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In a recent announcement, Surbana Jurong Group has welcomed Professor Cheong Koon Hean to their board of directors. The company believes that her appointment will enhance Surbana Jurong’s ability to provide innovative, resilient, and sustainable solutions for the built environment.

Singapore has emerged as a top destination for real estate investment, with the demand for condo developments increasing among both local and foreign investors. This can be attributed to the country’s strong economy, stable political climate, and excellent quality of life. The real estate market in Singapore presents a wide range of options, but condos have become a preferred choice due to their convenience, amenities, and potential for high returns. In this article, we will delve into the advantages, factors to consider, and steps to take when investing in a condo in Singapore, including keeping an eye on new condo launches.

Previously, Cheong held the position of Chief Executive Officer at the Housing & Development Board (HDB) from 2010 to 2020, after leading the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) as CEO from 2004 to 2010. She currently serves as the Chair of the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities and is a Professor of Practice at the Singapore University of Technology and Design. In addition, she chairs the Advisory Panel for the Centre for Liveable Cities under the Ministry of National Development.

Furthermore, Cheong holds board positions at the National University of Singapore and CapitaLand Group and is Singapore’s non-resident ambassador to Finland. With her extensive experience and expertise in the urban planning and development sector, Cheong’s addition to the board is a valuable asset to Surbana Jurong’s pursuit of creating smart and sustainable buildings in the future.…

River Valley Apartments, a freehold condominium located on River Valley Road in the highly sought-after District 10, is now open for collective sale through a public tender. The exclusive marketing agent, Knight Frank Singapore, has announced a guide price of $56 million for the development in a press release on Jan 6.

Investing in a condo in Singapore comes with a multitude of benefits that make it an attractive option for investors. With its high demand, potential for capital appreciation, and attractive rental yields, a condo can be a profitable addition to any investment portfolio. However, it is crucial to consider various factors such as location, financing options, governmental regulations, and current market conditions before making a decision. Through diligent research and seeking professional advice, investors can make well-informed choices and maximize their returns in Singapore’s dynamic real estate market. Whether you are a local resident looking to diversify your investment portfolio or a foreign investor seeking a stable and lucrative venture, the condos in Singapore offer a compelling opportunity for success.

This four-storey development, which was built in the 1950s, consists of 24 units and is situated on a freehold land area of about 12,408 sq ft zoned for residential use. Its gross plot ratio stands at 2.8. The Great World MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line is only around 500m away from the apartment, making it conveniently accessible. Moreover, popular shopping destinations like Great World City and Valley Point Shopping Centre are within walking distance, while top schools like River Valley Primary School and Alexandra Primary School are located within a 1km radius.

Based on the EdgeProp LandLens map, it can be seen that the site has potential for redevelopment into a boutique residential project with 37 new units, with an average size of 915 sq ft each. According to Knight Frank, the guide price of $56 million works out to be a land rate of approximately $1,622 psf per plot ratio (psf ppr), including a nominal land betterment charge. If the 7% bonus gross floor area allotted for balconies is taken into consideration, the price translates to approximately $1,583 psf ppr, making it an attractive investment opportunity.

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Mein Mein Chia, the head of capital markets (land and collective sale) at Knight Frank Singapore, highlights that this site is in close proximity to three Government Land Sale (GLS) sites that were successfully sold last year. In April 2024, the Zion Road (Parcel A) site was awarded to a joint venture between City Developments and Mitsui Fudosan for $1.107 billion ($1,202 psf ppr). In June, a GLS site at River Valley Green was sold for $463.99 million ($1,325 psf ppr) to Wing Tai Holdings. Two months later, Zion Road (Parcel B) was awarded to Allgreen Properties for $730.9 million ($1,304 psf ppr) in August.

Chia also notes that while the sales activity for homes in the Central Region was lacklustre, the interest in the River Valley and Zion Road location remains strong, indicating that there is still demand for prime properties in the area. This could be due to developers believing that when their projects are ready for launch, there will be a ready market for high-end products after a long period of subdued activity.

According to Knight Frank’s estimates, owners of the units in River Valley Apartments, which range from 947 to 1,238 sq ft in size, stand to gain minimum proceeds of about $2 million to $2.6 million if the development is successfully sold.

The collective sale tender for River Valley Apartments will close on Feb 18 at 3pm. Interested parties can check out the latest listings for River Valley Apartments properties on the EdgeProp Buddy app. The app also provides information on the most profitable and unprofitable transactions in the area, rental and sales trends, and more.…

Golden Mile Tower’s voluntary conservation has been given the go-ahead by URA, subject to the successful sale of the 99-year leasehold development through a collective sale. As per documents obtained by EdgeProp Singapore, the government has stated that should a developer opt to conserve the existing cinema block, it may consider increasing the site’s allowable gross plot ratio (GPR) from 4.46 to 5.6, based on the current site area of 93,902.5 sq ft.

Such an increase in GPR would mean a corresponding rise in the redevelopment’s allowable gross floor area (GFA) to 525,854 sq ft, a significant boost from the current GFA of 419,142 sq ft. In addition, voluntary conservation could also result in a higher maximum building height of 164m, surpassing the current limit of 145m for the site.

The latest collective sale attempt for Golden Mile Tower was made by its owners in August 2020, with a reserve price of $556 million. This was the third collective sale attempt for the 99-year leasehold development, which has yet to be successful.

Tag Realty, the marketing agent for Golden Mile Tower’s collective sale, confirms that the reserve price for the development remains the same. This translates to a land rate of $1,350, which includes the cost of renewing the land tenure but excludes land betterment charges.

Anna Tan, business development director at Tag Realty, believes that the increase in building height limit under the voluntary conservation option presents opportunities for developers to revamp the property and create a grand presence in the skyline. It also means that the new development’s commercial and hotel spaces could offer 5m floor-to-ceiling heights, while residential units could feature 3.6m ceiling heights.

The approval for voluntary conservation of Golden Mile Tower is especially significant as its neighboring Golden Mile Complex, now known as Golden Mile Singapore, was gazetted for conservation in 2021. Developed by Perennial Holdings and Far East Organization, the commercial units at Golden Mile Singapore were launched last December, with the residential units in a 45-storey tower scheduled to be launched in the current quarter.

Before making a decision to invest in a condo, it is essential to consider the potential rental yield. Rental yield refers to the annual rental income expressed as a percentage of the property’s purchase price. In Singapore, the rental yields for condos may vary greatly, depending on factors such as location, property condition, and market demand. Generally, areas with high rental demand, such as those near business districts or educational institutions, tend to have higher rental yields. Conducting thorough market research and seeking advice from real estate agents can help assess the rental potential of a Singapore Condo before making a decision.

Tan views the voluntary conservation approval of Golden Mile Tower as a rare opportunity to redevelop the prime Beach Road site, given the limited land supply in the area and the expected price increase as a result of rejuvenation efforts such as the launch of Golden Mile Singapore and the upcoming Kallang Alive masterplan.

She also believes that the redevelopment of Golden Mile Tower presents a unique investment opportunity for local and international investors, given its heritage and future potential as a mixed-use development in a prime location along Beach Road.…

The weekend of January 4-5 was a busy one for the Bagnall Haus sales gallery at Upper East Coast, attracting a crowd of 1,500 visitors. According to Teo Hong Lim, executive chairman of developer Roxy-Pacific Holdings, the majority of visitors were families from the East who are already residents in the area.

The scarcity of land in Singapore, coupled with a rapidly growing population, has made condos a highly sought-after property option. As a small island nation, Singapore has limited land available for development, resulting in strict land use policies and a fiercely competitive real estate market. As a result, property prices are consistently driven up, making investing in real estate, especially condos, a profitable endeavor with the potential for capital appreciation. Keeping this in mind, the demand for condos in Singapore remains high, with the recent emergence of new condo launches adding even more options for potential investors.

Bagnall Haus is one of the first new project launches of 2025 and has already generated buzz among potential buyers. The freehold condo, which consists of 113 units, is a redevelopment of the former Bagnall Court that was purchased in January 2023 for $115.28 million.

Located less than a five-minute walk from the upcoming Sungei Bedok MRT Interchange Station and the Upper East Coast Bus Terminal, Bagnall Haus boasts a prime location. To keep up with the latest available units and transaction prices, interested buyers can search for the latest New Launches in the area.

The Upper East Coast Road neighbourhood has not seen a new project in over 15 years, making Bagnall Haus a highly anticipated development. The developer has carefully curated a range of unit types, from one-bedroom plus flexi units starting at 495 sq ft to spacious five-bedroom units of 1,528 sq ft, to cater to a diverse group of buyers including investors, owner-occupiers, singles, and families. Prices begin at $1.235 million ($2,495 psf) and the average indicative price is around $2,450 psf, as stated by the developer.

For more information about Bagnall Haus properties, interested buyers can browse the latest listings or ask Buddy for assistance. They can also compare price trends between HDB, condo, and landed properties in the area, as well as the latest launches and upcoming projects.

In summary, Bagnall Haus is a highly sought-after new condo development in the Upper East Coast area, offering a prime location and a diverse range of unit types to suit various buyers.…

One must have a clear understanding of the regulations and limitations surrounding property ownership in Singapore before investing as a foreigner. Condominiums have fewer restrictions compared to landed properties, making them a more accessible purchase option. However, foreign buyers are still subjected to the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 20% on their first property purchase. Despite the added expenses, the consistent stability and potential for growth in the Singapore condo market continue to entice foreign investors.

HDB Million-Dollar Resale Flats Reach 1,000 Units Mark in 2024Whilst the latest HDB flash estimates released on Jan 2 have shown a 2.5% q-o-q increase in resale flat prices in 4Q2024, it is slightly slower compared to the 2.7% q-o-q growth seen in the previous quarter. Despite the slight dip, it marks the 19th consecutive quarter of price increases in the HDB resale segment. Furthermore, the flash estimates have revealed a 9.6% price growth in 2024. Although it has doubled the 4.9% growth in 2023, it is still slower than the 10.4% and 12.7% growth recorded in 2022 and 2021 respectively, according to Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at OrangeTee Group.On top of that, data.gov.sg’s HDB caveat data that was downloaded on Jan 2 at 8.15am has disclosed a reduced price growth for some flat types as observed by OrangeTee. While the median price of four-room flats witnessed a 2.5% q-o-q increase in 4Q2024, it was considered to be a slower pace compared to the 3.4% growth noted in 3Q2024.Read also: Record-breaking 1,000 HDB resale flats hit $1 mil in 2024Similarly, two-room flats have gone up by 2% q-o-q in 4Q2024, a slower pace compared to the 3.9% growth seen in 3Q2024. Meanwhile, executive flats increased by 1.2% q-o-q in 4Q2024, a drop from 1.7% in the previous quarter. On the other hand, the resale prices for five-room flats have gone up by 3.2% in 4Q2024, a faster pace compared to the 1.2% growth seen in 3Q2024.As observed by OrangeTee’s Sun, the resale volume has declined by 3.6% year-on-year (y-o-y) in 4Q2024, with 6,314 units sold compared to the 6,547 transactions in 4Q2023. It has also dropped by 22.5% quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) compared to 8,142 units sold in 3Q2024. Sun has attributed the weakened demand in HDB resale transactions to the launch of more than 8,500 new flats in the October Build-to-Order (BTO) exercise, with many units located in highly sought-after locations. With that in mind, demand has shifted away from the resale market towards the BTO market. She also mentioned that the decline in sales was due to the year-end school holidays, as many Singaporeans tend to go abroad during that period, resulting in a decrease in house viewings and sales activities.According to Wong Siew Ying, head of research and content at PropNex, the weaker pace of growth seen in 4Q2024 was also the result of government intervention in August 2024, where the loan-to-value (LTV) limit for HDB loans was reduced by five percentage points to 75%. IN Wong’s opinion, the August 2024 measures are currently taking effect in the market. She also reckons that the lower resale volume during the quarter has also had an impact on prices. Resale volume has increased by 8% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 28,876 units in 2024 from 26,735 units in 2023 and 27,896 units in 2022. Despite the increase, it is lower than the all-time high of 31,017 units sold in 2021.On another note, the fall in resale transactions has resulted in yet another decline in million-dollar flat transactions in 4Q2024. It has dropped to 283 units from 331 units seen in 3Q2024. Despite the decrease, the total number of million-dollar transactions has reached a record high of 1,033 units in 2024, according to Sun. She has mentioned that the figure is more than double compared to the 469 million-dollar transactions recorded in the previous year.For 4Q2024, Toa Payoh town has recorded the highest number of million-dollar resale transactions, with 58 transactions. Among the 58 transactions, 20 of them were for four- and five-room units at Alkaff Vista in Bidadari Park Drive, a property that has recently crossed the five-year minimum occupation period (MOP).Eugene Lim, key executive officer of ERA Singapore has mentioned that the new classification of Plus and Prime BTO flats may have driven more homebuyers to seek resales properties located in the central areas. Lim explained that these buyers are not willing to accept the resale restrictions, such as a 10-year MOP, rental restrictions after MOP, subsidy clawback upon resale, and resale income cap on future buyers. OrangeTee has stated that prices in the HDB resale market are expected to continue rising in 2025, although not as quickly as in previous years. Sun also mentioned that in many areas, property prices have reached new highs, which may cause affordability concerns for potential buyers. She also expressed concerns that the constant supply of BTO flats may help to moderate price growth in the secondary market. However, the degree of price stabilisation will depend on the number of BTO flats released by the government in the upcoming years.Read also: ANALYSIS: HDB towns with the highest number of million-dollar dealsAccording to OrangeTee’s projection, HDB resale prices may increase in 2025 but at a slower pace compared to previous years. Lim has anticipated a growth range between 3% and 6%, with an expected resale volume of 26,000 to 27,000 units sold by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, PropNex has expected the HDB resale market to perform well in 2025, supported by the high demand for housing and fewer MOP flats coming on board, which has helped to keep resale prices firm. He has projected that HDB resale prices may witness a rise of 5% to 7% with a resale volume forecast of 29,000 to 30,000 units.On the other hand, Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics at Huttons Asia has mentioned that the supply of BTO flats in 2025 will be reduced to 17,290 units, which is about 12% less than the supply in 2024. As there is no upfront information on the BTO projects with a shorter waiting time, many buyers are shifting towards the resale market. With the interest rates expected to dip lower in 2025, buyers may opt for either an executive condominium (EC) or a resale condo. Wong has also said that the market for million-dollar flats may stabilise within the range of 900 and 1,200 units in 2025. Huttons has further predicted that the resale volume by the end of 2025 will be between 26,000 and 28,000 units, and resale prices are expected to grow at a slower pace of 5% to 8%.…

To summarize, investing in a condo in Singapore brings with it a multitude of benefits, such as a constant demand, potential for increase in value, and attractive rental earnings. However, it is crucial to carefully consider various factors, including the location, financing options, government regulations, and market conditions. Through thorough research and seeking professional guidance, investors can make informed decisions and maximize their returns in the ever-changing real estate market of Singapore. Whether you are a local investor seeking to diversify your portfolio or a foreign buyer looking for a stable and profitable investment, Singapore’s condos offer a compelling opportunity.

HDB rental volume dipped again in December 2024, marking 12 consecutive months of declining rentalsIs It a Good Time To Sell My HDB Flat?Why are HDB prices hitting record highs?HDB resale prices rose 2.5% q-o-q in 4Q2024. While it marks the 19th consecutive quarter of price increases, the rate of growth has slowed slightly from the previous quarter. According to flash estimates released by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) on Jan 2, the price increase in 4Q2024 was driven by growth in all flat types. However, the pace of growth has been slower for some flat types, such as four-room and two-room flats, which saw a q-o-q price increase of 2.5% and 2% respectively, in 4Q2024, compared to 3.4% and 3.9% in the previous quarter. Executive flats also registered a slower rate of growth at 1.2% q-o-q, compared to 1.7% in 3Q2024. Meanwhile, prices for five-room flats grew 3.2% in 4Q2024, faster than the 1.2% increase in 3Q2024.Despite the slower pace of growth, the flash estimates showed that HDB resale prices grew by 9.6% in 2024, doubling the 4.9% growth in 2023. However, it was still slower than the 10.4% price increase in 2022 and the 12.7% growth in 2021. According to Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at OrangeTee Group, one reason for the slower growth in resale prices could be attributed to the government’s intervention in August 2024, when the loan-to-value (LTV) limit for HDB loans was reduced by five percentage points to 75%. She also notes that the launch of over 8,500 new flats in the October Build-to-Order (BTO) exercise, with many units in prime and desirable locations, may have diverted some demand away from the resale market towards the BTO market. Additionally, the seasonal year-end school holidays, when many Singaporeans tend to travel abroad, may have also contributed to the slowdown in sales and price growth. However, Wong Siew Ying, head of research and content at PropNex, believes that the slower pace of growth could be a result of the thinner resale volume during the quarter, which may have put a drag on prices.Furthermore, the flash estimates also showed a decline in resale volume in 4Q2024, with a 3.6% decrease y-o-y to 6,314 units from 6,547 transactions in 4Q2023. This was also a 22.5% drop q-o-q from 8,142 units in 3Q2024. Sun attributes the decline to the launch of the new BTO flats in October, which may have diverted demand away from the resale market. She also points out that the ongoing supply of BTO flats is expected to help moderate price growth in the secondary market.However, despite the overall decrease in resale volume, the total number of million-dollar flat transactions reached a record high of 1,033 units in 2024, more than double the 469 million-dollar transactions recorded in the previous year. Toa Payoh town had the highest number of million-dollar resale flats deals in 4Q2024, with 58 such transactions – 20 of which were for four- and five-room units at Alkaff Vista in Bidadari Park Drive, which had recently crossed the five-year minimum occupation period (MOP).OrangeTee’s Sun believes that the new classification of Plus and Prime classification BTO flats may have driven more homebuyers to seek out HDB resale homes in central locations due to the limitations and restrictions of BTO flats. She also expects prices to continue rising in 2025, but at a slower pace than in previous years, as prices in many areas have already reached new highs, creating affordability concerns for some potential buyers.ERA’s Eugene Lim also expects resale prices to grow at a more measured pace in 2025, projecting a 3% to 6% growth, with 26,000 to 27,000 resale units changing hands by the end of 2025. Similarly, PropNex expects prices to rise by 5% to 7%, supported by a resale volume forecast of 29,000 to 30,000 units. Huttons Asia’s Lee Sze Teck is projecting a 5% to 8% growth in resale prices, with a resale volume of 26,000 to 28,000 units by the end of 2025. Overall, it seems that the HDB resale market is expected to continue performing well in 2025, although prices may grow at a slower pace due to a reduced supply of flats reaching MOP. The ongoing supply of BTO flats is also expected to help moderate price growth in the secondary market. As there is no upfront information on the BTO projects with a shorter waiting time, buyers may continue to turn to the resale market, especially for those looking for homes in central locations.…

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One crucial factor to take into consideration when investing in condos in Singapore is the government’s property cooling measures. In recent years, the Singaporean government has implemented several measures to control speculative buying and maintain a steady real estate market. These measures include the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which imposes higher taxes on foreign buyers and those purchasing multiple properties. While these measures may have an impact on the initial profitability of condo investments, they also play a role in the long-term stability of the market, making it a more secure investment environment. Keeping up with the latest developments and new condo launches can help investors stay informed and make informed decisions about their condo investments in Singapore.

Roxy-Pacific Holdings, a leading property developer, will be offering a sneak peek of Bagnall Haus this coming Saturday, Jan 4. This new freehold development, located along Upper East Coast Road, is a redevelopment of the former Bagnall Court, which was acquired by Roxy-Pacific for $115.28 million in February 2023. This translates to a land rate of $1,106 per square foot per plot ratio.

The new development is an elegant, five-storey block featuring 113 apartment units and two shop spaces. The units will range from one-bedroom plus flexi units, starting at 495 square feet, to five-bedroom apartments measuring 1,528 square feet. Prices for the one-bedroom plus flexi units will start at $1.235 million, at a rate of $2,495 per square foot.

According to Teo Hong Lim, executive chairman of Roxy-Pacific Holdings, the average indicative price for Bagnall Haus will be around $2,450 per square foot. The official launch date will be announced after the weekend preview.

For those who are interested in the property, the latest New Launches can be searched for to find out the transaction prices and available units. Additionally, Bagnall Haus is located less than a five-minute walk away from the upcoming Sungei Bedok MRT Interchange Station, which serves both the Thomson-East Coast and Downtown lines and is expected to be completed by 2028. It is also just a short walk away from the Upper East Coast Bus Terminal.

Teo also highlights that the project is situated right across the road from a future commercial and residential mixed-use development site in the upcoming Bayshore precinct. This means that future residents of Bagnall Haus will be able to enjoy the amenities and conveniences that will be available at the upcoming Bayshore precinct.

The last private condominium to be launched in the Upper East Coast neighbourhood of District 16 was the Eastwood Regency by Fragrance Group, a 75-unit freehold boutique apartment project that was launched in January 2010 and completed the same year. Another neighbouring development, the 160-unit freehold Country Park Condo by UOL Group, was launched for sale in 1999 and completed in 2003. Additionally, the 99-year leasehold mixed-use Eastwood Centre, with 48 residential units, was launched in 1996 by Ho Bee Land and completed in 1998.

Bagnall Haus offers a range of amenities in the immediate surroundings, such as the upcoming Bedok Food Court and the nearby Eastwood Centre, which features a Cold Storage supermarket, a medical clinic, a dentist, a nail and beauty spa, and a pet shop. Nearby schools include Temasek Primary and Secondary School, Bedok Green Primary School, and Anglican High School. Interested parties can also check out the latest listings for Bagnall Haus properties.

For those curious about the housing options in District 16, they can ask Buddy, a reliable source for condo rental listings. Other useful information available includes listings of recently launched projects, the latest condo sale transactions in the district, and the price trends of HDB, condo, and landed properties. Furthermore, the total number of units in Bagnall Haus can also be found.…

The Orie, a 777-unit private condo located at Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, will be previewed by City Developments Limited (CDL), Frasers Property and Sekisui House on Friday, Jan 3. The official launch is scheduled for Jan 18.The residential development boasts twin 40-storey towers, featuring a mix of one-bedroom plus study units ranging from 517 sq ft to five-bedroom apartments of 1,453 sq ft. The project is strategically located at the intersection with Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, offering easy access to the CBD, Orchard Road shopping belt and various amenities.Private condo at District 12 debuts after more than eight yearsThe public can expect the first private condo in Toa Payoh in over eight years when The Orie is unveiled. This follows the launch of the 578-unit Gem Residences at Lorong 5 Toa Payoh in 2016, with its completion slated for 2020. The Orie is a joint venture between three major property developers, namely CDL, Frasers Property and Sekisui House, who have come together to submit a bid of $968 million, which translates to a land rate of $1,360 psf per plot ratio (ppr) for the site at Lorong 1 Toa Payoh.The Orie offers a wide array of units that cater to different needs and preferences. From the 517 sq ft one-bedroom plus study unit that is priced at $1.28 million ($2,476 psf) to the 1,453 sq ft five-bedroom apartment featuring an exclusive private lift, buyers can expect to find a unit that suits their lifestyle and budget.

Located within District 12, which belongs to the city fringe or Rest of Central Region (RCR), The Orie promises excellent connectivity to various parts of the island. The condo is a five-minute walk to Braddell MRT Station on the North-South Line (NSL), and near the upcoming Toa Payoh Integrated Transport Hub, which connects Toa Payoh Bus Interchange to Toa Payoh MRT station. The new 12-ha integrated development and community hub is expected to be completed in 2030.

The Orie – the first new launch of a private condo since 2016

The Orie marks the first new launch of a private condo following a three-year hiatus since Gem Residences in 2016. The development has over 40 condominium facilities, units with efficient layouts, quality fittings by Hansgrohe, bathroom wares by Duravit, and premium home appliances by De Dietrich and Samsung. Being labelled as a super low energy development, The Orie is a highly anticipated project that sets a new benchmark for future developments.

The Orie – an upcoming hotspot for families

When contemplating investing in a condo, it is crucial to also evaluate its potential rental yield. Rental yield refers to the yearly rental income compared to the property’s purchase price, expressed as a percentage. In Singapore, condos’ rental yields can fluctuate greatly depending on factors such as location, property condition, and market demand. Generally, areas with high demand for rentals, like those near business districts or schools, typically offer better rental yields. Extensive market research and seeking guidance from real estate agents can provide valuable insights into a condo’s rental potential. Condo is an essential consideration in this decision-making process.

For families with school-going children, The Orie is a perfect choice as it is situated within close proximity to various educational institutions. Some schools in the neighbourhood include Pei Chun Public School, CHIJ (Toa Payoh) Primary and Secondary Schools and First Toa Payoh Primary School. The residential development is also surrounded by various amenities including sports centres, public library, shopping malls, and healthcare facilities.

The Orie – a joint venture between CDL, Frasers Property and Sekisui House

The three major property developers banded together to submit the highest bid for a Government Land Sales (GLS) site at Lorong 1 Toa Payoh. The joint venture is a 50:25:25 split between CDL, Frasers Property and Sekisui House. Speaking about the project, Sherman Kwek – CDL’s group CEO, shared that the company is excited to usher in the New Year with the launch of The Orie. He also added that the central location and excellent connectivity of the condo will be highly beneficial to homebuyers.

The Orie – a dream partnership

Takehisa Yanagi, managing officer and head of international development department, Sekisui House, shared his thoughts about The Orie, stating that the project marks “a new partnership” between Japanese developer Sekisui House and CDL. However, he also added that Sekisui House and Frasers Property have collaborated on projects in Singapore for the past 13 years, and their partnership has yielded numerous successful projects.

Latest transactions at Gem Residences

Property transactions at Gem Residences at Lorong 5 Toa Payoh since its launch in 2016 (Source: EdgeProp Landlens)

The latest property transactions at Gem Residences were recorded to be between 1.48 million and $3.48 million. The Orie could be the next highly desired residential development in the area, given its strategic location and excellent connectivity to various amenities.…

Starting January 1, ERA Singapore is discontinuing its tradition of covering the annual Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) license renewal fees for its real estate agents. This gesture, which has been in place for the past seven years, will no longer be continued, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. ERA has always been known for its strong support for its agents, and this move marks a significant change in its practices.

According to a statement released by ERA, the decision to stop covering the renewal fees will allow them to redirect their resources towards initiatives that will promote the growth and success of their leading sales team, as well as benefit consumers. However, they will continue to support new agents by covering their renewal fees for the first two years, which is a common industry practice that assists newcomers in establishing themselves.

When it comes to investing in Singapore, it is crucial for international investors to have a good grasp of the regulations and limitations surrounding property ownership. Fortunately, purchasing a condo is relatively straightforward for foreigners compared to owning landed properties, which are subject to stricter ownership rules. Nevertheless, foreign buyers are required to pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), currently set at 20%, for their initial property purchase. However, despite this extra expense, the stability and potential for growth in the Singapore real estate market remains a magnet for foreign investment. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Singapore Condos continue to be a favored choice for foreign investors.

ERA’s decision to discontinue the renewal fee coverage also addresses a recurring issue of inactive agents switching between agencies solely for the fee coverage. As a result, the firm has seen a modest reduction of around 300 agents, mostly inactive or part-time agents with no transactions in the past year.

On the other hand, ERA has also welcomed approximately 230 new professional agents who joined the agency on January 1, highlighting its continued appeal to active and aspiring real estate agents. This shows that ERA remains a top choice for agents who are dedicated to their career in real estate.

Marcus Chu, CEO of ERA Singapore, says, “The CEA is currently reviewing the need to implement a minimum transaction requirement for real estate salespersons. This underscores the importance of active participation and continuous professional development in the industry.” He also adds, “By reallocating resources towards technology, training, and marketing, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering our core team of results-driven salespersons to excel and deliver exceptional value to clients.”…

On January 1, real estate agency SRI announced that 111 agents from Knight Frank Singapore’s agency business, KF Property Network (KFPN), had joined their firm, including its head, Evan Chung.

This move has caused a significant shift in the property market, as the 111 agents accounted for 40.5% of KFPN’s sales force of 274 agents. KFPN was ranked the sixth-largest property agency by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) in 2024. With the addition of these agents, SRI’s sales force has increased to 1,501 agents, making it the fifth-largest property agency.

It is essential to thoughtfully deliberate on the potential consequences of the government’s property cooling measures before purchasing a condo in Singapore. These regulations have been put in place to maintain a steady real estate market and discourage speculative purchases. A major aspect of these measures is the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which imposes higher taxes on foreign buyers and those acquiring multiple properties. Although these measures may initially affect the profitability of investing in condos, they ultimately contribute to the long-term stability of the market. As a result, investing in condos in Singapore offers a more secure and dependable environment due to the government’s efforts in keeping the market stable through their property cooling measures. Therefore, it is crucial to take these measures into consideration when considering a condo investment in Singapore. Condo could potentially be a wise and lucrative investment, especially in light of the efforts made by the government to ensure a stable market.

Co-founded by Bruce Lye and Benson Koh in 2016, SRI was a spin-off from SRI5000, which the duo had established as a division of SLP Realty six years prior. It began with 120 agents operating out of a 2,000 sq ft shop unit in Tiong Bahru. As the sales force grew, SRI outgrew its Tiong Bahru premises and moved to a larger 4,200 sq ft office space at Great World in 2021.

According to SRI’s CEO, Thomas Tan, the firm achieved a significant milestone by reaching 1,500 agents at the beginning of 2025 and aims to expand to 2,000 agents by the end of the year. The larger sales force is expected to further strengthen SRI’s various business lines, including residential, capital markets, industrial, auctions, and international projects. Tan notes that many of the new agents from KFPN are involved in significant transactions, which will complement SRI’s luxury property segments, such as Good Class Bungalows (GCBs).

Despite its growth, SRI continues to position itself as a boutique agency with a strong focus on the luxury residential market. Tan’s goal is to transform SRI into a thought leader in the industry, known for its high standards, niche expertise, and client-centric approach.

Former KFPN head, Evan Chung, who has now joined SRI as a leader, explains that his decision to move was driven by the agency’s commitment to providing its agents with effective tools, comprehensive support, and expert coaching. He also acknowledges the open and collaborative culture at SRI, which makes them feel supported as professionals and as a team striving for excellence. Chung believes that this will be a great platform to grow their business and serve their clients through the offerings across the residential, commercial, and industrial market segments, auctions, and international properties.

As a result of the departure of these agents, KFPN’s sales force has decreased to 145 agents, and its ranking has dropped from sixth to eighth-largest agency, according to CEA public register figures as of January 1. However, Knight Frank Singapore’s CEO, Galven Tan, assures that it is business as usual at KFPN. He states that they are in the process of appointing a new head to lead KFPN and ensure strong leadership to drive its growth and success. He also mentions that they will assess the team’s strengths and expertise to strategically position KFPN for future opportunities.…