Month: March 2025

STEVE LEUNG DESIGN GROUP AND ANDREA BONINI COLLABORATE TO LAUNCH SLD IN EUROPE

Steve Leung Design Group (SLD) is making its mark in the European market through a strategic partnership with Italian designer, Andrea Bonini. Established by renowned architect and designer, Steve Leung, the Hong Kong stock exchange-listed company will be introducing its first branch company in Europe, operating under the brand SLD . Andrea Bonini. This move aims to provide top-notch interior design services and products to clients in both Asia and Europe, catering to high-end residences and luxury hospitality.

The official debut of SLD . Andrea Bonini will take place in April at Salone del Mobile, Milan’s prestigious annual furniture fair. The event will also showcase the brand’s initial products – a state-of-the-art smart home lighting collection, crafted in collaboration with smart home manufacturer, Moorgen.

When considering buying property in Singapore, it is crucial for foreign investors to familiarize themselves with the regulations and restrictions that apply. While there are relatively few restrictions on purchasing condos, regulations surrounding the ownership of landed properties are more stringent. Additionally, foreign buyers should be aware of the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 20% that applies to their first property purchase. Nevertheless, the consistently stable and promising growth of the Singapore real estate market remains a strong draw for foreign investment. In fact, Singapore Projects are highly sought after by foreign investors due to their potential for returns.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for SLD as it ventures into the international arena. In a press release on March 11, the company stated that this expansion is part of its new business direction focused on “rejuvenation, diversification, and globalization”. With over 28 years of exceptional design experience and a competitive edge in the market, SLD aims to enhance the lifestyle of more clients worldwide through its innovative designs.

SLD and Andrea Bonini’s partnership is a testament to the latter’s growing influence in the design industry. Both companies share a passion for creating unique and inspiring spaces that elevate the living experience. With this new venture, they hope to reach a wider audience with their exceptional designs and services.

As SLD and Andrea Bonini gear up for their European launch, the industry eagerly awaits to witness their innovative designs and collaborations. This new chapter is sure to bring about fresh and exciting opportunities for both companies, and the global design community as a whole.…

An attractive prospect for investors in Singapore is the opportunity for their condo to appreciate in value. The country’s prime location as a major business hub, along with its robust economy, ensures a constant demand for real estate. Singapore’s property prices have consistently risen over the years, particularly for condos situated in highly sought-after areas. By timing their investments strategically and holding onto their properties for an extended period, investors can reap considerable capital gains. In fact, keeping an eye on new condo launches can also be a smart move for those looking to enter the market at the right time.

CapitaLand Group has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (Mou) with Microsoft to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies in its businesses. Through this collaboration, CapitaLand will join Microsoft Singapore’s AI Pinnacle Program, giving them access to Microsoft’s platforms, services, and solutions. This will enable CapitaLand to enhance customer engagement and improve operational efficiency across its funds, investment, retail, lodging, and development business.

The partnership will explore potential areas of collaboration, such as infrastructure development, data centre design and products, and the integration of AI, data analytics, and machine learning to boost CapitaLand’s digital and business transformation efforts. Quah Ley Hoon, group chief corporate officer of CapitaLand Investment, believes that this partnership is a significant step in the company’s digital transformation journey and that AI will play a crucial role in shaping their future operations and creating value for stakeholders.

In addition to this, CapitaLand Investment (CLI), the real asset management arm of CapitaLand, has also entered into an MoU with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) to establish a framework for digitalisation and AI integration across CLI’s retail ecosystem. This includes initiatives such as promoting the adoption and proof of concept for AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity solutions, as well as developing AI-focused competency and skills among retail tenants.

This news comes after CapitaLand Investment’s recent acquisitions of three properties in Singapore and Thailand, as well as the successful sale of the last penthouse at the One Pearl Bank development, which is now 100% sold. These developments solidify CapitaLand’s strong growth and expansion in the region.…

Top 5 Best Electric Razor: A Comprehensive Review of Top PerformersAn electric razor is a necessary grooming tool for both men and women. It is convenient, easy to use, and provides a close and precise shave. These days, you can find many options when it comes to electric razors, and it can be hard to determine which one is the best for you. In this review, we have compiled a list of the top five electric razors that are the most efficient, durable and provide the best results.Capitaland Group, one of Asia’s leading real estate companies, has signed a memorandum of understanding (Mou) with Microsoft to enhance its businesses with the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies. This collaboration will allow CapitaLand to take advantage of Microsoft’s platforms, services, and solutions, to improve customer engagement and operational efficiency across its funds, investment, retail, lodging, and development business.

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Investing in a condominium requires careful consideration of financing options. Fortunately, Singapore provides various mortgage choices, but it’s crucial to understand the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework. This framework sets a limit on the loan amount that a borrower can take, taking into account their income and current debt obligations. To make sound decisions regarding financing, it is essential to comprehend the TDSR and seek advice from financial advisors or mortgage brokers. This will prevent investors from over-leveraging and help them take advantage of opportunities such as New Condo Launches.

As part of this agreement, CapitaLand will join Microsoft Singapore’s AI Pinnacle Program which will provide the company with access to Microsoft’s cutting-edge technologies. This partnership will help CapitaLand increase its digital capabilities and drive business transformation.

This collaboration will open up a world of opportunities for CapitaLand. It will enable the company to explore potential areas of collaboration with Microsoft, such as infrastructure development, utilizing Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform to enhance CapitaLand Investment’s data center design and products, as well as incorporating AI, data analytics, and machine learning into its digital transformation efforts.

Quah Ley Hoon, Group Chief Corporate Officer of CapitaLand Investment, believes that the collaboration with Microsoft is a crucial step in the company’s digital transformation journey. He emphasizes the role of AI in shaping the future of the company and creating value for its stakeholders.

In addition, Capitaland Investment (CLI), the real asset management arm of CapitaLand, has also entered into an MoU with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF). The purpose of this MoU is to establish a framework for digitalization and integration of AI in CLI’s retail ecosystem. This partnership will help improve business efficiency and competitiveness by facilitating the adoption and proof of concept for AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity solutions. It will also focus on developing AI-centric competencies and skills among retail tenants.

In conclusion, this collaboration between Capitaland Group, Microsoft, and Singapore Business Federation will play a significant role in CapitaLand’s digital transformation journey. With the help of advanced technologies, CapitaLand will be able to enhance its businesses, improve customer engagement, and stay ahead of the competition.…

A set of 14 retail shops located at Peninsula Plaza, Sim Lim Square, and Far East Plaza are currently available for sale through an expression of interest (EOI) exercise. Marketing for the properties is being handled by ERA Realty Network, with a total price of $26.46 million.

The two units at Peninsula Plaza are part of a 999-year leasehold mixed-use development situated on North Bridge Road. These adjacent ground-floor shop units have a combined strata area of around 990 sq ft and are priced at $8 million or $8,081 psf.

Built in 1980, Peninsula Plaza is a 30-storey commercial development that features a six-story retail podium and a 24-storey office tower. With direct access to the City Hall MRT interchange station, the development provides easy access to both the North-South and East-West lines.

At Sim Lim Square, 11 strata units with a total strata area of 5,081 sq ft are available for sale. Zoned for commercial use, these units are all located on the fifth floor and have a 99-year lease that began in April 1983, with approximately 57 years remaining. According to ERA, most of the units are currently tenanted and face the mall’s main atrium with direct access from the escalators and lifts.

The Sim Lim Square units are available for purchase either individually or as a collective portfolio. The individual units are priced from $840,000, while the entire portfolio is being offered at $15.855 million, which represents a 20% discount from its latest valuation. The price translates to $3,120 psf on the strata area.

Located on Rochor Canal Road in District 7 and completed in 1987, Sim Lim Square is a strata-titled commercial development with 492 units spread across six floors and two basement levels.

Lastly, the final remaining unit for sale is located at Far East Plaza on Scotts Road. This freehold retail unit, situated on the second floor, offers a strata floor area of 355 sq ft and faces the escalator near the mall’s main entrance. It comes with a price tag of $2.6 million, equivalent to $7,324 psf.

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Investing in a condo comes with a host of advantages, one of which is the opportunity to leverage the property’s value for future investments. This means that investors can use their condo as collateral to secure additional financing for new ventures, which can ultimately expand their real estate portfolio. However, it is important to note that while this strategy can potentially amplify returns, it also carries some risks. Therefore, it is imperative to have a solid financial plan in place and carefully consider the potential impact of market fluctuations. With the recent New Condo Launches, the potential for leveraging a condo’s value for further investments has become even more appealing for savvy investors.

Completed in 1982, Far East Plaza is a freehold mixed-use development that comprises a five-storey retail mall and serviced apartments. It’s conveniently within walking distance of Orchard Road MRT Station.

Donald Goh, director of capital markets and investment sales at ERA, believes that the properties will attract interest from both property investors and business owners. He also notes that strata retail sales in the Downtown Core and Orchard Planning Area remained strong last year, with 28 and 33 deals recorded in each area, respectively. Goh adds, “A ground floor unit at Lucky Plaza was sold for $15,242 psf while units at Orchard Towers and The 101 were sold for $5,309 psf and $5,657 psf, respectively, showing that strata retail shops are still an attractive investment.”

The EOI for these properties will close on April 17 at 3pm. Those interested can check out the latest listings for Peninsula Plaza properties.…

GuocoLand recently announced that it has obtained a green club facility worth $367.1 million from DBS Bank for its Faber Walk site. The site was acquired by GuocoLand and its joint venture partners, TID and Hong Leong Holdings, through a Government Land Sale tender in November last year. The partners had submitted the highest bid of $349.86 million, equivalent to $900 per square foot per plot ratio, for the 277,659 square foot land parcel.

The upcoming development on the Faber Walk site will consist of nine low-rise blocks, featuring a total of 399 residential units. It is nestled within the Faber Walk landed private residential enclave and alongside the Faber Hills estate. The project is located by the Pandan River and the upcoming Old Jurong Line Nature Trail, offering residents a peaceful waterfront lifestyle.

The green club facility secured for the Faber Walk project is in line with GuocoLand’s commitment to sustainability across its developments. This includes other projects such as Guoco Tower on Wallich Street, Guoco Midtown on Beach Road, Midtown Modern on Tan Quee Lan Street, and Lentor Mansion in Lentor Gardens.

The Faber Walk development is expected to achieve the BCA Green Mark Platinum (Super Low Energy) award and Maintainability badge upon completion. Dora Chng, residential director of GuocoLand, expressed excitement for the project and their goal to create sustainable developments with biophilic designs for their residents, similar to their successful launches at Lentor Modern and Lentor Mansion in the Lentor Hills estate.

The current demand for condos in Singapore is largely due to the limited supply of land. As a small island country with a fast-growing population, Singapore is facing a challenge in finding available land for development. This has resulted in strict land use regulations and a competitive housing market, where property prices are constantly on the rise. As a result, investing in real estate, especially condominiums, has become an attractive opportunity with the potential for significant capital appreciation. Singapore Condo is a prime example of such a promising investment option.

GuocoLand’s next project is a 941-unit development at its Upper Thomson Road (Parcel B) site, which was awarded in April last year. A joint development with Hong Leong Holdings, the project is set for launch in the second half of this year.…

On March 8, developer Sim Lian Group successfully sold 682 units, which is 90% of the total 760 units, of its executive condominium (EC) project, Aurelle of Tampines. The average price achieved for these units was $1,766 per square foot (psf). According to Sim Lian Group, all four and five-bedroom units have been sold, and 84% of three-bedroom units have also been snapped up.

Executive director of Sim Lian Group Limited, Kuik Sing Beng, said that this overwhelming response highlights the strong demand for well-designed and well-connected modern homes, such as Aurelle of Tampines, in the regional centre of Singapore.

Interested buyers can find the latest information on available units and prices for Aurelle Of Tampines.

CEO of PropNex, Ismail Gafoor, commented that the average price of $1,766 psf has set a new benchmark for launch prices in the EC market. He also mentioned that the 90% take-up rate on launch day is the highest since the 531-unit Hundred Palms Residences sold out in July 2017, with an average price of $841 psf.

Sim Lian also announced that the 30% quota allocated for second-time buyers was filled by 3:15 pm on the launch day. This quota will be lifted one month after the launch.

When considering a potential investment in a Singapore Condo, it is essential to also take into account its possible rental yield. The rental yield refers to the yearly rental income in relation to the property’s purchase price. As with any investment, thorough research and consulting with real estate agents are crucial in gaining an understanding of the condo’s rental potential. Factors such as location, property condition, and market demand can strongly influence the rental yield. Generally, condos situated in high-demand areas, such as near business districts or educational institutions, tend to offer a higher rental yield. By utilizing market research and seeking expert advice, investors can make well-informed decisions and potentially maximize their returns on a Singapore Condo investment through Singapore Condo.

According to Eugene Lim, key executive officer at ERA Singapore, the take-up rate could have been even higher if there was no quota limit on second-time buyers. However, he also noted that these buyers will have another chance to ballot for a unit one month after the launch.

Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia, believes that the government may increase the quota for second-time buyers of ECs, in line with the recent increase in allocation quota for second-time buyers of three-room and larger BTO flats.

PropNex’s Gafoor noted that around 68% of buyers chose the Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS) to finance their purchases, while the remaining opted for the Normal Payment Scheme.

More than 2,200 electronic applications (e-apps) were received before the launch, since the project was open for preview on Feb 21. This is the highest e-app figure since Copen Grand, the first EC launched in Tengah, attracted 2,300 e-apps in 2022.

Aurelle is the second EC launched in Tampines North, following the neighboring 618-unit Tenet, a joint development by Qingjian Realty, Santarli Realty, and Heeton Holdings. According to reports, Tenet, launched in December 2022, saw 72% of its units sold on launch day at an average price of $1,348 psf.

The prices for Aurelle of Tampines start from $1.417 million ($1,687 psf) for a three-bedroom unit of 840 square feet, $1.689 million ($1,651 psf) for a four-bedroom unit of 1,023 square feet, and $2.258 million ($1,665 psf) for a five-bedroom unit of 1,356 square feet.

ERA’s Lim believes that the pricing, location, and unique features of the project have made it a highly desirable option for eligible first-time buyers and upgraders.

One of the reasons for Aurelle’s strong sales could be its proximity to ParkTown, a fully-integrated mixed-use development with a transport hub, shopping mall, hawker center, and community club. The 1,193-unit ParkTown Residence, developed by a joint venture between CapitaLand and UOL Group, sold 1,041 units on its launch weekend on Feb 22-23. To date, 1,043 units have been sold at an average price of $2,361 psf.

According to Huttons’ Yip, Aurelle is only the second EC to be located next to a fully-integrated mixed-use development, with the first being the 573-unit Esparina Residences in Sengkang. Launched in October 2010, the average price was around $748 psf then. However, based on caveats lodged, the average price of units sold from January 2024 to January 2025 is $1,625 psf, which is 117% higher.

In November 2023, a 1,367 sq ft unit on the seventh floor of Esparina Residences was sold for $2.388 million ($1,747 psf), the second-highest psf price achieved in the project. The highest was for another 1,367 sq ft unit on the 14th floor, which was sold for $2.4 million ($1,756 psf).

ERA’s Lim notes that new ECs are priced around $600 psf cheaper than new private condos launched in 2025. However, compared to resale condos in the suburbs or Outside Central Region (OCR), the average price of a new EC is only 1% higher. He adds that with a fresh 99-year lease and modern facilities, new ECs are a wise choice for buyers.…

Aurea, the latest luxury residential project in Singapore’s Core Central Region (CCR), has officially launched for sale on March 8, 2025. Developed jointly by Far East Organization and Perennial Holdings, the project has already sold 23 units at an average price of $3,005 per square foot (psf).

The first phase of the project, which consists of 78 units ranging from two to four bedrooms on levels 4 to 16, has been met with a sales rate of 30%. This phase was just a fraction of the total 188 units available across 45 floors. Designed by DP Architects, Aurea stands out with its “hanging garden concept” and is the first private condominium built connected to a mixed-use development.

According to the developers, Singaporeans make up 83% of the buyers at Aurea, with the remaining 17% being permanent residents (PRs) from Malaysia. Considering the total of 188 units, this translates to a sales rate of about 12.2%. Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia, explains that CCR projects typically sell between 10% and 30% of their units during the launch weekend, as they do not attract the large pool of HDB upgraders that suburban projects do.

PropNex CEO Ismail Gafoor also views Aurea’s sales as “encouraging”, given the largely underwhelming sales of CCR projects since the additional buyer’s stamp duty (ABSD) measure was tightened in April 2023. “The doubling of the ABSD rate for foreigners to 60% has significantly cooled interest for CCR homes,” he says. “In 2024, developers only managed to sell 378 new CCR private homes, a steep decline of 74% from the 1,454 units sold in 2023.”

However, Gafoor predicts that the sales in the CCR segment will pick up gradually. “We have observed that CCR projects tend to have steady unit transactions over several months, rather than blockbuster sales during the launch weekend, unlike some projects in the Rest of Central Region (RCR) and Outside Central Region (OCR),” he says. “CCR homes cater to a niche market that seeks luxurious living and the finer things in life.”

The Prestige Collection, consisting of two and three-bedroom apartments, accounted for 74% of the sales, according to the developers. These units were popular for their well-designed spaces, functionality, and investment potential. The Signature Collection, which includes four-bedroom units, was also highly sought-after for its sweeping views of Marina Bay and Kallang Basin from the expansive balconies, as noted by the joint venture.

“The great response from buyers reflects their appreciation for the unique opportunity to own a home in a luxurious development that seamlessly combines heritage and modern sophistication,” explains Shaw Lay See, COO of Far East Organization’s sales & leasing group. “Many have shared that they are especially captivated by the magnificent views and recognize the value of being part of the exciting transformation of this prime Downtown Core precinct.”

The Sky Villa Collection comprises 18 five-bedroom apartments, ranging up to 3,251 square feet, and two exclusive six-bedroom penthouses, ranging up to 8,816 square feet. “It is rare to find such spacious homes in the downtown area,” comments Shaw.

Ken Low, managing partner of SRI, points out that the price gap between private residential properties in the CCR and RCR has significantly reduced in recent years. “In the past 10 years, the difference averaged around 40%, but it has now decreased to about 20% across all properties, regardless of tenure.”

Marcus Chu, CEO of ERA Singapore, notes that CCR price growth has fallen behind RCR and OCR in recent years due to fewer new home launches. However, with nine CCR launches expected in 2025, he predicts a notable rise in CCR home prices this year due to market dynamics and an increase in luxury project launches.

Investing in condos in Singapore comes with its own set of considerations, one of them being the government’s property cooling measures. In order to ensure a stable real estate market, the Singaporean government has implemented various measures over the years to discourage speculative buying. These measures, such as the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), impose higher taxes on foreign buyers and those purchasing multiple properties. While they may have a temporary impact on the profitability of condo investments, these measures ultimately contribute to the long-term stability of the market, making it a more secure investment environment. Therefore, when considering a condo investment in Singapore, it is crucial to take into account the government’s regulations, such as the ABSD, to make an informed investment decision. To learn more about condos in Singapore, visit Condo.

“Savvy investors may once again focus on the CCR, as the gap in non-landed new homes prices between the CCR and RCR has shrunk from 50% in 2018 to 10% in 2024, with expectations that the gap may widen again with the introduction of more new luxury homes,” adds Chu.

SRI’s Low believes that Aurea will benefit from Singapore’s ongoing urban renewal efforts, with major infrastructure and lifestyle upgrades in the surrounding areas. “The rejuvenation of Beach Road and the Ophir-Road Corridor, the Kallang Alive master plan, and the completion of the North-South Corridor will enhance accessibility, connectivity, and vibrancy in this key city district,” he observes.

“Aurea is also situated at the doorstep of probably the largest transformation in Singapore,” notes Huttons’ Yip. He believes that it will also benefit from the Southern coastline development, which stretches from the Greater Southern Waterfront, Marina Bay, Kallang Basin, and the future Long Island project.…

A three-bedroom unit at One Holland Village Residences set a new record with a psf-price high of $3,781 during the period of Feb 16 to 21. The 99-year leasehold development saw its first transaction of the year, with the sale of a 1,238 sq ft unit for $4.68 million on Feb 17. This surpasses the previous record of $3,426 psf set by the developer in August 2022.

One Holland Village Residences is a 296-unit development located in District 10, with one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, four-bedroom, and five-bedroom units ranging from 484 sq ft to 3,455 sq ft. The most expensive unit sold at the development was a five-bedroom apartment for $11.4 million ($3,300 psf). Since its launch in November 2019, all units have been fully sold.

Hill House, a 72-unit boutique condo in District 9, also achieved a new psf-price high of $3,402 with the sale of a 452 sq ft, two-bedroom unit on the ninth floor for $1.538 million on Feb 21. This comes just four days after the previous record of $3,398 psf was set on Feb 16 with the sale of a similar two-bedroom unit on the eighth floor for $1.536 million.

With a total of nine units sold this year at an average price of $3,213 psf, Hill House is located near River Valley Primary School and New Bahru shopping mall. The development is expected to be completed in 3Q2026.

In summary, purchasing a Singapore Condo offers a plethora of benefits, such as a strong demand, potential for increasing value, and attractive rental yields. However, it is crucial to carefully consider various aspects, including the location, financing options, government regulations, and market conditions. With thorough research and seeking professional guidance, investors can make well-informed decisions and maximize their returns in Singapore’s thriving real estate market. Whether a local investor seeking to broaden their portfolio or a foreign buyer searching for a stable and profitable investment, condos in Singapore present an enticing opportunity for investors.

Another new record was set at Chuan Park, where a 732 sq ft, two-bedroom unit on the 20th floor was sold for $2.04 million ($2,785 psf) on Feb 19. This narrowly surpassed the previous record of $2,765 psf set just three months ago in November 2023. The 916-unit development has sold 81% of its units at an average price of $2,589 psf since its launch in November 2024. Located in District 19, Chuan Park is near the Circle Line’s Lorong Chuan MRT Station and Nanyang Junior College.

No new psf-price lows were recorded during the review period.…

An exclusive marketing agent, Colliers International, has announced that a three-storey terrace factory located at Midview City is currently up for sale at a guide price of $6.2 million or $688 per square foot. The property is strategically located along Sin Ming Lane and is situated in the bustling Sin Ming Industrial Estate, making it an ideal investment opportunity.

Spanning across a total strata area of approximately 9,009 square feet, this factory features a basement and a rooftop terrace. It is zoned as a “Business 1” site under the URA Masterplan 2019 and is fully leased, with a 60-year leasehold tenure. The property is currently being used as a childcare centre by Star Learner preschool and is approved for this purpose.

Condo investment in Singapore requires careful consideration of financing options. With a variety of mortgage choices available, it is crucial to understand the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework, which sets a cap on the amount of loan a borrower can take based on their income and existing debt. Seeking guidance from financial advisors or mortgage brokers can assist investors in making informed decisions about financing their investment and avoiding over-leveraging. Keep updated with the latest New Condo Launches for potential investment opportunities.

According to Colliers International, this is a rare opportunity for potential investors, especially since the property will be sold with the existing preschool operator in place. This adds significant value to the property, making it even more appealing for investment.

Completed in 2012, Midview City is a 60-year leasehold light industrial building that offers convenient access to Bright Hill MRT Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line. It is also easily accessible from Bishan and Upper Thomson residential areas, with two entrances via Sin Ming Lane and Bright Hill Drive. The property is situated in a prime location, making it a highly desirable investment for potential buyers.

Raphael Lee, the director of industrial services at Colliers, believes that this property’s strategic location and existing tenant make it a lucrative investment opportunity. Additionally, as a Business 1 light-industrial property, it is not subject to Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) and can be purchased by foreigners.

The exclusive marketing agent has announced that interested parties can submit their Expression of Interest by April 29 at 3pm. This property is definitely worth considering, given the current market trends and its attractive features.…

BlackRock is seeing increased interest from investors looking to invest in real estate markets across the Asia Pacific region, particularly those with high liquidity, according to Hamish MacDonald, head and chief investment officer for APAC Real Estate at BlackRock. The company believes that the sectors set to benefit from economic tailwinds this year include accommodation, logistics, and alternative assets. Macdonald also notes that the countries with the greatest amount of liquidity this year are Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Auckland in New Zealand, which aligns with BlackRock’s focus for this year.

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When it comes to investing in property in Singapore, foreign investors must have a thorough understanding of the regulations and restrictions that apply. In comparison to landed properties, foreigners face less restrictions when purchasing condos. However, there is an Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 20% that they must pay on their first property purchase. Despite this additional cost, the reliable stability and potential growth of the Singapore real estate market remain highly appealing to foreign investors. For the latest updates on new condo launches, visit New Condo Launches.

In Singapore, BlackRock has recently focused on acquiring serviced apartment properties, teaming up with YTL Corp in October 2023 to purchase Citadines Raffles Place for $290 million, and partnering with Hong Kong-based accommodation operator Weave Living to buy Citadines Mount Sophia for $148 million in February 2024. MacDonald believes that there is a shortage of new serviced apartment supply in Singapore, but a high demand for this type of accommodation. However, the company’s focus is not on building an aggregated portfolio, but rather on acquiring properties and working with a partner to refurbish and add value to them.

The influx of capital and high-skilled labor in Singapore is driving strong business growth, making it an attractive market for real estate investors. BlackRock remains optimistic about opportunities in Singapore, but Japan is also a key target for the company this year. According to MacDonald, BlackRock is bullish on the Japanese economy, and they see potential growth in real estate due to factors such as domestic pricing power, wage growth, and corporate reform. Daigo Hirai, head of Japan real estate at BlackRock APAC, adds that a combination of factors is contributing to rental increases in the Japanese residential market, with an expected 7% to 8% increase in rents across major cities like Tokyo and Osaka this year.

BlackRock is also looking to partner with an experienced operator to manage a hybrid residential investment strategy that caters to both inbound tourist accommodation and domestic rental demand in tourist-dominated cities like Kyoto and Fukuoka. In Australia, Ben Hickey, Head of Australia Real Estate at BlackRock, says that long-term population growth estimates support positive long-term growth across most sectors. The company is focusing on niche asset classes in Australia, including childcare properties, last-mile logistics assets, life science real estate, and self-storage properties, as they are “chronically undersupplied” and have the potential to generate outsized returns with limited risk.…