Top Health Benefits of Owning an Apartment by the Sea

August 22, 2024May 21, 2024 by support

Top Health Benefits of Owning an Apartment by the Sea

If you’re looking for a way to improve your mental and physical health, consider moving to an apartment by the sea. People who live closer to the ocean have higher levels of mental and physical health overall! Beachfront living has been shown to have many benefits, including reducing stress levels, improving moods, and increasing levels of exercise. If you’re looking for a new place to call home, consider living in an apartment by the sea – you won’t regret it!

Research on the Benefits of Living by the Sea

It was only recently that the benefits of living by the sea have started to be researched and understood. A recent 2024 study conducted for “BlueHealth & Sciences” showed that people are happier and healthier the closer they live to large bodies of water. They go one step further and show that while living near any body of water is beneficial, oceanfront living has the highest benefits of all.

Health Benefits of Living in an Apartment by the Sea

Reduced Stress Levels Living in a constant state of stress is not only challenging for us and those around us, but it also takes a physical toll on your body. One of the main benefits of beachfront living is that it can help to reduce these stress levels. If you have ever taken a vacation on the beach, you know just how calming the ocean can be. The sound of crashing waves, the smell of saltwater, and the gentle breeze all help to ease your mind.

Increased Exercise Levels Living by the sea can also encourage you to increase your exercise routines. According to the study, those who live within 1km of the shore are more active than those who don’t. When you live close to the ocean, you are more likely to go for walks along the shore, take a quick dip in the ocean, or go swimming. This extra exercise is great for your physical health and in turn, helps to improve your mental health.

Increased Social Interaction Living in an apartment by the sea can even help with your social life. One reason for this is that when you live close to the ocean, you are surrounded by social opportunities. Oceanfront living is a great environment to meet new people and make friends as they are often hubs for social gatherings and other events.

Improved Mental Health All of these benefits add up to improved mental health. Lower levels of stress, more physical activity, and greater social interaction all work together to lift your mood. You don’t even have to get in the water or go for a bike ride. Studies have shown that simply seeing the ocean every day can help improve mood.

The Perfect Environment for Well-Being

The ocean doesn’t have magical healing powers (that we know of yet), but it does create the perfect environment for people to thrive. In a world that seems to operate in a constant state of stress and pressure, we could all use a quiet apartment by the sea. So, what are you waiting for? Start your move to a luxury beachfront apartment and experience the benefits for yourself! You’ll be glad you did. Trust us – oceanfront living is the secret to health and happiness.

Luxury Condominiums in Singapore, Korea, and Sydney

Whether in Singapore, South Korea, or Sydney, luxury condominiums by the sea are becoming increasingly popular among investors. In Singapore, the upcoming freehold sea view condo, Meyer Blue, located in District 15 of the East Coast, is a prime example of a lucrative investment. This development offers unparalleled views and luxurious amenities, making it highly desirable among investors looking for stable and appreciating assets. Visit the meyer blue show gallery for an early preview of the development. Similarly, high-end condominiums in Seoul and Sydney are experiencing increased interest due to their strategic locations, robust infrastructure, and strong economic fundamentals.

Imagine how special owning a luxury beachfront apartment could be for you and your family. The benefits to your health and well-being are significant, and the investment potential is immense. Start your journey to oceanfront living today and reap the rewards of a healthier, happier life.

Hines Research Reveals Key Real Estate Opportunities in Asia

August 22, 2024May 21, 2024 by support

Hines Research Reveals Key Real Estate Opportunities in Asia

Hines, a global real estate investment manager, has unveiled its latest research paper, “Why Asia Now.” The study reveals that allocating to developed Asia real estate can significantly boost risk-adjusted returns and mitigate downside volatility for global institutional investors, even when factoring in currency effects.

Positive Growth Outlook and Depth of Opportunities

Hines’ proprietary research underscores Asia’s promising growth outlook and the region’s extensive opportunities across various asset classes. The study identifies key entry points where Asia currently presents attractive investment potential.

“Fundamentals in Asia are pointing in a positive direction,” said Chiang Ling Ng, Chief Investment Officer, Asia at Hines. “Due to the region’s secular growth trends and unique market dynamics, we see Asia poised to generate a spectrum of opportunities.”

Diverse Investment Prospects

The region’s real estate investment prospects include core-plus and value-add opportunities in office, residential, industrial, logistics, and retail sectors. These opportunities are driven by Asia’s population growth and robust labor markets. Additionally, the region’s real estate market is expected to benefit from higher inflation, given the historical correlation between inflation and rental growth.

Self-Reliant Economies and Robust Growth

The study highlights that economies in Asia are becoming increasingly self-reliant, intra-regionally driven, and wealthier. The region is projected to grow at double the rate of the United States and Europe annually over the coming years.

“You can call Asia the ‘growth stock’ in a global real estate market portfolio,” said Tim Jowett, Head of Research, Asia at Hines. “As the region continues to grow and urbanize, we project its total value and share of investible real estate to also grow, reaching a point where Asia comprises the largest share globally. This will help create tremendous opportunities for investors. So, we’re very optimistic about Asia.”

Intra-Regional Diversification

Intra-regional diversification supports a more stable return profile due to the significant differences in monetary policies, interest rates, and real estate fundamentals across Asia. This lack of high correlation among individual markets allows investors to benefit from diversification.

Rising Investment in Luxury Condominiums

Luxury condominiums in key cities like Singapore, South Korea, and Sydney are emerging as attractive investment opportunities. These markets are driven by high demand from both domestic and international buyers seeking prime locations and high-quality living environments. The rise in affluent populations, coupled with limited supply of luxury properties, has resulted in strong capital appreciation and rental yields.

For instance, the upcoming Meyer Blue, a freehold sea view condo in Singapore’s District 15, is a prime example of a lucrative investment. This development offers unparalleled views and luxurious amenities, making it highly desirable among investors looking for stable and appreciating assets. Similarly, high-end condominiums in Seoul and Sydney are experiencing increased interest due to their strategic locations, robust infrastructure, and strong economic fundamentals.

Local Expertise for Capturing Opportunities

“With Asia’s diversity comes a deep but complex set of opportunities,” said Ng. “Capturing them requires local expertise to identify the right real estate, access attractive deals, and create value at the individual asset level.”

Conclusion

The “Why Asia Now” research paper is available for download on the Hines website. It provides a comprehensive analysis of why Asia presents compelling opportunities for global investors and offers a detailed roadmap for navigating this dynamic market.

Navigating Asia Pacific Real Estate: Key Trends and Insights for 2024

August 22, 2024May 21, 2024 by support

Navigating Asia Pacific Real Estate: Key Trends and Insights for 2024

The real estate market in the Asia Pacific region is undergoing significant transformation as we head into 2024. Property investors are adapting to new realities shaped by higher interest rates, evolving market preferences, and increased focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. The “Emerging Trends in Real Estate Asia Pacific 2024” report provides crucial insights into these changes, highlighting the key themes that investors need to consider for successful investment strategies.

Shift from Traditional to Alternative Assets

One of the most notable trends is the shift from traditional assets like office and retail properties to alternative assets such as multifamily housing, logistics, data centers, and life sciences. Traditional assets are losing their appeal due to the rise in interest rates and the changing demand for office spaces in the post-pandemic world. For instance, investment in logistics properties has surged, particularly in Japan and Australia, driven by the development of new industrial facilities and the strong demand for modern logistics infrastructure.

Impact of High Interest Rates

High interest rates are reshaping investment strategies, causing a slowdown in transactions and making debt-financed deals less attractive. The report indicates that refinancing issues are becoming a significant concern, affecting both new deals and existing property owners. The widening bid-ask spread in industrial properties reflects investor caution and the challenges posed by the current economic environment.

Emphasis on ESG Considerations

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are increasingly influencing investment decisions. Properties that fail to meet baseline environmental standards risk being discounted by the market. Markets like Australia, Singapore, and Japan are leading the way in ESG awareness and adaptation, highlighting the growing importance of energy intensity and environmental compliance in property valuations.

Shifting Regional Investment Preferences

Regional investment preferences are also shifting. Japan continues to be a top destination for cross-border investors due to its low cost of capital, with Tokyo and Osaka highly favored for multifamily projects. In contrast, foreign investors are largely avoiding Chinese properties due to geopolitical tensions and domestic economic issues. Despite recent declines in transactions, Australian core assets remain a significant focus due to high rental growth prospects. In Singapore, high-end properties like the Meyer Blue condominium in District 15 of the East Coast are drawing attention for their prime locations and potential for significant returns.

Operational Challenges and Innovations

The pivot to alternative assets brings its own set of operational challenges. Managing specialized properties like data centers and logistics facilities requires expertise that many investors currently lack. Large funds are increasingly importing best-in-class know-how from other markets to address this gap and gain a competitive edge. This trend underscores the need for investors to develop or acquire the necessary skills to manage the operational components of these assets effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Asia Pacific real estate market is at a crossroads, with investors navigating a complex landscape marked by higher interest rates, evolving market preferences, and a heightened focus on ESG factors.

Hong Kong and Singapore Retail Markets Rebound, but Singapore May Prevail Long-Term

August 22, 2024May 20, 2024 by support

Hong Kong and Singapore Retail Markets Rebound, but Singapore May Prevail Long-Term

Residents in Hong Kong and Singapore are shopping and dining across borders to take advantage of cheaper prices Hongkongers in Shenzhen and Singaporeans in Johor Bahru. This trend, called retail leakage, is expected to continue, impacting both cities’ retail sectors.

Hong Kong vs. Singapore Retail Rents: Retail rents rose faster in Hong Kong than in Singapore in the first quarter of 2024. Hong Kong’s high street shop rents increased by 1.7%, and prime shopping centers saw a 0.7% rise. In contrast, Singapore’s prime area rents inched up by 0.6%.

Tourism and Spending Patterns: Hong Kong’s tourism hasn’t fully recovered, with a government forecast targeting 46 million visitors in 2024, only 70% of the record 65 million in 2018. Estimated spending per overnight visitor is expected to drop by 16.4% to HK$5,800 (US$743). In 2023, Hongkongers made over 35 million digital transactions worth about 8.6 billion yuan (US$1.2 billion) in Shenzhen, a 70% increase from 2022. This trend extends to Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Zhongshan, where goods and services are much cheaper than in Hong Kong.

Singapore’s Advantage: Singapore, on the other hand, benefits from rising tourism and the affluence of Southeast Asian countries. Singaporeans have been driving to Johor Bahru for cheaper petrol and shopping since the 1980s. The strength of the Singaporean dollar against the Malaysian ringgit makes shopping in Johor Bahru very attractive, with prices about 30% lower than in Singapore. This trend is likely to continue with new malls and a rail link between Woodland in Singapore and Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru opening in 2026.

East Coast District 15 and Meyer Blue Condo: One notable area in Singapore that is attracting interest is District 15, particularly the East Coast. This region is known for its luxurious residential properties and vibrant lifestyle. The upcoming freehold Meyer Blue Condominium is a significant development in this area. Set to redefine luxury living, Meyer Blue offers breathtaking sea and city views, and its prime location ensures easy access to amenities and the Central Business District (CBD). This development is poised to be a prime choice for both homebuyers and investors looking for upscale residences in a highly sought-after area.

Future Outlook: Analysts believe that Singapore’s retail sector will remain strong, supported by increasing tourism that isn’t solely dependent on China. High-profile events like concerts are drawing regional tourists to Singapore, further boosting retail sales. Singapore’s visitor numbers in 2024 are expected to approach the 19 million seen in 2019, bolstering the retail market.

In conclusion, while Hong Kong faces challenges from cross-border shopping, Singapore’s diversified tourism and strong currency position it for long-term retail growth. With developments like Meyer Blue in District 15, the city-state continues to offer attractive opportunities for both retail and residential investments.

Singapore’s Luxury Housing Market in Flux and Opportunities for Smart Buyers

August 22, 2024May 20, 2024 by support

Singapore's Luxury Housing Market in Flux and Opportunities for Smart Buyers

The luxury housing market in Singapore has been fluctuating since the government doubled the stamp duty for many foreign buyers last April. Despite high real estate prices, this market shift offers opportunities for savvy investors.

In April 2023, Singapore increased the stamp duty for foreign buyers from 30% to 60%, and by 3% to 5% for secondary property purchases. This Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) may cause foreign buyers and investors to wait, especially if they are pursuing citizenship or permanent residency, which lowers the ABSD to 5% for their first home purchase. Despite cautious buying, prices have remained firm with fewer transactions. In 2023, prices in the Core Central Region, including the Central Business District (CBD), Marina Bay, and postal districts 9, 10, 11, and Sentosa Cove, rose by 1.9%, and early 2024 estimates show a 3.1% increase. The disparity in pricing expectations between buyers and sellers is affecting sales, with transactions for Good Class Bungalows a type of luxury single-family house dropping to 23, the lowest since 1996, and sales of luxury condos and apartments worth at least S$5 million also declining from 458 units in 2022 to 383 in 2023. Despite this, there is still interest in attractive projects like Watten House, a freehold low-rise condo in Bukit Timah, which saw increased luxury sales in the last quarter of 2024.

Prime Areas for Luxury Property Deals

Sentosa Cove and Postal District 4

Sentosa Cove, a gated community about 20 minutes from the CBD, is a luxury residential zone on Sentosa Island. It offers 24-hour security, manicured gardens, and a tranquil sea view environment. Foreign buyers can purchase terrace houses and villas here, which are restricted on the main island. Villas typically have four or more en-suite bedrooms, spanning 7,000 to 10,000 square feet with land areas around 8,000 square feet, selling between S$14 million and S$20 million. Apartments are spacious and often more affordable than those in prime districts on the main island, attracting expatriates and families.

Luxury condos within Sentosa Cove sold for S$5.5 million to S$6.1 million for units around 2,500 square feet, and larger units up to 5,000 square feet sold for S$8 million to S$11 million from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024. Bungalows ranged from S$13.7 million to S$36.5 million.

Postal District 4, including Harbourfront and Telok Blangah, offers competitive prices for quality waterfront or near-waterfront condos. Developments like Caribbean at Keppel Bay, Corals at Keppel Bay, and Reflections at Keppel Bay sold units around 2,500 square feet for S$4.5 million to S$4.9 million in 2023.

Core Central Region (CCR) and Central Business District (CBD)

The Core Central Region includes prestigious addresses like Orchard Road and Boat Quay. In 2023, half of the condo and apartment transactions in the CBD were between S$2 million and S$5 million. Some projects are offering special discounts as they approach ABSD remission deadlines, like Cuscaden Reserve, which saw significant sales at attractive prices in March 2024.

Resale homes in the CCR are often 30% to 35% cheaper than new projects. The CBD, known for its corporate and financial hubs, is also becoming a luxury residential area with mixed-use developments. Some units in the CBD sold for nearly 50% less in early 2024 compared to 2023. Despite high prices, developers may be open to negotiation due to subdued buying sentiment.

Singapore Marine Parade/ East Coast (District 15)

The East Coast, particularly District 15, is becoming a hotspot for luxury properties. Notably, the upcoming freehold Meyer Blue condominium in District 15 East Coast is generating interest among investors. This area offers a unique blend of city living with coastal charm, making it an attractive option for those looking for both convenience and a serene environment. With its proximity to the city and a range of amenities, Meyer Blue is set to be a prime choice for luxury buyers.

By exploring these four key areas, including the upcoming freehold Meyer Blue condominium in District 15 East Coast, savvy investors can find potential luxury property deals in Singapore’s evolving market.

New Peaks in Singapore’s Property Market: One Bernam and Beyond

August 22, 2024April 1, 2024 by support

New Peaks in Singapore's Property Market: One Bernam and Beyond

One Bernam, a mixed-use development in Tanjong Pagar, set a new price record, selling a one-bedroom apartment for $1.55 million, or $3,344 per square foot (psf), on March 9, 2024. This sale surpassed the previous record of $3,340 psf for a similar unit in the development, highlighting the continued demand for premium residential spaces in Singapore. The 99-year leasehold project includes 351 residential units, retail space, and serviced apartments, with a significant portion already sold at an average price of $2,544 psf.

Meanwhile, Meyer Blue, a notable freehold development in District 15, underscores the appeal of the East Coast with its strategic location at Meyer Road. Offering seamless connectivity, Meyer Blue is within walking distance to Katong Park and Tanjong Katong MRT stations, facilitating easy access across Singapore. Its proximity to esteemed educational institutions like Eton House International Schools and nearby amenities such as Makena’s Mart and East Coast Family Clinic enriches the living experience for residents, particularly young families and couples.

The Sea View, another freehold condominium in District 15, achieved a new high in its price per square foot, with a three-bedroom apartment selling for $3.69 million or $2,617 psf. This transaction represents a substantial profit for the seller, who originally purchased the unit in 2011 for $2.18 million. Similarly, Adam Park Condominium also saw a record sale, with a two-bedroom unit fetching $1.95 million or $2,035 psf, marking a significant milestone for the property since its completion in 2004.

One Holland Village development is set to rejuvenate its namesake neighborhood by offering a pedestrian-friendly mall designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing Holland Village. With a focus on accessibility and community space, the development aims to enhance the local shopping and dining culture. The mall, part of a larger mixed-use project that includes residential and serviced apartments, has already attracted key tenants and is poised to serve the broader residential community, adding value to the surrounding area with its unique features and strategic design. In a similar vein, Meyer Blue enriches its locale by providing residents not only with luxurious living spaces but also with an array of conveniences and lifestyle options, underscoring the vibrancy and desirability of Singapore’s East Coast living.

Singapore Housing Market Update: Q1 2024 Trends and Highlights

August 22, 2024April 1, 2024 by support

Singapore Housing Market Update: Q1 2024 Trends and Highlights

In the first quarter of 2024, Singapore’s private home prices experienced a 1.5% increase, marking a slowdown from the 2.8% growth seen in the previous quarter, according to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). Landed properties led with a 3.4% price increase, albeit slower than the 4.6% growth in the last quarter of 2023. Amongst these developments, Meyer Blue (former Meyer Park), an upcoming condominium in Singapore’s prestigious District 15/16, is positioned to offer a modern and luxurious living experience, promising exceptional connectivity and convenience to its residents near the future Sungei Bedok MRT interchange.

The non-landed sector saw a varied performance; prices in the suburban areas rose by a modest 0.4%, while the Rest of Central Region saw a slight recovery with a 0.2% increase, and the prime Core Central Region enjoyed a more robust growth of 3.1%. This reflects a market that remains dynamic, with developments like Meyer Blue aiming to blend contemporary living with the area’s rich heritage, attracting both homebuyers and investors.

Meanwhile, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) resale market showed an increase in prices by 1.7%, outpacing the previous quarter’s 1.1% rise. This was accompanied by a 5.5% year-on-year increase in resale volumes. Despite this positive trend, the HDB highlighted the stabilization of price growth compared to the previous years and cautioned against the uncertain economic outlook influenced by geopolitical tensions. It emphasized the importance of financial prudence among households in light of expected sustained high domestic mortgage rates and pledged ongoing government vigilance over the property market to ensure its stability and sustainability.

Bagnall Court and Meyer Blue: Transformative Sales on the East Coast

August 22, 2024April 1, 2024 by support

Bagnall Court and Meyer Blue: Transformative Sales on the East Coast

Bagnall Court, a freehold condominium on Upper East Coast Road, has recently been sold for S$115.3 million to a consortium led by Roxy-Pacific Holdings, just below the guide price of S$125 million. This marks a significant transaction, with over 80% of the unit owners agreeing to the collective sale. The deal was facilitated by JLL, the exclusive marketing agent, during a 10-week private treaty period following the tender’s closure on October 26.

This sale price indicates that the owners of the 43 units at Bagnall Court will receive gross proceeds ranging between S$2.03 million and S$3.78 million. According to JLL, this reflects a land rate of around S$1,106 per square foot per plot ratio, inclusive of an 8% bonus for the additional gross floor area. With the development baseline established, no additional land betterment charge is required.

Nestled in a serene low-density residential area opposite the Laguna Golf and Country Club and Bedok Camp, Bagnall Court consists of 43 walk-up apartments within two four-storey blocks. The property spans 69,563 square feet, designated for residential use under the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Master Plan 2019, with a gross plot ratio of 1.4 and permission for up to five storeys. The location is notably close to Changi City Point, East Village, and Bedok Food Centre, and stands within a short walk from the future Sungei Bedok MRT interchange station, slated for completion in 2025.

Roxy-Pacific’s vision for this site is to develop Bagnall Haus, a new five-storey condominium comprising 113 units, poised for a 2024 launch alongside Meyer Blue, another anticipated project in Singapore District 15/16. This strategy reflects a broader effort to rejuvenate the local property market, which has not seen a new freehold project since Eastwood Regency in 2010. Both Bagnall Haus and Meyer Blue aim to leverage the location’s residential appeal, offering modern living solutions within reach of the upcoming Bedok South Integrated Transport Hub and under the area’s comprehensive rejuvenation plan by the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

This collective sale and forthcoming development not only underscore the value of the East Coast residential market but also highlight the strategic moves by developers to capitalize on the demand for new, high-quality living spaces. With the addition of Meyer Blue condo to the mix, the East Coast promises an exciting future for residents and investors alike, buoyed by enhanced connectivity and urban renewal.

Meyer Park Sold for $392.18 Million En Bloc Deal to UOL-Singland Joint Venture

August 22, 2024April 1, 2024 by support

Meyer Park Sold in $392.18 Million En Bloc Deal to UOL-Singland Joint Venture

In a significant real estate transaction, Meyer Park has been sold for $392.18 million to a joint venture between UOL Group and Singapore Land Group, surpassing its guide price. The deal for the freehold, sea-fronting residential property at 81 and 83 Meyer Road includes a land area of about 8,981.1 square meters, currently housing 60 apartment units. This acquisition marks the third en bloc attempt for Meyer Park, with the previous attempts priced at $420 million and $390 million respectively.

The joint venture, named United Venture Development (No 6), is an 80/20 collaboration between UOL and Singland, reflecting a strategic partnership designed to mitigate risks and leverage mutual strengths. The purchase price translates to a unit land rate of $1,668 per square foot per plot ratio, considering a 7% bonus balcony area, allowing for a gross plot ratio of 2.8. This rate paves the way for the development meyer blue which is a luxury residential high-rise, envisaged to house about 230 to 250 units, offering unblocked views and capitalizing on the prime location near the forthcoming Katong Park MRT station, East Coast Park, and renowned schools.

The sale was managed by Edmund Tie as the sole marketing agent, with each apartment unit expected to receive between $5.25 million to $7.26 million from the sale. This transaction underscores the property’s desirable location and unique attributes, which attracted strong interest despite the selective nature of current developer acquisitions.

Both UOL and Singland, entities controlled by the Wee family known for United Overseas Bank, express confidence in the project’s potential. Highlighting the freehold tenure and exclusive locale, they plan to transform the site into a premium development, tapping into the area’s rising demand for new, luxury, freehold residential options. This move not only reinforces their market presence but also aims to diversify Singland’s portfolio through collaborative expertise.