Singapore mortgage growth continues to shrink as cool 2019 predicted

Fewer people in Singapore are taking out home loans and this could see residential prices in the city-state fall after a brief resurgence. Singapore mortgage growth dropped to 1.9 percent in first 11 months of 2018, according to information from the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

This is down from 4.2 percent last year and only the second time in the past 25 years that Singapore mortgage growth dropped below two percent.
Diksha Gera, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, predicted that mortgage growth would most likely stay below two percent in 2019
.

One reason for the falling Singapore mortgage growth was the rise of home loan interest rates. These increased by 0.3 percent following hikes made by the US Federal Reserve. Additionally, the government’s latest round of property curbs, which were unveiled in July of 2018, brought the
Singapore property
 market to a halt once again.

Home prices declined during the final three months of 2018 ending a six-quarter streak of increases. Now many experts believe that property values and transactions could shrink in 2019 due to a number of factors.

“I expect the overall property market outlook to be weaker in 2019. Insecurity and bearish sentiment will result in potential buyers holding back purchases and adopting a wait-and-see approach,” independent property analyst Royston Foo told Bloomberg.

Developers aren’t holding out much hope for 2019 either. In addition to the shrinking Singapore mortgage growth, the latest Real Estate Sentiment Index (RESI) found that homebuilders held low expectations because of global economic uncertainty and increased competition among other issues.

Nice while it lasted

Last year saw the government increase the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty and decrease loan-to-value limits. The biggest changes saw the tax on foreigners buying property increase from 15 to 20 percent and a five percent tax increase on anyone not buying a home for the first time.

The move ended a short-lived turnaround where property prices experienced their first prolong growth cycle in nearly four years. In the first quarter of 2018,
Singapore property prices recorded the biggest price increase in eight years
, rising 3.1 percent, according to stats from the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

The price turnaround led to a rush of en bloc sales as developers looked for new sites. An en bloc sale is when at least 80 percent of unit owners in a single building agree to sell together.

MoneySmart found that there were more than 30 en bloc sales in the first half of 2018 alone
, which drove Singapore home prices higher. Less than a month later, the government had rolled out their latest cooling measures which have now created a bleak outlook for 2019.


Singapore named Asia-Pacific’s top city for green commercial real estate, SEA lags behind

Singapore was named Asia-Pacific’s top city for green commercial real estate in a new Knight Frank report due to its low carbon emissions per person, ample green spaces and low urbanization pressures. However, only one other Southeast Asia city managed to finish in the top-20 with the region having more work to do in this area.

Three Australian cities placed in the top-five with Sydney (second), Perth (fourth) and Melbourne (fifth) all recognized. Wellington, New Zealand finished third. All of Asia-Pacific’s top cities for green commercial real estate shared similar attributes but are unique in their own ways.

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“
Singapore
 stands out due to a comprehensive green building certification scheme and an ambitious plan to become a low-carbon built environment. Liveable cities like Sydney and Wellington boast ample green spaces that have been critical for inhabitants during prolonged lockdowns, providing a reprieve from highly urbanized lifestyles,” Christine Li, Knight Frank Head of Research, Asia-Pacific, said.

Commercial property investors are becoming cognizant of changing trends. For example, more tenants are in the market for green buildings. Knight Frank noted that demand currently outstrips supply in this segment and landlords can ask for a 10 percent premium on sustainably-rated buildings.

“Investors are placing more emphasis on strategies that maximize their returns from their ESG efforts. We have seen a swift uptake of ESG metrics benchmarking in the APAC region in recent years, motivated by the imminent need to curtail climate risks.” Neil Brookes, Head of Global Capital Markets, stated. “With debt cost soaring, yield-seeking investors will also be compelled to move up the risk curve to secure the desired spreads. Many will gravitate to more active asset management strategies, such as repurposing and value-add plays, to generate alpha. Adopting sustainable measures not only enhances portfolio security but has been proven to add a positive price premium to assets.”

Kuala Lumpur
 finished 19
th
 on Knight Frank’s list of top cities for green commercial real estate and was the only other Southeast Asia city to make the cut.

Related:

APAC commercial property investors eye overseas safe havens


5 unknown facts about Singapore’s Orchard Road

Orchard Road is a popular destination for Malaysians visiting Singapore. With world famous shopping, countless dining options and lush greenery all around, the area has become popular with tourists and locals alike. Despite its popularity, there are still some facts about the street that might as well be secrets. Here are five things you might not know about Orchard Road.

1) It used to be orchards

Before the days of luxury shopping centres and busy department stores, Orchard Road was known for its namesake, Orchards. In the 19
th
 century, the area was home to gambier and pepper plantations before giving way to nutmeg and fruit orchards at the turn of the century.

2) You can see it all at ION Orchard

Most people stopping by ION Orchard head right to the shops, or maybe even the International Property Show, but some of the best views can be found at the
ION Sky Viewing Gallery
. Located on the 55
th
 floor, it’s open to the public and provides awesome views of the city.

3) TANGS first opened by a cemetery

TANGS department store on Orchard Road has been open for nearly 60 years now, but when it first welcomed customers back in 1958 some thought it was doomed. That’s because it was located across from a Chinese cemetery, something seen to be unlucky. However, the move paid off for CK Tang as shoppers flocked to the store and many other shopping centres soon followed his lead.

4) More than name brands

While Orchard Road is known for being the home of some of the most prestigious brands in the world, 313@Somerset has a number of boutique shopping options with several local brands on display. You can find everything from hip women’s fashion to rare basketball jerseys here. It’s worth checking out if you’re suffering from brand fatigue.

5) The King of Thailand Use To Own An Orchard Road Mansion

Thailand’s beloved King Chulalongkorn took his first official visit outside of the country in 1871 travelling to Singapore. The trip left an impression on the Monarch who would later purchase what was then known as Hurricane House on Orchard Road. The mansion is still standing today and is home to the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore.

Looking for a place to work on Orchard Road during your next trip to Singapore?
Instant Offices has several serviced offices listed on Dot Property Singapore
.


Singapore property prices on the road to recovery

There is now more tangible evidence that the Singapore real estate market is in full-blown recovery mode. Singapore property prices recorded the biggest price increase in eight years, rising 3.1 percent during the first three months of 2018, according to the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

“There’s no denial we’re entering an escalating market in light of higher land prices,”
Desmond Sim, CBRE’s Southeast Asia head of research, told Bloomberg
.

Residential prices in Singapore had declined for 15 consecutive quarters before reversing course late last year. This marks the third straight quarter home prices in the city-state increased with developers now aggressively looking to acquire land for new projects.

“Singapore’s residential market has passed its inflection point, embarking on an exciting recovery journey,”
Christine Li, director of research at Cushman & Wakefield, commented
. “With brighter economic prospects and improved market sentiment in the next two to three years, developers are increasingly sourcing land sites to ride the wave of growth for the rest of the decade”.

The recovery of Singapore property prices highlights the fact that the government’s cooling measures may finally be wearing off. However, the government raised taxes on home purchases exceeding SGD1 million (USD 764,000) in February and may look to roll out a new round curbs in the future.

Singapore condominium prices on the rise

Resale condominium and private apartment prices hit a new peak, rising 1.9 percent in February from the previous month, the Straits Times reported. This was the biggest increase since January 2014 and significantly beat estimates from industry analysts.

The rising residential resale prices aren’t limited to one area. The
core central
 region (CCR)
, rest of the central region (RCR) and outside central region (OCR) all recorded significant price growth in February. Resale condominium and private apartment prices are up by more than 7 percent during the last 12 months.

Looking for a condo? Don’t wait for Singapore property prices to increase further.
Find your new property on Dot Property Singapore
.


Singapore rises and Thailand falls in latest global cost of living rankings for overseas workers

Overseas workers are finding it more expensive to live in Singapore while money is going further in Thailand these days. Those were two of the most notable findings in the latest Cost of Living research published by ECA International.

Bangkok fell 12 positions in the rankings and now sits at 57
th
 place globally. This is the second consecutive year the Thai capital dropped in the global cost of living rankings for overseas workers. Meanwhile, all other cities in Thailand are no longer among the world’s 125 most expensive locations.

“The long-term effects of limited tourism and restricted overseas travel continue to impact the Thai economy, causing all Thai locations to plummet in the rankings. The lack of overseas visitors has weakened the baht while inflation rates, as measured by our baskets of goods, has been lower in Bangkok in comparison to most other locations in the region,” Lee Quane, Regional Director – Asia at ECA International, noted.

On the other hand, Singapore rose in the latest global cost of living rankings for overseas workers. The city state is now the 12th most expensive location in the world and ranks seventh in Asia.

“Singapore has witnessed relatively high rates of inflation in the past year when measured by our basket of goods,” Quane stated. “Inflation in day-to-day items has been accompanied by relatively high rates of growth in costs of rental accommodation. This contributed to Singapore’s rise of two places in the rankings along with the relative strength of the Singapore dollar against the yen and US dollar.”

Related:

Currency corrections see cost of living for expats fall in Southeast Asia

And while places like
Thailand
 and
Vietnam
 are falling in the cost of living rankings for overseas workers, this doesn’t mean it is less expensive to stay here. Quane points out that it is cheaper when compared to other countries but the actual cost isn’t declining.

“Absolute living costs have not fallen in Southeast Asia as prices have risen across most countries in the region. The rate at which prices grew in the region was in line with the wider Asia Pacific region, and is similar to the rates of inflation witnessed in other regions such as Europe and North America,” Quane noted. “On the other hand, our research saw significantly larger increments in the prices of goods and services in Africa and Latin America locations, which tend to have high inflation rates historically.”


Singapore still tops, but Vietnam and Thailand rise in liveability rankings

Singapore once again finished atop the liveability rankings, but Thai and Vietnamese cities improved last year

While cities such as Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City won’t be surpassing Singapore anytime soon, they are becoming more liveable for East Asian expats. Several Thai and Vietnamese cities rose in the latest Location Ratings survey published by ECA International.

“Liveability has improved in Thai and Vietnamese locations due to the economic growth that both countries are seeing currently. As Vietnam develops and invests in better infrastructure, living standards have improved for locals and expats in the country,” Lee Quane, Regional Director – Asia at ECA International, explained. “Meanwhile, for the Thai locations in our list, the success of the recent peaceful democratic elections means that cities in the country have seen an improvement in the political situation too – something that inevitably improves liveability levels for expatriates.”

With increasing Japanese investment in Thailand, more expats from Japan are living in Thailand. According to JRE development, an estimated 70,000 Japanese expats currently reside in Thailand with most being based in Bangkok and the country’s Eastern Seaboard.

No changes at the top of the liveability rankings

For the 14
th
 year in a row, Singapore was named the most liveable city for East Asian expats by ECA International.

“Singapore has consistently featured at the top of our liveability rankings for Asian expats for well over a decade and this year is no different. Singapore boasts excellent infrastructure and amenities across the board, as well maintaining low crime rates and a large expatriate community, meaning that Singapore stays in the top spot and most likely will do for the considerable future,” Quane stated.

Liveability in Hong Kong declines

After a year filled with unrest and economic uncertainty, Hong Kong fell 52 places in the latest Location Ratings survey. It was passed by several other major Asian financial hubs including Seoul and Taipei.

“The scale of Hong Kong’s fall in our rankings is unprecedented and is a consequence of ongoing socio-political tensions in the city” Quane said. “Not only are the heightened political tensions worrying for expats living in the region, protests that have regularly taken place since mid-2019 have had a negative effect on areas of everyday life which are often taken for granted. This includes disruptions to Hong Kong’s transportation infrastructure and a rise in crime rates since the protests began.”

ECA’s Location Ratings system evaluates more than 490 locations as part of the survey. It then creates liveability rankings based on a host of factors to form an assessment of the overall quality of living for Asian expats.


Singaporeans lured by the old

Penang’s heritage buildings are becoming a focus for investors.

George Town, the capital of Penang, is fast becoming the property hot spot for Singaporean investors. Keen to own a slice of history, the investors are targeting pre-war shop houses. Favouring rows of at least 10 properties as opposed to single units.

Sometimes paying over the odds in order to secure the property, local agents are commenting that investors are seeing that the pre-war properties are a valuable asset, something which locals do not yet associate with.

The result is that rents in George Town are varying dramatically. Depending on the owner, properties range from RM 1,300 per month up to RM 10,000.

Older properties in London that have been updated internally appreciate more in value in comparison to newer buildings. In Asia newer buildings are typically most in demand, but with this increased interest in Penang’s older buildings, this trend could be changing.


Six top companies named as Thailand’s Best Real Estate Agencies 2021

Forbest Properties celebrates winning Thailand’s Best Real Estate Agencies 2021

This article on Thailand’s Best Real Estate Agencies 2021 appeared in the most recent issue of Dot Property Magazine.
Click here to read it
!

A total of six firms made the list as Thailand’s Best Real Estate Agencies 2021. These companies were instrumental in assisting property buyers and sellers during what was an extremely challenging 12 months.

SEA Property

SEA Property

For the second consecutive year, SEA Property has been named as one of Thailand’s Best Real Estate Agencies. Overseen by Norbert Witthinrich, the firm has a long track record of success when it comes to Phuket real estate.

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SEA Property returns to its roots with rebrand

Shinyu Real Estate

Shinyu Real Estate

Faithfulness, punctuality and sincerity are what drive Shinyu Real Estate and allow the company to build meaningful relationships. This empowers customers to confidently make the best possible property decision.

Pearl Property Pattaya

Pearl Property Pattaya

This dynamic property agency has brought a fresh approach to the Eastern Seaboard real estate market. From its popular YouTube channel to using the latest technologies, Pearl Property Pattaya is engaging home seekers in new and innovative ways.

 Related:

Pearl Property Pattaya proves looking for a new home can be fun

Forbest Properties

This Bangkok-based agency has more than 30 years of experience having grown up alongside the capital’s real estate market. These days, Forbest Properties is known as a trusted partner who works diligently to find the best property for the right buyer.

PBRE Real Estate

PBRE

Founded in 2005, PBRE Real Estate has opened five new offices this year and is now the Eastern Seaboard’s largest agency. The firm is dedicated to providing customers beyond the best service shaped by experience, industry knowhow and professionalism.

Keep Reading:

PBRE brings a new level of service to Thailand real estate

CMP Realty

CMP Realty

CMP Realty assists global customers looking for property in and around Pattaya and Phuket. What’s more, it is backed by an international name with activity all over the world making them a well-connected and experienced agency.


Skyscraper rents rising fast

In the latest Skyscraper Index, a report which examines the rental performance of commercial buildings more than 30-storeys across the world, showed that rents in skyscrapers in London rose 9.7 percent during the second half of 2015.

Real estate firm Knight Frank reported that London also topped the table for rental growth in the previous Skyscraper Index, which covered the first half of 2015.

This far outstripped the growth in rents seen in other global cities, with rents in skyscrapers in San Francisco and Hong Kong rising 4.76 percent and 3 percent respectively over the same period.

Singapore was the only global city where skyscraper rents significantly decreased during the period, with the 4.75 percent drop attributed to over-supply and diminishing occupier confidence as a result of the slowdown in the Chinese economy.

Rents in Hong Kong’s skyscrapers continue to be the highest in the world by some margin, reaching US$ 263 per sq ft in H2 2015. New York retains its second position, where skyscraper rents are currently US$ 155 per sq ft, with Tokyo third (US$ 129 per sq ft).

There has been much debate around the future of London’s skyline, but the rental performance of skyscrapers points to the fact there is huge demand for space in landmark, tall buildings and we expect the upward pressure on rents to continue.

For the second time in 12 months, London is the fastest growing office tower market in the world, due to its diversity of occupier demand and constrained supply.

In the U.S., the rapid expansion of the tech sector is underpinning rental growth for towers in cities like San Francisco and Boston.

Interestingly, Mumbai’s emergence as a top performer has benefited from growth in tech, as it surpassed financial and business services as the top occupier of office space in the second half of 2015.


SkyWorld reached the top

SkyWorld’s SkyAwani’s 1 Residences due to complete ahead of schedule.

SkyAwani 1 Residences at Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, celebrated a Topping Off ceremony. Developed by SkyWorld Development Group, SkyAwani 1 is due to complete in 2018. The 1,226 units are well positioned for first time buyers. This is due to its attractive price point starting at MYR 300,000. Plus each unit has layouts that optimise space and have a host of facilities on offer. At the ceremony it was announced that SkyAwani 1 Residences is the first RUMAWIP affordable home that is in compliance with QLASSIC standards set by the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (“CIDB”).

Speaking at the event, YB Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Adnan, Minister of Federal Territories, said, “Since the inception of SkyWorld, they have gone through transformation progress – starting the first Quality Centre in Malaysia, the first to provide QLASSIC quality for its RUMAWIP SkyAwani Residences and further reinforcing its presence by receiving more than 16 local and international awards. SkyWorld’s commitment to quality projects should be praised and should be emulated by other RUMAWIP developers so that the quality aspects such as high-quality workmanship are emphasised in their developments. I believe the RUMAWIP project developed by SkyWorld will increase in its market value and is something that is ‘value for money’ to its buyers”.

Attendees

Alongside YB Datuk Seri Utama Tengku at the ceremony was YBhg Tan Sri Datuk

Seri M Kayveas, My PPP President & Special Advisor to the Transport Minister, YB Senator

Dato’ Dr. Loga Bala Mohan, Deputy Minister of Federal Territories, YB Senator Datuk Haji

Yahaya Bin Mat Ghani @ Abbas, UMNO Chief Batu Division, YBhg Datuk Seri Adnan Bin Haji

Md Ikshan, Chief Secretary of Federal Territories, YBhg Tan Seri Haji Mhd. Amin Nordin bin

Abd. Aziz, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur and Datuk Ng Thien Phing, Founder & Group MD of

SkyWorld.

SkyWorld’s Datuk Ng revealed, “A big part of our job, as a KL-centric city developer is to provide the ultimate Sky Living experience in a sustainable environment. Be it for affordable apartments or exclusive condominiums, we are committed to our three key strengths. Value creation (strategic location & quality finishing), integrated Sky Living experience (good amenities & facilities) and innovative designs & concepts. We have successfully launched 1,934 affordable homes under our SkyAwani 1 & 2 collection – with an estimated GDV of MYR 464.5 million and MYR 303.6 million respectively. Both developments received 100 percent take-up during the first day of opening. Today, our SkyAwani 1 Residences saw its successful Topping Off ceremony and targeted for early handover in 2018. With these successful track records, we unveiled SkyAwani 3 on July 2017, offering 1,905 innovative affordable homes with interconnecting SkyBridge and SkyGardens. To-date, we have received over 2,000 keen registrants on this project.”


SkyWorld unveils SkyAwani 3 Residences

SkyWorld’s award-winning SkyAwani series has become a popular choice for first-time homebuyers as a starter home since it provides extraordinary value, practical layout and full-fledged condominium facilities. SkyAwani 1 & 2 quickly achieved 100 percent take up and on the back of that success, SkyWorld recently unveiled SkyAwani 3 Residences.

SkyWorld,
winner of Best Emerging Developer at The Dot Property Malaysia Awards 2017
, hosted an appreciation gala for more than 2,000 SkyAwani 1 & 2 purchasers to celebrate its success and show off the new SkyAwani 3 Residences. YBhg Datuk Seri Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, was on hand to officiate the event on behalf Minister of Federal Territories, YB Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Adnan.

“SkyWorld has come a long way since 2008 – growing from strength to strength – breaking new grounds by starting the first Quality Centre in Malaysia, first to provide QLASSIC quality for its RUMAWIP SkyAwani Residences and further reinforcing its company presence by receiving more than 16 local and international awards. SkyWorld’s commitments to quality projects is a commendable move and in line with our Federal Territories efforts in transforming the property landscape to a vibrant and prosperous community,” YBhg Datuk Seri Amin said.

SkyAwani 3 Residences is truly one-of-a-kind

The newly launched
SkyAwani 3 Residences
 features Malaysia’s first and longest sky gardens as well as three interconnected, 51-storey towers. Additionally, the development has 20 facilities for residents to enjoy. Tower A & B have 669 units respectively and Tower 3 boasts 567 units.

“A big part of our job, as a KL-centric city developer is to provide the ultimate Sky Living experience in a sustainable environment. Be it for affordable apartments or exclusive condominiums, we are committed to our three key strengths; value creation (strategic location & quality finishing), integrated Sky Living experience (good amenities & facilities) and innovative designs & concepts,” Datuk Ng Thien Phing, founder and group MD of SkyWorld, stated.

He continued, “We have successfully launched 1,934 affordable homes under our SkyAwani 1 & 2 collection. The SkyAwani 1 has already achieved over 50 percent completion and targeted for early handover.”


Slowdown in London

Real estate firm JLL has predicted that new development supply in the Central London residential market will continue to slow as a result of significant changes made recently by Government.

Neil Chegwidden, Director of Residential Research at JLL, said: : “Whilst the number of units under construction in Central London continued to climb during 2015 – with a 28 percent increase in the last year and 10 percent growth in H2 2015 – there are signs this is activity is beginning to plateau.

“The number of new unit starts in H2 2015 was lower than in H1, suggesting developers are beginning to slow their rate of delivery. Furthermore, and perhaps most significantly, the number of units seeking planning permission declined by 27 percent during the second half of last year compared with H1 2015, suggesting that developers are set to slow future development rates. This looks worrying at a time when new housing delivery needs to increase rather than fall.”

However, this has clearly been a reaction by developers to the recent political uncertainty, higher tax regime and slower sales market. The sales market had already been easing prior to the Autumn Statement in November, announcing that investors and second home buyers will have to pay an additional 3 percent stamp duty on purchases from April 2016, but this has further dampened London residential demand.

Price movements across London have been mixed over the last year and during Q1 2016, and whilst values have increased by 0.2 percent during Q1 2016 across Central London as a whole, this masks a 0.3 percent fall in Core markets and a 0.7 percent increase in Outer Core markets.

Broadly speakin lower value and Outer Core submarkets have experienced stronger price growth compared with higher value Core locations. The East continues to demonstrate the strongest price growth, seeing 7.0 percent in the year to Q1 2016 while the more expensive central submarkets, such as Central West and the West End, have experienced average price falls of 5.3 percent and 2.9 percent respectively.

Developers are experiencing varying degrees of success with their schemes, directly related to location and price point but broadly speaking. Developments in Outer Core submarkets are still selling well, with pricing usually in the £400 to £800 per sq ft range, as too are the lower-priced units in the less expensive Core markets, especially where developers are open to negotiation.

Chegwidden concluded: “Market conditions are highly location dependent – Outer Core markets where pricing is lower and buyers are largely domestic owner-occupiers will continue to perform well; markets more reliant on investor demand are proving more sensitive with developers and buyers jockeying for position.

“The EU Referendum is exerting additional uncertainty and the outcome of this in June will be a key factor as to how this market performs in the latter half of 2016.

“If the UK elects to exit the EU, a period of conjecture and debate will ensue. The upshot for the Central London residential development market will not necessarily be weaker in the long-term but it will undoubtedly mean reduced activity and pricing in the short-term with a less certain medium-term prognosis.

“However if the vote is to stay in, normal service will resume almost immediately. This still means that location, pricing and stamp duty effects will be key determinants, but we expect that a sound, safe and highly sought after London residential market will re-emerge once the dust settles and the market has adjusted to the new tax regime.”


The small size of Samui allows it to standout

This article on Samui and the island’s property market comes to Dot Property Group from some of the island’s real estate agents: Lazudi,
SunWay Samui
 and
Horizon Homes
.

Sometimes bigger isn’t always better. Look no further than the pristine island of Koh Samui for proof of that. Its smaller size has allowed it to retain a quaint charm and lifestyle people love. And you are never far from an excellent beach. This also helps make Samui unique from a real estate perspective.

Its property market is smaller than both Pattaya and Phuket, which makes it a very attractive destination for some buyers. That’s because the island’s size means projects here are generally lower in density and most of them are within a short distance to some of the best beaches in Thailand.

And while lifestyle amenities, such as Fisherman’s Village and CentralFestival Samui, have been built up over time, there hasn’t necessarily been an influx of mass residential development alongside this. The end result is a place that is both modern and boutique.

We spoke to Alex Ambrosov, Managing Director of SunWay Samui, about this phenomenon and here’s what he had to say, “Koh Samui is very unique and different from other destinations in Thailand. It lacks large developments and condominiums, but it absolutely has the best sea views and reasonably priced sea view villas when compared to Phuket or elsewhere in
Thailand
 and
Southeast Asia
.

He continued, “It also has well-developed infrastructure, fine dining places, hospitals, shopping centers, international schools and an international airport that will hopefully be back in active operation with direct flights to Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and other destinations.”

Meanwhile, “the COVID-19 pandemic provided the island with a chance to make some improvements as it relates to infrastructure. Work is still needed, but those who are already familiar with Samui will be impressed.

From what we’ve seen, the local government has really made use of the past 18 months and upgraded a lot of infrastructure on the island. A lot of people will be very surprised when they next visit.

Of course, the situation is not perfect. Connectivity to Bangkok and other main areas is something that could certainly be improved, and it will be over time. However, this also provides the island with a feeling of exclusivity which fits very well with the kind of projects that Samui has.

According to one of the island’s leading property developers, Horizon Homes, that feeling of exclusivity has helped Samui create a lifestyle that is appealing to more and more people.

“Buying property in Koh Samui is as much about an improvement in lifestyle as it is the investment factor these days. People are re-evaluating their own lives and the path they are on. All of a sudden, those long held dreams of moving to tropical paradise are gaining traction and the possibilities are explored.” Alex Armitage, CEO of Horizon Homes, says. “It is never too early to improve your lifestyle and there are some good deals to be had now that may not exist once the tourists start to return and the situation around the world normalizes.”

That also aligns with what SunWay Samui is currently seeing. People aren’t solely looking at Samui as a place to visit or invest, but as a place where they can indulge in the lifestyle they have always dreamed of.

“We see market trends moving away from holiday rental investment purchases to personal use homes. Koh Samui itself stands out as a place probably least affected by COVID lockdowns and restrictions. You can enjoy living in beach side private villas with stunning sea views, open restaurants and bars and daily life pretty much in the same lifestyle as before,” Ambrosov adds.

The downside to Samui’s smaller size is that its property market isn’t as well-known as some others in Thailand. However, those concerned about quality don’t have any reason to worry.

At Lazudi, we believe the main difference between projects in Samui and other locations isn’t related quality, as you’ll find most developments are of a good standard. It has more to do with size. There isn’t 400+ unit condo projects, which may be a positive thing depending on what you are looking for.

Fortunately, just like Phuket and other key locations in Thailand, Samui has a good number of long-standing, very reputable property developers who have been building high-quality properties for more than 10 years.

Explore available Samui properties from Lazudi


Smaller units for Battersea

A London property project that attracted more than 400 buyers from Southeast Asia for its first phase of sales three years ago is now considering reducing the size of units amid rumours the larger units are struggling to sell.

The developers of Battersea Power Station (pictured), which sold to buyers and investors in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong, are reported to be considering the move following research last year that revealed that there are far more luxury flats being built in London than have sold historically.

This has lead many market watchers to predict a glut of large, high value properties that will struggle to sell. To those within the lettings industry these headlines come as no surprise as they have long known that smaller, less expensive properties see the strongest demand even during boom period.

Developers across London are now re-examining the final phases of many schemes that were expected to include three- and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses. With the slow down at the top end of the market and an oversupply of luxury properties, many developers are considering lowering the specifications or carving these larger apartments into one- and two-bedroom units. These will sell more quickly and crucially, those bought for investment will let more quickly.

According to Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings’ own statistics, 49 percent of all flats let across its 15 London offices have been two-bedroom apartments. One-bedroom units constitute 22 percent of all transactions, studios 11 percent and the remaining 18 percent are apartments and houses with three or more bedrooms. These statistics are unsurprising when compared to the ONS research from 2013 that showed that 38 percent of rented households are occupied by just one person.

“The problem is two-fold,” explained Marc von Grundherr, Lettings Director at Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings.

“Firstly, the top end of the market was booming so naturally developers started building luxury properties. No block of flats was complete without one, two or three multi-million pound penthouses, not to mention other high-end developments in prime areas where the starting price was £ 1 million. Now that these properties are finally hitting the market, demand has dried up.

“Secondly, this isn’t Hong Kong or Manhattan. British families tend not to live in large apartments but in houses. Flats are for individuals, couples and downsizers. Even when we get a family asking for a larger property, they’re often renting while they look for something to buy or while they’re renovating their principle property.

“Developers, and especially planners, need to recognise where the demand is. It’s for smaller units that let more easily and these units are also the ones in demand by owner occupiers.”


SMDC celebrates being the top developer in the Philippines along with several other honors

Developer of The Year 2022

Best Starter Home Condo Development – Joy Residences

Best Township Development – Gold City

Best Mixed Used Development – Air Residences

Best Investment Property North Luzon – Now Residences

Best Investment Property South Luzon – Calm Residences

Best Investment Property Metro Manila – Light 2 Residences

Best Investment Property Iloilo City – Glade Residences

SMDC collected seven project awards this year

SM Development Corporation has been extremely busy over the past 12 months. With a Philippine property market recovery well underway, the firm has looked to support the dream of home ownership with high-quality projects that meet the needs of today’s residents. It’s safe to say this hard work was recognized at the Dot Property Philippines Awards 2022 where the developer was presented with an impressive eight honors.

That total included the Developer of The Year 2022 award, the event’s top honor. SMDC is behind a wide range of exciting residential developments in several key locations across the Philippines. And no matter where the firm launches a project, it offers homebuyers an outstanding place to live as well as a strong real estate investment.

In addition to Developer of The Year 2022, SMDC took home seven project awards with developments in North Luzon, South Luzon, Iloilo City and Metro Manila all recognized at the Dot Property Philippines Awards this year.

Meanwhile, SMDC’s Air Residences in Makati was named Best Mixed Use Development with its special blend of convenient location, signature amenities and popular retail spaces standing out. The developer’s Gold City was selected as Best Township Development this year. Those two Metro Manila projects are perfect examples of the homebuilder’s approach to building in the city.

“SMDC is always mindful of the changing landscape in Metro Manila. We always like keeping out ear to the ground so that we understand the trends as well as what the buyers’ tastes, needs and financial capabilities,” Jose Mari Banzon, SMDC President, previously told Dot Property Group. “Because of that, our projects are always evolving.”

Read More:

SMDC and RLC Residences lead an impressive collection of winners at the Dot Property Philippines Awards 2022


SMDC and RLC Residences lead an impressive collection of winners at the Dot Property Philippines Awards 2022

Winners celebrate at the Dot Property Philippines Awards 2022 presentation ceremony

26 winners from across the Philippines were honored at Dot Property Philippines Awards 2022

SMDC won the most awards this year including Developer of the Year

The Philippines People’s Choice Award for Project of the Year 2022 went to AmiSa Private Residences of RLC Residences

SMDC and RLC Residences were among the biggest winners at the Dot Property Philippines Awards as each developer collected multiple honors. Festivities were hosted at The Rigodon Ballroom, The Peninsula Manila on September 15 with real estate leaders turning out for the industry’s largest in-person celebration since the pandemic began. A total of 26 awards were handed out during the evening.

With the real estate market recovery in full swing throughout the country, the Dot Property Philippines Awards recognized the developers, projects and agencies leading these efforts.

“There is genuine excitement around the Philippine real estate market. Not only have we seen interest in property increase across the Dot Property Group platform, but there have been multiple reports of demand picking up as well,” Adam Sutcliffe, Dot Property Group Director, Events and International Markets, states. “This year’s Dot Property Philippines Awards winners are playing a crucial role in the recovery of the real estate market. Their ability to deliver projects and services that meet the changing needs of today’s home seekers truly makes them the best.”

It was a big day for SMDC who were presented with eight honors, including Developer of The Year 2022, the most prestigious award. Meanwhile, Air Residences and Light 2 Residences were just a few of their projects to be recognized.

RLC Residences collected eight awards as well in 2022. In addition to winning Best Developer Metro Manila, the firm’s Sierra Valley Gardens was named Best Sustainable Residential Development while Woodsville Crest was bestowed with Best Low Rise Condo Development. RLC Residences was also the recipient of the Special Recognition Award for Community Building

Elsewhere at the Dot Property Philippines Awards 2022, Filinvest Land Inc. won three honors while The Piazza at The Grand Citygate Davao from Grand Land Inc. was presented with two awards.

Developer of The Year 2022

SM Development Corporation

The Philippines People’s Choice Award for Project of the Year 2022

AmiSa Private Residences

Dot Property Philippines Awards 2022 developer winners

Best Developer Metro Manila
 – RLC Residences

Best Developer North Luzon
 – Filinvest Land Inc.

Best Developer Cebu
 – Golden Topper

Best Developer Visayas
 – Filinvest Land Inc.

Best Developer Mindanao
 – Filinvest Land Inc.

Best Developer Sustainable Living
 – RLC Residences

Dot Property Philippines Awards 2022 project winners

SMDC took home several awards this year including Best Mixed Use Development

The Dot Property Philippines Awards 2022 once again celebrated the country’s most outstanding projects. Notable winners this year include Sierra Valley Gardens from RLC Residences and Gold City from SMDC.

Best Mid Range Condo Development
 – The Piazza at The Grand Citygate Davao from Grand Land Inc.

Best Starter Home Condo Development
 – Joy Residences from SMDC

Best Low Rise Condo Development
 – Woodsville Crest from RLC Residences

Best Township Development
 – Gold City from SMDC

Best Mixed Used Development
 – Air Residences from SMDC

Best Sustainable Residential Development
 – Sierra Valley Gardens from RLC Residences

Best Beachfront Development
 – AmiSa Private Residences from RLC Residences

Best Condominium Architectural Design
 – The Sapphire Bloc from RLC Residences

Dot Property Philippines Awards 2022 investment winners

Property investment is playing an enormous role in the Philippine real estate market. Winners in these categories are high-quality projects that provide investors with opportunities for growth.

Best Investment Property North Luzon
 – Now Residences from SMDC

Best Investment Property South Luzon
  – Calm Residences from SMDC

Best Investment Property Metro Manila
 – Light 2 Residences from SMDC

Best Investment Property Cebu
 – Primeworld Pointe from Primeworld Land Holdings

Best Investment Property Davao
 – The Piazza at The Grand Citygate Davao from Grand Land Inc.

Best Investment Property Iloilo City
 – Glade Residences from SMDC

Special Recognition Award for Community Building

RLC Residences was won the Special Recognition Award for Community Building

RLC Residences

Philippines’ Best Real Estate Agencies 2022

Familiar faces found themselves among the winners of Philippines’ Best Real Estate Agencies 2022 as both Tricia Liu Properties and Edukate Group Inc. took home the honor for a second consecutive year. They were joined by 2019 winner Pinnacle Real Estate Consulting Services Inc..

Tricia Liu Properties

Edukate Group Inc.

Pinnacle Real Estate Consulting Services Inc.

The in-person celebration was a triumphant return for the Dot Property Philippines Awards after restrictions required a special hybrid ceremony in 2021. More than 200 of the real estate industry’s best and brightest were in attendance this year.

“The Dot Property Philippines Awards 2022 winners are truly exceptional. Their hard work and efforts are helping lift the entire real estate industry,” Tanya Peralta-Yu, Dot Property Group Country Manager – The Philippines, explains. “It was also wonderful to come together and celebrate once again. The Dot Property Philippines Awards have become an event everyone looks forward to, so it’s great for us to be back.”

Next up are the Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards which are set for December in Bangkok. For more details on how you can take part, please email
[email protected]


Soaring Sheffield is the UK’s next property hotspot

Sheffield could be the UK’s next big property market as a housing shortage coupled with a strong demand for rentals are creating new opportunities for real estate investors. Known as the Steel City, a nod to the city’s industrial past, Sheffield has bloomed into a modern metropolis.

According to
a recent article in the Sheffield Telegraph
, the economy is performing well with employment levels in the city and surrounding areas growing and incomes rising higher than inflation. The city is home to a pair of world class universities, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, as well as several smaller educational centres. More than 50,000 students currently attend university in the Steel City.

This has benefited the city’s property market. In fact, housing price growth in Sheffield outpaced London last year and should continue to rise. Home prices rose by more than 5.6 percent last year. The English capital only recorded home price growth of 1.5 percent in 2017.

Why is Sheffield attractive?

For starters, Sheffield is unofficially the greenest city in Europe with tree-lined streets and parks found throughout the metropolitan area. There is a lot more to the city than greenery. It is one of the most diverse in the UK, with unique neighbourhoods and plenty of entertainment options available to residents.

Kelham Island is perhaps the most talked about place in Sheffield. It boasts a growing number of trendy restaurants and pubs with the waters of the River Don serving as a backdrop. And with the Sheffield city centre only 15-minutes away on foot, many of those attending events at The Crucible Theatre or O2 Academy Sheffield opt to stop by this district before and after the festivities.

Demand but no supply

Demand from both renters and buyers for homes around Kelham Island and Sheffield city is quite strong but there is a lack of modern, new-build developments. Only a few new projects are in the pipeline with investors in particular eyeing the opportunities these present.

Great Central

That’s because rental yields in Sheffield are better than anything currently available in London.
TotallyMoney
 found rental yields in the Sheffield City Centre are more than eight percent. The only London neighbourhood to bring in a rental yield of more than six percent was Olympic Park.

Great Central
 from Knight Knox and Qualis Developments aims to help meet the growing need for private rental properties in Sheffield. The fully-furnished units at the modern apartment complex come fitted with everything residents could want. For investors, this means they can take advantage of strong rental yields without needing to worry about things such as furniture.

Want to know more about investing in Sheffield real estate? Great Central is holding a FREE information session on 14-15 July in Singapore.
Click here to sign up
!


What does Southeast Asia need to do to stop leaking plastic waste into the ocean?

Nearly 80 percent of plastic waste that now ends up in the ocean comes from Southeast Asia

Plastics are unavoidable in Southeast Asia. Plastic waste
leakage
 into the ocean continues to be a major problem for many countries in the region. In a special three part series, Dot Property will look at the issue, a creative solution and what the future holds for ocean plastics.

According to a report from the Ocean Conservancy and the McKinsey Center for Business and Environment, five Asian countries are responsible for nearly 60 percent of the plastic waste leaking into the ocean. Four of those countries, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, are located in Southeast Asia.

A 2015 paper published in the academic journal
Science
estimated the amount of plastic in the world’s oceans ranges from anywhere between 4.7 and 12.8 million metric tonnes. But these cold, hard numbers don’t reveal the true impact of leaking plastic waste has on the oceans.

Across Southeast Asia, marine animals continue to die after ingesting plastic waste. In Thailand, an estimated 300 marine animals each year are killed in Thai waters after ingesting plastic, according to respected local marine ecologist, Thon Thamrong-nawasawat. It is a similar story in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

These tragic events have created greater awareness and caused both governments and the public take some action. But plastic remains pervasive in Southeast Asia. From the smallest transactions in convenience stores to massive packaging production, it’s impossible to avoid.

Many experts believe the most difficult challenge for developing countries when it comes to stopping plastic waster leakage is waste infrastructure. Unlike in Europe, where most countries have an extensive system for collection and sorting of plastic, Southeast Asia must invest in new technologies to improve waste management infrastructure.

This is especially true in the region’s rural areas where in most cases the collection of recycled materials is inefficient or non-existent. Collecting waste is nothing new in urbanized areas where plastics are picked out at various stages of the collection process. It’s a different story outside of the city.

Most plastic waste leakage does not enter the ocean through direct contact.
Research from Eunomia
, an independent environmental consultancy, found that 80 percent of all ocean plastic comes from land-based sources such as landfills.

There are numerous dumps sites in rural locations across Southeast Asia that are situated near rivers, tributaries, creeks and other water sources that eventually flow into the ocean. These facilities lack planning and infrastructure and are sometimes nothing more than a pile of trash. When floods or other natural disasters strike landfills, waste ends up in the water that eventually takes it to the ocean.

Stopping plastic waste leakage from landfills is a key to stopping plastics from entering the ocean. Improving existing waste management infrastructure is an important step in prevention, but it won’t help prevent plastic that currently sits in landfills from finding its way into the ocean.

Believe it or not, there is a way to recover some of the plastic currently settled in Southeast Asian landfills. What’s more, that unwanted plastic might have some value after all. In part two of our series on ocean plastics we look at how this material can be mined from landfills and used as energy.


Southeast Asia skyscrapers spring up at an impressive rate

The Petronas Towers were among the first Southeast Asia skyscrapers and remain a regional icon to this day

Skyscrapers are becoming more common place in Southeast Asia’s major metropolises. Kuala Lumpur and Singapore were the first cities to really go vertical, but they have since been joined by Bangkok and Jakarta as well as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Metro Manila to some extent. Even the skyline of Phnom Penh is being transformed as skyscrapers slowly populate the Cambodian capital.

What’s surprising to some is just how fast the region’s skylines have risen. Most of these tall towers in places such as Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City are relatively new. Of the 50 tallest skyscrapers in Southeast Asia, only seven were completed prior to the year 2000 with most being started well before the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997.

The crisis would halt work on most skyscrapers for the next 12 years as only three of the 50 tallest buildings in Southeast Asia opened between 1999-2009. The start of the 2010s would bring with it the golden age of skyscrapers in the region with a staggering 80 percent of skyscrapers completed after 2009.

The distribution of skyscrapers isn’t even as countries have developed at their own pace. When you look at the construction of buildings 150+ meters, there are certainly some Southeast Asian cities that have grown quicker than others.

150+ meter buildings in Southeast Asia’s major cities

City

150+ meter buildings completed

150+ meter buildings under construction

Bangkok

92

15

Jakarta

91

16

Singapore

91

2

Kuala Lumpur

78

27

Ho Chi Minh City

16

4

Hanoi

9

N/A

Manila

7

2

Phnom Penh

1

1

*All data from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat

While these totals pale in comparison to places like Hong Kong, New York, Shanghai and Dubai, they are still impressive in their own right. Especially when you consider that the majority of these have been completed in the last ten years.

This growth is one reason why we’re releasing the first Dot Property Southeast Asia Skyscraper Annual found on in the latest issue of
Dot Property Magazine
. Tall buildings are now commonplace in the region and this feature is designed to provide an overview of what’s up.

We won’t be simply ranking the buildings in each country by height since that information is already out there. Instead, the Dot Property Southeast Asia Skyscraper Annual will offer a look at some of the tallest, iconic and unique buildings. This includes both completed towers and a few in the pipeline.

A couple of things to take note of. Firstly, the Dot Property Southeast Asia Skyscraper Annual doesn’t cover Myanmar, Laos or Brunei. That’s because there aren’t buildings that can truly be defined as skyscrapers in these countries. Of this list, Brunei is the only country to have a skyscraper with the Ministry of Finance building in Bandar Seri Begawan standing at 120 meters. Meanwhile, Myanmar has a couple of proposed projects that could bring skyscrapers to the country within the next decade.

Finally, data on these skyscrapers has been located from various sources including the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Emporis and building developers. There are some instances where these sources disagree on the exact heights of a building, but we have worked hard to ensure all information is as accurate as possible.

The only way to read the Dot Property Southeast Asia Skyscraper Annual in full is to check out the special double issue of Dot Property Magazine which is out now.
Click here to download it
.

Dot Property Magazine, Asia’s premier real estate magazine, is out now. You can read it online by
clicking here
. If you prefer to read it on the go, download the FREE Dot Property Magazine app. You can find it in the
Apple Store
 and
Google Play
.


Southeast Asia’s Best of the Best Developers unveiled

Wilson K. Granadis (center), Vice President for Sales and Marketing, and Crystal Chloe Ong-Chua (left), Citrineland’s Internal VP for Sales and Marketing, received the award from Dot Property Magazine Editor in Chief Cheyenne Hollis (right) earlier this year

As part of The Dot Property Southeast Asia’s Best of the Best Awards 2017, Southeast Asia’s Best of the Best Developers were announced. The winners of this award were each recognised as being the leading developer from their region or country earlier this year.

Southeast Asia’s Best of the Best Developers:

Best Developer Indonesia – Ciputra Development

Best Developer Vietnam – Novaland Group

Best Developer Dalat – Dai Phuc Development

Best Developer Cebu – Citrineland

Best Developer Phuket – Blue Horizon

Best Developer Samui – Horizon Homes

Best Developer Rayong – Mae Phim Property

Best Developer Chiang Mai – Rochalia Development

Also announced were the winners of The Dot Property Southeast Asia’s Best of the Best Awards 2017. More than 20 developers and projects from Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia were honoured this year as part of the year-end festivities designed to honoured the absolute best projects, developers and companies that contribute to real estate.

Dot Property Southeast Asia’s Best of the Best Awards 2017 list of winners:

Developer Awards:

Luxury Developer – TNR Holdings Vietnam

Emerging Market Developer – Anchor Land Holdings, Inc.

Residential Developer – TTC Land (Formerly Sacomreal)

Boutique Developer – Anpha Holdings

Community Developer – 8990 Holdings Inc.

Innovative Developer – MIKGroup

Residential Awards:

Modern Condo Development – The Park Residence

Mid-Market Condo Development – HausNeo

Investment Property – 100 West

Riverside Township – Mizuki Park Township

Luxury Township – SimCity Premier Homes

Landed Development – North Dasma Garden Villas

River Front Property – Park Riverside & Park Riverside Premium

Villa Compound – The Venica

Investment Condo Project – Grand Himalai

Mixed-use/Hospitality/Commercial Winners:

Urban Lifestyle Development – Genting Indahpura

Condotel Development – Ariyana Beach Resort & Suites

Beach Front Development – Mövenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc

Green Development – Asiana Capella

Sustainable Commercial Development – Anchor Land Corporate Center

Serviced Office – Workyos

Design Awards:

Interior Design – Fortune Hill

Residential Architectural Design – TNR GoldSeason

Landscape Design – Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc


Southeast Asia’s best developers find success across all segments

Vietnam's  Cat Tuong Group was named as one of the region's best developers last year

Instead of retreating, the best developers in Southeast Asia found new ways to succeed this year. Whether through innovation, leveraging their strengths or a willingness to think outside the box, these Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards 2020 winners helped carry the real estate market forward.

Breakthrough Developer – Cat Tuong Group

Cat Tuong Group recorded a historic year as it continues its journey to become a leading homebuilder. Its projects across multiple segments of the real estate market have received praise. In the residential sector, developments like Cat Tuong Western Pearl brought new levels of quality to the market. Cat Tuong Group is also recognized as a leader when it comes to green developments in the industrial segment.

Best Developer (Resort Condominiums) – Sisaran

Best Developer (Resort Condominiums) – Sisaran

While some developers take a diverse approach to real estate, Sisaran believes in focusing on one thing and being the absolute best at it. The developer only builds resort condominiums in Bang Saray, a seaside destination with pristine beaches along Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. Projects such as Econdo Bang Saray feature sleek, environmentally friendly design with units specially created to reduce the negative impact residents have on the environment.

Best Residential Developer – Hung Thinh Land

Best Residential Developer – Hung Thinh Land

Hung Thinh Land boasts an outstanding portfolio of residential developments that showcase the firm’s skill in creating one-of-a-kind spaces that people want to call home. The developer is committed to providing clients with prestigious residences that offer real value through modern innovations and convenience. This has allowed Hung Thinh Land to become a pioneer in residential developments.

Best Township Developer – Paramount Land

Paramount Land strives to provide housing that meets the needs of residents while also building communities that foster a loving experience. With more young families in Indonesia searching for their first home, the company has been committed to crafting designs and products to meet their unique wants. Gading Serpong, an independent city with its own comprehensive infrastructure, continues to lead the way when it comes to townships in Southeast Asia.

Best Boutique Developer (Townhome) – Premium Place Group

Best Boutique Developer (Townhome) – Premium Place Group

Premium Place Group has been at the forefront of townhome development in Thailand for more than a decade. It’s unrivaled knowledge in this area has allowed it to become a standard bearer for boutique townhome development. Premium Place Group uses its experience and understanding of the market to launch bespoke developments in popular locations that meet the needs of homebuyers.

Best Sustainable Developer – Capital House

Best Sustainable Developer – Capital House

Capital House has a unique development strategy that focuses on sustainability at multiple levels. Ultimately, the developer wants to ensure balance and harmony between sustainable human resource development, environmental protection and social responsibility. Capital House focuses on bringing international-standard green buildings with reasonable prices to the market that boast both smart design solutions and modern technology.


Southeast Asia’s best developments go above and beyond

The Best Tourism and Resort Development award is presented to Wyndham Lynn Times Thanh Thuy

The best developments in Southeast Asia all go above and beyond expectations in their own way. For expansive housing estates with unique features to exciting resort destination rethinking experiences, the Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards 2020 saw a number of diverse selection of projects honored. The one thing they all had in common was being the best at what they did.

Best Tourism and Resort Development – Wyndham Lynn Times Thanh Thuy

Ambitious and stunning, Wyndham Lynn Times Thanh Thuy will soon be a must visit destination for tourists. The 5-star resort features a hot mineral park and a row of Japanese-style adjoining shops for a one-of-a-kind experience. Meanwhile, the hotel will boast more than 2,000 rooms across a pair of 33-story towers. Wyndham Lynn Times Thanh Thuy will also have a number of other resort amenities for guest to enjoy.

Best Lifestyle Condominium – Eco Resort

The Best Lifestyle Condominium award is handed to Eco Resort

Developer Sisaran Group has emphasized lifestyle at Eco Resort. Living spaces provide a sanctuary that evokes tranquility with luxurious touches, such as spa-style bathrooms and integrated smart systems. Meanwhile, amenities provide places to enjoy life in whatever manner those living here see fit. Regardless of if residents are looking for fun, relaxation or fitness, Eco Resort offers the lifestyle to meet their desires.

Best Landed Development – Cat Tuong Western Pearl

Cat Tuong Western Pearl wins Best Landed Development

Cat Tuong Western Pearl is an 80-hectare, landed development in Vietnam that aims to bring all the elements one needs for a happy life together in a single place. Everything from lifestyle space and commercial centers to schools and hospitals can be found within the development. What’s more, 55 percent of the land at Cat Tuong Western Pearl has been set aside for parks and green spaces ensuring peaceful, low-density living.


Southeast Asia’s best luxury condominium combines a timeless design with modern convenience

Best Luxury Condominium – Hyde Heritage Thonglor

There is no shortage of competition in Southeast Asia’s luxury condominium segment. Across the region, developers continue to push themselves to do bigger and better when it comes to upscale residences. Being the best here requires something truly special.

And Hyde Heritage Thonglor is a truly special condominium providing a level of affluence that was unmatched in 2022. From the moment the joint venture behind the project received the land, they had one goal in mind–creating the best luxury condominium.

“When we first received the land, we decided to partner with Sumitomo Forestry, one of Japan’s biggest developers, on the project. We sat down and thought about what we could do with this site. Ultimately, we said why not create the best luxury condominium in Bangkok with the best facilities and a timeless design. When someone comes here, they are happy to stay,” Khun Vitavas Vibhagool, Chief Executive Officer – Property Development, Grande Asset Hotels and Property, explained.

It is easy to see why residents would be happy to stay at Hyde Heritage Thonglor. The condominium takes what people love about staying at a hotel and combines it with modern conveniences to ensure life is enjoyable each and every day.

That includes a wide range of amazing amenities, including a theater room, private kitchen, co-working areas, garden spaces and spa, that can be booked using a mobile application. No more wondering if the swimming pool is busy or how many people are using the fitness center. It is visible via the app.

These luxurious facilities and modern conveniences are tied together through a timeless design that will appeal to all generations. This extends from the spacious units to the striking lobby and beautiful façade that has become a Bangkok icon.

Winning Best Luxury Condominium at the Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards 2022 is validation of the vision behind Hyde Heritage Thonglor. Every aspect of the project ensures residents and investors can enjoy the pinnacle of real estate.

More than 45 developers, projects and real estate agencies were honored at the Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards 2022.
Read more about the winners here
.


Southeast Asia’s Best Real Estate Agencies 2019 welcomes nine winners

Robert Collins (left), CEO Savills (Thailand)

A total of nine firms were included in this year’s class of Southeast Asia’s Best Real Estate Agencies 2019. The region was well represented with winners coming from Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) proudly supports Southeast Asia’s Best Real Estate Agencies 2019 and Chris Dietz (right all photos), LeadingRE’s Executive Vice President of Global Operations, presented the awards to the winners.

Bridge Estate (Thailand)

Pitchakorn Meesak (left) leads Bridge Estate, a Thailand-based agency specialising in cross-border real estate transactions throughout the country.

Dat Xanh Mien Nam (Vietnam)

Dat Xanh Mien Nam Managing Director Le Ngoc Tung Vi (left) oversees the agency that has become a leading real estate distributor in Ho Chi Minh City.

Santos Knight Frank (the Philippines)

Santos Knight Frank was the first and is now the largest fully integrated real estate services company in the Philippines. The firm now supports 11 market-leading service lines.

Savills Thailand (Thailand)

Robert Collins (top photo), CEO Savills (Thailand), has helped the company become one of the largest and most trusted real estate agencies in the Kingdom.

DKRA Vietnam (Vietnam)

Pham Lam (centre), DKRA Vietnam CEO, has worked hard to help DKRA become a full-service real estate agency working with clients and Vietnam’s largest developers.

VR Global Property (Thailand)

VR Global Property President Paul Xumsai (left) has brought a fresh approach to Thai real estate that has innovated the process for buyers and sellers.

Other winners of Southeast Asia’s Best Real Estate Agencies 2019 were Singapore’s Hutton Real Estate, Reapfield in Malaysia and Cushman & Wakefield (Indonesia).


Space flexibility is helping businesses in Malaysia survive the present and prepare for the future

More businesses in Malaysia are turning to flexible workplace providers such as Regus to support operations

The key for many Malaysian businesses at the moment is to survive the current situation and be ready for a quick recovery. With the Asian Development Bank having forecasted 6.5 percent GDP growth for the country next year, there is light at the end of the tunnel. However, many obstacles must be overcome in order to reach that point.

For some businesses, cost savings are required to navigate the current challenges. Others have found their office space needs shifting more quickly. And, of course, everyone is coming to terms with just how the ‘new normal’ is evolving the in-office experience.

Space flexibility has become more important now than ever before. Long-term leases and offices with no room for growth or contraction are no longer feasible. In times of uncertainty, bespoke office solutions are required.

This is why more people and businesses in Malaysia are turning to flexible workplace providers such as Regus. Everyone from entrepreneurs to multinational corporations have turned to Regus in search of greater space flexibility.

Click here to find your perfect space

How does Regus provide space flexibility?

Traditional office space is rigid and can limit growth or become a burden if extra space isn’t required

Regus flexible workplaces in Malaysia empower firms and individuals with the things they need to get to work, such as fully equipped facilities and scalability, without the burdens of a traditional office.

For example, the space flexibility provided by Regus has allowed SMEs to stay agile during an unpredictable time. Many growing enterprises were forced to postpone hiring in the months following the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the reopening of the economy has meant they needed to pivot once again and start adding more people.

With Regus, these companies have been paying for the space they need at any given moment. This is quite different than with a traditional office where SMEs were not only paying for the space they were using, but also the space required for future growth even if it was sitting empty during the hiring freeze. And this doesn’t even factor in other expenses like office furniture which would also be needed.

Another interesting example of the importance space flexibility has in Malaysia is when it comes to startups with founders based outside the country. With the borders closed, these companies have found themselves in a state of limbo. There is a pressing need for a physical presence here but paying for an office that they won’t be using isn’t a good use of resources.

Virtual offices from Regus are the ideal solution to this problem. Startups receive a business address in a prime location, a local phone and other benefits even if they are unable to enter Malaysia at the moment. And once they are allowed to enter the country, it is possible to upgrade to a plan that includes dedicated space or move to another Regus location in the country.

No one provides more options in Malaysia than Regus

Regus KL Sentral Station

With 33 flexible workplaces across Malaysia
, no operator provides individuals, startups, SMEs and MNCs with more options than Regus. These spaces can be found in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu with the most desirable neighborhoods in each area represented.

Regus operates 30 flexible workplaces in the Klang Valley with all of the region’s key business districts covered. Multiple facilities around Bukit Bintang and KL Sentral Station are among the company’s 16 total branches in Kuala Lumpur. Regus also boasts great coverage throughout Selangor with buildings, such as Wisma Sunway Shah Alam, MCT Tower and BBT One, strategically selected to best serve various industries.

Each flexible workplace can be tailored to your unique needs. Regardless of if you are searching for a dedicated office, co-working space, access to business lounges or a hybrid solution, Regus can provide it.

What’s more, Regus locations have the little things that help elevate your business. Access to meeting rooms provides a professional touch while the range of facilities at each location means you don’t have to worry about the finer details.

During a time where uncertainty has created challenges for businesses of all sizes, Regus is empowering companies in Malaysia with a tailored-made solution to office space. Regus’ ability to provide space flexibility ensures you are primed for success today, tomorrow and beyond.

Find your space today!


The Special Awards Edition is out!

The Special Awards Edition is out! Issue 2 of Dot Property magazine is shining a light on the ‘Best of the Best’ developments all across the region.

The Awards were launched in July and since then Dot Property has been searching every crevice of Asia to showcase properties deserving of some extra limelight. Between the pages of our
Special Awards Edition
, you will find residences, office space and even developments with innovative technology.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to Dot Property’s ‘Best of the Best’ Awards –
Click here
 to view all of our winners and find an array of projects varying in price, location and design in the 2nd issue of Dot Property magazine.

And, last but not least we want to thank our sponsors once again for their support in launching our first-ever awards:
The Teka Group
,
GiO Home
 and
Dexterton Corporation
.

#DotPropertyAwards


A very special issue of Dot Property Magazine is now available

Dot Property Magazine is out now. This issue has interviews, insights and a very special look at some of the exciting changes we’re making behind the scenes.  You can download the latest issue
right here
!

Want to take a sneak peek inside the magazine? Here are a few of the outstanding stories you will find in the new issue of Dot Property Magazine.

Cover Story – Allow us to reintroduce ourselves

A new name. New innovations. And a chance to support the real estate industry in a whole new way. These are exciting times for Dot Property Group. General Manager James Claassen explains how the company is changing the property sector for the better and details what the future holds for the region’s leading real estate marketplace.

Click here to keep reading

Special Feature – Where can foreigners own freehold property in Asia?

Foreigners looking to own freehold property in Asia have several options at their disposal. As you would expect on such a diverse continent, rules and regulation do vary quite a bit. In some countries, you are limited by property type while other places have restrictions on locations and prices.

The good news is that most places that allow foreigners to own freehold property in Asia have fairly transparent processes in place. There will be a language barrier in some countries but that is hurdle any local property professional can help you overcome. Here are the 12 countries in Asia where an overseas resident can own freehold property.

Click here to keep reading

Special Feature – 4 of the most unique condominium developments in the Philippines

Some residential projects are just built differently. And no, we’re not talking about the construction process or materials. The most unique condominium developments in the Philippines are creative, bold and, quite frankly, pretty cool. Several developers haven’t been afraid to think way outside the box.

From the first project in the country to feature interior design by Versace to residences set admits pine trees, the most unique condominium developments in the Philippines have certainly broke the mold. There is literally nothing quite like these places to call home. With this mind, here are four of the most unique condominium developments in the Philippines.

Click here to keep reading

How to read Dot Property Magazine

Dot Property Magazine, Asia’s premier real estate magazine, is out now. You can read it online by
clicking here
. If you prefer to read it on the go, download the FREE Dot Property Magazine app. You can find it in the
Apple Store
 and
Google Play
.


Spectacular Southeast Asia holiday homes available on Dot Property

The Chancellor Hotel is perfect for those looking for a Boracay holiday home

There is no shortage of amazing Southeast Asia holiday homes for sale. And you’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for one. From the sandy shorts of Phuket to the always popular (and soon to be open again) Boracay, the Dot Property network of websites boasts the region’s best selection of holiday homes.

With high season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to pick up your dream residence. Here are a few spectacular Southeast Asia holiday homes you can find on Dot Property right now.

5 amazing Southeast Asia holiday homes listed on Dot Property

Business and pleasure in Phuket

Breeze Park Condotel in Phuket

Investments don’t have to be the boring, at least not in Thailand. Here you can find Southeast Asia holiday homes that double as investment generating properties such as
Breeze Park Condotel
 in Phuket. Situated in Kamala Falls near Kamala Beach, this affordable development is ideal if you’re looking for a holiday property that has a guaranteed return on investment.

And that is simply half the story. Unit owners are also entitled to 30 days of usage during low season or 15 days during the peak season. The project boasts impressive amenities such as a sky garden and the low unit density ensures things never feel too crowded.

Click here to learn more

Beautiful villa in one of Vietnam’s top resorts

VinPearl Golf Land Resort and Villas

VinPearl Golf Land Resort and Villas is located along the picturesque Nha Trang Bay in Southeast Vietnam. For USD 750,000, you can score a villa that will become your personal paradise. The modern resort has numerous features including an 18-hole golf course that makes it ideal for those who enjoy hitting the links.

Villa owners can also enjoy a guaranteed investment return of eight percent annually for 10 years. And the perks don’t end there. If you buy a villa here, you can also stay in VinPearl villages in Da Nang and Phu Quoc Island for free.

Click here to learn more

Wonderful Bali apartment

The Double View Mansions Bali

Bali is home to countless Southeast Asia holiday homes. The Double View Mansions Bali is one of the region’s newest developments. The project offers a luxurious experience towards the north of Kuta Beach. This happens to be among Bali’s more subdued locations. Unlike some of the more crowded places on the island, this enclave isn’t totally developed and provides a level of peace and quiet you may not be afforded elsewhere.

When you’re here on holiday, you will be able to enjoy the best this tropical paradise has to offer. And when you are away, it’s possible to bring in a high return on investment. That’s because The Double View Mansions Bali has a government-approved hotel license. This means the in-house management company will rent out the property during those times you can’t use it.

Click here to learn more

A unique opportunity in Boracay

The Chancellor Hotel from Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. is part of the Boracay Newcoast development

Boracay is set to reopen in October and this may be the ideal opportunity to buy a holiday home here. That’s because developers are eager to make sales now in order to make up for lost time. The Chancellor Hotel from Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. offers investors with the ideal Boracay real estate opportunity. The project will be operated and decorated as a hotel.

In short, this ensures unit owners are entitled to a share in net room revenue whether their unit was actually rented or not. For owners, this guarantees a worry free investment. The operator of the Chancellor Hotel manages the leasing of the hotel rooms along with all maintenance, refurbishments and improvements. And, of course, as an owner, you will be entitled to a set number of days to stay here each year.

Chancellor Hotel is part of the Boracay Newcoast Integrated Tourism Development that occupies 15 percent of the island. The project spans 150 hectares and boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, several residential communities, hotels and leisure centres. Of course, all this fun may make it difficult for you to leave once your holiday is over.

Click here to learn more

Modern luxury in peaceful Hua Hin

Sivana HideAway Pool Villas in Hua Hin

Sivana HideAway Pool Villas was named as the
Best Luxury Villa Development Hua Hin at the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2018
. After one look at the project, it is easy to see why. The spacious development has only 22 total villas built on large plots to ensure residents never feel cramped. The developer also strives to create a place that feels like home by creating a community.

Each villa is equipped with a large, open-island kitchen with premium brand built-in appliances pre-installed. Meanwhile, only high-quality materials have been used throughout each residence ensuring you get only the best. If you’re looking for a private retreat in Hua Hin, Sivana HideAway is the place.

Click here to learn more

Want to see more Southeast Asia holiday homes?
Start your search on Dot Property!


Spectacular Sydney homes

Australian property developer Crown Group has released images of its new collection of penthouses in Sydney.

The prestigious selection of eight penthouses across three luxury addresses; Oasis by Crown Group in Ashfield, V by Crown Group in Parramatta and Infinity by Crown Group in Green Square; the Sydney Penthouse Collection is Sydney’s most diverse collection of penthouses; combining breathtaking views and hand-crafted luxury. Each penthouse is designed for entertaining on a grand scale.

Sitting atop a landmark 29-storey on the corner of Macquarie and Marsden streets Parramatta, three penthouses at V by Crown Group in Parramatta will offer stunning panoramic views, occupying the two highest levels of the residential tower; some of the most exclusive positions in Western Sydney.

Each penthouse is set over two floors and includes three-bedrooms, a study, two-bathrooms, a guest powder room, open-plan kitchen, indoor-outdoor living area, two car spaces and a large balcony; offering views of Parramatta’s Heritage parklands and Sydney’s central business district.

Positioned on one of the most topographically prominent peaks in Sydney’s inner-west with arguably the best view in the inner-west; Oasis by Crown Group’s three-bedroom penthouse has hit the market this month.

The apartment features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two car spaces and a large balcony with stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney CBD. The 158-sqm penthouse features expansive indoor-outdoor living area, fully-equipped kitchen, LED strip lighting and Miele appliances.

Crown Group Director of Sales and Marketing Roy Marcellus said the penthouses represented the ultimate in luxury living and had arguably the best views in the inner-west and Parramatta.

He said: “These apartments are the crème of the crop in Sydney; each penthouse has been custom-designed by world-class architects and is built by Crown Group’s award-winning construction team.

“Apartments like this are in high demand particularly from downsizers, there’s a real lack of these larger luxury apartments in central locations in Sydney market,” he added.

The 10-storey Oasis by Crown Group was designed by Surry-hills based architects Turner, while Sydney’s award-winning Koichi Takada Architects designed penthouses at V by Crown Group in Parramatta and Infinity by Crown Group in Green Square were designed by Sydney’s award-winning Koichi Takada Architects.

Recently released for sale, two large three-bedroom penthouses at Infinity by Crown Group in Green Square complete the collection.

Infinity by Crown Group was awarded UDIA NSW best concept design 2014,

www.crowngroup.com.au


S’pore budget: property impact?

Singapore will deliver its first budget later today (Thursday) after the passing of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

With economic growth in Southeast Asia’s biggest financial centre expected to hover around 1-2 percent, expectations have been building about how the city state plans to chart its path for the year ahead.

According to real estate firm JLL, Singapore’s real estate market has been depressed with rents of commercial properties in the CBD area down by 15 percent in 2015. Meanwhile, the city state’s high-end residential market continues to be hit by cooling measures introduced by the government in 2013.

A key question for the 2016 Budget is whether there will be any reprieve for real estate investors? If there is you can expect an immediate response from both buyers and investors on the back of significant pent-up demand.

Watch the videographic for insights on the upcoming budget and JLL’s forecast for Singapore’s real estate market.

This article was first published by JLL Real Views and is republished with kind permission.


Starter home vs. dream home: what’s right for you?

Many first-time homebuyers face a tough decision: buying a starter home or waiting until they have enough saved up to buy their dream home. Newlyweds in particular are forced to make a decision on which homebuying route they must take. The decision is rarely easy.

That’s because many couples already have an idea of where they want to live and do not want to settle for less. It’s understandable, but not willing to sacrifice can also end up costing more money and time in the long the run. A starter home may not be what you’ve always imagined for yourself and your family, but it could be the place that helps gets you into your dream home faster.

Starter home basics

A starter home is usually an affordable property, such as studio unit, that first-time homebuyers have the means to buy or acquire a mortgage on with a low down payment. These properties are usually situated in suburban locations.

Why buy a starter home?

There are four main reasons someone would buy a starter home:

Lower mortgage –
 Starter homes are far more affordable thanregular homes meaning monthly mortgage payments are less. For young families, this provides a chance to save money while still owing a property.

Your own space –
 The alternatives to buying a starter home are either renting a property or living at home with the parents. The former is fine if you don’t mind not being able to recoup your money in the long run. The latter is also acceptable, but if you’re like many young families, it might be nice to move out on your own.

Investment –
 When you’re finally prepared to purchase that home of your dreams, you can sell the starter home to help with the down payment. This is something not possible when renting.

Training –
 A starter home is a low-pressure way to prepare for buying that dream home. While many young people are reluctant to wait, it may take a few years for your family to be fully settled. Career and kids tend to be the biggest factors and just because you can afford a larger mortgage now doesn’t mean it you’ll be able pay it three years down the line.

How long should I stay in a starter home?

It all depends on your financial situation. You could win the lottery tomorrow making all of this moot. That being said, many people have the right combination life and financial stability after five years. Just be sure to create a financial plan that keeps you on the road to buying your dream home. Eventually you’ll reach your destination.

Looking for your starter home?
Find it on Dot Property today
!


Stay cool during hot season with these household tips

Hot season is when your air conditioner needs to be performing at its peak

Hot season is nearly upon. Temperatures are going creep up from tolerably warm to scorching. In response, air conditioners will be cranked up to the max and you will do anything and everything in an attempt to stay cool. But doing so can prove challenging if you aren’t prepared.

Instead of waiting for the heat to take hold, plan for hot season ahead of time. These tips won’t change the fact it’s searing outside, but you may find that they do save you some money when the electric bill rolls in.

1) Have your air conditioner inspected

If you’re like most people, your air conditioner works overtime to keep your home cool during the next few months. These machines work extra hard when the temperatures reach their peak, which can put them under additional strain and even cause them to break.

Don’t wait for that to happen, Instead, have a professional come out and inspect the unit. At the very least they will clean the filters to ensure it runs more efficiently. They may also be able to identify any issues now and fix them. This is much better than having the air conditioner break during summer and having to rely on fans to keep you cool while the repairman comes to fix it.

2) Keep the sun out

We all love sunlight. But having the sun beaming into your house all day can make it harder to keep things cool. Your air conditioner is fighting a battle to pump out cold air. The lower the room temperature is, the less it has to work to accomplish this.

Keep the curtains closed during the day, especially if you aren’t at home. It may seem simple, but countless people let the sun flow into their residence while they are away. When they come home, it’s hot as heck and requires even more energy to cool down than if it had been dark. Even better, install insulated blinds that keep the cold air from escaping when shut.

3) Switch to cotton

If you aren’t using cotton sheets and pillowcases at the moment, swap over now. Cotton breathes easier and stays cooler meaning you won’t be as hot during the night. You may also want to consider a “chillow”. These pillows use special fabrics that claim to keep them cooler than normal ones, but effectiveness does vary.

4) Don’t cook

Cooking is great. But ovens and stoves generate excess heat that will make your house hotter than it already is. We won’t say you should never cook, but if you must, be sure to wait until night when the temperatures outside have receded from their peak.


STC Property Management partners with IHG for flagship hotel at Straits City development

From left to right: Hwei Yee Tan, CEO, STC Property Management Sdn. Bhd., Eric Teng,
CEO, Straits Developments Pte Ltd, Rajit Sukumaran, Managing Director, South East Asia
and Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Vivek Bhalla, Vice President, Operations, South East
Asia and Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts

The massive Straits City master planned development continues to take shape after STC Property Management and IHG Hotels & Resorts unveiled details of their partnership for the project’s flagship hotel. Crowne Plaza Penang Butterworth Straits City will cater to all types of travelers and be integrated fully into the surrounding area.

“Upon completion, Straits City will help elevate Butterworth Penang as the future city, comprising an integrated mix of residential, retail, offices and commercial components. We are confident that the partnership with IHG will bring our vision of developing Straits City into a world-class work-live-play destination to life,” Eric Teng, CEO of Straits Developments, explained.

Crowne Plaza Penang Butterworth Straits City will be the first Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts in Penang and have a total of 343 rooms. Among the property’s highlights will be views of the Straits of Penang with the popular Georgetown just over the horizon. The hotel is one of ten IHG plans to open in
Malaysia
 over the next few years.

“We are delighted to partner with STC Property Management to debut the Crowne Plaza brand to Butterworth Penang, and in Butterworth’s scenic coastal area that is undergoing transformation to become the new residential and commercial hub of Penang,” Rajit Sukumaran, Managing Director, South East Asia and Korea, IHG, stated. “This signing underscores IHG’s commitment to further expand its footprint across Malaysia and grow its portfolio in strategic destinations.”

Straits City is a sustainable, high-end mixed-use development located along the waterfront of Butterworth and across from Georgetown. Developer STC Property Management has worked to incorporate green technologies in the project that will contain commercial, retail and residential spaces in addition to Crowne Plaza Penang Butterworth Straits City. It is a five-minute drive to Penang Sentral while also offering easy access to major roads and highways.

Keep Reading:

Thailand and the Philippines are Southeast Asia’s most popular travel spots


Step inside some of Asia’s most luxurious penthouses

The recently unveiled penthouse at The Middle House offers great views of Shanghai

A growing number of the world’s most luxurious penthouses can now be found in Asia. These amazing residences and suites are in hotels and condominiums throughout the region. Some of been styled by world-famous designers, others are equipped with inspired amenities and a few are in the region’s tallest buildings.

No matter where they are found, Asia’s most luxurious penthouses are all iconic in their own unique way. We’ve compiled a list that puts the spotlight on a few of our favourites. Best of all, each penthouse is currently available either for sale, rent or reservation.

4 of Asia’s most luxurious penthouses

Bangkok viewing

The penthouse view at Marque Sukhumvit

The exterior design of Marque Sukhumvit has turned heads, but your jaw will drop once you catch a glimpse of the condominium’s penthouses. Each one offers residents something different, but they all have a balcony, private swimming pool and floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, bedrooms and bathrooms. These views of Bangkok are unbeatable.

All penthouses in Marque Sukhumvit can be found on the 44 to the 49
th
floor placing them among the highest residential units in Bangkok’s Phrom Phong neighbourhood. Not only is the area among
the best for property investment
, but Phrom Phong is also the Thai capital’s shopping hub. Emporium, EmQuartier and the currently under construction EmSphere are all a few steps away.

Click here for more info on Marque Sukhumvit penthouses

Stylish Shanghai

The Middle House penthouse has a great terrace space

The Middle House in Shanghai recently unveiled its top-floor penthouse which brings a level of exclusivity not found elsewhere in the city. The luxurious space was designed by Piero Lissoni, renowned architect and founder of Lissoni Architettura in Milan, who curated a modernist aesthetic with touches of both Italian and Chinese culture throughout the space.

The joy of The Middle House penthouse extends outdoors where the impressive terraces allow guests to gaze out at Shanghai. The amazing design and luxurious ambiance ensures staying at the penthouse will be a memorable occasion.

Click here for more info on The Middle House penthouse

New York chic in Makati

The design of the Trump Tower Manila penthouses can be customised

There is perhaps no project in Makati more luxurious than Trump Tower Manila. And the penthouses are a sight to behold. Buyers can choose one of three unique interior finishings, each one inspired by popular Manhattan districts. As one of the tallest buildings in the Philippines, the views are simply sublime. The penthouses are spacious with each one boasting at least 400 square metres of space.

However, luxury isn’t simply limited to the residences. Hermès has fitted the amenities and common areas with items from its home collection.

Click here for more information

Tokyo suite life

A look at the bedroom in the Chairman’s Suite of the Four Seasons Tokyo

The Chairman’s Suite sits at the top of the Four Seasons Tokyo. This exclusive penthouse places guests in the heart of the city with views of Tokyo Station and Marunouchi always on display. The luxurious unit features all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a Four Seasons’ penthouse. These include a dining area that seats up to 10 guests and a home theatre system with a 3D television in the living room.

Click here for more information on the Chairman’s Suite


There is still time to enter the Dot Property Awards 2020! Here’s what you need to know

There is still time to enter the Dot Property Awards 2020!

The Dot Property Awards 2020 will be hosting events in Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines in the coming months. If you want to join Asia’s most exciting property awards series, there is still time. We are accepting nominations for the Dot Property Awards 2020 and the process to enter is entirely digital.
Click here for more information on entering this year’s Dot Property Awards
.

Our presentation ceremonies are scheduled for Vietnam in July, Thailand in August and the Philippines in September and each one is currently set to proceed as planned. Nominations will be closing in the coming weeks and you need to enter ASAP to be eligible.

Winning a Dot Property Award helps build trust amongst the public while also elevating your brand
. It is more important now than ever before to be seen by the public as a credible company. Winning an award is one of the best ways to build that credibility as it shows the public your work has been independently verified and recognized.

Dot Property Awards start in July

We begin this year’s slate of events with the Dot Property Vietnam Awards 2020 in July. The presentation ceremony returns to the historic Reverie Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh where the best developers will join us for another amazing evening.

In August, the scene shifts to Bangkok for the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2020. The luxurious Park Hyatt Bangkok will host us this year with both the presentation ceremony and afterparty taking place at the hotel.

The Dot Property Philippines Awards 2020 will go ahead in September. For the second consecutive year, The Peninsula Manila will be the venue with the event promising to be even bigger and better than last year’s outstanding celebration.

How to enter

The Dot Property Awards program is a free to enter and it takes less than five minutes to get started. First, click
this link
 and select the event you wish to enter. Once that’s done, you’ll be asked to complete and submit a very simple questionnaire. That’s it. The Dot Property Awards team will then contact you when the form has been received with the next steps for entry.

Enter the Dot Property Awards today!