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21 Feb

iProperty.com Asia Property Market Sentiment Report 2012

In December last year, many of you participated in iProperty.com Asia Property Market Sentiment Survey, which resulted in this Report. We thank you for making this Report so great, filled with insights that we’re sure will help you make better property decisions – here and overseas.

As the first regional online property survey of its kind, the iProperty.com Asia Property Market Report comprises of 7,720 responses from website visitors and subscribers of iProperty Group networks in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong. The survey revealed a common thread amongst property buyers throughout the region, but also key country-specific findings.

Did you know?

“85.6% of respondents in Singapore deemed affordability and
rising housing prices as the top 2 issues in the property market.”

“42.2% of Singaporean users in the survey showed interest in overseas property,
citing Malaysia and Australia as their most preferred overseas locations.”

“Over half (51.7%) of Singapore buyers has a budget of
between SGD 500,000 to SGD 1 million.”

“ Two-thirds (66.4%) felts that the Singapore property market is holding
up well despite the threat of a global recession.”

“ 58.3% agreed that the government should
step in to control COV on HDB flats.”

 

Download the full 65-page Report now.

 

2 Dec

A Night of Big Winners at the 2011 Southeast Asia Property Awards

It was an evening for much excitement and many warm congratulations going around at the inaugural SEA Property Awards held at Hotel Fort Canning, Singapore on 30 November 2011.

A total 28 awards in each category, ranging from Best Developer to Best Condo, were designed to acknowledge the winner’s contributions to the regional real estate landscape, as well as to encourage real estate companies to explore and highlight the quality of properties throughout Southeast Asia.

The Award-Winning Sandy Island in Sentosa Cove

In this milestone year for the awards, there are a number of big firsts. Two of Singapore’s top developers, Far East Organization and YTL Singapore Pte Ltd, bagged two awards each, with Far East Organization winning both the Best Developer (South East Asia) and Best Developer (Singapore) awards, and YTL Singapore going home with the Best Housing Development (Singapore) and Best Developer (Malaysia) Award for the first time.

Nassim Park Residences

Other local winners for the night included the Nassim Park Residences, which won both the best Condo Development (South East Asia), as well as the Best Condo Development (Singapore) Award.

The Residences at St. Regis, Bangkok was also a big winner for the night, going home with both the Best Interior Design (South East Asia) as well as Best Condo Development (Thailand) Awards.

Leong Chi Meng, the Managing Director (SEA) of CBRE Global Investors, headed up the panel of esteemed judges for the Southeast Asia Property Awards, whose collective expertise of the regional property industry rivals that of any other property awards in the world.

The pre-dinner reception also provided winners with a chance to network with other companies, providing the opportunity for the growth of many business relationships from that first meeting.

Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings, the winner of the Real Estate Personality of the Year (South East Asia) had this to say: “I am particularly proud tonight because I think we previously haven’t let the world know what we do in real estate … (Banyan Tree) brings an escape to people from all over the world”.

As a sponsor of the 2011 SEA Property Awards, iProperty.com wishes to congratulate all who participated in the program. With the awards marking the conclusion of a very successful year of real estate initiatives, we look forward to many more milestones in the years to come.

21 Nov

Marina Bay Financial Centre takes gold in MIPIM Asia Awards

MIPIM Asia announced the winners for its 5th Awards competition, recognizing outstanding real estate projects in the Asia Pacific region. Delegates were called on to rank 29 winning Awards projects into gold, silver or bronze. The winners were divulged at a gala dinner on Wednesday November 16 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

A notable mention goes to Marina Bay Financial Centre (which includes Marina Bay Residences) for clinching the Gold in Best Mixed-Use Buildings and the MIPIM Asia Participants’ Choice Award. Another Gold was awarded to Belle Vue Residences in Best Residential Developments. Helios Residences won the Bronze in the same category.

Marina Bay Financial Centre. Image by Raffles Quay Asset Management Pte Ltd.

Best Mixed-Use Buildings

GOLD – Marina Bay Financial Centre
Singapore
Raffles Quay Asset Management Pte Ltd
Developers: Cheung Kong (Holdings), Hong Kong Land, Keppel Land Limited
Architect: Kohn Pederson Fox Associates

 

 

SILVER – Shanghai International Cruise Terminal
Shanghai, China
Sparch
Developer: Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal Development Co., Ltd
Local Architect: Shanghai Institute of Architecture Design Research (SIADR)

BRONZE – Novena Lifestyle & Medical Hub
Singapore
Far East Organization
Developers: Transurban Properties Pte Ltd and Novena Point Pte Ltd
Architect: DP Architects Pte Ltd

Best Residential Developments

Belle Vue Residences

GOLD – Belle Vue Residences
Singapore
Wing Tai Land Pte Ltd (on behalf of Winquest Investment Pte Ltd)
Architect: P&T Consultants Pte Ltd
Design Architect: Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects

SILVER – Saigon South Master Plan
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
Developer: Phu My Hung Corporation
Architects: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP, Korn Architects, SPCC, NQH Architects, KYTA, RTA Associates, SURV

Helios Residences by Wing Tai Holdings Limited.

BRONZE – Helios Residences
Singapore
Wing Tai Land Pte Ltd (on behalf of Winquest Investment Pte Ltd)
Architect: P&T Consultants Pte Ltd
Associate Architect: Guida Moseley Brown Architects

Best Green Buildings

GOLD – SuzIon One Earth
Pune, India
Synefra E&C Ltd
Developer: Vascon Engineers
Architect: Christopher Charles Benninger Architects Pvt. Ltd

SILVER – Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
Singapore
CPG Consultants in collaboration with RMJM

BRONZE – United World College of South East Asia (East Campus)
Singapore
JTC Corporation
Architect: P&T Consultants Pte Ltd

Best Futura Projects

GOLD – CX 2-1
Singapore
Aedas Limited
Developer: Lucas Real Estate
Architect: Anrew Bromberg of Aedas

SILVER – CleanTech Park
Singapore
JTC Corporation

MIPIM Asia Participants’ Choice Award

Marina Bay Financial Centre
Singapore
Raffles Quay Asset Management Pte Ltd
Developers: Cheung Kong (Holdings), Hong Kong Land, Keppel Land Limited
Architect: Kohn Pederson Fox Associates

For the full list of award winners of the 2011 MIPIM Asia Awards, click here.

Founded in 1963, Reed MIDEM is the organizer of MIPIM Asia Awards. Its jury, which selected the 2011 winners, is composed of an international panel of top property experts and chaired by Dr. Ngee Huat Seek, Board Director of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) Real Estate, Singapore.

 

8 Nov

The Who’s Who List: Singapore’s Top Property Tycoons

As Singapore property prices remain resilient even in the face of the government’s recent string of cooling measures and the Eurozone’s uncertain financial future, Singapore’s property tycoons maintain a firm grip on their positions on the top of the list of Singapore’s Richest Tycoons. While their names may not immediately ring a bell, you would definitely have heard of the companies they own, and very likely would have been one of their customers at some point:

1) The “King of Orchard Road”

Shopaholics who brave the crowds on Orchard road every weekend to stock up on the latest fashion trends have the Ng family to thank. As founder of Far East Organization and developer of over 700 malls, condominiums and hotels, including Orchard Central and Fullerton Hotel,  the Ng family’s property empire stretches across the South China Sea all the way to Hong Kong, where the family owns Hong Kong Sino Group. Skyline Tower, a commercial building, also recently received The Green Building Award in 2010 for its all-round green designs and environmentally-friendly management team.

2) Founder of Little India’s Mustafa Center

Little India’s Mustafa Center may be the closest thing Singapore has to a Walmart in the USA. The mega-mall, known for its low prices, sells everything from clothes, perfume, jewelry to fresh meat and fruit, and is the only retailer of its size open 24-hours, 365 days a week in Singapore. Mustafa Center was founded by its Indian owner, Mustaq Ahmad in 1971, whose name now makes a regular appearance on the list of Singapore’s richest businessmen.

3) British Luxury-Fashion House Stock Owners

Thanks to the growing international demand for high-end luxury fashion, the stock of British fashion company, Mulberry, has been on the rise, further boosting the wealth of Malaysian couple Beng Seng and Christina Ong. Other than their large stake in the high-fashion business, the couple are also owners of Hotel Properties Ltd (listed as HPL in the Singapore Stock Exchange), whose portfolio includes 19 luxury hotels in the region. More recently, Mr Ong was credited with being the key person involved for successfully bringing the F1 night race to Singapore.

4) Developer of Sentosa’s 6-Star Hotel

The list of the Kwee brother’s properties read like they are straight of out Singapore’s “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous”: the Ritz-Carlton, Regent, Conrad Centennial, 2 office towers at Marina Bay, and more recently, the new 6-star hotel on Sentosa, the Capella, with a fully-restored former colonial building serving as its main architectural centerpiece. To top up their list of achievements, Kwee Liong Keng, the eldest brother in the family, even has an ambassadorship to his name.

5) Singapore’s Donald Trump

Ask any ambitious young banker you know who they aspire to be, and chances are the first name that rolls off their lips would be Wee Cho Yaw, the current Chairman of UOB. The banking giant was founded by his father, Wee Kheng Chiang. Next in line to take over the family business is his son, Wee Ee Chong, who currently serves as the CEO of UOB. Wee Cho Yaw also has a hand in the property business, with holdings in UOL group, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, United Industrial Corporation, and Singapore Land and its subsidiary, Marina Centre Holdings.

6) A Kiwi In Singapore

Richard Chandler may have been born in New Zealand, a country the butt of many Kiwi sheep jokes, but his fortune in Hong Kong real estate is definitely no laughing matter. Originally focused on Hong Kong real estate, and now based in Singapore, his investment holdings also include Latin American treasuries, telecommunications firms and utilities, and more currently, a heavy stake in Sino-Forest, the Chinese forestry company.

3 Nov

iProperty Group launches CommercialAsia.com

Spearheaded by the iProperty Group, CommercialAsia.com will have over 150,000 listings and value-added services, including researches, reports and access to property experts

Shaun Di Gregorio at launch of CommercialAsia.com

Region-wide cooling measures by the government on the residential property sector and the rising yield in the commercial sector has prompted the launch of CommercialAsia.com, the region’s first comprehensive website dedicated to commercial and industrial properties across Asia-Pacific. The new website has the largest database of commercial and industrial property listings in the region with over 150,000 current listings, a figure expected to grow to over 500,000 by the end of 2012.

The growth potential of the commercial and industrial sector is expected to be in the range of 5% to 10% for 2012. More investors are looking into commercial and industrial property due to the lower cost and the higher return on investment and they may make 4% to 8% yields renting their premises.  If an investor were to have invested in one light industrial cum office building 4 to 5 years ago, the investor will see a yield of 18% to 23% return.[i]

Spearheaded by The iProperty group, currently Asia’s leading online property portal, which reaches out to 3.5million unique visitors and 25,000 real estate agents per month, the launch of CommerialAsia.com is timed in anticipation of the market trend. The Group, famed for its innovation, has also achieved number one status in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia. The company analysed property searches and data from Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia over the last year to ascertain the level of interest in the commercial and industrial property industry.

Shaun Di Gregorio, CEO of The iProperty Group, said: “The iProperty Group’s data across Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia between 2010 and 2011 shows an upward trend in searches for commercial property. With the government introducing cooling measures across Asia-Pacific and the fear of possible recession in USA and Europe and assumption of that impacting Asia-Pacific, the residential sector is softening as investors adopt a ‘wait-and-see approach’. On the other hand, in the commercial and industrial sector, which is rarely governed by restrictive policies and has seen high yields maintained, there has been a steady gain in interest. The office sector is hot. There is shift in individual investors from residential to commercial and this number will increase. In India for example, the office yields are at 11% and the retail yields are at 13%. It makes the commercial and industrial sector especially exciting right now!”

CommercialAsia.com will help business owners and business managers make informed decisions more efficiently by providing them with an easy and convenient platform to locate business spaces across Asia-Pacific and by providing vital research and reports. It is the only website that provides a comprehensive list of office, industrial and retail properties across multiple sub-categories and countries. It also features special functions such as a currency converter and a robust search engine.

Following the launch of CommerialAsia.com, customers can continue to look forward to innovations and developments including translation services, a wealth of information on current trends and research, a directory of property agents and owners, pricing trends as well as a dedicated trade forum to reach out to property experts. A series of upcoming advancements in the portal will provide the commercial and industrial industry with the best tool to promote their properties across Asia-Pacific and will ensure that consumers benefit from the best search experience.

These enhanced services will be made possible by strategic partnerships with leading names in the sector, including LJ Hooker, Ray International Real Estate Group, Centaline Commercial, PropNex, Orange Tee, PropertyBank.

Mr Raymond Chow, CEO of Ray International Real Estate Group, said, “When arranging a partnership it is important to share a vision. The iProperty Group is not just in Singapore, it is global and as we all know, the commercial segment is in every country and is needed by everyone to run their business. To have a platform called ‘CommercialAsia’ shows that it is not just for Singapore but for Asia!”

Mr Di Gregorio said, “Given the growth in the industry, there is really a need for a single platform for the commercial and industrial property sector where potential investors can search for property, but also be able to make sense of trends and property news across Asia-Pacific. Being able to find everything they need in one place will certainly help them make more informed decisions.”

CommercialAsia.com is run by the The iProperty Group, Asia’s No.1 property group. For more information, visit www.commercialasia.com.

[i] Source: Ray International

28 Oct

Your Must-Read List: Singapore’s Top-Selling Property Investment Books

While many may now shun old-fashioned books in favor of the instant gratification the internet provides, books still remain as top conversation topics even in modern times. If Harry Potter is the first thing that comes to mind, but you’re not sure if that answer would impress, consider heading to your nearest bookstore to pick up of a copy of one of Singapore’s best-selling property books, and never be stumped again for an answer the next time someone wants to know what books you have read recently.

1) The Ultimate Guide To Real Estate Investment In Singapore (2011) by Mr Ismail Gafoor

When it comes to big-names in the Singapore property industry, Mr Ismail Gafoor, as CEO of PropNex, the largest real estate agency in Singapore, is second to none. His book provides a check-list on the various questions investors should ask themselves, ranging from whether choosing a resale or direct HDB purchase makes better financial sense, to whether an HDB flat still makes a better choice even for those who can afford private property. With advice coming straight from the mouth of a top real estate leader, it’s hard to go wrong with this book.

2) How You Can Become a Multi-Millionaire Real Estate Investor! (2008) by Milan Doshi

Although written more than 3 years ago, “How You Can Become a Multi-Millionaire Real Estate Investor!” still provides advice relevant to today, such as tips on how first-time investors can make sure they approach their investment from an unemotional angle, accurately accessing the fair or lower-than-market price and doing essential due diligence including making sure that buyers hire an assessor for older properties. A good starter book for those just beginning to get their feet wet in property investment.

3) Mortgage and Grow Rich (2011) by Alfred Chia

With the recent government cooling measures reducing the LTV (loan to value) from a previous 80% to now 60% for 2nd properties, knowing what financing strategies are available in today’s mortgage market becomes even more critical for the investor looking to minimize his or her level of risk exposure. Some of the key concepts that Mr Chia, the CEO of SingCapital, a financial services firm covers in this book include the various types of property loans available, including HDB concessionary loans, fixed and variable rate loans, as well as more general topics such as how to improve your credit rating with CBS (Credit Bureau Singapore). Reading this book may shed some light on some of the surprising reasons why your recent mortgage application was approved or declined.

4) Manic! (2004) by Andy Ong

Those familiar with the local business education industry would no doubt have heard of Mr Andy Ong, the CEO of ERC (Entrepreneur’s Resource Centre) Holdings, most well known for making his first million by the age of 26 through a series of astute property investments. Mr Andy Ong’s other publications include Singapore’s only financial planning textbook, “A Singapore Guide to Personal Financial Planning” (1999), but “Manic!” is his most recent publication providing tips on investing in Singapore property. He also currently runs a number of investor training sessions at his River Valley Road training centre, with single-day to week-long sessions available, with course fees ranging from several hundreds to thousands of dollars. If that sounds a little too steep for you, picking up a copy of one of his books is also a (much) cheaper way to learn from one of the pros in the property investment business.

27 Oct

Top 9 Questions to ask your Property Investment Consultant

With a demanding work schedule and family commitments taking up most of your free time, you probably have left all aspects of your financial planning to your wealth manager, and trusted him or her to make the best decisions on how to invest your hard-earned savings.

Many investors are taking large losses with the stock markets in decline in recent years, and many have become more reluctant to put their trust in their existing financial advisors. Investors are looking to leave their advisors altogether to find a professional who is able to help them move gradually away from stocks into safer longer term assets, such as property investments.

So how does a wary investor make sure the new investment consultant they find is reliable, and is an expert in what he is doing? Here are some of the qualities you should be looking for when interviewing a new investment consultant:

1) Property Industry Experience

Generally speaking, the more years of experience an investment consultant has in the field, the more likely he has handled a wide range of investment properties and is able to better advise you based off his analysis of current market conditions in line with your individual financial standing.

2) Specialized Property Investment Knowledge

Should you be looking to invest in a specific property investment type, such as a REIT, fractional ownership share, or overseas property, also look for a property consultant that has specific experience in this field. It is even better if the investment consultant has he himself put his money where his mouth is, and has personally invested his funds into his area of practice.

3) Client Testimonials

It is also helpful to ask for references from clients that the property consultant has helped before in the past. However, don’t entirely depend on only glowing testimonials from clients who have made a bundle from the boom in the Singapore property market in the last several years, as you want a property investment consultant who is able to perform well in both good and bad times.

4) Investment Consultant Public Record

Under the new Real Estate Agent Act, investors may now go online to the CEA (Council for Estate Agents) website to check the property consultant’s public record, and find out if their consultant is a licensed estate agent, a registered salesperson, or has had disciplinary action taken against him by the CEA.

Clearer and stricter guidelines have been put in place by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) in June this year.

5) Due Diligence

Although property investment consultants are considered to be experts in their field, there have been cases in Singapore where even the investment consultant himself became a victim of a scam, due to his failure to verify the existence of a property, and implicating his clients in the process. Make sure your property investment consultant has done his due diligence, and has checked on the protection of bank accounts to which money is wired to.

6) Investment Performance

As they always say, past performance is the best indicator of future success. Check with the property consultant you are interviewing to find out how he made recommendations to his clients during periods of boom, and just as important, during a recession, to find out how he handles difficult situations.

7) Conflict of Interests

As a number of investment consultants may get a higher percentage commission direct from certain developers, they may push you toward a very small range of property investments, which may not necessarily be a good fit for your investment portfolio and in your best interests. Hence, ask your property consultant what kind of commission structure he is working under, and if he can recommend a property not within his package.

8 ) Black and White

As we know, verbal agreements often do not hold up in a court of law, ,making it even more important to have it written in black in white the agreement on the commissions you have agreed to pay.

9) Shop Around

Just as you would definitely not pick the first wedding dress you set your eyes on without looking around elsewhere first, you should also not rush into committing to a property investment consultant without speaking to others first. With the large amounts of money involved, you would also be well advised to also speak to your accountant and lawyer to find out their opinion on the financial implications of an property investment purchase.

 

 

Visit the iProperty.com EXPO on 29 and 30 October at the Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Expo & Convention Centre Hall A, from 10am to 7pm.

Proudly presented by Singapore’s Number 1 Property Website, iProperty.com.sg

25 Oct

iProperty.com EXPO returns with exciting property investment opportunities in Singapore & abroad

Free events for investors and agents to share tips and knowledge

iProperty.com Singapore, the country’s No.1 property website, and part of the iProperty Group, the No.1 online property network across Asia, proudly presents its 3rd signature iProperty.com EXPO International Collection. Held from 29 and 30 October 2011 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands, the iProperty.com EXPO International Collection will be featuring prominent international properties, the most prestigious property brands, real estate experts and property buyers in Singapore under one roof.

Come October, property investors and agents from around the region and beyond will stand to benefit from a host of insightful seminars featuring renown international property leaders who will share valuable tips in investing wisely, advice on buying overseas property and more. There are also exciting booths showcasing the latest property developments in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA, Thailand, Philippines, India and Japan.

“iProperty.com has always stayed on the pulse of economic and market developments that shape and impact the real estate industry. Globally, financial risks and economic uncertainties loom over the fate of the investing public, and this includes property buyers and agents in the region. With this edition of the iProperty.com EXPO, we aim to help the property investing community identify unique risks and opportunities, and share various skills that will be advantageous in making the most of these tumultuous times,” says Shaun Di Gregorio, iProperty Group CEO.

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

• Gathering of renowned industry leaders such as Mohammed Ismail Gafoor (PropNex Realty), Eric Cheng (ECG Group of Companies), Patrick Liew (HSR Global Ltd) and Danny Goh (MCT Group of Companies).

Agent Seminar at iProperty.com EXPO - Book Your Seats Now

• Leading international brands will also be present at the expo, such as

- A Nexus Global, DWG and ECG Holdings from Singapore. A Nexus Global will be showcasing a host of properties in Australia that are expected to give a net rental yield 15% to 25% per annum.

- IOI Properties, Horizon Hills and Sunway City from Malaysia. Winner of the coveted BCI Asia Top 10 Developers Award 2011, IOI Properties will be giving visitors a sneak peek of their upcoming Bandar Putera project.

- Apollo Asset and Matrix Iguana from Thailand. Visitors should not miss Matrix Iguana’s Vision Pattaya project, which promises guaranteed rental return of 8% for 2 years.

- Central Equity & SMATS from Australia. Get a leg into the Australian property market – Central Equity shows how to save up to A$47,000 in stamp duty on various Australian properties.

- OZ Property from United Kingdom. Investors will get a sneak peek at a wide range of affordable investment options in the UK starting at £3,750, with guaranteed rental yields and exit strategy.

Free Property Investment Seminars on Oct 29, Saturday

In addition, 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 of Singapore.

With the depth and breadth of the US and Euro crises, there is widespread panic among property investors on their impact on the property market. Kelvin Fong, CEO and Chief Trainer of Zest Academy Group, will draw on his previous successes during the worldwide recession in 2008 and impart strategies in spotting prime property below market value as a way to maximise rental yield. Through this seminar, investors will learn how to multiply profits even during the bleakest of times.

Free Property Investment Seminars on Oct 30 Sunday

Understanding and making full use of the power of leverage is an essential skill that both property investors and agents should possess. Alfred Chia, CEO of SingCapital, will share various property financing strategies to help property investors maximise their portfolios.

Learn a trick or two on how to source and maintain the perfect property, using Feng Shui applications from Joey Yap, founder of Joey Yap Consulting Group. Joey will share Feng Shui trade secrets to improve property sales, as well as tips on identifying internal positive and negative forms that can impact the living conditions and investment value of the property.

Closer to home, Malaysian properties have always been a popular model for Singapore investors to grow their portfolio, owing to surge of real estate developments in the country. Property investors and agents can learn from Danny Goh, Executive Director of MCT Group of Companies, on the ins and outs of buying Malaysian properties.

The iProperty.com EXPO International Collection will take place over the weekend on 29 and 30 October 2011 at Hall A, of the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands, from 11am to 7pm. For more information and to register for the iProperty.com EXPO International Collection, please visit http://www.iProperty.com/EXPO.

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