With condominium developments being launched all over the island, it seems to be an opportune time to consider purchasing one for investment or upgrading.
NORTHWAVE EXECUTIVE CONDOMINIUM
WHERE: Between Admiralty, Woodlands, Sembawang and Yishun
EXECUTIVE CONDOMINIUM AT SUMANG WALK
WHERE: Punggol
The upcoming EC at Sumang Walk had generated buzz even when it was just a plot of land up for bidding. In 2018, it attracted a bidding war with 17 bids, and the tender was eventually won by CDL Constellation (a subsidiary of City Developments) and TID Residential (owned by TID Pte Ltd) at the whopping sum of $509.37 million.
Experts estimate the launch price at between $1,100 and $1,150psf which, if it really happens, will make this Punggol’s most expensive EC so far when it is completed by 2022-2023.
The 99-year leasehold, 297,693 sq ft project is connected by Tampines Expressway and Kallang Paya and the rest of Singapore.
There're several LRT stations nearby and residents will be served by schools like Punggol Cove Primary School, Horizon Primary School, Edgefield Secondary, Greendale Secondary and Pioneer Junior College.
Nearby amenities include the picturesque Punggol Reservoir and several shopping malls like Punggol Waterway Point, Rivervale Mall, Hougang Plaza and Punggol Plaza.
Word on the street is that there will be 13 blocks of between 10 and 17 storeys, with 820 units of three-to five bedroom units. While details are still sketchy, the developer promises modern facilities like a 50m pool, fully equipped gym and barbecue area, sun deck, children’s playground and fitness corner.
It is the only EC launch in 2019. Punggol is being developed into a mixed-use district for commercial and residential uses and with a business park.
photo 123RF
THE WOODLEIGH RESIDENCES
WHERE: Bidadari estate
The Woodleigh Residences occupies the much-coveted city-fringe location at Bidadari estate, bordered by Upper Serangoon and Upper Aljunied roads. Co-developed by Singapore Press Holdings and Kajima Development, which outbid 11 other contenders with a $1.132 bilion offer, this is a mixed development containing both residential condominium and retail mall.
What caught the eye of top Asian property developers (and, undoubtedly, its future residents) is its sweet spot next to Woodleigh MRT Station. The 99-year leasehold project will host 11 blocks of 11 storeys, with a total of 667 units of two-, three- and four-bedroom units to be ready by 2020. Unit sizes range from 570 sq ft to 1,475 sq ft. Residents can also look forward to many exciting new developments in Bidadari New Town, from a retail mall and a community club to a commercial bridge connecting Bidadari Park to the bus interchange for greater connectivity. Parents will also be pleased to know that within 1km to 2km are popular schools such as Maris Stella High School, Cedar Primary School, St Andrew’s Village and Stamford American International School – a plus for investors hoping to attract expat families.
Touted as "the first and only integrated development in Bidadari”, it also boasts a clean Japanese-style design, architecture and construction. Walls are built to be easily removed to expand spaces, with nifty storage spaces built into tight spaces. Residents will also enjoy unblocked views of Alkalf Lake. Launch prices are estimated to be above $1,700psf (with some expecting it to be as high as $2,000). Prices may be steep but the connectivity and convenience of living in an integrated development right above an MRT station and The Woodleigh Mall, and so close to the city, are unparalleled.
3 ORCHARD BY-THE-PARK
WHERE: Smack in town
If you’re an uptown girl (or family) who wants to sink roots in the uptown world, the chic 3 Orchard By-The-Park makes for both an eye-catching and investment-savvy choice. This is YTL Land & Development’s first luxury condominium in Singapore. They are the same folks behind the award winning collection of villas in Sandy Island and Kasara - the Lake, both located in Sentosa Cove ; orther luxury projects in Malaysia; and a chain of YTL hotels and resorts around the world.
"This is also the first residential development in South-east Asia by the renowned Italian architect and designer Antonio Citterio who holistically designed the architecture, interior and products (including furniture and fixtures) featured throughout the development,” says Joseph Yeoh, vice-president at YTL Land & Development. Citterio is the architect and creative maestro behind the Bulgari flagship hotels in Milan London and Bali , and is also a much sought after furniture and fittings designer. You can spot his understated luxury touches and attention to detail throughout every apartment – for instance, the unique wooden boiserie feature wall in the living room, the customised Arclinea gourmet kitchen, and the door handles and the glass in the shower are designed and specifically selected by Citterio.
The boutique condominium of 77 freehold apartments in three towers is smack in a shopping haven and next to the Orchard Boulevard MRT Station, which will open in 2021. Facilities include a pool, gym, several spaces such as a gourmet dining and private dining areas and poolside kitchen, and an elegant library lounge. Relax on Citterio designed furniture, as YTL’s specially trained concierge team serves up complimentary cheeses, crackers, dried fruits and beverages, catered by Jones The Grocer.
One of the project’s most unique selling point is its lush garden. The condominium draws inspiration from nearby Unesco Heritage Site Singapore Botanic Gardens (which, incidentally, is the park referred to the project’s name). You can find many diverse plant species here too, which attract a symphony of singing cicadas and birds. 3 Orchard By-The of local and foreign buyers, particularly Indonesians and Chinese nationals. Apartments range from roomy 1,066 sq ft two-bedders, to 2,260 sq ft four - bedders and a five bedroom penthouse, which drew interest both from investors eyeing strong rental yield and home buyers alike, from singles and young couples to bigger families. For a rare freehold project along swanky Orchard Road, prices are considered value for money, averaging at about $3,400psf.
