25 Jun 2024
GLS Commentary 2H2024 GLS Programme
Property Insight

Moderation in GLS Supply

The second half of 2024 sees a moderation in the Government Land Sales (GLS) programme after seven consecutive increases since 1H2021. The number of residential units on the confirmed list has been adjusted from 5,450 units in the first half of 2024 to 5,050 units in the second half, marking a 7.3% reduction. This adjustment reflects a strategic response to current market conditions, aiming to balance supply with demand amidst three consecutive quarters of increasing uncompleted unsold private residential units, which grew from 16,929 units in Q4 2023 to 19,936 units in Q1 2024.

Strategic Adjustments

The authorities' decision to moderate the GLS supply is influenced by recent property market cooling measures and a cautious sentiment among developers. This measured approach ensures that the supply of private residential units aligns with the housing requirements of the population without oversaturating the market. Additionally, the reserve list supply has been reduced by 10.7%, from 3,460 units in 1H2024 to 3,090 units in 2H2024. The combined supply from both the confirmed and reserve lists totals 8,140 units, an 8.6% decrease.

Notable Confirmed GLS Sites

Key GLS sites on the confirmed list include:

Chencharu Close: Set in Yishun, this site will contribute to the development of 10,000 new homes by 2040, with at least 80% for public housing. It is expected to be a mixed-use integrated development, enhancing connectivity and providing a comprehensive living environment.

Media Circle (Parcels A and B): Located within the One-north precinct, known for its focus on knowledge-intensive sectors, these sites aim to support the local workforce by providing housing options close to workplaces. This aligns with the area’s role in fostering innovation and economic growth.

Bayshore Road: With the opening of the Bayshore MRT station, this site has transitioned from the reserve list to the confirmed list. It is part of a broader transformation of the Bayshore area, including new Build-To-Order (BTO) flats and enhanced amenities, making it a highly attractive location.

Reserve List Sites

A significant site on the reserve list is an Executive Condominium (EC) at Woodlands Drive 17. This marks the first EC site in Woodlands since the Northwave project in 2016, highlighting a key development for the area.

Market Outlook

The strategic moderation of the GLS supply aligns with current market dynamics, ensuring a balanced supply that meets demand. The real estate market in Singapore is closely tied to various factors, including economic conditions, market fluctuations, and regulatory changes. The authorities' measured approach aims to provide a stable and sustainable housing market, supporting economic stability and growth.

Overall, the 2H2024 GLS Programme reflects a cautious yet strategic response to evolving market conditions, ensuring that the supply of residential units aligns with demand while supporting the ongoing development of key areas in Singapore. This approach underscores the importance of adapting to market trends and maintaining a balanced real estate market.

 Click here for the full report 

Prepared By: 

Mohan Sandrasegeran 

Head of Research & Data Analytics  

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Retail Property Market 2025: Trends Shaping Investor Strategies

Singapore's retail landscape demonstrated resilience in 2024, underpinned by a sharp rebound in international visitor arrivals and strategic investor activity. Visitor arrivals surged by 21.5%, growing from 13.6 million in 2023 to 16.5 million in 2024, with strong contributions from Mainland China, Indonesia, and India. This growth was fueled by a robust calendar of high-profile events—including concerts by global artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay, as well as the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and Singapore Art Week—which bolstered tourism-related sectors like retail and hospitality.

Retail property transactions in 2024 moderated slightly, registering approximately 250 caveated transactions compared to 272 in 2023. Despite this moderation, District 7 (Middle Road/Golden Mile) emerged as the top-performing district with 52 transactions. This reflects investor confidence tied to the transformation of the Golden Mile Complex into The Golden Mile, integrating retail, office, and medical suites alongside the upcoming Aurea residential tower. Districts 14 (Geylang, Eunos) and 9 (Orchard, River Valley) followed with 35 and 32 transactions, respectively, underscoring demand for strategically located and historically stable commercial zones.

From a project perspective, Parklane Shopping Mall led with 12 transacted retail units, indicating sustained interest in older, strata-titled developments with flexible configurations. Far East Plaza and Sim Lim Square also recorded strong activity, each with 10 units transacted, appealing to niche businesses and tourist-centric trades.

Notably, City Developments Limited’s acquisition of Delfi Orchard for S$439 million highlighted institutional interest in Orchard Road’s rejuvenation. Other high-value deals included transactions along Irrawaddy Road, North Bridge Road, and Beach Road—signaling a preference for prime, high-footfall locations.

The leasing market also improved, with total retail rental value rising by 2.7% year-on-year from $254.5 million in 2023 to $261.2 million in 2024. Median rentals held firm across multiple regions, with the North and North-East regions commanding premium rates. Fringe and Central Areas also experienced rental recovery, reflecting sustained demand in key retail corridors.

Looking ahead to 2025, Singapore's retail sector is poised for continued growth. The Singapore Tourism Board projects 17.0 to 18.5 million visitors, generating up to $30.5 billion in tourism receipts. This optimism is supported by new attractions such as Illumination’s Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore and the Disney Adventure Cruise Line, both expected to draw significant regional traffic.

Retail will also benefit from a vibrant MICE calendar, bringing in high-spending business travelers. Experiential retail, the integration of physical and digital commerce, and evolving consumer expectations will continue to shape leasing and investment trends. While external risks such as geopolitical uncertainties and macroeconomic fluctuations persist, the sector remains anchored by Singapore’s strong fundamentals, diversified tourism base, and investor confidence in well-located assets.

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Mohan Sandrasegeran

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GLS Tender Results: Bayshore Road Site Attracts Strong Developer Interest

Sing-Haiyi Garnet Pte. Ltd. secured the Bayshore Road residential site with a top bid of $658.9 million ($1,388 psf ppr), narrowly surpassing Sing Holdings Residential Pte. Ltd. by 0.8%. The tender attracted eight bidders, reflecting strong developer interest in this well-located site.

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The site’s strategic location enhances its appeal. It is close to Temasek Junior College, Temasek Secondary School, and the upcoming Bayshore MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line. Connectivity is further strengthened by the East Coast Parkway (ECP), providing easy access to the CBD and Changi Airport.

This land parcel is the first private residential site launched in the Bayshore neighbourhood, an area envisioned as a dynamic residential and community hub. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) plans to integrate development with green spaces, places of worship, sports and recreational facilities, and educational institutions, fostering a holistic living environment.

The precinct's long-term potential likely contributed to the keen competition, with developers leveraging the First-Mover Advantage to set a benchmark for future developments. The Bayshore transformation began in October 2024 with the launch of two Build-To-Order (BTO) projects. This signals the evolution of Bayshore into a vibrant, well-integrated residential enclave with a blend of coastal living and urban convenience.

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Developers sold a total of 1,575 units (excluding ECs) in February, maintaining strong market momentum from January’s 1,083 private residential units transacted. This marks the second consecutive month of robust sales, driven by sustained demand for newly launched projects. The key contributors to February’s performance were Elta and Parktown Residence, the only two new launches, which played a pivotal role in sustaining buyer interest and driving sales.

The Outside Central Region (OCR) was the primary driver of sales, accounting for 92.2% of total private residential units (excluding ECs) sold, significantly surpassing the Rest of Central Region (RCR) at 6.2% and the Core Central Region (CCR) at 1.6%. This highlights the ongoing demand for mass-market homes, particularly in well-connected suburban locations offering attractive price points. The influx of new launches provided fresh options, stimulating activity in this segment.

GLS Supply Pipeline Strengthens Market Resilience

While new home sales transactions remain substantial, they align with market demand, reflecting measured absorption of available supply. With more project launches expected and an increase in Government Land Sales (GLS) sites, the market maintains a steady pace.

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Best-Selling Projects in February

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Market Outlook: Sustained Momentum in 1Q2025

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With the transition into 2Q2025, upcoming launches—including Arina East Residences, Marina View Residences, Artisan 8, and One Marina Gardens—are set to energize the market, providing new opportunities for homebuyers and investors while ensuring stability.

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