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A whopping 6,463 new flats made their debut. According to a release, HDB launched seven Build-To-Order (BTO) projects today, offering 6,463 new flats in two non-mature towns (Choa Chu Kang and Sengkang) and three mature towns (Bedok, Queenstown and Toa Payoh). With this launch, the total BTO flat supply in 2012 will reach 27,084 units. This will be the largest BTO supply in a year since the BTO system was introduced in 2002. Together with another 7,153 balance flats offered earlier in the Mar and Sep 2012 Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercises, HDB has launched a total of 34,237 new flats in 2012. First-timers will continue to enjoy priority flat allocation with at least 95% and 85% of the BTO flat supply (excluding Studio Apartments) set aside for them in mature towns and non-mature towns respectively. The Multi-Generation Priority Scheme (MGPS) will be available to those applying for flats at Fengshan GreenVille, Ghim Moh Edge and Toa Payoh Crest. Elderly flat owne

Punggol alone already has 40 blocks. According to an oral answer by Ministry of National Development on installing solar photovoltaic panels in HDB estates, about 100 HDB blocks have been installed with solar PV systems under HDB’s Solar Capability Building Programme. Here's more from MND: Mr Yee Jenn Jong raised the query on solar PV systems in HDBs. The 100 blocks with solar PV systems are scattered in different geographical areas to enable HDB to study the impact of the microclimate on the performance of the solar panels. The solar power generated is used to power the lighting at the common areas, water pumps and lift operations. Initially, the implementation of the solar PV systems was fully funded by the Government. In order to stretch the available budget to benefit more estates, HDB adopted a solar leasing model last year, which taps on private enterprises to carry out the design, financing, installation and maintenance of solar panels in HDB building

Its 4,349 units may not be sold. According to Nomura, in addition to the projected completions and implied vacancy risk, the risk of unsold inventory build-up is also significant. Nomura's estimates suggest about 37,405 units of private condos and apartments could be launched for sale from now to end-2013F. Here's more from Nomura: This pipeline is made up of: 1) 2,032 unsold units in projects that were completed in the past two years, 2) 9,250 unsold units in uncompleted projects that have already been marketed, and 3) 26,123 units of potential new launches. Not surprisingly, nearly half of this pipeline is made up of projects in the OCR as a result of the record government land sales there since 2H10. To put things in perspective, the potential pipeline of 37,405 units works out to nearly 19 months of supply based on the average monthly pre-sales (excluding ECs) of 2,019 units in the first 10 months of 2012.  Taking into account projects that were less

22,352 will be public housing units. According to Nomura, moreover, besides the projected completion of 17,758 non-landed private homes in 2013F, we also expect the completion of 22,352 public housing units [recall 32,000 Build-to-Order flats and 3,350 Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) flats were launched for sale between 2010 and 1H11] and 2,199 Executive Condo units next year. "The combined housing supply could therefore work out to 42,309 units in 2013F, compared to the estimated 21,859 units in 2012F (11,684 non-landed private homes plus 10,175 public housing units) and the average annual housing demand of just under 20,000 units since 2001," said Nomura. Martin Koh | 86666 944 | R020968Z Sherry Tang | 9844 4400 | R020241C Senior Sales Director Email: marshe_inc@yahoo.com.sg DTZ Debenham Tie Leung (SEA) Pte Ltd (L3006301G) | www.marshe.sg | www.marsheproperties.com.sg | www.hudcsg.blogspot.com | | www.hausatserangoon.sg | www.8riversuite

SINGAPORE - The Housing Board announced today the launch of 6,463 new flats in seven Build-To-Order (BTO) projects for this year. The projects will be launched in five estates, including mature towns like Bedok, Queenstown and Toa Payoh, and non-mature towns such as Choa Chu Kang and Sengkang. This will bring the total number of BTO units for the year to 27,084, which is also the largest BTO supply in a year since the system was introduced in 2002. Including the 7,153 Sale of Balance flats released in March and September, HDB has launched a total of 34,237 flats this year. In a statement today, HDB said that first-time buyers will continue to be entitled to priority flat allocation with at least 95 per cent of flats in mature towns and 85 per cent in non-mature towns. The Multi-Generation Priority Scheme (MGPS), where married individuals can submit a joint application with their parents to purchase a studio apartment or two-room flat with another flat of at leas

SINGAPORE : Property giant UOL Group clinched the "Best Developer Award" in the Singapore and South East Asia categories at the South East Asia Property Awards 2012 on Wednesday. The "Best Developer Award" is based on the quality of development projects, track record and innovation of the developer. Last year, UOL won the "Best Condo Development Award" in the Singapore and South East Asia categories for its Nassim Park Residences project. UOL Group's portfolio of developments also includes award-winning projects such as Newton Suites, Meadows@Peirce, 1 Moulmein Rise and One-North Residences. Martin Koh | 86666 944 | R020968Z Sherry Tang | 9844 4400 | R020241C Senior Sales Director Email: marshe_inc@yahoo.com.sg DTZ Debenham Tie Leung (SEA) Pte Ltd (L3006301G) | www.marshe.sg | www.marsheproperties.com.sg | www.hudcsg.blogspot.com | | www.hausatserangoon.sg | www.8riversuites.com | www.newagents.sg |

SINGAPORE: Analysts said hotel and property group Overseas Union Enterprise (OUE) can become one of the key players in the real estate industry in Singapore if it manages to snare Fraser and Neave (F&N). They believe the acquisition can open up avenues for OUE to unlock the value of its assets. A consortium led by OUE has placed a bid of S$13.1 billion for F&N, countering an earlier offer from a Thai investor. The fate of F&N -- a takeover target of TCC Assets and OUE -- remains unclear for now. But should OUE win the takeover tussle, analysts say the tie-up will provide "a lot of synergy" for OUE to grow its property business via F&N's fully-owned subsidiary Frasers Centrepoint Limited (FCL). FCL's portfolio comprises shopping malls, serviced apartments and residential homes, industrial property, and asset management. Liu Jinshu, deputy lead analyst at SIAS Research said: "F&N's property business actually has a

SINGAPORE: HDB launched seven Build-To-Order (BTO) projects on Wednesday, offering 6,463 new flats in two non-mature towns (Choa Chu Kang and Sengkang) and three mature towns (Bedok, Queenstown and Toa Payoh). With this launch, the total BTO flat supply in 2012 will reach 27,084 units. This will be the largest BTO supply in a year since the BTO system was introduced in 2002. Together with another 7,153 balance flats offered earlier in the March and September 2012 Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercises, HDB has launched a total of 34,237 new flats in 2012. In January 2013, HDB will offer about 3,320 BTO flats in Ang Mo Kio, Choa Chu Kang, Hougang, Kallang Whampoa, Tampines and Yishun. HDB is planning for at least 20,000 BTO flats in 2013. First-timers will continue to enjoy priority flat allocation with at least 95% and 85% of the BTO flat supply (excluding Studio Apartments) set aside for them in mature towns and non-mature towns respectively. The Multi-Gener

SINGAPORE : Singapore-listed Yoma Strategic Holdings plans to develop a landmark project in Yangon, Myanmar, costing up to US$350 million. The mixed-used development of residential, retail, hospitality and commercial property is located on 10 acres of land in the middle of Yangon's business district. The project will have a gross floor area of two million square feet. Yoma says in a statement that development will include restoring the Victorian-era Railway Headquarters and convert it into a landmark 5-star hotel to rival renowned hotels in the region such as Raffles Hotel in Singapore. A 5-star luxurious condominium building will be built next to the hotel. There will also be a 4-star hotel and a 4-star serviced apartment complex in the development. Two Grade-A office towers and a retail mall will also be constructed, comprising a gross floor area of over 1.1 million square feet. Chief Executive Officer of Yoma, Mr Andre Rickards said,"We belie

SINGAPORE : Luxury properties continue to see high demand in South East Asia. With global markets being flushed with cash, experts say more are looking at investing in high-end properties that's worth more than US$5 million. New luxury homes now come with an added touch of class and developers are introducing even more innovative features in such properties. Costing an average of about S$3,500(US$2,800) per square foot, luxury property Helios Residences in central Singapore are for the well-heeled. Over 75 percent of the development has been sold, with remaining units being 3- and 4-bedroom apartments. Over 60 percent of the buyers are foreigners. Its developer says Helios is particularly attractive to foreigners and PRs because of its location and investment value. It has been designed to save energy. It allows residents to enjoy the outdoors and possibly discourage them from reaching out for the air-conditioning button too often. Its Sky Te

SINGAPORE : Foreign buyers of Singapore properties accounted for 7% of the market in the 3rd quarter this year. The proportion had remained unchanged from the previous 2nd quarter. However, for the first 3 quarters of the year, foreign purchases averaged about 6%. This is according to the latest report on demand for Singapore's residential properties in Q3 by property consultant DTZ. The report also said that demand for luxury landed homes remained strong in the same quarter. There were altogether 14 Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) transacted in Q3, compared to 12 GCBs in the previous quarter. Interest in the landed segment was also strong in Sentosa Cove with 6 units sold in Q3 compared to 5 in Q2 and two units in Q1. These are for purchases worth more than S$10 million. Notably, purchases by US nationals and Norwegians in Sentosa Cove have increased since the implementation of the Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD). The 10% additional s

SINGAPORE: Buyers of 60-year leasehold properties might find it a challenge to apply for loans. While some banks are willing to lend, potential buyers may have to borrow less or pay off these loans faster. But analysts said banks may have to re-think their home loan strategy as more of such sites make their way into the market. The land at Jalan Jurong Kechil, which closed tender on November 15, will be the first residential site to have a leasehold that is shorter than the usual 99 years. It is the first land site put up for sale by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) with a variable lease option of 30, 45 or 60 years. The land site received a top bid of S$73.8 million by World Class Developments (North), also a subsidiary of SGX-listed firm, Aspial Corporation, for a 60-year lease. This means potential home buyers of this site may find it tough to get a home loan that will suit their needs. A check with several Singapore banks revealed that they do

Experts unfortunately said that 2013 would be even worse than we thought. Data from the Urban Redevelopment Authority have shown that office rent in the central region of Singapore held steady at $9.35 psfpm in 3Q12 while median price increased 1.9% q-q to $1,098 psf, compared to the 0.9% decline seen in the previous quarter. The industrial property price index meanwhile soared 8.8% to 183.3 and surpassed the all-time high of 168.4 registered in the last quarter. Phillip Capital however notes that rising momentum on industrial rents are petering out and slowed to an increase of 1.2% to 127.9 in 3Q12, relatively lower than the growth rates of 1.8% in 1Q12 and 2.8% in2Q12.  Cushman & Wakefield notes that ental trend across all submarkets in Q3 2012 confirmed that the office market has softened further but at a more moderate pace as compared with 1H2012. Not surprisingly, Marina Bay and Raffles Place, it said, registered the highest QoQ rental decrease of 2.5% and 3.9%

E-applications will kick off 29 November. According to a release, CityLife@Tampines, Singapore’s first luxury hotel-style executive condominium developed by Tampines EC Pte Ltd – a consortium comprising Amara Holdings Limited, Kay Lim Holdings Pte Ltd and SingXpress Land Ltd – will open for E-Applications on Thursday, 29 November. Offering 2/3/4/5-bedroom, dual-key, Skysuite and penthouse units, CityLife@Tampines has 514 units and boasts a host of luxury hotel-inspired design features and services, including the Home Concierge Service, a 100 m Infinity Pool, resort-style landscaping (Bamboo Boulevard, three Aromatherapy Gardens, and six Sky Gardens at various altitudes), complimentary fibre broadband service to all households, complimentary WiFi at common areas, and designer-brand fittings and appliances. CityLife@Tampines offers a number of unique unit designs, such as Skysuites, which are exclusive 4 and 5-bedroom units with living/dining room that opens out to a wr

Condo vacancies may increase to 10.9%. According to Nomura, the residential developers we cover (+37.1% YTD) have outperformed the broader FSSTI (+9.8% YTD) and are currently trading at an average discount to NAV of 23.6%, which is in line with the mid-cycle discount of 23%. Sentiment has improved from the trough at the beginning of the year when the Additional Buyers’ Stamp Duty (ABSD) was announced by the government to curb speculation.  Here's more from Nomura: Private housing occupancy has also held up better than expected. As of end-September 2012, the occupancy of non-landed private homes (condos and apartments) was 93.1%,  similar to the 93.2% at the beginning of the year. While the high net absorption of  6,773 units in 9M12 (vs 5,220 units in the corresponding period last year) played a part,  completions in 9M12 were lower than expected, which also helped to keep vacancy from  expanding. A total of just 8,251 units of non-landed private homes were comple

There are many investors who invest in properties solely for capital gains. They are not concerned with making a rental profit, and are sometimes even happy to make a rental loss! Understanding why property prices rise and fall is very important if we want to make money. In Singapore’s highly volatile property market, you should never count your chickens before they hatch. Inexperienced, amateur and speculative investors only know how to count chickens. Successful and smart investors count the eggs and understand why and how they hatch. It is property prices that drive yield, not the other way round. Property prices are volatile, rents are stable. We call the rise and fall of property prices the boom-bust cycle. The Chain of Events in a Crash Something has to cause the crash. Crashes do not happen overnight but they do happen a lot quicker than a boom. Think of a roller-coaster. When you reach the top of a slope, you think the cart will rest at the top but it

5. eCO - 149 Units Sold eCO sold 149 units in October, taking 5 th  place. The 99 year leasehold condominium is expected to be completed by 2017 with 748 units. eCO offers nature-centric facilities like a garden boulevard trail, play garden, fitness garden, flower terraces and rain garden pavilion. eCO is located at Bedok South Avenue 3 near Tanah Merah MRT and Bedok MRT. Nearby schools include Bedok View Secondary School and Bedok Green Primary School. Residents can visit nearby Sheng Siong Supermarket or NTUC Fairprice for daily amenities. 4. Waterbay - 221 Units Sold With 221 units sold in October, Waterbay is at 4 th  place. The 99 year leasehold executive condominium is expected to be completed by2016 with 383 units. Some of Waterbay's more unique features include a sun lounge, cascading waterfall, reading pavilion, chill-out pavilion, hydro gym and rain shower. Waterbay is located at 45 Edgefield Plains, within Punggol Central. It is near Punggo