While luxury property buyers find similar properties in Singapore cheaper and more affordable than those in Hong Kong, the market for high-end apartments above 2,000 sq ft remains quiet. In the third quarter of 2014, 162 luxury condominium units were sold and this year, only 112. Most of the properties sold were in the prime districts of 9 to 11.
Property analysts say the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) is one of the main factors affecting the change as it increases the total quantum price considerably. And as most luxury property owners are the highly affluent with sufficient holding power, they are unlikely to succumb to asking prices which are not suited to their liking. Buyers however are now looking for better deals as they see the property market as weakening. The buyer-seller tussle may continue while everyone keeps an eye on interest rates and global economic changes.
However, the landed home market in the prime districts are still doing well. 30 houses have been sold in the third quarter thus far, with the total sales numbers coming up to $266.3 million. And Malaysian and Indian buyers still have the strongest showing in the local market. Some of the projects which did well in 2015 include Leedon Residence, D’Leedon and Palms @ Sixth Avenue. Resale properties which fared similarly include Goodwood Residences, Urban Resort Condominium and St Regis Residences. Recently, a townhouse at Bishopgate Residence also sold at $21 million and Chinese buyers are coming back into the fold.
