Prominent banker killed over bad property deals
An initial investigation into the murder of Hussain Ahmad Najadi (pictured), founder of the Arab-Malaysian Development Bank, revealed that it was due to property deals that have gone awry, noted Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Mohmad Salleh.But those who ordered the hitmen to kill the 75-year-old...
Continue Reading • 31 Jul 2013
Gilstead Court en bloc sale faces objections
The en bloc sale of Gilstead Court (pictured) in Newton may not proceed as five owners have filed an objection with the Strata Titles Board (STB).The freehold condominium was sold for S$150.2 million to Tuan Sing Holdings on 17 June, after 43 owners consented to the sale, enough to achieve the 80...
Continue Reading • 31 Jul 2013
Bungalow at White House Park up for auction
A good class bungalow (GCB) at No.24 White House Park in District 10 will go on sale through a public auction on 27 August at Amara Hotel, according to marketing agent DTZ. The 17,151 sq ft freehold site is located within an established GCB area and currently features a two-storey bungalow with a...
Continue Reading • 31 Jul 2013
DBS product guards against interest rates rise
To help safeguard home buyers against rising interest rates and higher monthly instalments, DBS Bank has unveiled a first-of-its-kind mortgage insurance called DBS Interest Guard. The product is an add-on for new and existing mortgages pegged at the Singapore Interbank Rate (SIBOR), which follows...
Continue Reading • 31 Jul 2013
Mega construction event kicks off
As part of a series of events held during the Singapore Construction Productivity Week, the inaugural Architecture and Built Environment 2013 opened its doors today at the Singapore Expo Hall 4. Catering to the construction industry, the tradeshow runs till 2 August and showcases 180 exhibitors...
Continue Reading • 31 Jul 2013
New construction standards pushed to Sept
After consultations with industry players, Singapore's Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has pushed back the implementation of new construction standards to September, previously scheduled for this month.The higher standards will be implemented on 1 September, BCA said. Although its...
Continue Reading • 30 Jul 2013
Malaysia, Taiwan may tighten tax rules
Malaysia may increase its real property gains tax (RPGT) and tighten financing, after speculation in the property market caused prices to soar beyond the reach of the middle class, hinted Housing Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan.This comes amid ongoing media reports about the country's urban housing...
Continue Reading • 30 Jul 2013
Soilbuild to build luxury condo in Yangon
Singapore-based developer Soilbuild Group Holdings has signed a joint venture agreement to develop a luxury condominium in Yangon, media reports said.This is believed to be the company’s first overseas property project and it plans to sell apartments at the 250-unit condominium at US$300...
Continue Reading • 30 Jul 2013
More condo units returned in 2013
The number of Singapore buyers choosing to return their private property units has been rising throughout 2013, although there seems to be a variety of reasons why people opt to forfeit 1.25 percent of the purchase price.Last month saw 97 units returned to developers according to published data...
Continue Reading • 30 Jul 2013
Caution urged over buying overseas properties
Banking on Singaporeans' strong interest for property, foreign developers are actively promoting their projects here in the hopes of boosting sales, but analysts are reminding buyers to be cautious.At a recent property showcase at the Singapore Expo, several overseas projects and land sites in...
Continue Reading • 30 Jul 2013
Central region home prices fall after recent spikes
The NUS Singapore Residential Price Index (SRPI) for the Central Region fell 1.5 percent in June to 150.0 (excluding small units), putting an end to a rise for three consecutive months.Overall, the private residential index which tracks prices of completed non-landed private homes excluding...
Continue Reading • 30 Jul 2013
Housing supply remains a concern: report
With around 10,300 private residential units expected to enter the property market, oversupply will likely remain a key concern as vacancy rates move up over the remaining half of 2013. According to a report from wealth management firm Religare, new project completions will consistently rise...
Continue Reading • 30 Jul 2013
Prime London home prices 60% above financial crisis levels
Contrary to previous forecasts of minimal growth, luxury residential values in central London are expected to move up by six percent in 2013, according to Knight Frank LLP.“Further weakening in sterling in the first half of the year helped to boost overseas interest and domestic demand has...
Continue Reading • 29 Jul 2013
Aussie home comes with helicopter hangar
A four-bedroom house in Queensland not only has a unique 'triangular' appearance, but it also comes with its own helicopter hangar (pictured).Designed by Sunshine Coast designer Chris Clout, the Airlie Beach house is ironically located in Aviation Estate, the site of an old airport, media reports...
Continue Reading • 29 Jul 2013
S'pore targets hike in construction productivity
Assuming the volume of construction work remains unchanged, Singapore’s construction sector could see a 20 to 30 percent reduction in its workforce by 2020 if there is a similar increase in productivity, noted the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).This means it is a good time for...
Continue Reading • 29 Jul 2013
Housing market faces headwinds: CapitaLand
The private property market could face some headwinds over the next few months, with sales volumes and housing prices moderating a little, said property giant CapitaLand.“Prices and sales volume of Singapore residential property are expected to moderate as the cumulative impact of the...
Continue Reading • 29 Jul 2013
EC demand will soar, says SLP
The executive condominium (EC) market is expected to heat up due to a number of factors including the 'unintended effects' of skyrocketing private property prices, latest government policy and supply concerns, according to SLP International.Demand for such homes will increase as prices of private...
Continue Reading • 29 Jul 2013
CapitaLand posts strong first-half income
Property giant CapitaLand reported a 10.1 percent year-on-year gain in its Profit After Tax and Minority Interests (PATMI) to S$571.3 million in 1H2013, supported by higher operating profits.The first-half PATMI could have increased 15.4 percent to S$599 million, if the one-time losses of S$27.7...
Continue Reading • 26 Jul 2013
Japan to build $1.2m Olympic complex
Ahead of the 2020 Olympics, Tokyo has unveiled plans to build an Olympic Village to house participating athletes. The move is expected to benefit several developers.“It would have quite a positive impact for the construction and the real estate market,” said Yoji Otani, Tokyo-based...
Continue Reading • 26 Jul 2013
UK market expert to share insights this weekend
Singaporean property buyers and investors will be able to learn valuable insights and information about the U.K. property market from one of the country’s most knowledgeable and well-known experts.Stuart Law, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Assetz Group, will be answering...
Continue Reading • 26 Jul 2013