07 Aug 2024
Sentosa Property Market Review & Outlook for 1H2024: Insights & Trends
Property Insight

Surge in Property Transactions

The Sentosa property market experienced a notable surge in transactions during the first half of 2024. There were 101 recorded transactions, a 74.1% increase from the 58 transactions in the same period in 2023. This growth was significantly driven by the relaunch of The Residences At W Singapore Sentosa in April, offering attractive price points and spiking interest particularly in the Sentosa Cove area, part of the Core Central Region (CCR). This area is known for its exclusive, prestigious properties that represent a high-end lifestyle and sound investment opportunities.

Price Moderation and Market Health

The median unit prices of condominiums in Sentosa saw a slight moderation in the second quarter of 2024, adjusting from $1,999 psf in Q1 2024 to $1,801 psf in Q2 2024. This adjustment indicates a balanced market and provides potential buyers with more attractive entry points. Sentosa remains a sought-after destination due to its luxurious lifestyle and prestigious properties, making it an appealing investment opportunity even amidst price moderation.

Noteworthy Transactions

Several high-value transactions were recorded in the first half of 2024, underscoring the dynamic nature of Sentosa’s property market:

• The highest transacted property was a detached house on Ocean Drive sold for $16 million ($1,844 psf) in February, yielding a 19.6% profit gain from its purchase price in 2018.

• The Oceanfront @ Sentosa Cove, a 99-year leasehold condominium, saw a transaction at $8.1 million ($1,665 psf), generating a 26.6% profit.

• The revitalized interest in The Residences At W Singapore Sentosa Cove resulted in three separate transactions at $6.1 million each for units on the sixth floor.

These transactions highlight the potential for positive returns on investment and the ongoing demand for high-end properties in Sentosa.

Outlook

Sentosa's property market offers a compelling proposition for both investors and luxury home seekers. Properties in Sentosa are not merely homes but prestigious assets that promise significant returns. The demand for high-quality residences ensures their continued value and appeal to discerning buyers. Sentosa offers a blend of serene coastal living and urban amenities, making it an ideal location for an opulent lifestyle. The immediate occupancy options, as seen with The Residences At W Singapore Sentosa Cove, are particularly attractive to buyers wishing to enjoy their investment benefits without delay.

The Green Collection

A noteworthy addition to Sentosa Cove is The Green Collection, a prestigious residential development located near the Tanjong Golf Course. Key features include:

• Luxury amenities such as gated seclusion, individual rooftop pools, a world-class gym, and an ultra-stylish function room.

• Unobstructed views of the Tanjong Golf Course, one of Sentosa Golf Club's international championship courses.

• Unique design elements like air wells, double-volume height windows, and spacious layouts.

• Architectural excellence with designs by renowned architect Rene Tan, landscape architecture by Shunmyo Masuno, and interior design by Kelly Hoppen.

The Green Collection epitomizes refined luxury, offering a unique living experience that combines sophistication, privacy, and breathtaking natural surroundings.

Conclusion

The first half of 2024 has been a dynamic period for the Sentosa property market, marked by significant growth in transactions and stable median prices. High-profile transactions and the introduction of prestigious developments like The Green Collection affirm Sentosa's status as a premier destination for luxury real estate. 

Click here for the full report   

Prepared By: 

Mohan Sandrasegeran 

Head of Research & Data Analytics  

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20 Sep 2024
September 2024 GLS Tender Review: Tampines Street 94 & Media Circle Analysis

The September 2024 GLS (Government Land Sales) commentary outlines the tender results for two key sites: Tampines Street 94 and Media Circle.

Tampines Street 94

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This site, zoned for mixed-use residential and commercial development, attracted six bids. The top bid came from a joint venture between Hoi Hup Realty Pte Ltd and Sunway Developments Pte Ltd, offering $668.3 million (equivalent to $1,004 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr)). The second-highest bid by Sing Holdings Residential Pte. Ltd. was just 1.9% lower at $655.6 million ($985 psf ppr), highlighting competitive bidding despite a cautious market.

The keen interest in this site demonstrates continued demand for strategically located mixed-use parcels, offering both residential and commercial potential. The proximity to amenities and the Tampines West MRT station enhances its appeal. Recent mixed-use projects, like J’den, which saw over 80% of units sold at launch, indicate strong market demand. The upcoming Executive Condominium (EC) at Tampines Street 95 is expected to further increase foot traffic and commercial viability for the development, making it an attractive proposition for developers and investors alike.

The Tampines Street 94 development also benefits from its location within a residential area dense with HDB blocks, ensuring a ready customer base for its commercial offerings. Situated near educational institutions like Temasek Polytechnic, St. Hilda’s Secondary School, and others, the site is ideal for families. Given the market conditions, the expected launch price is projected to range between $2,200 to $2,300 psf, aligned with the Outside Central Region (OCR) median price of $2,107 psf as of Q2 2024. This site’s launch could be influenced by the earlier-launched Tampines Avenue 11 project, potentially setting price expectations for buyers.

Media Circle

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This site, located within the one-north Mediapolis precinct, was tendered for residential use (specifically for long-stay serviced apartments) with commercial space on the first storey. It attracted only one bid, submitted by Frasers Property in collaboration with Padawan MC Pte Ltd and Empire One North Property Pte Ltd, for $120.1 million ($461 psf ppr).

Frasers Property, known for its experience in serviced apartments, sees potential in the site's strategic location, close to media and technology job hubs within the vibrant Mediapolis area. This contrasts sharply with the lack of interest in the Upper Thomson Road (Parcel A) site, which also included a serviced apartment component. The one-north area's connectivity and appeal to expatriates and professionals looking for convenience and proximity to work explain the interest in Media Circle.

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here

for the full report   

 

Prepared By: 

Mohan Sandrasegeran 

Head of Research & Data Analytics  

Property Insight
16 Sep 2024
August 2024 Developer Sales: OCR Shines Despite Hungry Ghost Festival Dip

In August 2024, developers sold a total of 208 units, excluding Executive Condominiums (ECs), marking a significant month-on-month decline of 63.6% from July's 571 units. This drop in sales aligns with the Hungry Ghost Festival, a period traditionally associated with reduced home-buying activity due to cultural beliefs. The sales volume during this month was the lowest since February 2024, when only 153 units were sold during the Chinese New Year period. Year-on-year, new home sales in August 2024 reflected a 47.2% drop from the 394 units sold in August 2023.

Despite the overall decline, the Outside Central Region (OCR) remained a bright spot, contributing 59.1% of the total sales. Projects such as Hillock Green, Lentor Hills Residences, and Hillhaven were among the key contributors. The Rest of Central Region (RCR) accounted for 31.3% of sales, while the Core Central Region (CCR) made up 9.6%. The OCR's continued strong performance highlights the demand for more affordable housing in non-central locations, attracting a mix of first-time homeowners and upgraders.

Tembusu Grand, located in the RCR, led the sales in August with 30 units sold at a median price of $2,455 per square foot (psf). Its strong performance was supported by the upcoming launch of Emerald of Katong, which boosted the neighborhood's profile. Enhanced connectivity due to new Thomson-East Coast Line stations further improved the attractiveness of the area.

The luxury property market, despite the broader market moderation, demonstrated resilience. The most notable transaction in August was a $14.7 million sale at 32 Gilstead, which was also the highest transacted freehold condominium in the first eight months of 2024. This transaction underscored the continued demand for prime properties among high-net-worth individuals, even during typically quieter periods.

Looking ahead, the market is expected to likely rebound with the conclusion of the Hungry Ghost Festival and several new project launches. Developers are strategically timing these launches to capture demand, and upcoming projects like 8@BT, Norwood Grand, and Meyer Blue are poised to drive interest. Additionally, a potential Federal Reserve rate cut could further ease global interest rates, including those in Singapore, potentially boosting buyer sentiment and market activity.

In conclusion, while August 2024 saw a slowdown in developer sales due to seasonal factors, the OCR and luxury property segments remained resilient. Upcoming launches and favourable economic conditions are expected to bolster the market in the coming months.

Click

here

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Prepared By: 

Mohan Sandrasegeran 

Head of Research & Data Analytics  

Property Insight
02 Sep 2024
1H2024 Singapore Rental Market Insights: School Proximity and Pricing Trends

The rental property market in Singapore during the second quarter of 2024 demonstrated notable trends and adjustments. The overall rental index showed a further moderation, with rental prices decreasing by 0.8% in 2Q2024, a smaller decline compared to the 1.9% drop in 1Q2024. This period also marked a stabilization in the market as rental prices in the first half of 2024 adjusted by -2.7%, a significant change from the 10.2% increase observed in the first half of 2023. The moderation can be attributed to the influx of newly completed developments entering the market, adding to the rental supply.

The number of non-landed rental contracts rose by 1.9% quarter-on-quarter, from 18,878 units in 1Q2024 to 19,558 units in 2Q2024. This increase is likely driven by the high volume of private developments completed in 2023, which have now entered the rental segment. The year-on-year growth of non-landed rental contracts in 1H2024 was 2.4%, reflecting continued demand for such properties. It is projected that the total non-landed rental volume for 2024 will fall between 78,000 and 80,000 contracts.

Newly completed developments, particularly those that obtained their Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) recently, such as Normanton Park, Treasure at Tampines, Parc Clematis, and The M, have shown strong rental demand. Renters seem to favor newer units due to their fresh condition and minimal wear and tear.

Core Central Region (CCR) districts continued to lead in rental popularity, with District 9 securing the highest number of non-landed rental contracts in 1H2024, followed by Districts 10 and 15. These districts remain desirable among renters, underlining their prominence in the rental market.

The HDB rental market also experienced growth, with rental approvals increasing by 1.7% quarter-on-quarter from 9,398 in 1Q2024 to 9,554 in 2Q2024. A significant portion of these approvals (36.9%) were for 4-room flats, which saw the highest number of rental approvals since 3Q2023. Jurong West recorded the highest number of HDB rental transactions in 1H2024, followed by Tampines and Sengkang.

Despite the overall moderation in HDB rentals, the resale market strengthened in 1H2024, with a 6.9% increase in resale transactions compared to 1H2023. This trend indicates a shift towards resale flats among homeowners, partly due to the limited number of flats reaching their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) in 2024.

School proximity significantly influenced rental growth in areas like Bukit Batok and Hougang, where highly sought-after schools like Princess Elizabeth Primary School and Holy Innocents' Primary School are located. The scarcity of larger flats and the high demand for school enrollment contributed to notable increases in rental prices in these areas.

Overall, the rental market in Singapore is stabilizing, supported by strategic housing initiatives from the government. These initiatives aim to alleviate rental pressures by boosting housing supply and providing targeted support for those in need, ensuring a balanced and accessible rental market for residents.

Click

here

for the full report  

  

Prepared By: 

Mohan Sandrasegeran 

Head of Research & Data Analytics