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21 Mar

Rise in property prices at Iskandar Malaysia

As planning, building and construction continue at the Iskandar Malaysia project development site, property investors are catching on quickly and lapping the residential properties all up. The recent hike in property prices definitely seem to say it all. Property agents from both sides of the causeway have reported an astounding and sudden spike in foreign interest and sale prices of property in the area.

Taken at the iProperty.com Expo: International Collection, Marina Bay Sands Expo Centre, Oct 2010

Taken at the iProperty.com Expo: International Collection, Marina Bay Sands Expo Centre, Oct 2010

Is it mere hype or can this activity be sustained and for how long? Will there be a time where investors find themselves holding on to lesser than they had hoped for?

Property agents have been busy showing potential investors the show houses and apartments in the territory and even in Singapore,  Malaysian property launches and expos have been garnering renewed interest. The fervent buying could also be due to various countries in Asia tightening their foreign property investor policies, countries such as Hong Kong, China and Singapore. This could be driving investors to look elsewhere in Asia and even in Europe and the States.
Puteri Harbour

The Puteri Harbour scheme, featuring luxury waterfront villas, apartments, serviced residences, hotels and commercial developments, have been one of the top picks so far. The promise of good international schools such as Malborough College in the vicinity has also helped rakes in some interest from expatriates. Waterfront properties in Danga Bay and Permas Jaya have done equally well.

A faint indication of how  the prices have changed since 2006 when Iskandar was first launched can be seen in the prices of bungalows in Ledang Heights:

  • In 2006 – RM25 to RM30 psf
  • In June 2012 – RM60 to RM80 psf
  • In 2013 – RM100 to RM120 psf

Prices have risen more than five times the initial launch. Pure speculation or true reflection of what future the Iskandar development holds? Will you be looking to invest in Malaysian properties and do you know where to begin? Don’t forget to keep a lookout for useful tips and learn how to plan your finances for long term investment from industry analysts and experts at property events, seminars and launches.

28 Feb

Malaysian homes gaining popularity

With more direct and speedier means of traveling between Singapore and Malaysia, property investors from both countries could possibly have much to cheer about. And it’s starting early. Promises of a high-speed rail link to Kuala Lumpur which will get you there in slightly over an hour, changes everything for investors. If they previously had doubts about investing in properties which they may have trouble overseeing due to proximity, they may now be none.

Taken at the iProperty.com Expo: International Collection, Marina Bay Sands Expo Centre, Oct 2010

Properties at the Iskandar development region. Taken at the iProperty.com Expo: International Collection, Marina Bay Sands Expo Centre, Oct 2010

Banks here have reported an increase in enquiries about mortgages denominated in Malaysian ringgit, especially for property investments in Johor Bahru. The Iskandar project is also drawing marked interest from investers keen to get their hands on property across the causeway. OCBC, CIMB and Maybank have all reported a spike in interest on home loans and financing.

The favorable exchange rate could also be reason behind the increase in enquires. The ease of switching between the two currencies help as well. CIMB for example, allows clients to pay loan installments from Singapore, thus they do not have to open an Malaysian banking account.

Bungalow for sale in Leisure Farm, Johor Bahru.

Bungalow for sale in Leisure Farm, Johor Bahru.

CIMB and Maybank are both offering Loan-to-value ratio of up to 70 per cent whereas UOB and OCBC offer up to 80 per cent. However, one must keep in mind  that the Malaysian banks tend to charge a much higher interest rate of 4.3%.

Is Malaysia the next property hotspot for investors? What should you watch out for and are there more pros than cons or vice versa? Property seminars might be a good place to start looking if you have questions to ask or would like to speak to more experienced investors and pick their brain for valuable advice.

16 Jan

2013 property market looking up for now

Despite industry experts’ predictions that 2013 might be a plateau year for Singapore’s real estate sector, sales over the first weekend of the year have proved otherwise. Private condominiums and Executive Condominium (EC) launches have done well, with brisk sales at the showflats.

Buyers could be expecting further rise in prices over the year, and are thus eager to get a slice of the pie before things get even more heated up. Perhaps in the later part of the year, more will be looking to sell than buy. What then? Is the dreaded supply-demand weighing scale expected to finally tip this year?

Echelon
Echelon at Alexandra View, a 508-unit condominium by City Developments (CDL), sold 390 units. Early-bird prices for the project was $1, 700 psf and an average of 2 to 4 per cent increase is expected for future releases. 80 per cent of the buyers were Singaporeans, though PRs and foreigners from Malaysia, Indonesia and China made up the rest of the buyers. Most might be investors who are hoping to reap in profit from rentals as the apartment block is relatively near the Redhill MRT station.

La fiesta

Nearby, most of the 52-unit SeaSuites in Pasir Panjang were soldl. Executive condominiums, CityLife @ Tampines, Heron Bay, 1 Canberra and Watercolours were not outdone as well. Upcoming launches include La Fiesta condominium next to Sengkang MRT station. Prices are expected to hover around $1, 100 psf.

Analysts have said buyers are no longer basing their property buys with the month, and the Hungry Ghost Festival month may not affect property trends this year. However, timing is still everything if you are looking to invest. And it may do well to attend property seminars and keep track of updated property news throughout the year.

26 Oct

Residential property investors on the decline

The property cooling measures seem to be finally taking effect as the number of property buyers purchasing real estate for investment purposes are decreasing. Since the several rounds of property cooling curbs have been launched, the percentage of residential property investors have dropped from 38 per cent in 2010, to 31.8 per cent in 2012.

With the most recent measure being the home loan tenure period limitation, industry analysts are predicting an even further drop when the full 12-month figures are out. Despite the decline, one in three home buyers here are still looking into buying properties for investment purposes.

iProp EXPO Nov 2012With the raise of downpayments for a second and subsequent property to 40 per cent and a 16 per cent stamp duty for home owners selling a property within a year of purchase, many home owners have been putting down their children’s names on the second or third mortgages. As their children are younger and can have more years on the loan tenure, it gives them the ability to purchase bigger apartments. On paper that is. And many of these property investors may have already taken out their mortgages prior to the recent property cooling curb. Should you be a current property investor, is it a good time to enter the market?

How does this affect the affordability of homes? Is investing in residential property risky and what should your considerations be? If its answers from experienced experts you’re looking for, attending timely property and investment seminars may be one way you can gain more knowledge and ensure that you are truly making a wise decision.

18 Apr

iProperty.com EXPO April 20 to 22, 2012 at Marina Bay Sands Expo Centre Hall A

Fourth signature iProperty.com EXPO returns in April with exciting residential and commercial real estate investment opportunities

Complementary seminars open for investors and agents to gain insightful tips and advice

iProperty.com Singapore – the country’s No.1 property website – proudly presents the iProperty.com EXPO | International Property Expo. Held from Friday, 20 April to Sunday, 22 April 2012 at the Marina Bay Sands, Expo & Convention Centre, Hall A, the event will feature prominent international properties, prestigious property brands and exciting real estate opportunities under one roof.

Property investors and agents from around the region and beyond can benefit from a host of insightful seminars at the fourth signature iProperty.com EXPO, where renowned international property leaders will share tips on investing wisely, provide advice on buying overseas property and more. There are also exciting booths showcasing the latest property developments and investment opportunities in Malaysia, Australia, Thailand and the United States. In addition, visitors can have a chance to win over S$15,000 worth of lucky draw prizes at the EXPO.

“iProperty.com strives to help property buyers make informed choices when it comes to buying property. With the return of the EXPO, we are glad to help investors be in the know about the latest overseas property opportunities, and empower them with data, intelligence and insights that allow them to make the most out of the risks and opportunities that are present in this current state of global economic uncertainty,” says Shaun Di Gregorio, CEO of the iProperty Group, the No.1 online property network across Asia.

PRIZED PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS

The iProperty.com EXPO International Collection will feature attractive offerings for those with a keen interest in the latest developments in property investment:

Leading international brands will be present for consultation, such as LCI Investment, CTL Group and Executive Directions from Singapore, as well as Mah Sing Properties, Elite Forward andDijaya Corporation from Malaysia.

A host of exciting international developments will be on offer, including attractive rebates and promotions, including:

  • Malaysia: M City (5% rebates, Free legal fees & disbursement for Sale & Purchase Agreement and Deed, etc) and A-Suites Serviced Residence in Taman Austin Perdana, Johor (Low down payment starting from RM4,800, no progressive interest for 3 years, etc).
  • Australia: 60 View St, Pascoe Vale, Victoria, Australia (One-year rental guarantee; free legal fees)
  • Thailand: Circle Condominium, Bangkok (Free 1st year maintenance fee, fully furnished, etc)

For more details on special rebates, please go to: http://edm.iproperty.com/sg/expo-april-2012-key-property-exhibitors/

FREE-TO-ATTEND PROPERTY SEMINARS

In addition, property agents and investors can look forward to free seminars, talks and forums featuring property experts who will share insights on property investments, and provide an in-depth analysis of the property market outlook both in and outside Singapore:

  • With the introduction of the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) last year as a measure to help cool the local property market, investors are increasingly worried about how this will affect their rental yield.  In his seminar Is Your Rental Income Secure? on 21 April, 5pm to 6pm, Alfred Chia, CEO of SingCapital, will examine the implications of ABSD to the real estate market, and provide tips for investors to secure and safeguard their rental income.
  • Well-known property expert Mohamed Ismail Gafoor, CEO of PropNex Realty, will share incisive insights and predictions useful for investors and the public at large, in his seminarProperty Market in 2012 on 22 April, 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
  • Those who are keen to venture slightly further afield will find the seminar How to build Cash Flow with UK Alternative
    Investment?      by Danny Lim, CEO of Property Barons, highly informative. On 21 April, 5pm to 6pm, Danny Lim will share tips on how invest in UK properties with as little as £3,750, and explore other lucrative investment options available in the UK.
  • Moving away from residential property, David Poh, CEO of Asia Management & Wisdom, will share why he considers commercial/industrial real estate investment to be the star performer of 2012. In the seminar How to Make Money from Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Investment on 20 April, 6pm to 7pm, he will teach agents how to acquire specialized skills and knowledge required to succeed in this field.

The iProperty.com EXPO | International Property Expo will take place over the weekend from Friday, 20 April to Sunday, 22 April 2012, 11am to 8pm, at Marina Bay Sands, Expo & Convention Centre, Hall A.

For more information and to register, please visit http://expo.iproperty.com.

 

15 Nov

iProperty.com EXPO Attracts Big Crowds

Following the success of the iProperty.com EXPO in March 2011, iProperty.com Singapore held their second exhibition of the year on October 30 & 31 2011, attracting a record 12,000+ attendees to the Marina Bay Sands Convention Center. In the same measure of success, property exhibitors reported an astounding S$60 million worth of property sales within just 18 hours during the 2 days of EXPO.

An exhibitor at the iProperty.com Expo

With interest rates at historic lows, Singaporeans with high levels of cash deposits in bank accounts saw the iProperty.com Expo as a good chance to learn about the different ways of diversifying their portfolio into low-risk property investments. Although a number of attendees had limited experience in the world of real estate investing, as the only time they had invested in real estate was when they bought their own home in Singapore, the strong capital gains they had enjoyed from their home purchase prompted them to look for subsequent property investments with long-term growth potential.  By attending the educational seminars geared towards first-time investors, visitors to the Expo were able to learn how to watch out for opportunities in the property market and learn the strategies of top property experts.

Jennifer K, a home-maker and first-time visitor to the iProperty.com Expo, had this to say: “I have never heard of Mohamed Ismail Gafoor (PropNex CEO) before, but he gave a really good presentation and was able to explain his points really well.”

Visitors to the Expo were also spoiled for choice, with more than 100 booths set up with by developers promoting the newest residential and commercial property launches from all over the world, ranging from 2nd homes in nearby Iskandar Malaysia, all the way to resort hotels in exotic Brazil.

The various seminar sessions also addressed the different needs of beginning investors as well as seasoned real estate agents, with topics geared toward agents scheduled during the morning, and seminars catering for the general public taking place during the afternoons on both days.

A visitor checks out the exhibitor and seminar listings at the iProperty.com expo

Mike C, an IT manager and seasoned real estate agent, shared his views: “The agent seminars were very interesting for learning and for keeping up with the latest property investment offerings in the local market”.

Visitors who spent most of the day at the Expo and who were experiencing hunger pangs were also not forgotten: a special area within the Expo was set aside for catering, providing a wide variety of affordable food choices, from Indian curries, Chinese roasted pork dishes, to simple wraps and salads, with something for everyone. With its comfortable chairs and roomy tables, the catering area also doubled as an impromptu location for one-on-one meetings with visitors who wanted to have more in-depth conversations over coffee with the exhibitors they met with.

A retired couple in their 60s, the Tans, remarked: “We attended the iProperty.com Expo last year and decided to come back again this year because it is always a very worthwhile use of our time. With our savings in bank deposits and earning low interest, we came to talk to a number of exhibitors and to learn more about how we can increase our investment returns. For us, the free seminars and lucky draws are also the main attractions”.

With exhibitors at the Expo reporting over S$60 million worth of properties sold over 2 days, it is clear that despite daily news of the European financial crisis, many Singaporeans still consider property an attractive investment option, particularly as a safe alternative to volatile stock markets.

14 Nov

Record-breaking S$60 million in sales registered at iProperty.com EXPO

Expo drew overwhelming response with over 12,000 attendees and sell-out seminars

iProperty.com Singapore has once again reinforced its position as the country’s No. 1 property website, attracting a record of 12,000 attendees and registering over S$60 million in sales for the 3rd signature iProperty.com EXPO International Collection held over the weekend on 29 and 30 October 2011.

iProperty.com EXPO International Collection featured prominent international properties, the most prestigious property brands, real estate experts and property buyers in Singapore under one roof at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands. The two-day programme saw impressive exhibits from 56 participating companies, showcasing the most exciting developments in established as well as up-and-coming territories in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the USA, Thailand, the Philippines, India and Japan. Investors were also treated to a comprehensive series of insightful seminars where industry experts shared tips and tricks on property investing.

The Expo received overwhelming response from the investing community, as evidenced by the more than 20% increase in visitorship, and almost double the sales volume as compared to the Expo’s previous edition in March this year.

Active discussions and exchange of ideas also took place during the seminars, which saw a robust turn out with some sessions generously over-subscribed. Topics presented touched on issues surrounding maximising rental yield, spotting prime property below market value, need-to-know tips for foreign markets and the power of leverage – presented by experts such as Alfred Chia, Chief Executive Officer of SingCapital, Clara Tan, Managing Director of CTL Group and Kelvin Fong, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Trainer of Zest Academy Group.

“The Expo has once again reinforced its position as the leading property exhibition with more than S$80 million worth of potential sales discussed. We are confident that the Expo will continue to grow in tandem with the developments in the real estate industry, both locally and internationally. Investors are becoming more astute in making sound decisions when it comes to investing in local and overseas properties, especially with the state of the economy and stock markets worldwide. iProperty.com is proud to leverage on our network of partners in the region, to drive greater awareness and understanding of key property markets through this Expo – which I believe has a very receptive audience among Singaporeans,” says Shaun Di Gregorio, iProperty Group CEO.

Several exhibitors and industry leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcome of their participation in the event, with many citing the right target group of attendees and the relevant networking opportunities as the event’s key selling points.

“We have been participating in this Expo since its 2010 edition, and we are impressed with the ever-increasing amount of sales that we clinched at each subsequent event. This time, we saw how popular our projects are with investors, having sold 13 units worth 13 million in total. The iProperty.com Expo has proven to be a worthwhile platform for us to showcase our exciting offerings to investors in Singapore, and we look forward to another successful event,” said Patrick Choi, Deputy Senior Manager, UEM Land Holdings Bhd, developer for various projects including the highly anticipated Puteri Harbour and Kota Iskandar in Putrajaya.

Said Mohammed Ismail Gafoor, PropNex Realty, “As a leading real estate company with footprints in Singapore and the region, we are very pleased with the level of interest shown by visitors at the event. It is heartening to know that while investors in Singapore are getting more financially savvy and knowledgeable, they are nonetheless also cautious and careful about property investments – especially with regards to overseas projects. We are pleased to share our expertise with them through this platform, and look forward to seeing them at the next edition.”

iProperty.com Expo visitors were also impressed with the diverse range of property investment options on showcase, well-presented through sophisticated, intricately-designed scale models, with experts on hand to dish out valuable tips and advice.

“The Expo is definitely a high-calibre event, featuring leading international property brands and industry leaders – all with a wealth of expertise to share with visitors like me. The seminars were very enriching and speakers were able to address all the concerns and queries that I had,” said Ms Josephine Chew, who attended seminar sessions on both days of the Expo.

“There was a host of attractive investment options presented at the iProperty.com Expo, in exciting places like Australia. I look forward to seeing more of such options in the next event,” said Ms Wong, a property investor who visited the Expo on 29 October.

The iProperty.com EXPO International Collection will return for its 4th edition in 2012. For more information on the next edition of the iProperty.com EXPO International Collection, please visit http://www.iproperty.com/expo.

10 Nov

Meet the Man Behind HSR Property Group

When Patrick Liew first started out in his career, he climbed the corporate ladder at a breakneck speed, quickly working his way up from a salesman’s role to eventually becoming a member of the company’s management committee. However, like the many real estate salespersons before him who chose to leave their full-time jobs to become their own bosses, Liew realized along the way that despite doing well as an employee, he was spending the best part of his life at work, and that it was time to make the change if he wanted to build something of his own.

Patrick Liew, CEO of HSR

Liew, now the CEO of HSR Property Group, attributes much of the reason for his success in building up HSR to learning the real estate business starting from the basics. He told iProperty.com Singapore that the critical factor for a new property agent’s success boils down to the level of support given to him by the team he joins, and that the “most important consideration (for a new agent) is to join an agency that provides comprehensive training and coaching to help them succeed in the market”. Given the fierce competition among real estate agencies in recruiting new agents, Liew believes that what makes an agency stand out from the rest is when “the agency has the capabilities to provide strong marketing tools to help them differentiate themselves from the other agents”. Elaborating on what specific marketing tools worked best for HSR agents, Liew said: “In the new economy, the company must provide a leading-edge suite of infocommunication tools. There must also be a strong infrastructure for support and services to help them compete in the market.”

As HSR has expanded its product offerings to include overseas property in recent years, one of the most popular questions that investors have for Liew is: What should a first-time investor look out for when looking for a bargain in overseas property? Although a strong believer in the “softer” aspects of doing business, including often citing “love” as the reason why HSR stands out from the competition, Liew takes a hard-headed approach to investing, and urges investors to research and analyze the macroeconomic perspective of the country, so as to “ensure that it is economically, politically and socially stable and secure, and that your investment is protected and will be able to deliver the projected returns on investments”. Liew also believes that studying the market is key, so as to “ensure that the investment’s upsurge potential is supported by positive and justifiable forces, both in the short as well as the long term basis.”

An agent promoting overseas property investment at the iProperty.com Expo

While HSR has allocated a good amount of its resources into expanding the reach of its overseas property unit, Liew still believes that there is ample opportunity for an investor to enjoy strong capital returns from the Singapore market, saying: “ Singapore will continue to entrench itself as a global city, a place to live, work, learn, and play in. The high end residential market which has softened in recent times has upturn potential.” Echoing the views of many property experts on the current “hot” market trends of commercial and industrial property investment, Liew adds: “Properties within the vicinity of the new Paya Lebar and Jurong business hubs will enjoy a healthy demand and positive profit potential.”

With many new HDB blocks being constructed at 40 stories high, Liew has the following advice for first-time home buyers who are grappling with the decision of whether or not to cough up extra funds to purchase a more expensive unit on a higher floor: “Buying a flat is not just for asset appreciation; it should also be a base for well-being. Buyers should consider these two factors and decide on the appropriate equilibrium.”

Although a number of property experts advocate taking a more cautious approach by choosing a lower entry point (by going for a cheaper unit on a lower floor)  to minimize the risks of buying at a higher price, Liew is of the different opinion: “It is better to choose the higher floors which will generally enjoy better capital appreciation”, he says. However, Liew to quick to add that “the market is dynamic and continues to evolve”, and reminds buyers to “study the fine prints in the contract to ensure that the conditions fit their risk/return profile.”

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