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According to the recently released global outlook report for 2025 by Savills Research, Asia Pacific (Apac) continues to outperform its global peers in terms of real estate market performance. This is evident in the region’s real GDP growth, which exceeds that of the US and Europe.

Paul Tostevin, Savills head of world research, notes that there is now more stability and conviction in the economic outlook, creating a more solid foundation for investment and activity in the region.

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

Savills Research projects that global real estate investment turnover will increase by 27% to reach US$952 billion in 2025. By 2026, global investment activity is expected to surpass the US$1 trillion mark for the first time since 2022.

Savills also predicts that global investments will recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2026, driven by stabilized interest rates and improved investor confidence.

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

Savills also expects a full recovery in Apac’s investment activity next year, particularly in sectors such as tourism, living, and industrial, specifically logistics and data centers.

Simon Smith, Savills regional head of research & consultancy for Apac, adds that conditions are ripe for a recovery in real estate investment interest in the region, with long-term structural trends supporting values in growth markets like India and Southeast Asia. He also notes that how global themes play out in the region and which players can take advantage of them will determine the winners and losers.

The office sector remains an attractive investment in Apac, receiving 37% of the total regional real estate investment in the first three quarters of 2024, significantly higher than the global average of 23%.

In terms of office utilization, Singapore, China, South Korea, and Japan are the top cities in the region, with occupancy rates exceeding 90%. Apac also leads the world in green-certified office spaces, with increasing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters.

In the world of real estate investing, one factor that cannot be overlooked is location, and this is especially true in Singapore. The location of a condo plays a crucial role in its potential for growth and value appreciation. In Singapore, condos situated in central areas or near important amenities like schools, shopping centers, and public transportation hubs are highly sought after and tend to experience a higher appreciation in value. This is evident in prime locations such as Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD) where property values have consistently shown significant growth. Families looking to invest in Singapore Condo properties are particularly drawn to these areas due to their close proximity to reputable schools and educational institutions, making these condos highly desirable and further increasing their investment potential. So, when considering investing in real estate in Singapore, it is essential to keep in mind the importance of location, with Singapore Condo being a particularly attractive option.

Cheong notes that office tenants in Singapore are placing more weight on the green agenda, and there has been a slight recovery in activity levels, with more leases being concluded. Rental rates for Grade-A office space in the central business district (CBD) are expected to remain stable from 2025 to 2026.

Singapore, being a hub and gateway to the region, is a popular destination for new overseas brands. Rental levels for prime retail developments remain firm due to healthy demand.

In the industrial sector, despite cost pressures, demand remains strong in key sectors such as logistics, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and data centers, which should help stabilize rental rates and capital values in the long term.

Cheong also notes that with the increased adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), more data centers are being built in Singapore. The city-state is also being used as a launchpad by data center service providers to scout for potential sites to build infrastructure.

Tostevin concludes that as global investment and activity continue to grow, the real estate industry must adapt to changing legal landscapes and geopolitical dynamics while prioritizing sustainable and socially responsible development to meet the changing world’s needs.

UBS’s recent report also highlights Apac’s potential to be the top investment destination for family offices globally, further cementing the region’s strong position in the global real estate market.…

Investing in a condo requires careful consideration not only of its initial cost, but also its maintenance and management. Condominiums come with maintenance fees that cover the upkeep of shared spaces and amenities. While these fees may increase the overall cost of ownership, they also guarantee that the property remains well-maintained and maintains its value. To ease the burden of managing a condo, investors may opt to engage a property management company. This allows for a more passive investment, leaving the day-to-day management tasks to professionals. In the Singapore Projects, choosing a reliable property management company can prove to be a valuable investment for condo owners.

In the two-week period from Nov 10 to 21, Hill House was the development that recorded the highest psf-price high for a condo in Singapore.The two-bedroom unit on the fifth floor of Hill House was sold for a record price of $3,267 psf on Nov 11. This surpasses the previous high of $3,263 psf set in November 2023. The new record is only 0.1% higher than the previous high.Built on a 999-year leasehold land at Institution Hill off River Valley Road, Hill House has 72 units in total. 40 of these are one-bedroom and one-bedroom plus study types ranging from 431 sq ft to 452 sq ft. Meanwhile, 24 units are two-bedroom units that measure 624 sq ft and the remaining eight units are three-bedroom apartments that occupy 753 sq ft.An analysis of URA caveats reveals that since the condo’s launch in November 2022, 29 units or 40% of the total number of units have been sold. These transactions have been at an average price of $3,060 psf. This is 0.9% lower than the average price of $3,127 psf for the five transactions recorded last year. Buyers can find out about the latest New Launches and the transaction prices and availability of units at EdgeProp.Search for the latest New Launches, to find out the transaction prices and available unitsAdvertisementArtist’s impression of Hill House, which saw a new record of $3,267 psf during the period in review (Photo: Macly Group)Hill House is a 999-year leasehold condo at the top of Institution Hill, off River Valley Road, in prime District 9. Launched in 2022, the boutique development boasts of 72 units, out of which 40 are one-bedroom and one-bedroom plus study types from 431 sq ft to 452 sq ft. Another 24 units are two-bedroom units of 624 sq ft, and the remaining eight units are 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 it was launched in November 2022. The condo is currently under construction and is estimated to complete in the third quarter of 2026.Freehold condo The Continuum came in second on the list of condos that saw new price highs during the period in review. The development hit a new high of $3,084 psf, after a two-bedroom unit measuring 721 sq ft on the 17th floor was sold for $2.22 million on Nov 16. This marks a 0.4% increase from the previous high of $3,071 psf, achieved a day before, when a similar unit on the 16th floor was sold for the same price.Freehold condo The Continuum saw a new price high of $3,084 psf, after a two-bedroom unit measuring 721 sq ft on the 17th floor was sold for $2.22 million on Nov 16 (Photo: Samuel Isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore)The Continuum is a freehold condominium located on Thiam Siew Avenue, off Haig Road and Tanjong Katong Road in District 15. The development was launched in April 2020 and comprises 816 units in six residential towers on two plots of land, which are connected by a private pedestrian overhead bridge. Units at The Continuum range from one to five bedroom apartments, occupying between 560 sq ft and 2,260 sq ft.In total, 489 units (59.8%) at The Continuum have been sold at an average price of $2,779 psf since its launch in May 2023, based on caveats lodged. The development is also still under construction and is scheduled to be completed by 2026.Read also: K Suites achieves new high of $2,443 psfAdvertisementAdvertisementMeanwhile, boutique development Lavender Residence also recorded a price high during the period in review. However, it was a new price low as a unit of 990 sq ft with one-bedroom and studio layout on the second floor, was sold at $1.61 million or $1,626 psf on Nov 17. The previous price low recorded at the condo was $1,710 psf when a four-bedroom unit of 1,335 sq ft on the sixth floor was sold for $2.28 million in June 2023. With the recent transaction, all units at Lavender Residence have been sold at an average price of $1,984 psf.Lavender Residence is a 17-unit freehold development located at the junction of Lavender Street and Kempas Road in Boon Keng, District 12. The development is built on a site which features three two-storey conservation shophouses with art-deco style dating back to the 1940s. The units available at Lavender Residence range from studio apartments to three-bedroom units with some dual-key variants, with sizes from 463 sq ft to 1,550 sq ft. It is also situated within walking distance of Bendemeer MRT Station on the Downtown Line.…

The government has announced that it will be providing a one-time property tax rebate for owner-occupied HDB flats and private residential properties in 2025. Under this scheme, HDB flat owners will receive a rebate of 20%, while owners of private residential properties will receive a rebate of 15%. However, the rebate for private residential properties will be capped at $1,000.Property tax is calculated based on a property’s annual value, which is the estimated rent a property can fetch in a year if rented out. This rebate was introduced on November 29, as the government prepares to raise all annual value bands of owner-occupied residential property tax rates on January 1, 2024 as part of Budget 2024.Read also: Property Unpacked: How do the recent changes to property tax impact you?AdvertisementThe government states that as a result of these changes, more than 90% of private residential property owners and all HDB flat owners will experience a decrease in property tax for the next year. This move is aimed at addressing concerns regarding the cost of living among Singaporeans.Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics at Huttons Asia, predicts that the annual value of private properties is expected to remain unchanged this year, due to minimal growth in private residential rents. However, HDB rents are expected to increase by 4%, leading to a rise in the annual value of HDB flats. The one-time property tax rebate may help HDB owners to offset any impact from the increase in annual value. For instance, a HDB flat with an annual value of $30,000 would have a property tax payable of $720 in 2025. With the rebate, the owner will only have to pay $576, resulting in a savings of $144.Lee also suggests that some owners of private residential properties may benefit from the one-time rebate. For example, if a property has an annual value of $85,000, the property tax payable in 2025 would be $5,760. With the 15% rebate, capped at $1,000, the owner would have to pay only $4,896, resulting in a savings of $864.However, Lee also points out that even with these changes, the appeal of investing in residential properties in Singapore remains high. This is due to the potential for capital appreciation, which far outweighs the increase in property tax.

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Singapore’s real estate industry is a promising and attractive option for those looking to invest, thanks to its potential for significant capital appreciation. This can be attributed to the country’s status as a leading global business hub and its strong economic foundation. As a result, the demand for real estate in Singapore remains consistently high, resulting in a steady rise in property prices. Particularly, condominiums in prime locations have seen a significant increase in value, making them a highly desirable investment opportunity for discerning investors. With a strategic and long-term investment approach, investors have the potential to earn substantial capital gains in the Singapore real estate market. Additionally, the introduction of new condo launches only adds to the promise of potential capital appreciation. These upcoming developments offer investors another chance to yield profitable returns on their investments in the vibrant Singapore real estate market.…

In just two years, Jason Ng, CEO and executive chairman of Aurico Global, has successfully built his property investment and training firm from the ground up, achieving $52 million in assets under management. This is not Ng’s first venture into real estate development, as he has been interested in property since 1993 when he felt a sense of responsibility to provide for his family. Coming from a rented flat in Dakota Crescent with six family members, Ng worked hard to secure a well-paying job and invested in his first property, a 1,400 sq ft three-bedroom apartment for $435,000.

Through experience and hard work, Ng expanded his real estate portfolio and also ventured into student enrichment and parenting training. His accreditation as a family life educator led him to work with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Social and Family Development for over 15 years.

In January 2023, Ng co-founded Aurico with his wife, Emelyn Ho, to consolidate his various businesses. These include JC Global Developments, which focuses on co-living investment and management, Anchor of Life Training Consultants, which provides property and investment training, and My Preschool Hub, a provider of preschool enrichment resources and programmes.

As you contemplate investing in a condo in Singapore, it is crucial to carefully consider the government’s property cooling measures. Throughout the years, the government has implemented various measures to regulate speculative buying and maintain a steady real estate market. One notable example is the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which imposes higher taxes on foreigners and individuals looking to purchase multiple properties. While these measures may initially impact the profitability of condo investments, they ultimately contribute to the long-term stability of the market, creating a more secure investment climate. Therefore, it is imperative to factor in these measures when deciding whether to invest in a condo in Singapore.

Aurico’s property portfolio includes a diverse range of properties such as residential (co-living), commercial and industrial assets. Through JC Global Developments, the company manages 380 co-living units in shophouses, condos, and landed properties, valued at over $30 million. The firm aims to increase this to 600 units by the end of the year, with plans to acquire more properties. An example of their strategic acquisitions is a two-storey shophouse on 321 Joo Chiat Road, which they bought at $5.1 million, 12% below its valuation price of $5.8 million. Ng’s sharp property investment acumen and a strong property investment team have allowed him to acquire valuable properties in high traffic areas below market valuation.

The company’s diversified portfolio also includes commercial properties, such as a 560 sq ft commercial strata office unit at Woods Square in Woodlands, which they acquired for their own use. With the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System, having an office in Woodlands is advantageous, as it allows for operational efficiency with easy access to workers from across the border.

In line with the government’s “30 by 30” goal to produce 30% of the country’s nutritional needs by 2030, Aurico has also acquired food factory assets to tap into the rising demand for food production. This strategic investment enhances their portfolio and includes a strata-titled food facility called Food Xchange @ Admiralty. With its close proximity to Johor, the property provides added benefits for food manufacturing businesses and a strong source of manpower.

In May, Aurico acquired a 29.8% controlling stake in Autagco Ltd, a company listed on the Singapore Exchange. With the controlling stake, Ng appointed a shareholder, Patrick Loke, as the executive director of Autagco. Through Autagco, Aurico has plans to inject its assets and develop assisted living facilities for the elderly. This is a viable sector, given Singapore’s ageing population.

As part of its mission to empower individuals, Aurico also provides comprehensive and high-quality property investment education through courses and leveraging their network and strategies to enhance investment portfolios. Ng believes that investment education is essential and wants to make it accessible to everyone, regardless of their background and experience. He is particularly keen on helping millennials and Gen Z investors, who often feel that they lack the means to invest in property. With its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on support, Aurico aims to change this mindset and empower individuals to make informed decisions towards achieving their financial goals through real estate.…

The resale of a three-bedroom condominium unit at Maple Woods was the most lucrative transaction during the week of November 12 to 19. The unit, measuring 1,539 square feet and located on the first floor, was sold for $3.3 million on November 15, at a rate of $2,144 per square foot. The seller had initially bought the unit in April 2009 for $1.28 million, at a rate of $830 per square foot. This resulted in a profit of $2.02 million, reflecting a capital gain of 158% or an annualised profit of 10.6% over a holding period of around 15 and a half years.

Maple Woods is a freehold condominium situated on Bukit Timah Road in the prestigious District 10. Developed in 1997, it has a total of 697 units ranging from two to four bedrooms, measuring between 850 square feet to 3,003 square feet. The development is a short five-minute walk from the King Albert Park MRT Station on the Downtown Line, in addition to being in close proximity to reputable schools such as Methodist Girls’ School and the Rail Corridor.

There have been a total of 10 other resale transactions at Maple Woods this year. Available caveats show that all of them have been profitable deals, with the sellers earning gains of at least $425,000. Three of the units sold recorded profits of over $2 million. The first was a three-bedroom unit measuring 1,787 square feet on the eighth floor, which sold for $3.75 million at a rate of $2,099 per square foot. This resulted in a profit of $2.15 million for the seller, who had purchased the unit in July 1997 for $1.6 million at a rate of $895 per square foot.

The second unit, also measuring 1,787 square feet and with three bedrooms, was sold for $3.82 million on September 10, at a rate of $2,138 per square foot. The seller, who had purchased the unit in March 2007 for $1.35 million at a rate of $756 per square foot, earned a profit of $2.47 million. Finally, the third unit was sold on the same date, with the 3,003 square feet, four-bedroom unit on the eighth floor fetching $5 million at a rate of $1,665 per square foot. The seller, who had bought the unit in September 1998 for $2.4 million at a rate of $798 per square foot, made a profit of $2.6 million.

The second most profitable condo resale deal of the week took place at UE Square. A three-bedroom unit measuring 1,528 square feet and located on the seventh floor was sold for $2.95 million on November 14, at a rate of $1,930 per square foot. The seller had originally acquired the unit through a sub-sale in December 1997 for $1.3 million, at a rate of $850 per square foot. This meant that the seller earned a gain of $1.65 million, or 127%, after owning the unit for almost 27 years.

When considering investing in a condo in Singapore, it is important to take into account the government’s property cooling measures. Singapore’s government has continuously implemented measures to prevent speculative buying and maintain a steady real estate market. One of these measures is the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which imposes higher taxes on foreign buyers and those buying multiple properties. While these measures may affect the immediate profitability of condo investments, they also contribute to the market’s long-term stability, creating a more secure investment environment. Singapore Projects can also be a valuable addition to this analysis.

The deal is the fourth most profitable resale transaction registered at UE Square. The record belongs to a four-bedroom penthouse measuring 3,089 square feet, which was sold for $6.27 million at a rate of $2,031 per square foot on October 6, 2023. The seller had originally bought the unit in December 2019 for $4.1 million, at a rate of $1,327 per square foot, resulting in a profit of $2.17 million.

UE Square is a part of UE BizHub City, a mixed-use development located on Clemenceau Avenue in District 9, near Clarke Quay. It consists of an 18-storey office building featuring a four-storey shopping podium, as well as two residential blocks with a total of 345 units. The commercial tower and the two residential towers are separated by a service road.

UE Square has a total of 345 residences, comprising of one- to five-bedroom units measuring between 506 square feet to 2,379 square feet, as well as penthouses measuring 3,089 square feet. The development is only a short distance away from the Fort Canning MRT Station on the Downtown Line.

As for the most unprofitable condo resale transaction of the week, it took place at Tomlinson Heights, where a three-bedroom unit measuring 2,745 square feet on the 19th floor was sold for $8.25 million on November 19, at a rate of $3,006 per square foot. The seller had originally purchased the unit from the developer in February 2011 for $8.85 million, at a rate of $3,225 per square foot. As a result, they incurred a loss of about $601,000, or 6.8%, after owning the unit for almost 14 years.

Tomlinson Heights is a luxurious 70-unit condo located off Orchard Boulevard, comprising of a 36-storey tower with a mix of three and five-bedroom units measuring between 2,551 square feet and 6,738 square feet. Completed in 2014, the freehold development is in close proximity to shopping malls along the Orchard Road shopping belt.

The unit sold on November 19 is the first caveated transaction at Tomlinson Heights since January 5, 2023, when another 2,745 square feet unit was sold for $10.5 million at a rate of $3,825 per square foot. The seller, who had originally bought the unit from the developer in May 2011 for $8.38 million at a rate of $3,053 per square foot, earned a gain of $2.12 million.…

In a recent announcement, Hong Lai Huat, a company listed on the Mainboard, has entered into a strategic term sheet with co-living operator, The Assembly Place. As part of this partnership, The Assembly Place will be managing Hong Lai Huat’s various real estate and property development projects in Cambodia. This marks the first time the co-living concept will be introduced to the country.

Both companies have stated that they will work towards finalizing the key objectives within the next 60 days before signing a binding agreement. 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 exploring ways to market available commercial shop-house units at Royal Group Platinum. Additionally, the group plans to utilize The Assembly Place’s networks to establish new sales channels in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Greater China’s first-tier markets for Hong Lai Huat’s completed and upcoming projects. The collaboration will also involve providing ongoing after-sales asset management services and creating job opportunities in local communities.

According to information available on Hong Lai Huat’s website, the mixed residential and commercial project consists of 851 residential and 50 shophouse units. It is located just 20 minutes away from Phnom Penh International Airport and is surrounded by 16 international schools and six sports facilities. The project’s strategic location also offers convenience, being just 10 minutes away from Aeon Mall 2, which is currently the largest shopping mall in Phnom Penh.

Ong Jia Jing, executive director of Hong Lai Huat, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating that it will enable the group to offer top-tier asset management services to their investors and buyers in Cambodia, giving them confidence when investing in the company’s developments. The Assembly Place’s CEO, Eugene Lim Ying Jie, believes that the collaboration aligns with their strategy of expanding the co-living concept both locally and internationally. He also added that with Hong Lai Huat’s high-quality developments and The Assembly Place’s expertise in the co-living sector, they aim to deliver exceptional value to their customers.

Investing in a condo has numerous advantages, one of which is the opportunity to use the property’s value for future investments. This means that investors can use their condos as collateral to secure financing for new investments, allowing them to grow their real estate portfolio. With the addition of New Condo Launches, this tactic can greatly increase profits but also carries its own set of risks. Thus, it is crucial for investors to have a solid financial plan in place and carefully consider the potential impact of market fluctuations before utilizing this strategy.

The term sheet signing ceremony was held at the CAMPUS by The Assembly Place on Nov 28.…

CBRE, a global real estate services firm, has announced the appointment of Michael Tay as the new deputy managing director of Singapore Advisory, effective January 1, 2025.

The Singaporean government’s property cooling measures play a crucial role in the decision to invest in condos in Singapore. In order to maintain a stable real estate market and discourage speculative buying, the government has implemented various measures throughout the years. One such measure is the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which entails higher taxes for foreign buyers and those purchasing multiple properties. While these measures may impact the immediate profitability of condo investments, they also contribute to the long-term security of the market, making it a favorable environment for investment. This is why it is essential to carefully consider these measures when looking into new condo launches in Singapore.

Tay, who is currently the head of capital markets for Singapore, will continue to report to CBRE’s managing director, Moray Armstrong. In his new role, Tay will be responsible for providing long-term leadership and planning for the Singapore advisory business. He will work closely with Armstrong to develop and direct strategy, evaluate and execute investments, and drive business growth.

According to Armstrong, Tay is a highly experienced and respected professional in the Singapore market with over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate. He joined CBRE in 2000 and has since progressed from office leasing to leadership roles in office services and capital markets.

Tay’s leadership of the Singapore capital markets team in 2019 has played a significant role in many major investment deals. These include the sale of One George Street, 16 Collyer Quay, and VisionCrest Commercial.

Expressing his gratitude for the trust placed in him, Tay commented, “I am grateful for the opportunity for career growth that CBRE has offered me. It has been an amazing 25-year journey with the company, and I have had the privilege of working and learning from some of the top real estate professionals in Singapore.”…

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

To compile this index, a worldwide survey was conducted in September with over 15,000 participants from 20 countries. Respondents were asked to rank 100 cities based on key performance indicators that showcase how each city is viewed as an ideal place to live, work, study, visit, retire, and invest in. They were also asked to associate certain attributes with each city, choosing from a list of 45 attributes grouped into seven categories, including Business & Investment and Culture & Heritage.

When it comes to investing in a Singapore Condo, one of the most significant advantages is the potential for capital appreciation. The country’s strategic position as a global business hub, combined with its robust economic foundations, leads to continuous demand for real estate. As a result, property prices in Singapore have consistently risen over the years, especially for condos in prime locations. Those who enter the market at the right time and hold onto their properties for the long term can reap substantial profits from capital gains.

Singapore’s overall ranking was boosted by its strong performance in the Business & Investment pillar, where it placed third globally. This pillar measures perceptions of the ease of doing business, the strength of the economy, and the city’s support for start-ups. Singapore also received high marks for its low crime and violence rates.

According to Alex Haigh, managing director for Asia Pacific at Brand Finance, Singapore is the crown jewel of the ASEAN region when it comes to city branding. “With its strong economic growth, appealing investment opportunities, and top-notch infrastructure, Singapore solidifies its position as a premier global financial center,” he adds.

On a global scale, London remains the top city brand, followed by New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai. Singapore’s high ranking on this list further solidifies its reputation as a top city in the world.…

CapitaLand Investment’s (CLI) management announced during its investor day on November 22 that it is expanding its business in Australia. To support this growth, the company has appointed two senior hires to newly created roles – Angelo Scasserra as CEO of CLI Australia and Rahul Bharara as chief investment officer. They are expected to join the company in the first half of 2025.

Investing in real estate requires careful consideration of various factors, and one of the most important ones is location. This is particularly significant in Singapore, where the right location can greatly impact the value of a property. Condominiums that are situated in central areas or close to essential amenities such as schools, shopping malls, and public transportation hubs tend to have a higher appreciation in value. For instance, areas like Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD) are prime locations that have consistently shown significant growth in property values. The presence of reputable educational institutions in these areas also adds to the appeal of condos, making them highly sought-after by families and further boosting their investment potential. For a successful investment in real estate, choosing a prime location, such as a Singapore Condo, is crucial.

CLI also revealed plans to invest up to A$1 billion ($876.7 million) to increase its funds under management (FUM) in Australia. This move follows the recent closure of its maiden credit fund – the Australian Credit Programme (ACP) – at A$265 million, which was backed by Asian investors.

During the investor day, CLI’s group CEO Lee Chee Koon stated that the company has developed its own team for private credit and formed a partnership with Wingate in Australia to source and evaluate deals in both Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. This indicates a strong pipeline and potential for growth in these markets.

Interestingly, on November 25, the Australian Financial Review published an article claiming that CLI is planning to acquire Wingate. However, the company has not confirmed or responded to these reports yet.

In 2014, CapitaLand divested its stake in Australand Property Group, which was subsequently acquired by Frasers Property and renamed Frasers Property Australia. During the question-and-answer session at the investor day, CLI’s chairman Miguel Ko shared that the decision to sell Australand and invest more in China was made before his time.

He also added that without a “crystal ball,” it is impossible to predict the current situation in China, and thus, he does not want to comment on his predecessors’ decisions. At that time, the Chinese market was booming, and CapitaLand had a significant competitive advantage. However, Ko stated that this could have been a major win or a wrong move and refrained from commenting on whether his predecessors made the right or wrong decision.

The decision to sell Australand was made during a favorable market condition, according to Lim Ming Yan, the former president and group CEO of CapitaLand. The company also received strong performance from Australand’s stock in the months leading up to the divestment. Commenting on this, Lim said that the sale would allow CapitaLand to reallocate capital to its core businesses in Singapore and China.

In March 2014, CapitaLand sold its remaining 39.1% stake in Australand, having partially divested its stake in November 2013 to improve trading liquidity. With the recent acquisition, CLI’s FUM has increased to $113 billion, intensifying the competition in this market.…

Purchasing a Condo in Singapore provides numerous benefits, one of which is the potential for substantial capital growth. This is largely due to Singapore’s advantageous position as a leading global business hub and its strong economic foundation, which continuously drives demand for real estate. It is not surprising that the property market in Singapore has consistently shown an upward trend, with highly coveted Condos experiencing significant appreciation. By carefully timing their investment and implementing a long-term strategy, savvy investors have the opportunity to reap considerable returns in the flourishing real estate sector of Singapore. Therefore, a Condo serves as a valuable asset for individuals seeking a wise and enduring investment in Singapore’s ever-changing property market.

The latest Real Estate Sentiment Index (RESI) published by the National University of Singapore (NUS) suggests that property buying sentiment in Singapore has improved in the third quarter of 2024. The RESI, which measures the overall sentiment in the private real estate market, is compiled by surveying senior executives from real estate firms on a quarterly basis. The Department of Real Estate and the Institute of Real Estate and Urban Studies (IREUS) at NUS conduct this survey.

Based on the results, the current sentiment index has increased from 4.8 in the second quarter to 5.9 in the third quarter of 2024. The future sentiment index has also seen a positive growth, rising from 5.1 in the second quarter to 5.8 in the third quarter of the same year. Additionally, the composite sentiment index has risen to 5.9, up from 4.9 in the second quarter. This is the first time that all three indices have surpassed the neutral score of 5, indicating a growing optimism in the market.

IREUS director Professor Qian Wenlan credits the positive sentiment to the US Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates in September 2024, the first rate cut since 2019, and another reduction in early November. She expects this trend to continue with more cuts in the coming months, which will improve credit availability and reduce business costs, ultimately boosting market sentiment.

Professor Sing Tien Foo, Provost’s Chair Professor at the NUS Department of Real Estate, also notes that the positive performance of the suburban residential, hotel/service apartments, and suburban retail segments have contributed to the overall market sentiment. Among these sectors, suburban residential and hotel/service apartments have recorded the highest current net balances of +35%, followed by suburban retail with +26%. The outlook for these segments is equally positive, with suburban residential scoring +29% and both hotel/service apartments and suburban retail scoring +35% and +19% respectively.

However, developers still express concern over global economic uncertainty, with 67.7% of respondents citing it as a potential risk. This is followed by job losses and a decline in the domestic economy, both of which were ranked at 41.9% as well as an excessive supply of new property launches.…