Condo Score

James Cameron has been named as the new head of energy and infrastructure for Asia Pacific for real estate consulting firm JLL. According to JLL, Cameron’s appointment is in line with their long-term capital requirements to facilitate the infrastructure and renewables build-out required to meet the challenges of decarbonisation, digitalisation, economic growth, and rapid urbanisation.

Cameron, who has more than 25 years of real asset capital markets experience, will be based in Singapore and will be responsible for building a team in Asia Pacific. His appointment will complement JLL’s EMEA Energy & Infrastructure business, creating a global capital advisory capability to better serve local and international developers and investors.

Stuart Crow, JLL Asia Pacific’s CEO of capital markets, says, “We see significant opportunity to leverage our unique expertise in mobilising multiple sources of capital and JLL’s unrivalled track record in advising renewables transactions globally to serve clients within energy and infrastructure across Asia Pacific.” He adds that Cameron’s experience in this exciting space is unmatched regionally and they are extremely confident in his ability to establish JLL’s leadership position through his expertise and client relationships.

Cameron will work closely with JLL’s capital markets, investment banking, and debt advisory teams across the region to originate capital raising and transaction advisory opportunities for large infrastructure and renewable transactions serving various types of investors. He has experience mobilising forms of private and public equity and financing across the global and regional infrastructure.

Crow also mentions that Cameron’s background as the global head of commercial real estate at Standard Chartered Bank makes him an ideal choice for the role. “James’ experience in this exciting space is unmatched regionally and we’re extremely confident in his ability to establish JLL’s leadership position through his expertise and client relationships,” he adds.

Assessing the rental yield is a crucial step to consider when investing in a condo. The rental yield refers to the annual rental income in comparison to the property’s purchase price. In Singapore, the rental yields for condos can greatly vary depending on factors such as location, property condition, and market demand. Typically, areas with a high rental demand, such as those near business districts or educational institutions, offer a more favorable rental yield. To gain a better understanding of the rental potential of a specific condo, conducting thorough market research and seeking advice from real estate agents can provide valuable insights. Additionally, exploring Singapore Projects can also aid in assessing the rental yield.…

Two neighbouring Good Class Bungalows (GCBs), located at 52 and 54 Belmont Road in the prestigious Belmont Park GCB area, have been put up for sale through an expression of interest (EOI). According to sources, the owners of the two properties are related.

Sitting on a freehold land area of 41,741 square feet, the two GCBs are being offered with an indicative price of $88.8 million, which translates to $2,128 per square foot (psf) on the land area. The marketing agent for the properties, Sakal Real Estate Partners, also revealed that the combined plots have a 44-metre frontage along Belmont Road and an average depth of 66 metres.

“We believe that this site would appeal to families looking to build a new home for multigenerational living or extended families living together,” says Lennon Koh, Senior Director at Sakal. “Aside from homeowners, this property also presents a great opportunity for developers who are keen to tap into the exclusive GCB market.”

According to data from URA, the most recent transaction along Belmont Road was recorded in December last year, where a GCB with a land area of 19,549 square feet was sold for $40 million ($2,046 psf). Meanwhile, in July 2024, a pair of GCB plots adjacent to each other on Belmont Road were sold for $131.4 million, or $3,000 psf based on their combined land area of 43,790 square feet. Another GCB at Bin Tong Park, with a land area of 28,111 square feet, was sold for $84 million ($2,988 psf) in April.

Steven Ming, Managing Director at Sakal, remains optimistic about the potential of the Belmont Road GCBs, citing their prime location and the strong demand for GCBs. “The estimated total value of GCB transactions in 2024 amounted to $1.32 billion, which exceeded that of 2023 ($433 million) and 2022 ($1.18 billion),” he says. “We are expecting more GCB transactions in 2025.”

The demand for Singapore condos remains consistently high due to the limited amount of land available on this small island nation. With a rapidly increasing population, Singapore faces the challenge of scarcity when it comes to 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, investing in real estate, especially in Singapore Condo, has become a highly profitable opportunity with the potential for significant capital appreciation.

The EOI exercise for the two GCBs will close on March 13 at 3pm.…

JLL appoints James Cameron as head of energy and infrastructure for Asia Pacific

Real estate consulting firm JLL has announced the appointment of James Cameron as its head of energy and infrastructure for Asia Pacific. This newly created role will be based in Singapore, according to a press release issued on January 14.

Cameron’s main responsibility will be to establish a team in Asia Pacific, which will complement JLL’s existing energy and infrastructure business in the EMEA region. With this appointment, the firm aims to create a global capital advisory capability to better assist local and international developers and investors.

According to JLL, this move aligns with the long-term requirement for capital to facilitate the development of infrastructure and renewable energy projects. These are crucial for addressing the challenges of decarbonisation, digitalisation, economic growth, and rapid urbanisation.

When it comes to investing in real estate, one key factor to consider is location. This is especially important in Singapore, where the right location can greatly impact the value of a property. Condominiums that are located in central areas or near essential amenities, such as schools, shopping malls, and public transportation hubs, tend to see a greater appreciation in value. Prime locations in Singapore include Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD), all of which have shown consistent growth in property values. The proximity to quality schools and educational institutions also adds to the appeal of condos in these areas, making them highly desirable for families and further increasing their investment potential. For more information on Singapore projects, check out Singapore Projects.

Stuart Crow, CEO of capital markets for JLL Asia Pacific, believes that there is a significant opportunity to leverage their unique expertise in mobilising multiple sources of capital in the energy and infrastructure space. He also mentions JLL’s unrivalled track record in advising on renewables transactions globally.

In his new role, Cameron will work closely with JLL’s capital markets, investment banking, and debt advisory teams across the region. His primary focus will be on originating capital raising and transaction advisory opportunities for large infrastructure and renewable projects. These include institutional investors, private equity, asset managers, strategic infrastructure and renewable operators and developers, high net-worth individuals, and family offices.

With over 25 years of real asset capital markets experience, Cameron brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. He was previously the global head of commercial real estate at Standard Chartered Bank. His expertise lies in mobilising various forms of private and public equity and financing for infrastructure projects globally and regionally.

Crow has expressed confidence in Cameron’s ability to establish JLL’s leadership position in the energy and infrastructure space. He believes that Cameron’s unmatched experience and client relationships in this field will be instrumental in achieving this goal.…

When purchasing a condo, it is crucial to take into account the maintenance and management aspect of the property. As with most condos, there are maintenance fees that are responsible for the maintenance of communal areas and amenities. Despite the additional expenses, these fees guarantee that the property is kept in excellent condition and maintains its value. To make the investment more passive, investors can hire a property management company to handle the daily management tasks. With the help of a New Condo Launches, owners can ensure the smooth maintenance and management of their condos.

Jan 11 and 12 saw the sale of 87 units in One Bernam, the mixed-use development located in Tanjong Pagar. The project, a joint venture between MCC Land and Hao Yuan Investment, had first been launched in May 2021. Currently, over 75% of the 351 residential units have been sold at an average price of $2,585 psf, according to caveats lodged as at Jan 10.The promotional prices were applied over the weekend to all remaining 87 units, which include one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and penthouse units. Interested buyers can search for the latest New Launches to find out more about prices and available units.

For one-bedroom units ranging from 441 sq ft to 463 sq ft, the prices were discounted by $323,000 to $438,000, with units sold at prices ranging from $1.295 million ($2,934 psf) to $1.328 million ($2,869 psf). Meanwhile, the two-bedroom apartments of 700 sq ft to 732 sq ft had discounts ranging from $437,000 to $668,000, with units sold at prices from $1.752 million ($2,394 psf) to $1.78 million ($2,544 psf). The two-bedroom plus study apartments of 807 sq ft to 872 sq ft also had discounts ranging from $380,000 to $800,000, and were sold at prices ranging from $2.139 million ($2,581 psf) to $2.158 million ($2,475 psf). Three-bedroom apartments of 1,421 sq ft had discounts ranging from $616,000 to $830,000, with units sold at $3.496 million ($2,461 psf) to $3.526 million ($2,482 psf).

According to ERA Singapore CEO Marcus Chu, the strong sales performance reflects the high potential of the property as a stable investment. He also shared that 78% of the purchasers bought their units for investment purposes, and 87% of the buyers were Singaporeans aged between 31 and 50.

Following the overwhelming response over the weekend, there are only three penthouses left for sale, bringing total sales to 99%. These include two three-bedroom penthouses with sizes of 1,744 sq ft and 1,948 sq ft, and a five-bedroom unit measuring 4,306 sq ft.

As the project is expected to obtain Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) in March 2026, investors can start generating rental income, which can help with their loan instalments. Similar properties in the area, such as Altez, 76 Shenton, and EON Shenton, command monthly rents ranging from $6.90 psf to $7.40 psf, according to EdgeProp Landlens data.

Chu also shared that with the hike in Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for foreign buyers in 2023, there will be reduced competition from overseas buyers, creating more opportunities for local buyers to enter the market. He also believes that local demand will continue to drive the Central Core Region (CCR) properties, with competitive pricing making them an attractive and stable investment choice.

Interested buyers can check out the latest listings for One Bernam properties and compare price trends of new sale condos vs resale condos. They can also find out the buyer profile for One Bernam and other upcoming new launch projects.…

The Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore (Redas) has just elected its new management committee for a two-year term. On January 9, at their Annual General Meeting, the members unanimously voted for Tan Swee Yiow, who is the Chairman of Keppel Reit Management, as President for his second consecutive term.

Tan expressed his honor in being re-elected and stated that the new management committee comprises of a wide range of representatives from different sectors, scales, and expertise within the real estate industry. The newly elected committee includes Chia Ngiang Hong, the Immediate Past President (who is also the Group General Manager of City Developments); Kwee Ker Wei, the First Vice President (who is the Director of Pontiac Land Group); Marc Boey, the Second Vice President (who is the Executive Director of Project Services at Far East Organization); Chong Hock Chang, the Honorary Secretary (who is the Group Director of Projects and Marketing at Ho Bee Land); Neo Soon Hup, the Honorary Treasurer (who is the COO of UOL Group); Chew Peet Mun, the Honorary Assistant Secretary (who is the Managing Director of Investment and Development at CapitaLand Development Singapore); and Tho Leong Chye, the Honorary Assistant Treasurer (who is the Managing Director of Allgreen Properties).

Rewritten: In recent years, more and more individuals, both local and foreign, have turned towards investing in condos in Singapore. This trend can be attributed to the country’s strong economy, stable political climate, and exceptional quality of life. With its thriving real estate market, Singapore presents a plethora of investment possibilities, with condos being a standout choice due to their convenience, amenities, and potential for lucrative returns. This article will delve into the advantages, factors to consider, and steps to follow when investing in a condo in Singapore, with a special focus on the latest new condo launches.

Chia Ngiang Hong, the Immediate Past President, congratulated the new management committee and praised Tan’s leadership skills, affirming the trust placed in him by the Redas community. Tan stated that the diversity of the 2025/2026 Redas management committee will facilitate effective initiatives to have a meaningful impact on the broader built environment ecosystem.…

The most lucrative resale deal at The Arcadia in the final weeks of December was the sale of a 3,767 sq ft unit, making it the most profitable transaction from Dec 10 to Dec 31. The owner of the four-bedroom unit on the seventh floor welcomed the new year with a hefty profit of $3.25 million (217%), as the property was sold off for $4.75 million ($1,261 psf) on Dec 10. According to records, the unit was originally purchased for $1.5 million ($398 psf) in 1998, resulting in an annualized profit of 4.5% over a period of 26 years.

In 2020, there were five other units at The Arcadia ranging from 3,714 sq ft to 3,821 sq ft that were sold for profits between $60,000 and $3.25 million. Another unit, a 3,778 sq ft apartment on the fourth floor was sold for $4.6 million ($1,218 psf) on Oct 10, providing the seller with a profit of $60,000.

The record for the highest profit at The Arcadia was set by a penthouse on the 10th floor, measuring 7,503 sq ft, which was sold for $10 million ($1,333 psf) in 2010. The seller had previously purchased the penthouse for $5.5 million ($733 psf) in 2007, resulting in a profit of $4.5 million (81%), with an annualized profit of around 19% over a span of three years.

The Arcadia is a 99-year leasehold condominium situated on Arcadia Road in prime District 11. The development, comprising of 164 units, was completed in 1983 and has approximately 54 years left on its land tenure. The property is surrounded by landed estates, Good Class Bungalows and top schools such as Raffles Girls Primary School, Hwa Chong Institution and National Junior College.

In the meantime, the second most profitable resale transaction in the last three weeks of December 2020 was that of a 2,077 sq ft unit at Tanglin Hill Meadows, which was sold on Dec 10 for $4.5 million ($2,166 psf). The three-bedroom unit was originally bought for $1.8 million ($866 psf) in 1999, resulting in a profit of $2.7 million (150%), with an annualized gain of 3.6% over a period of 26 years.

This transaction also sets the record for the most profitable deal at Tanglin Hill Meadows, beating the previous record of $2.28 million (157%) when a 2,002 sq ft unit was sold for $3.73 million ($1,863 psf) in 2010. The unit was purchased for $1.45 million ($724 psf) in 2005, resulting in an annualized profit of around 21% over a period of five years.

Tanglin Hill Meadows is a freehold condominium located along Tanglin Hill in prime District 10. Developed in 1997, the 20-unit residential development is situated within the Ridley Park Good Class Bungalow Area.

On the other hand, losses continue to mount at Seascape, a 99-year leasehold condominium in Sentosa Cove, as the seller of a 2,174 sq ft unit on the seventh floor incurred a loss of $1.97 million (33%) when it was sold on Dec 18. The three-bedroom unit was sold for $3.98 million ($1,830 psf) after being bought for $5.95 million ($2,736 psf) in 2011, resulting in an annualized loss of around 2.5% over a span of 13 years.

This is the third resale transaction at Seascape in 2020, all of which have recorded losses ranging from $1.75 million to $2.53 million. The transaction that incurred the $2.53 million loss was also the second highest loss-making resale deal of 2020. The sale involved a 2,680 sq ft unit that was sold for $4.5 million ($1,679 psf) on Aug 14, 2020.

Investing in real estate is a strategic decision, and Location plays a crucial role in its success. This is especially true for Singapore, where the value of properties is heavily dependent on their location. Condominiums situated in central areas or those in close proximity to essential amenities like schools, shopping malls, and public transportation hubs have a higher potential for appreciation in value. Prime locations in Singapore, such as Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD), have consistently exhibited growth in their property values. Families are also drawn to these areas due to the availability of good schools and educational institutions, making condos in these locations highly sought after and further boosting their investment potential. For those considering investing in real estate in Singapore, it is essential to carefully consider location, with the Singapore Condo market offering a plethora of options in prime locations.

Completed in 2012, the 151 units at Seascape face the South China Sea. The eight-storey development offers three-bedroom and four-bedroom units measuring 2,164 sq ft to 4,069 sq ft. Penthouse units range from 3,380 to 4,252 sq ft, while sky villas are sized from 6,631 to 9,666 sq ft.…

A luxurious Good Class Bungalow (GCB) located in Victoria Park has recently been put on the market for $61 million. The seven-bedroom bungalow was finished only three years ago and is located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on Victoria Close, which has a total of 10 houses.

Similar to other areas in Singapore that have been designated as GCB areas, the number of houses in this exclusive enclave can only be increased by dividing larger plots of land that are over 30,000 sq ft, in accordance with planning guidelines. Jervis Ng, associate group district director at PropNex Realty and the agent in charge of marketing this GCB, explains that this ensures the privacy and exclusivity that GCB owners value so highly.

Ng, who is also the founder of JNA Real Estate, a property team under PropNex, adds that the return of new naturalised Singaporeans into the GCB market has been seen in recent months, which has in turn improved buying sentiment. He believes that this GCB will particularly appeal to newly naturalised Singaporeans who grew up in countries like China, India, or Indonesia and are now looking for a luxurious home in Singapore.

Victoria Park is an area that is home to many illustrious residents, such as Jack Ma, the Chinese business magnate and co-founder of Alibaba Group, and Tang Wee Kit, a member of the Tang family that is known for founding Tangs department store. Ng says that this particular GCB has been extremely well-maintained and still looks new, thanks to its contemporary interior design and high-quality materials and finishes.

The GCB sits on a large 18,988 sq ft plot and the owners worked closely with the architect to make the most of the land. The bungalow has an impressive total built-up area of 25,300 sq ft, which includes seven en suite bedrooms, three helpers’ rooms, and a basement carpark that can fit up to seven cars. The basement also houses an entertainment room that is currently set up as a home cinema but can easily be converted into a guest room if needed. There is also a private gym and a 20m lap pool.

Ng notes that the bungalow’s location on a hilltop means that most of the rooms have stunning views of the surrounding low-rise neighbourhood. According to caveats, the site of this GCB was bought for $18.2 million in September 2016, which translates to a land rate of $959 psf. The most recent transaction in the Victoria Park GCB area was for a 15,253 sq ft plot that sold for $28.33 million in May 2021, which equals a land rate of $1,857 psf. Prior to that, a 29,956 sq ft plot was sold for $40 million ($1,335 psf) in April 2017.

The last recorded GCB sale on Victoria Park Road was for a 32,077 sq ft site that was bought for $48 million ($1,496 psf) in November 2011. Ng believes that factors like expected lower interest rates, sustained demand from ultra-high-net-worth buyers, and limited GCB supply will help to keep the GCB market stable and drive transaction activity this year. He predicts that GCB transaction volume will rise by 10% to 15% compared to last year, as long as there are no major economic disruptions.

Investing in a condo has numerous advantages, including the opportunity to use the property’s value to acquire more investments. A common practice among investors is to use their condos as collateral to secure financing for new investments, which ultimately leads to the growth of their real estate portfolio. This approach can significantly increase returns, but it also involves risks that should not be overlooked. It is essential to have a well-thought-out financial plan and consider the potential effects of market changes. With the addition of New Condo Launches, investors have even more options to diversify their investments and potentially increase their profits.

In 2020, there were about 35 GCB transactions that resulted in total transaction volume of $1.32 billion, a significant increase from the previous high of $1.186 billion in 2019.…

ETC, formerly known as Edmund Tie & Company, has announced a rebranding exercise with immediate effect. The local real estate advisory firm has revamped its logo as well.

According to ETC CEO Desmond Sim, the decision to officially adopt “ETC” as the company’s new name was driven by its people. This move highlights the company’s commitment to listening to and valuing the insights, voices, and ideas of its employees.

When considering investing in real estate in Singapore, it is crucial for foreign individuals to familiarize themselves with the regulations and limitations surrounding property ownership. While the purchase of condominiums is generally more accessible for foreigners, stricter ownership rules apply to landed properties. It is important to note that foreign buyers are also subject to an Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 20% for their initial property purchase. Despite this added expense, the steady growth and potential of Singapore’s real estate market are still highly appealing for foreign investors. Consider exploring Singapore Projects to find the perfect investment opportunity.

“Our refreshed identity is a testament to the unity within our company and showcases our determination to shape the future of the real estate industry, both locally and regionally,” says Sim.

The rebranding coincides with ETC’s 30th anniversary. Established in 1995, ETC provides a range of real estate services, including advisory, investment, management, and divestment.

In other real estate news, ETC is also involved in the $5 million revamp of Marina Bay Residences. The project aims to enhance the living experience for residents and deliver value through premium rents.

Additionally, three food-factory units at Pandan Loop have been put up for sale at $11 million, while Noel Building on Tai Seng has been sold for $81.18 million – 17% above the guide price. Notably, GS Building in Balestier was also recently sold for $67 million.…

A luxurious Good Class Bungalow (GCB) located in the prestigious Dalve Estate-Nassim Road enclave is now available for sale through an expression of interest (EOI) with a price indication of $60 million. This translates to a land rate of $2,742 per square foot with a total land area of 21,881 square feet. According to a press release by marketing agent Cushman & Wakefield on Jan 8, the property is strategically located on elevated ground and is ideal for redevelopment.

Obtaining financing is a vital step in the process of purchasing a Condo in Singapore. It is important to fully grasp the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework, as there are multiple mortgage options available. This framework sets a limit on the loan amount an individual can obtain based on their income and existing debt obligations. Familiarizing oneself with the TDSR and seeking guidance from financial experts or mortgage brokers is crucial in making sound financing decisions. This not only prevents individuals from stretching their finances too thin, but also assists in finding the most suitable loan options, including Condo loans. Thus, a thorough understanding of the TDSR and teaming up with experienced professionals is essential for those interested in investing in a Condo in Singapore.

Shaun Poh, executive director of capital markets at Cushman & Wakefield, highlights that the freehold plot presents a unique opportunity for buyers looking to build their dream multi-generational home or for developers to create a luxurious and modern GCB for discerning individuals. The property is conveniently situated near the Singapore Botanic Gardens and is only a short drive away from the popular shopping district of Orchard Road. It is also surrounded by reputable schools including Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), Nanyang Primary School, St Joseph’s Institution, and Hwa Chong Institution.

The exclusive location of the property, adjacent to the beautiful Singapore Botanic Gardens, makes it highly coveted by ultra-high net worth individuals. This is evidenced by the recent record-breaking transactions at nearby Nassim Road and Tanglin Hill, with land rates reaching $4,500 per square foot and $6,200 per square foot respectively. Poh emphasizes that this highly sought-after neighborhood is a testament to the prestige and desirability of the area.

The EOI for this exceptional property will close on Feb 11 at 3pm. Interested parties are encouraged to seize this opportunity to own a piece of prime land in one of Singapore’s most prestigious and coveted neighborhoods.…

A preview of a new residential development in New York City will be held for Singapore buyers on January 11 and 12. 720 West End Avenue, located in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, offers a diverse selection of 131 homes, ranging from one to five bedrooms, townhouses, duplexes and penthouses with exclusive private terraces. The units have a wide range of sizes, from approximately 500 sq ft to over 3,700 sq ft, with prices starting at US$1.015 million ($1.38 million) for a one-bedroom residence.

Originally designed by renowned New York architect Emery Roth in 1927 as the Hotel Marcy, 720 West End Avenue has been transformed into a luxurious residential development. The 17-storey building boasts a Renaissance Revival-style façade, which has been carefully restored by the developers, Glacier Equities and InterVest Capital Partners, to maintain its intricate architectural features. In addition, two new floors have been added to house the penthouse duplexes, while the building’s interior has been revamped under the guidance of designer Thomas Juul-Hansen.

Spanning over 30,000 sq ft, the development boasts a wide range of amenities for residents to enjoy, including a fitness centre, private bar and dining room, library, co-working spaces, as well as outdoor terraces and courtyards. Private parking and bike storage are also available for residents.

Investing in a condominium in Singapore offers numerous advantages, with one of the most significant being the potential for capital gains. This is due to the country’s strategic position as a leading business hub and its robust economic foundations, which consistently drive demand for real estate. Over the years, the property market in Singapore has witnessed a consistent increase in prices, particularly for condos in prime locations. As a result, investors who make timely purchases and hold onto their properties for an extended period can reap significant profits. With Singapore Projects constantly emerging, the potential for capital appreciation is even greater for investors.

Interested Singapore buyers can attend the preview event at voco Orchard Hotel on January 11 and 12, hosted by Savills Singapore. The event will also include a seminar on the New York real estate market, taking place at 3pm on both days. This is a great opportunity for buyers to discover the luxury and convenience of 720 West End Avenue, making it the perfect choice for individuals looking to invest in the New York City real estate market.…