A mixed-use land site on Perumal road which could potentially yield 200 private homes and an entire floor of commercial spaces have attracted bullish bids from property developers since its release in November last year.
11 bids have been placed, the highest at 4.4 per cent more than the next in line came from Low Keng Huat at $174.08 million. The second highest bid came from China Construction (South Pacific) development. The keen activity in the land sales sector could translate into a competitive primary and thereafter secondary market which will in turn mean a ready pool of buyers who are ready to spend after the prolonged market lull over the past few years.
Average selling prices at this site is expected to hover around $1,700 psf due to the high land cost and also its proximity to the Farrer Park MRT station and other amenities such as City Square Mall and Mustafa Centre. The neighbouring plot where Sturdee Residences stands only lodged at $787 psf.
The lack of land sites available for sale in the earlier part of 2016 could have resulted in pent up demand from developers who are looking to replenish their lank banks in preparation for 2018 and beyond when market recovery is expected to happen. Property analysts are already seeing signs of market stabilisation and developers who prepare ahead of the recovery could just catch buyers at an opportune time.
