Natura Loft To Be Launched On Friday

Source : The Straits Times, Oct 29, 2008

QingJian upbeat about condo-style HDB project despite market blues

UNDETERRED by gloomy sentiment in the local financial and private property market, Chinese firm QingJian Realty is launching Singapore's fourth condo-style public housing project on Friday.

Invited guests previewing the model of HDB's Design, Build and Sell Scheme project - Natura Loft in Bishan - developed by QingJian Realty. The three 40-storey blocks of 160 four-room and 320 five-room units will be launched on Friday. -- PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

Natura Loft at Bishan, a project under the Housing Board's Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS), will feature three 40-storey blocks of 160 four-room units and 320 five-roomers.

The four-room units of about 95 sq m each are priced from $465,000 to $586,000 while the five-roomers of 120 sq m will go from $600,000 to $739,000.

That works out to around $450 to $570 per sq ft (psf).

QingJian Realty's move reflects the relative strength of the HDB market amid a general downturn in the property market here. Managing director Zuo Hai Bin said demand is still strong and resale flat prices are holding.

'We're very confident that there'll be a strong demand for our flats, which are new and attractively priced compared to resale flats in Bishan,' he added.

Natura Loft is QingJian Realty's first foray into property development here. The firm is a unit of QingJian Group, formerly known as Qingdao Construction Group Corporation. The China-based builder won the tender in February with a bid of $135.9 million or $237 psf per plot ratio for the Bishan Street 24 site.

QingJian Realty has 15 property and construction units worldwide with real estate developments in Qingdao, Jinan and Beijing. It began operations here nine years ago, starting as a sub-contractor on HDB projects. It then moved to taking on the main contractor role for HDB homes in Sengkang and Punggol and now to being a DBSS developer, said Mr Zuo.

'We've moved step by step in the Singapore market and we see it as an important expansion location in our firm's overall strategy,' he added.

The firm is on the look-out for more DBSS sites to develop but considers the private market 'too risky' to venture into at the moment, said Mr Zuo.

Flat prices at Natura Loft are a notch higher than HDB's third DBSS project, Park Central at Ang Mo Kio. This was priced between $400,000 and $500,000 each for four-roomers, and $600,000 and $670,000 for five-roomers.

Mr Zuo said his firm has already revised the Bishan prices down due to the prevailing cautious sentiment. Its prices are competitive, considering Sim Lian's Clover By The Park condo in Bishan sold for about $750 psf, he added.

Natura Loft is also an eco-friendly project, with bamboo flooring for its bedrooms - a first for public housing - bay windows and energy-saving inverter air-conditioning systems, said architect Tang Too Voon of ADDP Architects.

The homes are also built with universal design, and have amenities such as basement carparks, playgrounds, fitness corners, jogging track and barbecue pits.

林肯苑原址将建高档私宅

Source :《联合早报》September 12, 2008

位于第11邮区，已集体出售的林肯苑（Lincoln Lodge）地段将重新发展成两座高29层楼，拥有175个单位和空中健身室的高档私宅。这个项目估计会在年底或明年初才推出。　　

四名发展商之一的许兄弟（Koh Brothers）集团透露，林肯苑目前还有租金收入，并不急于把现有的两栋建筑拆除重建。示范单位估计会在年底前建好，但租户却暂时不需要迁出。

“龙之居”在第24层楼建有13米长的高空天桥，也是高空健身室.

许兄弟董事经理兼总裁许庆祥透露，林肯苑的地段很大，示范单位将建在林肯苑的户外停车场内，发展商会先售卖单位，或许在明年中才拆除现有建筑。

四公司联合发展

这个项目是由许兄弟、喜敦控股（Heeton）、金成兴控股（KSH Holdings）和联明建筑（Lian Beng）组成的财团联手发展，四家公司在这个项目中各占25％的股份，并在项目的发展上“分工”。

许庆祥说，由于许兄弟负责市场行销，因此由他来介绍项目的设计和卖点。　　

这个财团是在去年6月中，本地房地产高峰时期，以2亿4300万元（即容积率每平方英尺1449元），争取到林肯苑的发展权，但却一直没有将项目推出市场售卖，而是从发展商“摇身一变”，成为业主，从今年7月份开始，通过短期租约的方式，将单位出租给租户。　　

发展商透露，林肯苑目前的月租介于2000至3000元，相信比市价低，现有的租户中，有80％是新租户（并非林肯苑的原来业主）。租户可一直租用这些单位半年，接下来也有每个月延长租约的选择。

许庆祥说，这是个“双管齐下”的方案，在等待设计出炉的同时，也可以收取租金。等到示范单位建好后，才分阶段将单位推出售卖。

推出时才决定售价

许庆祥说：“我们会在项目要推出时才决定售价，但在第一阶段推出时，会订立一个吸引买家的价格（price to sell），虽然这是个高档项目，却不一定会以高档的价格出售。”至于接下来的价格走势，则将视市场情况而定。

市场人士认为，本地房地产市场淡静，中高档私宅在缺乏买家撑腰下面对非常大的下跌压力。这一带的高档房地产价格，或许会在每平方英尺2000元或以下，取决于接下来的市场情况而定。

许庆祥说：“如果反应有欠理想，那就继续出租吧。”但财团还是看好本地房市。

目前建筑成本猛涨，财团也不担忧，因为除了能分摊风险和盈利外，四名合伙人当中，有三家是A1评级的建筑承包商，且建筑材料价格已开始出现下滑迹象。　　

这幅距离诺维那地铁站只有少过2分钟路程的林肯苑地段，新设计才刚出炉，负责设计的王与王建筑绘测公司（Ong & Ong Architects）的董事经理刘江彦表示，设计符合绿色建筑标志的标准。

许庆祥说，除了在第24层楼建造高空天桥，衔接两座建筑外，这个13米长的“天桥”也是健身室。

除此之外，每个单位也将装置独特的Wi-Fi分区系统，在同一个单位内的不同房间，可通过中央空置系统和扬声器听到不同的音乐。他们也会从日本引进一般只在酒店才使用的，拥有喷水装置的马桶。

新项目取名为“龙之居”（Lincoln Suites），在设计上也将出现独特的“龙角”造型。

Soft launch for Beach Road condo

Source : The Straits Times, Sep 10, 2008

THE weak property market has forced developer Hong Fok Corp to shun the traditional glitzy condo launch in favour of a 'soft' release of some flats for its new Beach Road project.

The firm is initially releasing 90 flats in the 360-unit Concourse Skyline. An additional 30 units may be sold if demand is strong enough.

'If we can sell 120 units, we'll call it a day,' said Hong Fok director S.E. Cheong. 'We would hold back the rest until the market improves.'

Prices for the one- to four-bedroom apartments will be between $1,500 and $1,800 per sq ft (psf) - or from just below $1 million to around $4.2 million. Sea-facing units will cost $300 psf more than those facing the city, said Mr Cheong.

The 99-year leasehold project near Kampong Glam, next to Parkroyal Hotel, has two tower blocks - one with 40 storeys, the other, 28. About 60 per cent of the flats are one-bedders of about 800 sq ft and two-bedders of around 1,000 sq ft. There are also some penthouses.

There will be a podium block with shops on the first storey and 18 units that Hong Fok will keep for rental. Hong Fok will spend about $200 million to build the Concourse Skyline.

Hong Fok Launches 360-Unit Residential Property At Concourse

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 09 September 2008

The 88 serviced apartments at the Concourse will be redeveloped into a 360-unit residential property. Developer Hong Fok Corporation said the 99-year leasehold units will be "priced to sell" in today's softer property market.

Ninety units of Concourse Skyline will be launched over the next few days in Singapore and Hong Kong. They will be sold at a price of between S$1,580 and S$1,800 psf – about S$1.3 million for a single bedroom unit.

Joseph Tan, executive director, Residential, CB Richard Ellis, said: "This year, in terms of a broad range of transactions, we still see transactions between S$1,500 and S$3,300 psf. So in a sense, we are a bit below that. That's why it's priced to sell."

Hong Fok said while the current serviced residences saw occupancy rates hover around 90 per cent, those units only used up about 60 per cent of the total space available. The remaining 40 per cent was wasted on corridor space.

The developer will tear down the current two towers and rebuild them with the same facade at an estimated S$200 million.

Hong Fok said construction costs are expected to soften by the time building works start in early 2009 and the development will be ready for accommodation by end-2012.

Concourse Skyline will offer a view of the Marina Bay Sand integrated resort and the Singapore Sports Hub.

Units at the 40-storey and 28-storey towers will be designed by top architect Philip Cox, and will include one- to four-bedroom apartments, sky suites, penthouses and super penthouses.

Hong Fok is positive on market sentiment and said it has already received enquiries on about 25 units.

Cheong Sim Eng, executive director, Hong Fok Corporation, said: "With the buyers on hand, we wouldn't want to wait. We have planned this more than two and a half years ago. With the F1 coming, we don't need to wait for a better time to launch."

Analysts from DTZ and CB Richard Ellis noted that three multi-billion-dollar projects – the Kallang Riverside, the Ophir-Rochor Corridor and Marina Bay – surround Concourse Skyline, putting it in good stead for capital appreciation and future rental potential. - CNA/so

Hong Fok Launches Concourse Skyline

Source : The Business Times, September 10, 2008

Developer releasing 90 residential units in first phase

MAINBOARD-listed property developer Hong Fok Corporation yesterday launched the first phase of a new residential development on Beach Road - the Concourse Skyline.

Clearly prized: The site is at the heart of major attractions such as the upcoming Marina Bay IR

Comprising two towers and a podium complex, the 99-year leasehold development will house 360 units when completed in 2013. Units consist of one to four-bedroom apartments and penthouses, with one-bedroom apartments making up some 40 per cent.

Hong Fok is releasing 90 units in the first phase, and average sale prices could range from $1,500 to $1,800 per sq ft (psf) for the apartments. One-bedroom units, for instance, can go up to 893 sq ft. None of the development's 10 penthouses will be released for now.

The Concourse Skyline is 'priced to sell', said Hong Fok's director SE Cheong, adding that prices would have been higher had the units been sold when the property market was stronger not long ago. He estimated that the first phase could be sold out in a month.

DTZ and CB Richard Ellis are marketing the property and according to DTZ's executive director of research Ong Choon Fah at a media briefing yesterday, 'this project has generated a lot of interest from investors as well as potential owner-occupiers'. Besides Singapore, potential Hong Kong buyers will also get a preview.

One of the Concourse Skyline's selling points is its location. Some units offer sweeping waterfront views, and the site is at the heart of major attractions such as the upcoming Marina Bay integrated resort and Gardens by the Bay.

'We are confident of the location,' said CBRE executive director of residential services Joseph Tan, explaining why the launch went ahead in today's quieter property market.

'We believe there is strong underlying demand in the Singapore market for appropriately priced and unique developments,' Hong Fok's Mr Cheong said.

Depending on take-up for the first phase, Hong Fok could release another 30 units in the next phase.

Mr Cheong said that he would be comfortable holding back remaining units for later launches once around 120 units are sold.

Hong Fok also announced yesterday that it is developing a 68-unit serviced apartment project at the Mid-Levels in Hong Kong through its subsidiary, Winfoong International.

The project is slated for completion in early 2010.

Hong Fok shares closed half a cent higher at 50.5 cents yesterday.

鸿福中心11层建筑将拆 改建两座中高档公寓

Source : 《联合早报》September 10, 2008

鸿福集团(Hong Fok Corporation)将拆掉美芝路(Beach Road)鸿福中心(The Concourse)的一栋11层楼建筑，斥资2亿元兴建一个私人公寓项目“The Concourse Skyline”，成为美芝路地区第一个私宅项目，也是“鬼月”(中元节)后首几个推出本地市场的项目之一。鸿福中心的另一栋41层办公大楼则将保留原状。

公寓大楼的其中一面朝向宾海湾，可远眺到新加坡观景轮、以及方程式大赛跑道和兴建中的体育城。

这座中高档私人公寓项目由两座28和40层楼的新公寓大楼组成，拥有360个一到四个房间的单位。它的“卖点”除了靠近市区，也在于它面向滨海湾及综合度假胜地等未来地标的海景。集团也将按照拆掉的旧建筑原貌兴建一座七层楼的综合零售和住宅建筑，以保留作投资用途。

项目将在明年动工、2013年底完成。价格介于每平方英尺1500至1800元之间，略低于目前金融区住宅的1500元至3300元平均尺价。鸿福集团指出，第一阶段将先推出90个单位为市场进行测温，并且依此决定其余项目推出的时间和价位。

戴德梁行研究部高级董事蔡楚芬表示，这在某一程度上反映出市场越发谨慎的态度。

她说：“这样的价格显然是在求售。根据资料，滨海舫(The Sail@Marina Bay)在第二季的中位价是1800元，劳明达的City Lights成交价约1100元。发展商虽然不会大幅度削价来推动市场，但势必将以更实际的价格来求售。”

另一个推出部分单位进行市场探温的发展商吉宝置业于两周前推出的Reflections at Keppel Bay的单位预售，至今在25个单位中已售出一半，平均尺价超过2000元。

SC Global Offers NY-Warehouse Living At Martin Rd

Source : The Straits Times, August 13, 2008

SC GLOBAL is introducing New York-style warehouse living to Martin Road - a first for Singapore - with prices that will be set above the market average.

The warehouse flats will boast a more rugged design. -- SC GLOBAL

Like warehouse lofts in Lower Manhattan, the flats will feature high ceilings and seamless interior spaces that can be separated at will, using walls that slide and hide away.

And unlike traditional high-end developments here, Martin No. 38, as the project is called, will have a more rugged design of raw concrete, base metal finishes and unvarnished timbers.

Australian architect Kerry Hill is designing the project, which is on the site of a former warehouse near the Singapore River.

The freehold development, which will be launched later this year, will be 15 storeys high with 91 units, including four penthouses with pools.

Most of the units will be small - from 969 to 1,130 sq ft each - but there will be some larger ones of 1,335 to 1,495 sq ft each.

SC Global is aiming to sell the units at an average of $2,000 per sq ft (psf).

Prices of projects in the same area are around $1,200 to $1,850 psf, according to Knight Frank. Newer projects like 8 Rodyk cost more - a 721 sq ft apartment sold at $1,800 psf last month.

But market sentiment remains weak, with buyers staying away, especially from the high-end sector, which surged dramatically last year.

Prices have since slipped while activity has slowed considerably. But there is always room for the right product, said SC Global chairman and chief executive Simon Cheong, who is confident Martin No. 38 will be well-received.

SC Global bought the site in 1999 but said it deferred development until the area was rejuvenated and the concept of warehouse lofts became viable.

SC Global To Launch Martin No38

Source : The Business Times, August 13, 2008

SC GLOBAL will launch Martin No 38 next month at an average price close to $2,000 per square foot.

Sleek beauty: Artist's impression of the development, designed by award-winning architect Kerry Hill. It will launch at an average price close to $2,000 psf.

The company said in a statement yesterday that the 91-unit development in Martin Road, near Mohammed Sultan Road and Clarke Quay, will mostly comprise one-plus-one bedroom and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 969-1,130 sq ft. There will be a limited number of larger two-plus-one and three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 1,335-1,485 sq ft.

Knight Frank director (research and consultancy) Nicholas Mak said the pricing appears a little 'bullish' but the developer may feel the project's 'design' merits this.

A unit in nearby Robertson Blue sold recently for around $1,800 psf, he said.

And in March, it was reported that about 30 units at Martin Place Residences in Kim Yam Road sold for an average price of of about $1,800 psf after discounts.

SC Global is best known for developing high-end niche projects. And according to its chairman and chief executive officer Simon Cheong: 'There is always room for the right product. Martin No 38, with the SC Global reputation for quality, will be unique and original. We are confident it will be well received.'

The development is designed by award-winning architect Kerry Hill. It is based on warehouse lofts in New York and London and features high ceilings and seamless interior spaces.

SC Global says: 'An austere and beguiling industrial aestheticism pervades the details of this development, from the blackened tap fittings to the sheet-metal panels in the bathrooms, with their exposed bolt heads, unplastered interior concrete walls, exposed plywood edges of the cabinetry and acres of unvarnished timber.'

SC Global bought the site in 1999 but deferred development until the area had 'rejuvenated itself and the context for this housing concept became ripe'.

SC Global projects under construction include The Marq on Paterson Hill and Hilltops at Cairnhill. The group has a landbank of more than 1.1 million sq ft of gross floor area in the Orchard Road and at Sentosa Cove.

CapitaLand To Launch Freehold Condo Soon

Source : The Business Times, August 2, 2008

CAPITALAND plans to launch in the second half of this year a freehold condo - Urban Resort - with about 70 units on the Silver Tower site in Cairnhill. The average price is expected to be above $3,000 psf, CapitaLand Residential Singapore CEO Patricia Chia told reporters after the group announced second-quarter results.

CapitaLand has also sold 11 of the 40 units released so far at Latitude at Jalan Mutiara in the River Valley area at an average price of $2,400 to $2,500 psf. Over at Tong Watt Road, it has sold close to 30 of 80 units released recently at The Wharf Residence; prices range from $1,500 to $1,900 psf.

CapitaLand leads a consortium that will redevelop Farrer Court which is slated for launch in the first half of next year.

Asked about his outlook for the Singapore residential market, Mr Liew said: 'Demand is still very good for the mass market. (For) the mid-range, there are still good signs of take-up; I think prices are still holding well for the mid-range.

'But in the high-end, there's not going to be massive demand. (In terms of prices), obviously it won't be the $5,600 psf record price that we achieved for a penthouse at Orchard Residences last year. But prices will still be above $3,000 psf.

'So prices will still be way above the last peak, pre-Asian crisis. Demand is still there. People who sold their properties through en bloc sales still have to buy apartments,' he said.

Given Singapore's limited land resource and with population projected to grow to 6.5 million, in the 'long term, property prices will go up', Mr Liew said, adding: 'It's a no-brainer.'

'I think we're overinfected with the housing slump in the US. That sort of mood comes to Singapore that property prices (here) will (also) go down. But look at the fundamentals, look at demand fundamentals. I think we are much stronger in Asia,' Mr Liew noted.

The group's earnings are underpinned by progressive recognition of $4 billion residential sales in Singapore in 2006 and 2007.

CapitaLand's chief investment officer Kee Teck Koon said that in Singapore, the group has hardly any residential stock or inventory that it is holding. 'So there is no issue of writing down. Most importantly, those new projects we've got, we have underwritten a value that is very supportable even at current prices,' he added.

CapitaLand Plans Condo Launch

Source : The Business Times, August 1, 2008

CapitaLand plans to launch in second-half 2008 a freehold condo named Urban Resort with about 70 units on the Silver Tower site in Cairnhill. The average price will definitely be above S$3,000 psf, CapitaLand Residential Singapore CEO Patricia Chia told reporters after the group announced Q2 net earnings.

'I will be quite disappointed if it's below S$3,000 psf,' CapitaLand Group president and CEO Liew Mun Leong said.

The property giant has also sold 11 of the 40 units released so far at Latitude at Jalan Mutiara in the River Valley area at an average price of S$2,400 to S$2,500 psf. Over at Tong Watt Road, it has sold close to 30 of 80 units released recently at The Wharf Residence; prices range from S$1,500 to S$1,900 psf.

The project has a total 127 units. Latitude comprises 127 units in total.

CapitaLand leads a consortium that will redevelop Farrer Court. -- KALPANA RASHIWALA BT NEWSROOM

Posh Condo On Sale Amid Weak Market

Source : The Straits Times, July 9, 2008

A LUXURY condominium that lets residents park their cars right in front of their high-rise units has been released for sale at a price analysts consider rather steep, given the quiet market.

ULTRA-LAVISH PROJECT: The Hamilton Scotts, which features lifts for cars, will likely be listed at an average price of $3,800 psf. -- PHOTO: HAYDEN PROPERTIES

The Hamilton Scotts project - it has special lifts to bring the cars to the desired floor - will likely be listed at an average of $3,800 per sq ft (psf), said developer Hayden Properties yesterday.

That will price the 52 regular units of about 2,700 sq ft at between $8 million and $12 million each. The 30-storey freehold condo in Scotts Road also has two junior penthouses of about 3,200 sq ft and two penthouses of around 7,100 sq ft.

Market insiders say the condo could be priced between just under $3,000 psf to over $4,000 psf, while one market watcher says it could have fetched between $3,500 and $4,500 psf last year.

However, the $3,800 psf average price is still relatively high given the cooling market for luxury homes.

There are several posh projects in the pipeline, but developers have been holding back launches amid the uncertain climate.

The luxury segment has taken a big hit after the dizzying highs hit last year. Prices are down about 10 per cent with falls of a further 5 to 10 per cent expected by the end of the year, said Savills Singapore.

The only other major luxury development released for sale this year was the 100-unit Nassim Park Residences. More than half the units have been sold since May, with prices averaging $3,000 psf.

'Hayden is probably keen to take advantage of this quiet period to launch, after the release of Nassim Park Residences and before the Hungry Ghost Festival,' said Savills director of marketing and business development Ku Swee Yong.

Knight Frank's director of research and consultancy, Mr Nicholas Mak, believes The Hamilton Scotts has enough appeal to defy the trend somewhat: 'There will still be takers as it is a unique product. But this is the time for mass market projects.'

The recent pickup in launches was almost all in the mass market or mid-tier segment.

Hayden managing director Ong Chih Ching said it should be able to get offers if the project is priced correctly. However, it would not sell if the price is not right.

'We are previewing it and not launching it because this is not the right climate to launch,' said Ms Ong, who added that Hayden has temporarily halted sales at its ultra- posh Ritz-Carlton Residences until the mood improves.

Hamilton Scotts Offers A Garage In The Sky

Source : The Business Times, July 9, 2008

IF you are the sort who cannot bear to take your eyes off your beloved car when you are ensconced in your home, then make an appointment to view the apartment units at Hamilton Scotts.

Located at 37 Scotts Road, the 30-storey luxury development by developer Hayden Properties is the first in Asia to feature car parking within the apartment units, with the car parking area separated from the living space by double glazing.

Drivers stop their vehicles at a designated point in the basement, exit and undergo a biometric scan, whereupon elevators take the car up to the correct unit in an automated, driverless process.

The project is now open for preview by appointment only. It is understood the units will be priced at about $3,800 per square foot (psf).

The condominium consists of 56 units, including 52 three-bedroom units of 2,700 sq ft and two 3,200 sq ft junior penthouse units. Each of these has parking space for two cars.

The remaining two units are 7,100 sq ft triplex penthouses with interior customised to buyer specifications, serviced by an internal lift and come with a rooftop garden and swimming pool. They can accommodate four cars each.

Hamilton Scotts is slated for completion by 2011.

If living with your car is not your cup of tea, perhaps you might want to visit another luxury residential project: Signature at Lewis. It will be officially launched this Saturday by developer Hiap Hoe Group with a starting selling price of $1,670 psf.

Located at 1 Lewis Road, the 12-storey development comprises 10 studio units (635 sq ft each), 10 two-bedroom units (980 sq ft) and 10 four-bedroom units (1,841 sq ft), as well as two penthouses, with private pool and roof deck, occupying over 3,000 sq ft each.

So far, three units have been booked for an undisclosed price.

Developers Test Waters With Condo Launches

Source : The Business Times, May 9, 2008

Sale of Floridian, Quartet on Vanda and Parc Seabreeze have begun

DEVELOPERS are gingerly testing the water for residential launches this week. Far East Organization's listed unit Orchard Parade Holdings and Wing Tai have begun the official launch of their Floridian condo in Bukit Timah, marked by the start of an advertising campaign.

Resort living: The Floridian is inspired by the Miami coast and will be surrounded by water features

Prices start at $1,615 psf. BT understands the average net price is in the range of $1,600 to $1,700 psf after discounts.

The freehold project has 336 units in 11 towers on a site of 230,000 sq ft. The preview for the development began a few months ago, with six units sold at $1,640 to $1,770 psf.

This week's official launch sees the release of 75 units in Towers 2 and 9. Units range from two-bedders of 840 sq ft to apartments with four bedrooms (plus study) of 2,373 sq ft. Floridian, designed by DP Architects, is inspired by the Miami coast and will be surrounded by water features. Ground-floor units will have the water's edge outside their living and dining spaces. The project is near Hwa Chong Institution, Methodist Girls' School, Nanyang Girls' High School, Raffles Girls' Primary School and the Canadian International School.

Another freehold project being previewed this week is Quartet on Vanda, a cluster development of four bungalows in Vanda Crescent off Dunearn Road (near Eng Neo Avenue). Each two-storey unit has an attic, a basement and a swimming pool.

Built-up areas range from 4,844 sq ft to 4,919 sq ft. The units are understood to be priced around $6 million each. Quartet on Vanda is being developed by Stanley Quek's Region Development.

Over in the eastern part of Singapore, Tiong Aik is understood to have begun the preview of Parc Seabreeze in the Marine Parade/Joo Chiat area last week. The average price for the freehold project is understood to be in the $1,600-1,700 psf range.

Upcoming Condo Equipped With Garage In The Sky

Source : The Sunday Times, March 16, 2008

PARKING the car is set to reach a whole new level - with a high-rise condominium where every apartment comes with its own private garage in the sky.

The Hamilton, coming up at 37 Scotts Road on the former site of Hotel Asia, will make this fantasy come true.

Residents of the 30-storey tower will be able to drive their vehicle into a special glass elevator that will lift the vehicle from the ground floor to their 'porch' on the same level as their living rooms.

The 56-unit development has not been launched yet. But when built, it will become the first residential high-rise in Singapore, and only the third in the world after developments in New York and Dubai, to have this vroom-with-a-view parking feature.

Ms Leny Suparman, director of developer Hayden Properties, said the feature offers 'a unique way of living in a condominium yet with the advantages of a landed property'.

Motorists here have already become familiar with high-tech 'stack' parking, though it is not quite the seamless elevator ride The Hamilton promises.

At the Chinatown nightlife hub Club Street, the first fully mechanised public carpark was launched last month.

And MacDonald House in Orchard Road has had an elevator take vehicles to its carpark on the second and third levels after its refurbishment in June 2005.

Owning a unit at The Hamilton, complete with its own private parking bay, will not come cheap.

Hayden Properties is unable to give any price indication for its units - averaging 3,000 sq ft in size.

But according to the Urban Redevelopment Authority's website, apartments in the vicinity have been going for around $4,000 per sq ft.

At The Hamilton, that could work out to about $12 million a unit.

In land-scarce Singapore, mechanised parking systems may seem the way to go, taking up less space than conventional parking lots.

Read the full report in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.

New Launches To Slow Till Next Year

Source : The Sunday Times, Dec 16, 2007

With a still uncertain market, quiet times in property sector may continue till after Chinese New Year

THE frantic property market is taking a breather, as buyers adopt a wait-and-see approach.

FOR BUYERS WHO CANNOT WAIT for the traditional December lull in property sales to pass, Lippo Group is now offering the 124-unit Marina Collection. Located next to One Degree 15 Marina Club, this high-end project in Sentosa offers a spectacular view of the sea. -- PHOTO: LIPPO GROUP

Property launches have been scarce in the past month, and that will continue now that the holiday season is here.

POSSIBLE LAUNCHES in the first quarter include the 405-unit Waterfront Waves in the Bedok Reservoir area. -- PHOTO: FRASERS CENTREPOINT

If you are one of the few home hunters still keen on checking out show-flats, you may have to wait till the new year - or even later. 'Most show-flats are expected to close during this festive season until early January 2008,' said a DTZ spokesman.

Traditionally, December is a relatively quiet month, but not so in the past three years.

Last December, buyers jostling to buy a unit at Marina Bay Residences formed long queues and crowded into its show-flat.

A year earlier, the launch of the second tower of The Sail @ Marina Bay sparked strong interest. Back in 2004, the launch of the very first condominiums in both Marina Bay and Sentosa Cove caused excitement.

Things are different this year, though. There is the added pressure of an uncertain market, largely caused by the United States sub-prime mortgage crisis. Private home sales in the fourth quarter could add up to just $4.5 billion, well down from about $15 billion in the third quarter, according to an industry observer.

'Most buyers are adopting a wait-and-see attitude to see which way the market is heading,' said the DTZ spokesman.

While some developers may want to launch their properties in the short January window, consultants say the quiet times are likely to continue until the Chinese New Year celebrations in early February are over.

Developers have a pipeline of new properties set for launch. But, given the weak market sentiment now, most developers will still postpone the official launch of their properties, said Knight Frank executive director Peter Ow.

'If the stock market improves, they are likely to launch after the Chinese New Year.'

Possible launches in the first quarter include the 77-unit Shelford Suites off Dunearn Road, the 428-unit Marina Bay Suites in the Marina Bay area, the 405-unit Waterfront Waves on part of the former Waterfront View site in Bedok Reservoir and the 302-unit Martin Place Residences in Kim Yam Road.

Industry sources say Far East Organization could soon launch Silversea on the site of the former Amberville on Amber Road.

The developer, they say, is hoping for prices of at least $1,700 to more than $2,000 per sq ft (psf), relatively high for the Amber Road area.

If you can't wait, projects that have started sales in the past two to three weeks ago include Allgeen Properties' D'Lotus project and Hayden Properties' ritzy 58-unit Ritz Carlton Residences.

Asking prices for the top floors of the 36-storey Ritz Carlton Residences are said to have crossed $5,500 psf, nearly a record property price in Singapore. Sales at Far East Organization's 99-year leasehold, 140-unit Jardine in Dunearn Road were also said to have started.

Allgreen Properties has also sold 186 out of 536 units at The Cascadia in Bukit Timah Road at a median price of $1,618 psf. The bulk of the freehold property, which has been launched in Hong Kong, or 162 units, were sold to an overseas fund at a median price of $1,527 psf.

If a spectacular view of the sea is what you are after, there is one newly-available, high-end project - Lippo Group's 124-unit Marina Collection - in the high-profile Sentosa Cove residential enclave.

It was opened to invited guests earlier this month, and Lippo off-loaded about 40 units of the 64 units it released for the preview.

Sale prices were at an average of around $2,800 psf, according to the group.

Waterfront Condos Coming Up At Bedok Reservoir

Source : The Strait Times, Nov 21, 2007

FOUR condominiums will be built where the former Waterfront View estate in Bedok Reservoir Road used to be.














WATER FRONTAGE: The first of the four projects, Waterfront Waves, may fetch prices of up to $850 psf, says Mr Ku. -- PHOTO: FRASERS CENTREPOINT

The first will be launched in the first quarter of next year, said developers Frasers Centrepoint and Far East Organization yesterday.

It will be called Waterfront Waves and have 405 units, of which more than half will be three- and four-bedroom apartments. More than 60 per cent of the units will also have reservoir views, the developers added.

The Straits Times understands that the other three condos will also have 'Waterfront' in their names and are likely to be of similar sizes.

Together known as the Waterfront collection, the four-condo development is the largest in the area to have a direct water frontage, the developers said. In all, it could have 1,600 units.

The developers are also in talks with the Public Utilities Board about 'enhancing the neighbourhood's communal parks and water bodies'.

Although property consultants will not disclose prices for Waterfront Waves, they believe prices may start from $700 per sq ft (psf).

Mr Ku Swee Yong, director of marketing and business development at Savills Singapore, said units on lower floors with no water views could fetch that price.

On higher floors, prices could go up to $850 psf, he added.

Frasers Centrepoint and Far East jointly bought the former HUDC site last year for about $240 psf of gross floor area.

New Upcoming Launches For The Month of November '07

District 9 & 10

Naga Court By Keppel
Sui Generis @ Balmoral
Former Far East Mansion Site By Fraser Centrepoint
Luma @ River Valley Grove
Exclusive 44 units @ Leonie Parc View
Parkview Elcat @ Grange Rd
Cliven @ Grange Rd By MCL land
One Devonshire
Element @ Stevens Rd


District 11
Soleil By Fraser Centrepoint
Relaunch of Park Infinia


District 15
D Oasis @ Kembangan MRT
Seabreeze @ Marine Parade
Former Versilia (Haig Garden Site)
Aalto @ Meyer


District 21
Casxadia @ Upper Bukit Timah
Jardin @ Dunearn Rd

Upcoming Launches For Month of November 2007!

District 9 & 10
NAGA COURT BY KEPPEL
SUI GENERIS @ BALMORAL
FORMER FAR EAST MANSION SITE BY FRASER CENTREPOINT
LUMA @ RIVER VALLEY GROVE Is Finally Here !
Exclusive 44 units of LEONIE PARC VIEW!
Parkview Elcat at Grange Rd
Cliven @ Grange Rd by MCL land
Preview of ONE DEVORSHIRE
Relaunch of Element @ Steven


District 11
Talk of the Town! Preview of SOLEIL by fraser centrepoint
Relaunch of Park Infinia


District 15
D Oasis @ Kembangan MRT
Seabreeze @ Marine Parade
Former Versilia (Haig Garden Site)
Aalto @ Meyer


District 21
Talk of the Town! Preview of CASCADIA at Upper Bukit Timah
Jardin @ Bukit Timah-Selling Fast At $1850psf! up!

Upcoming Launches For Month Of October 2007!

District 9 & 10

Luma @ River Valley Rd
Leonie Parc View (44 Exclusively Units)
Parkview Elcat @ Grange Rd
Cliven @ Grange Rd by MCL land
One Devonshire
Relaunch of Visioncrest
Helios @ Cairnhill
Ardmore Park II
Relaunch of Element @ Steven
Duchess Residences @ Duchess walk
Orchard Scotts Residences


District 11

Soleil by Fraser Centrepoint
Relaunch of Park Infinia


District 15

D Oasis @ Kembangan MRT
Seabreeze @ Marine Parade
Former Haig Garden Site
Casa Rose
33 Siglap Hill Hses
Seraya


District 13
Launch of the Medallion (Cluster Housing)
Launch of 18 Dunfold @ Dunfold Drive (Cluster Housing)
Jansen


District 21
Talk of the Town! CASCADIA @ Upper Bukit Timah
Jardin @ Bukit Timah

Sim Lian Group Upcoming Projects

Surrey Road (Newton Area)









Keng Lee Road (Newton Area)









Lorong K Telok Kurau (Marina Parade)









Bishan (Bishan Street 22/Street 25)