with the commercial tower and two residential towers on either side. UE Square comprises 345 units that house one to five bedrooms, which range from 506 sq ft to 2,379 sq ft. Additionally, there are also penthouses that cover 3,089 sq ft. The development is conveniently situated close to the Fort Canning MRT Station on the Downtown Line.However, the most unprofitable condo resale transaction that took place during the week under review was the sale of a three-bedroom unit at Tomlinson Heights. The 2,745 sq ft unit on the 19th floor was sold for $8.25 million ($3,006 psf) on November 19. The seller had bought the unit from the developer in February 2011 for $8.85 million ($3,225 psf). As a result, the seller ended up incurring a loss of $601,000 (6.8%) after owning the unit for almost 14 years. Located in a prime location on Orchard Boulevard, this luxurious condo comprises a 36-storey tower with a mix of three to five-bedroom units ranging from 2,551 sq ft to 6,738 sq ft. Developed in 2014, the freehold condo is within walking distance of prime shopping malls along the famous Orchard Road in District 9.This week, the real estate market saw a profitable transaction at Maple Woods, where a three-bedroom unit was sold for an incredible price of $3.3 million. This development has seen a total of 10 other profitable resale transactions this year. Additionally, UE Square also saw a lot of profitable resale transactions during the week under review. The most unprofitable resale transaction took place at Tomlinson Heights, where the seller ended up incurring a loss of $601,000.

The demand for condos in Singapore remains incredibly high, largely due to the limited land availability in the country. As a small but thriving island nation with a rapidly expanding population, Singapore is facing a shortage of land for development. This has resulted in strict land use regulations and a fiercely competitive real estate market, where property prices continue to soar. As a result, purchasing real estate, specifically condos, has become a lucrative investment opportunity, with the potential for significant capital appreciation. Singapore Projects have also become popular choices for investors in search of promising ventures in the real estate market.…

Hong Lai Huat, a company listed on the Mainboard, has recently announced a strategic term sheet with The Assembly Place, a leading co-living operator. This partnership between the two companies will see The Assembly Place taking on the responsibility of managing Hong Lai Huat’s real estate and property development projects in Cambodia. The collaboration will also bring the concept of co-living to the country for the first time.

According to a joint release issued on November 28, both companies have committed to finalizing key objectives within the next 60 days before proceeding to a binding agreement. Some of these objectives include conducting feasibility studies for the fitting out of available units in Hong Lai Huat’s Royal Group Platinum development in Cambodia.

The partnership will also focus on finding ways to market Hong Lai Huat’s available commercial shop-house units at Royal Group Platinum. Additionally, the two companies plan to leverage The Assembly Place’s extensive network to establish new sales channels in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Greater China’s first-tier markets. Furthermore, the partnership aims to provide ongoing after-sales asset management services and create job opportunities in local communities.

Based on Hong Lai Huat’s website, the development is a mixed-use project featuring 851 residential units and 50 shophouses. It sits just 20 minutes away from the Phnom Penh International Airport and is surrounded by 16 international schools and six sports facilities. One notable highlight is that it is only 10 minutes away from Aeon Mall 2, the largest shopping mall in Phnom Penh.

The executive director of Hong Lai Huat, Ong Jia Jing, expressed excitement about the collaboration, saying that it would enable the company to provide top-tier asset management services to its investors and buyers in Cambodia. He also added that the partnership would give these purchasers the confidence they need when purchasing units in their developments.

When contemplating investing in condos in Singapore, it is essential to factor in the impact of the government’s property cooling measures. In order to regulate the real estate market and discourage speculative buying, the Singaporean government has implemented various measures over time. One such measure is the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which imposes higher taxes on foreign buyers and individuals purchasing multiple properties. While these measures may initially affect the profitability of condo investments, they ultimately contribute to the overall stability of the market, creating a more secure investment environment. Therefore, if you are considering investing in Singapore Projects, it is crucial to take into account these government regulations and their long-term impact on the market.

The Assembly Place’s CEO, Eugene Lim Ying Jie, shared similar sentiments, saying that the partnership aligns with their strategy of expanding the co-living concept locally and internationally. He also expressed confidence in the collaboration, stating that with Hong Lai Huat’s high-quality, thoughtfully designed developments and The Assembly Place’s extensive experience in the co-living sector, they can provide exceptional value to purchasers.

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

Effective January 1, 2025, Michael Tay will take on the role of deputy managing director at Singapore Advisory, announced global real estate services firm CBRE on November 27. Tay, who is currently the head of capital markets in Singapore, will continue to report to CBRE’s managing director of Singapore Advisory, Moray Armstrong.

In this new role, Tay will be responsible for providing long-term leadership and planning for CBRE’s Singapore advisory business. He will work closely with Armstrong to develop and direct strategy, evaluate and execute investments, including mergers and acquisitions, and drive business growth.

Armstrong praises Tay’s 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, stating that he is one of the most knowledgeable and respected professionals in the Singapore market. Tay’s career with CBRE spans over two decades, during which he has held various leadership positions in office services and capital markets. He joined CBRE in 2000 and has since worked with some of the largest office building owners and prominent occupiers.

In 2019, Tay assumed the position of head of capital markets for Singapore, where he played a significant role in numerous notable investment deals. This includes the sale of One George Street, 16 Collyer Quay, and VisionCrest Commercial.

When contemplating an investment in a condominium, it is crucial to also evaluate its potential rental yield. Rental yield refers to the annual rental income as a percentage of the property’s purchase price. In Singapore, the rental yields for condos can vary significantly, 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 a specific condo’s rental potential, conducting thorough market research and seeking advice from real estate agents can be beneficial. For more information about potential Singapore projects, visit Singapore Projects.

Expressing his gratitude for the trust placed in him, Tay stated, “I am grateful for the opportunity for career growth that CBRE has offered me. It has been an incredible journey of 25 years and counting. I have truly enjoyed the privilege of advancing my experience with CBRE and learning from some of the best real estate professionals in Singapore.”…

According to the latest Brand Finance Global City Index, published by the London-based brand evaluation and strategy consultancy, Singapore has emerged as the sixth-highest city in the world in terms of branding. This index ranks cities based on their brand power and perceptions.

Conducted in September, the index is the result of a survey of 15,000 individuals across 20 countries. The respondents were asked to rank 100 cities based on key performance indicators that focused on illustrating how each city is perceived as an ideal place to live, work, study, visit, retire, and invest in.

The survey also asked participants to associate specific attributes with each city, choosing from a list of 45 attributes grouped under seven pillars. These pillars include Business & Investment and Culture & Heritage.

Limited land availability is a major contributing factor to the surging demand for condos in Singapore. Being a small island nation with a rapidly expanding population, Singapore is faced with the challenge of limited land resources for development purposes. As a result, the government has implemented strict land use policies, resulting in a highly competitive real estate market where property prices continue to rise. This has made investing in real estate, specifically condominiums, a promising opportunity for capital appreciation. With numerous Singapore projects underway, the demand for condos remains high.

Singapore’s overall ranking was boosted by its performance in the business and investment pillar, where it ranked third globally. This category includes factors such as ease of doing business, strength of the economy, and support for start-ups. The city also scored highly for low crime and violence rates.

Alex Haigh, managing director for Asia Pacific at Brand Finance, notes that Singapore stands out as the “crown jewel” of the ASEAN region when it comes to city branding. He adds, “With its strong economic growth, attractive investment opportunities, and world-class infrastructure, Singapore solidifies its position as a leading global financial center.”

Globally, London remained at the top spot as the world’s best city brand, followed by New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai.…

When it comes to purchasing a condo, it is crucial to take into account the maintenance and management of the property. Typically, condos come with maintenance fees that cover the upkeep of shared areas and facilities. These fees may increase the overall cost of ownership, but they also guarantee that the property remains in excellent condition and maintains its value. For investors looking for a more hands-off approach, hiring a property management company can assist in the day-to-day management of their condo, making it a more passive investment option.

In its recent investor day on November 22nd, CapitaLand Investment (CLI) announced plans to expand its business in Australia. The company has appointed two senior hires to newly created positions in order to strengthen its talent bench and drive growth in this focus market. Angelo Scasserra will serve as the CEO of CLI Australia, and Rahul Bharara has been named as the chief investment officer. They are expected to join the company in the first half of 2022.

CLI also revealed that it intends to invest up to A$1 billion ($876.7 million) to increase the funds under management (FUM) in Australia. In September, the company closed its Australian Credit Programme (ACP), which was its first credit fund backed by Asian investors, at A$265 million.

During the investor day, Lee Chee Koon, group CEO of CLI, shared, “For private credit, we have built our own team and formed a partnership with Wingate in Australia to originate and underwrite deals. There is still a lot of potential for growth in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.” This statement is interesting in light of a recent article published by the Australian Financial Review on November 25th, which suggested that CLI may be planning to acquire Wingate.

It is worth noting that in 2014, CapitaLand sold its stake in Australand Property Group to Frasers Property, which has since been renamed Frasers Property Australia. During the Q&A session at the investor day, Miguel Ko, chairman of CLI, was asked about this decision. He responded, “The decision to sell Australand and invest more in China was made before my time. We did not have a crystal ball about China’s situation today, so I cannot comment on my predecessors’ decisions.” He added, “At that time, China was booming and CapitaLand had a competitive advantage. However, this could have been a major win or a wrong move. I do not want to comment on whether my predecessors made the right or wrong decision.”

At the time of the divestment, Lim Ming Yan, the then-president and group CEO of CapitaLand, had said that it was made “amid favourable market conditions.” He also noted that Australand’s share price had performed strongly in the months leading up to the divestment. He stated, “This divestment would allow us to reallocate capital to our core businesses in Singapore and China.” CapitaLand sold its remaining 39.1% stake in Australand in March 2014, after partially divesting its stake in November 2013 to improve trading liquidity.

In conclusion, CLI’s recent actions and statements show a clear focus on growth in Australia. The company’s decision to invest in its talent bench and increase FUM in this market may indicate a long-term commitment to expanding its business in the Asia-Pacific region. Only time will tell whether these moves will prove to be a major win or a wrong move.…