Singapore, 25 November 2024 –Edmund Tie & Company (“EDMUND TIE”), as the sole marketing agent, is pleased to announce the collective sale of Thomson View Condominium to a consortium (“Consortium”) comprising UOL Group (“UOL”), Singapore Land (“SingLand”) and CapitaLand Development (“CLD”) at S$810 million, subject to terms and conditions.

The sale price of S$810 million works out to S$1,178 per sq ft per plot ratio (psf ppr), after factoring in land betterment charges for intensification of land use and lease upgrading premium for a fresh 99-year lease.

Residential owners of the 255-unit development stand to receive gross sale proceeds of about S$2.22 million to S$4.94 million depending on their unit size and the sole commercial unit will receive about S$3.87 million from the collective sale.

Completed in 1987, Thomson View Condominium sits on sprawling grounds of approximately 5 hectares with a 99-year tenure commencing from 1975. Under Master Plan 2019, the site is zoned for ‘Residential’ use at a plot ratio of 2.1, which can yield up to 1,240 residential units based on an average dwelling size of 85 sq m.

The deal for Thomson View Condominium marks the first and only residential collective sale done to date this year. Given its potential for 1,240 dwelling units in the new development, the collective sale of Thomson View Condominium also marks one of the largest residential sites in terms of project scale in recent years.

Ms Swee Shou Fern (徐晓芬), Head of Investment Advisory at EDMUND TIE, says, “Over about the past 17 years, owners of Thomson View Condominium have persevered through four earlier collective sale attempts. In its current fifth attempt, Edmund Tie & Company is appointed for the first time as its exclusive marketing agent, and we are thrilled to have successfully secured a buyer. The realignment of the reserve price hits a sweet spot between pricing and the complexities of redeveloping a site of this scale – reigniting developers’ interest, ultimately culminating in this milestone achievement.”

Ms Swee adds, “We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support and trust of the collective sale committee, and to be working alongside the team of lawyers led by Mr Alan Tan from Wee Swee Teow LLP. Most importantly, the success of this endeavour was only made possible by the owners of the 255-unit development, who demonstrated remarkable unity to giving the requisite 80% consent in both strata area and share value within such a short timeframe.”

Thomson View Condominium enjoys strong locational and site attributes including MRT at doorstep, proximity to essential amenities and top-ranked schools, as well as spectacular views of lush greenery. An abundance of retail, dining and lifestyle offerings are readily available at Thomson Plaza and the numerous shophouses lined along Upper Thomson Road. The Upper Thomson MRT station on Thomson-East Coast Line provides quick access to Orchard Road and Central Business District which are only 5 and 9 stops away, respectively.

Families with school-going children would appreciate that the popular Ai Tong School is located within a 1-km radius from Thomson View, with other educational institutions nearby, including Catholic High School, CHIJ St Nicholas Girls School, Raffles Institution and Eunoia Junior College.

The collective sale of Thomson View Condominium is subject to an order of sale granted by the Strata Titles Boards.

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INVESTMENT

Performance

  • Investment sales reached S$8.2 billion in 3Q 2024, fuelled by strong developer activity in Government Land Sales and key acquisitions by REITs.

Outlook

  • The GLS market is expected to maintain steady activity through the rest of the year. Investors will remain focused on identifying opportunities as a part of their investment strategies.

OFFICE

Performance

  • Singapore’s central region office rental index declined marginally by 0.5% QoQ, while overall occupancy rates dipped slightly to 94.5%.

Outlook

  • The recent completion of new developments is expected to create new opportunities for tenants to explore occupancy strategies. However, without any significant demand drivers, rental rates are expected to remain stable throughout the year.

INDUSTRIAL

Performance

  • Industrial property prices rose 0.5% QoQ in 3Q 2024, led be multi-user factories. Overall occupancy rates remain steady at 89.0%.

Outlook

  • Prices and rental rates for multi-user factories are expected to rise as electronics and semiconductor manufacturing output improves. Rental rates in the business parks and hi-tech parks segment are anticipated to face additional pressure from elevated vacancy rates in suburban areas, particularly as the PDD approaches completion in 2025.

RETAIL

Performance

  • Island-wise occupancy rate increased to 93.5% in 3Q 2024. Rental rates in Orchard/Scotts Road and Fringe/Suburban areas saw a 0.3% rise QoQ, while Other City Areas remained stable.

Outlook

  • Prime retail rents are expected to experience sustained growth, due to limited pipeline of upcoming retail supply, steady domestic demand and a rise in international visitor arrivals.

RESIDENTIAL

Performance

  • Residential property price index fell 0.7% QoQ, attributed by the landed segment which witnessed a 3.4% decline QoQ. Rental rates found its footing, rising 0.8% after declining for three consecutive quarters.

Outlook

  • For 4Q 2024, we expect primary sales transactions to rise, attributed to positive take-up rates in several new launch projects at record price levels. Residential rental rates are expected remain stable as landlords and tenants bridge pricing expectations.

 

Click for the full 3Q 2024 DIGEST

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Singapore, 18 October 2024 – Edmund Tie & Company (EDMUND TIE) is relaunching the collective sale of Thomson View Condominium, with the tender closing on 25 October 2024, 3pm.

Under Master Plan 2019, the site is zoned for residential use at a plot ratio of 2.1, which can yield a total gross floor area of about 112,792 sq m or 1,240 residential units based on an average apartment size of 85 sq m. Pre-application feasibility study (PAFS) for the site is not required.

The reserve price for Thomson View Condominium stands at S$918 million under the Collective Sale Agreement. Meanwhile, owners have commenced signing a Supplemental Agreement to the Collective Sale Agreement (“Supplemental Agreement”) to lower the reserve price to S$808 million.

Over a span of about 2 weeks, approximately 65% of the owners have given their consent to revise the reserve price to S$808 million.

The new proposed reserve price of S$808 million will take effect only after owners holding at least 80% of the strata area and share value have signed the Supplemental Agreement.

At S$808 million, the land rate would translate to approximately S$1,176 per sq ft per plot ratio, after factoring in both the land betterment charge for the intensification of land use and the lease upgrading premium to extend the lease to a fresh 99-year tenure. Including an 8% bonus floor area, the land rate will then work out to S$1,141 per sq ft per plot ratio.

Ms Swee Shou Fern (徐晓芬), Head of Investment Advisory at EDMUND TIE, says, “We have seen renewed interest from developers and in the past couple weeks, we have conducted site viewings and discussions with several interested parties. The proposed realignment of the reserve price sets the stage for a compelling win-win opportunity that not only appeals to developers but also allows the owners to cash out an attractive enbloc premium.”

Swee adds, “Thomson View Condominium ticks all the boxes in what discerning home buyers and investors would be looking for – convenience of a MRT station and essential amenities at its doorstep, top-ranked schools in the neighbourhood, and panoramic unobstructed views of lush greenery. New residential projects that possess a combination of these salient selling highlights have proven to perform well at their project launches.”

Thomson View Condominium is unparalleled in its access to a wide suite of amenities. An abundance of retail, dining and lifestyle offerings are readily available at Thomson Plaza and the numerous shophouses lined along Upper Thomson Road. The Upper Thomson MRT station on Thomson-East Coast Line provides quick access to Orchard Road and Central Business District which are only 5 and 9 stops away, respectively.

Families with school-going children would appreciate that the popular Ai Tong School is located within a 1-km radius from Thomson View Condominium, with other educational institutions nearby, including Catholic High School, CHIJ St Nicholas Girls School, Raffles Institution and Eunoia Junior College.

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Singapore, 11 October 2024 – EDMUND TIE, as the exclusive marketing agent, is launching for sale a portfolio of strata offices in Manhattan House located at 151 Chin Swee Road. The sale will be conducted by way of an expression of interest exercise; interested parties are invited to submit their offers by 12 November 2024 at 3pm.

The portfolio comprises 33 office units on the same floor with a total strata area of 1,816 sq m (approximately 19,547 sq ft), with unit size ranging from 323 sq ft to 850 sq ft.

Manhattan House is a 16-storey commercial building strategically located at the intersection of the Central Business District, Chinatown Historic District and Tiong Bahru neighbourhood, as well as within short walking distance to four MRT lines via two MRT interchanges – Chinatown and Outram Park. Manhattan House is also located adjacent to Pearl’s Hill City Park, which offers lush greenery and a tranquil setting. It is a short walk away to various lifestyle amenities such as eateries, food centres, department stores and other retail provisions within the matured Chinatown precinct.

The guide price for the portfolio is S$24.5 million, which works out to approximately S$1,250 per sq ft on the strata area. Interested parties have the flexibility to purchase individual units or acquire the entire portfolio. As commercial units, there is no Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty or Seller’s Stamp Duty payable and no restriction on foreign ownership.

Swee Shou Fern (徐晓芬), Head of Investment Advisory at EDMUND TIE, says, “Given URA’s announcement in 2022 on the restriction of strata subdivision of commercial developments, the pool of strata commercial units in the Central area has been limited. This portfolio presents a rare opportunity for investors to acquire prime strata commercial units that are well-located within close proximity to the CBD.

The units are ideal for end-users seeking to streamline operations or optimise space by consolidating into one central location for enhanced operational efficiency, as well as investors looking to capitalise on the limited supply of strata offices, with a mid-term view on potential capital upside from a collective sale. Given that the units are mostly tenanted, the incoming purchaser will also enjoy immediate rental cashflow.”

She adds, “With plans by the authorities underway to enhance Pearl’s Hill as an inclusive and community-centric neighbourhood, many more amenities will be offered to cater to diverse needs. In time to come, there will be a network of street-level and elevated connections which allows convenient access to key transport and amenity nodes.”

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Singapore, 9 October 2024 – The collective sale of Thomson View Condominium has entered into private treaty negotiation, after its second tender closed on 6 September 2024 without any bids meeting its reserve price of S$918 million. The ten-week private treaty period will expire on 14 November 2024. Edmund Tie & Company is the sole marketing agent for the collective sale of Thomson View Condominium.

The owners recently convened to consider a revision of reserve price from S$918 million to S$808 million. In just over a week, approximately 60% of owners have signed the Supplemental Agreement, giving consent for the proposed revision.

Currently, the reserve price remains unchanged at S$918 million. The new proposed reserve price of S$808 million will take effect only after owners holding at least 80% of the strata area and share value have signed the Supplemental Agreement.

At S$808 million, the land rate would now translate to approximately S$1,176 per sq ft per plot ratio, after factoring in both the land betterment charge for the intensification of land use and the lease upgrading premium to extend the lease to a fresh 99-year tenure. Including an 8% bonus floor area, the land rate will then work out to S$1,141 per sq ft per plot ratio.

Under the Master Plan 2019, the 50,197-sq-m (540,314-sq-ft) site is zoned for “Residential” use with a plot ratio of 2.1. The maximum allowable gross floor area works out to 112,792 sq m (approximately 1.2 million sq ft). Based on an average apartment size of 85 sq m, the proposed redevelopment can build up to 1,240 new residential units. A pre-application feasibility study (PAFS) for the site is also not required.

Ms Swee Shou Fern (徐晓芬), Head of Investment Advisory at EDMUND TIE, says, “We believe that lowering the reserve price is a significant step toward creating the meeting of minds between developers and the owners of Thomson View Condominium. The proposed revised reserve price aims to achieve a compelling win-win opportunity that not only appeal to developers, but also allows the owners to cash out at an attractive enbloc premium.”

“Furthermore, the absence of new private housing projects in the neighbourhood provides developers with an opportunity to tap into demand from a sizeable pool of potential buyers. The locational and site attributes of Thomson View Condominium are unrivalled, which offers a rare opportunity for developers to develop an iconic project in a mature residential estate that is well-served by various amenities, including an unobstructed lush greenery view of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve,” continues Ms Swee.

Located right next to Upper Thomson View MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, Thomson View Condominium enjoys the convenience of access to a plethora of nearby amenities – including Thomson Plaza, with more eateries and cafes located at the shophouses along Upper Thomson Road.

Within proximity are popular schools such as Ai Tong School, Catholic High School, CHIJ St Nicholas Girls School, Raffles Institution and Eunoia Junior College, which will be a draw to families with school-going children. Families may fully utilise the recreational and leisure facilities at MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Bishan Park, Lower Pierce Reservoir Park and the Singapore Island Country Club.

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An exceptional opportunity for investors to acquire a rarely available asset set to benefit from the ongoing rejuvenation plans for Orchard Road

Singapore, 2 October 2024 – Edmund Tie & Company (EDMUND TIE), the exclusive marketing agent for the collective sale of United House, is pleased to offer for sale a prime freehold commercial redevelopment site located in Orchard Road – Singapore’s most iconic shopping, entertainment and lifestyle district.

United House sits on a rectangular freehold land plot of approximately 1,192.7 sq m. It enjoys a 51-metre frontage along Kramat Lane and a depth of approximately 23 metres. Under the Master Plan 2019, the property is zoned for ‘Commercial’ use with a plot ratio of 4.9.

The site can be redeveloped into a modern 10-storey commercial building with a gross floor area of up to 62,900 sq ft, complete with exclusive naming rights that is a rare opportunity in prime Orchard Road.

As United House falls outside of the areas where new strata subdivision of commercial space is restricted, the successful buyer has the flexibility to consider strata subdivision for the new development. Transactions of strata office units in Orchard Road have been active and a benchmark price of S$4,988 per sq ft has just been recorded last month in September for the sale of two office floors at Tong Building – underscoring the appeal of freehold commercial properties in prime Orchard Road.

Additionally, given its prime location in Orchard Road popular with tourists, the property is ideal for redevelopment into a hotel. Planning application for “Hotel” use with a plot ratio of 4.9 has already been submitted and is currently pending approval from the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

For the first time, United House has achieved the 80% owners’ consent in both strata area and share value, following three earlier collective sale attempts that did not manage to reach this stage. Consequently, this marks a significant milestone that the site is now officially available for sale.

At a reserve price of S$166 million, this works out to a land rate of S$3,025 per sq ft per plot ratio for commercial redevelopment. For hotel redevelopment, subject to planning approval, the land rate will be S$3,318 per sq ft per plot ratio.

Ms Swee Shou Fern (徐晓芬), Head of Investment Advisory of EDMUND TIE, says, “United House’s launch comes at a pivotal time, as Orchard Road is undergoing exciting transformation into a thriving lifestyle destination. The ongoing enhancements to Orchard Road, coupled with United House’s redevelopment potential, are highly likely to result in significant capital appreciation in time to come. The successful buyer will, therefore, benefit from this rare opportunity to capitalise on Orchard Road’s future growth, which will continue to attract both local and international interest.”

Construction works is in progress for Faber House which will be redeveloped into 250-key hotel and a major revamp of The Cathay is expected to complete by end of this year. Other potential major redevelopment or asset enhancement projects underway include Tanglin Shopping Centre, Ming Arcade, Delfi Orchard, Stamford Court and Wilmer House.

Also in the pipeline is Hotel Properties Limited tapping into the Strategic Development Incentive (SDI) scheme to redevelop Voco Orchard Singapore, Forum The Shopping Mall and HPL House into a mixed-use project.

Ms Swee adds, “Investors can also consider seeking bonus plot ratio under the SDI scheme by redeveloping United House and its neighbour(s) together, subject to planning approval.”
United House boasts a prime location in the vibrant Orchard Road/Dhoby Ghaut precinct and is within a short walking distance to both Dhoby Ghaut MRT interchange and Somerset MRT station. Key landmarks – such as The Istana, Singapore Management University, Plaza Singapura, Paragon, Ngee Ann City, ION Orchard, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore Art Museum and the National Museum of Singapore – are all easily accessible on foot, further enhancing its appeal to investors seeking excellent connectivity and proximity to amenities.

The tender for United House will close on 14 November 2024 at 3.00pm.

END

Landed homes

  • Landed luxury home transaction volume relatively remained unchanged at 43 units transacted in 1H 2024, from 42 units in 2H 2023. Total transaction quantum increased 14.7% to S$803.8 million on higher quantum per transaction in the segment.
  • Luxury detached houses recorded 32 of the 43 transactions in 1H 2024, increasing 39.1% from the 23 transactions in 2H 2023. Luxury semi-detached and terrace houses, on the other hand, saw a decline to 11 units and recorded S$124.1 million in 1H 2023.
  • Good Class Bungalows (GCB) contributed 52.9% to the total detached house quantum 1H 2024. The price per sq ft for these GCB sites ranged from S$1,050 to S$2,990, and the average per-sq-ft price of S$2,138 achieved in 1H 2024 marks the highest average price per sq ft recorded since 1H 2020.

Non-landed homes

  • Average price of luxury non-landed homes increased in 1H 2024, amid a lower transaction volume of 16 units, down from 18 in 2H 2023. Total sale quantum for luxury non-landed stood at S$249.6 million in 1H 2024.
  • In 1H 2024, one penthouse unit from The Skywaters Residences and two adjacent units from The Ritz-Carlton Residences were transacted above S$5,000 per sq ft. The penthouse unit at The Skywater Residences was sold for S$47.3 million, or S$6,100 per sq ft. Meanwhile, over in the secondary sales market, the two adjacent Ritz-Carlton units changed hands at S$16.5 million each, translating to S$5,367 per sq ft. While it is atypical for secondary sales to reach the high of S$5,000 per sq ft, there were 11 of such transactions from 2021 to date.

Foreign demand

  • Total foreign demand quantum in 1H 2024 fell to S$171.7 million from S$196.0 million in 2H 2023. Foreign demand for luxury homes has continued to decrease, influenced by the implementation of the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for foreign purchasers. The transaction volume declined to 10 units in the first half of 2024, compared to 13 units in the second half of 2023.
  • Of the 10 units transacted, there was only a sole transaction where the buyer was a non-permanent resident (NPR). The remaining 9 units were purchased by Singapore permanent residents (SPRs). This could suggest that the ABSD regulation in April 2023 has successfully deterred NPRs from entering the luxury home market in Singapore, or that they are seeking to become SPRs before making their investment decisions.

Click for the full Prestige Homes 1H2024

 

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INVESTMENT

Performance

  • Investment sales reached S$6.3 billion in 2Q 2024, spurred by government land transactions and a few successful collective sales. Amid ongoing uncertainties, developers remain cautious but retain strong interest in prime locations.

Outlook

  • Investment sales are expected to moderate as developers navigate these challenges. While the introduction of the Long Stay Serviced Apartment (SA II) and the substantial land supply anticipated in the latter half of 2024 may spur interest, the overall investment sentiment will likely remain cautious. The pace of investment growth may be tempered, with developers expecting to focus on projects with clear viability and reduced risks.

OFFICE

Performance

  • Singapore’s office market in 1H 2024 saw stable rental rates despite a 1.0% dip in occupancy rates to 94.8%. This was on the back of new CBD supply arising from the partial completion of IOI Central Boulevard Towers.

Outlook

  • Islandwide occupancy rates are expected to be under pressure in 2024 with three major office projects targeted for completion in 2H 2024. Grade A rental rates in the CBD are anticipated to remain stable for the remainder of 2024.

INDUSTRIAL

Performance

  • Singapore’s industrial market witnessed positive performance in 1H 2024 as manufacturing expanded, while overall industrial occupancy rose to 89.0%. Divergence in rental performances widened between centrally located and suburban business parks.

Outlook

  • The electronics manufacturing sector’s positive trend is expected to continue into 2H 2024, driven by support for AI advancements in the semiconductor segment. Multiuser factories and warehouse/logistics sectors are likely to benefit from the sustained growth in manufacturing sector, thus supporting rental rates in these segments. Conversely, rental rates for business parks and hitech industrial spaces may face pressure due to high vacancies with limited qualifying occupiers for these segments.

RETAIL

Performance

  • In 2Q 2024, prime first-storey rental rates along Orchard/Scotts Road increased by 0.4%, reaching S$41.00 per sq ft. This rise in rental rates was driven by gradual rebound in tourism, with increasing visitor arrivals and tourism receipts. The limited supply of prime retail spaces is expected to spur strong interest and continued rental growth. Rental rates in Fringe/Suburban Areas remained stable at S$34.00 per sq ft, while Other City Areas held steady at S$19.35 per sq ft.

Outlook

  • Given the expected growth in visitor arrivals and a limited supply pipeline of retail projects in the near term, rents and occupancy rates are expected to remain robust throughout 2024.

RESIDENTIAL

Performance

  • Residential property prices saw moderate growth of 2.3% in 1H 2024. A ripple effect in the CCR and RCR drove growth in property prices. Rental rates faced pressure with the expected new supply and the shift in focus towards serviced apartments.

Outlook

  • For 2H 2024, residential prices are anticipated to increase moderately. As the market adjusts and establishes new price levels, price growths are expected to stabilize following the recent upward shift caused by the ripple effect. Rents are expected to continue being under pressure, given around 7,000 units due for completion in 2H 2024 and 2025. The increasing interest in serviced apartments may add further pressure onto rents in the market.

 

Click for the full 2Q 2024 DIGEST

 

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A residential site along Upper Thomson Road primed for transformation into a modern condominium project offering best of urban convenience and nature’s tranquility

Singapore, 3 July 2024 – Edmund Tie & Company (EDMUND TIE) is relaunching for collective sale, Thomson View Condominium, a prime residential site conveniently located right next to Upper Thomson MRT station.

As the exclusive marketing agent, EDMUND TIE invites all interested parties to submit their offer by 6 September 2024, 3pm.

Thomson View Condominium sits on an elevated site of approximately 50,197 sq m (540,314 sq ft). Under Master Plan 2019, the site is zoned for ‘Residential’ use at a plot ratio of 2.1, which can yield a total gross floor area of 112,792 sq m (approximately 1.2 million sq ft).

The development currently accommodates a total of 255 units – comprising 54 townhouses and a 29-storey block housing a shop unit and 200 apartments.

The authorities have advised in-principle no objection to the proposed redevelopment of Thomson View Condominium to 1,240 residential units, based on an average apartment size of 85 sq m. A pre-application feasibility study (PAFS) for the site is also not required.

The reserve price for Thomson View Condominium remains unchanged at S$918 million. This reflects a land rate of S$1,275 per sq ft per plot ratio1, after the inclusion of the 7% bonus gross floor area, the lease upgrading premium to extend the lease to a fresh 99-year tenure and the land betterment charge for the intensification of land use.

Ms Swee Shou Fern (徐晓芬), Head of Investment Advisory at EDMUND TIE, says, “New residential developments in mature housing enclaves are highly sought-after due to their strong locational attributes, as evidenced by successful project launches in the area such as Lentor Mansion, AMO Residences and Jadescape.

Thomson View Condominium presents developers with an exceptional opportunity to build a modern condominium project that will offer discerning homebuyers the best in urban convenience and nature’s tranquility – MRT connectivity, schools, retail shops and eateries, and breathtaking vistas of lush greenery from the sprawling 3,000-hectare Central Catchment Nature Park.

She adds, “These days, buyers are becoming more targeted in their choices and they look at many other factors beyond pricing, such as location. The new project will be able to provide the ideal setting for urban dwellers and families to enjoy ready access to amenities – live, play, learn, right at the doorstep.”

The last major residential project launched in the vicinity was Lentor Mansion, where 400 units or 75% of its 533 units were sold on its launch weekend in March. The project recorded an average price of approximately S$2,276 per sq ft, with the highest recorded at S$2,478 per sq ft. The nearby Jadescape has registered an average price of S$2,170 per sq ft in the last three months, with the highest recorded at S$2,323 per sq ft in June 2024. AMO Residences, which witnessed a strong take-up rate of over 98% of all its 372 units on its launch weekend, recorded an average price of approximately S$2,112 per sq ft in July 2022, with the highest recorded at S$2,443 per sq ft in November 2023.

Thomson View Condominium is surrounded by aplenty of amenities that provides unparalleled convenience. The array of retail, dining and lifestyle offerings are readily available at Thomson Plaza, with more eateries and cafes located at the shophouses along Upper Thomson Road.

Within proximity are top-ranked schools such as Ai Tong School, Catholic High School, CHIJ St Nicholas Girls School, Raffles Institution and Eunoia Junior College, that will benefit families with school-going children. In addition, families may fully utilise the recreational and leisure facilities at MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Bishan Park, Lower Pierce Reservoir Park and the Singapore Island Country Club.

The subject property enjoys excellent connectivity to the rest of Singapore via public and private transportation. The Upper Thomson MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line provides quick access to Orchard Road and Central Business District, which are only 5 and 9 stops away, respectively. The Central Expressway (CTE) and Lornie Highway are also a short drive away.

[1] The lowered land rate in this relaunch is due to the recent update in land betterment rates.

END

INVESTMENT

Performance

  • Investment sales transaction in 1Q 2024 recorded a lower total quantum of S$4.2 billion. Government Land Sales (GLS), as a share of total investment sales, fell from 52.3% to 32.1% or in absolute terms, from S$2.9 billion to S$1.3 billion. This decline was due to smaller-size transactions and the rejection of the sole bid for Marina Gardens Crescent GLS site.
  • In the private sector, S$2.8 billion was recorded for 1Q 2024, with a shift from office to retail and hospitality sectors. This shift may be due to investors changing their focus towards alternate asset classes amid the current higher interest rate environment.

Outlook

  • For the rest of 2024, we expect the investment sales market to continue be bolstered by GLS sales and higher yield asset classes from the retail or hospitality sectors. Investment sales volume and transaction quantum could pick up, given that economic activities are showing signs of recovery and interest rates cuts are on the horizon.

OFFICE

Performance

  • Singapore’s office leasing market in 1Q 2024 exhibited resilience in the Central Business District (CBD). Shadow spaces declined from approximately 332,000 sq ft in 4Q 2023 to approximately 245,000 sq ft in 1Q 2024. The amount of shadow space is expected to continue decreasing, given that many of such leases are due to expire by 2024/2025. In addition, office rents in the first quarter across all micro-markets remained unchanged QoQ, due to numerous lease renewals and corporates right-sizing their office spaces.

Outlook

  • The upcoming Labrador Towers and Paya Lebar Green are poised to alleviate the office space supply, adding approximately 913,000 sq ft of office space by 4Q 2024. This could lead to a slight decline in occupancy rates islandwide for 2024, potentially applying pressure on rental rates. However, there may be increased leasing activity as corporations gravitate towards green and Grade A office spaces.

INDUSTRIAL

Performance

  • In 1Q 2024, islandwide occupancy rates dipped to 88.7%, with business parks experiencing its 8th consecutive quarter of decline to 78%. Overall rental indices climbed 1.7% QoQ in 1Q 2024, albeit with a 0.2% decline in price index for all industrial spaces.

Outlook

  • The surge in artificial intelligence interest is expected to bolster semiconductor demand, supporting stable factory prices and rental rates for 2024. However, the Business Park sector may see higher vacancy rates with an expected GFA completion of approximately 3.7 million sq ft in 2H 2024, notably the Punggol Digital District, which could attract tech tenants and potentially support suburban business park rental rates.

RETAIL

Performance

  • Retail rents modestly grew in 1Q 2024. Prime first-storey rates rose 0.7% QoQ to S$40.85 psf in Orchard/Scotts Road and S$34.00 psf in Fringe/Suburban Areas. In the Other City Area micro-market, rates increased 0.3% QoQ to S$19.35 psf.

Outlook

  • Rental growth across all micro-markets is anticipated for the rest of 2024 due to high occupancy rates and limited supply in the pipeline for the next three years.

RESIDENTIAL

Performance

  • The overall property price index saw 1.4% QoQ growth in 1Q 2024, a moderation from the 2.8% growth in 4Q 2023. Transaction volume dipped slightly to 4,145 units in 1Q 2024, down from 4,295 units in 4Q 2023, representing a 3.5% decline. Foreign investment remained subdued, with foreign buyers constituting only 1.0% of total residential units in 1Q 2024.

Outlook

  • The property market is poised for moderate growth, supported by sustained demand for new launches and anticipated supply expansions. However, challenges loom in the rental sector due to an influx of completed projects, potentially tempering rental growth throughout the year.

 

Click for the full 1Q 2024 DIGEST

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