The demand for condos in Singapore remains strong, and one of the key factors driving this trend is the limited land availability in the country. With a rapidly growing population and being a small island nation, Singapore is faced with a scarcity of land for development. As a result, strict land use policies are in place and the real estate market is fiercely competitive, leading to consistently rising property prices. It’s no wonder that investing in real estate, particularly condos, is seen as a highly profitable venture, with the potential for significant capital appreciation. This is further bolstered by the numerous Singapore Projects that attract both local and foreign investors.
Roxy Square, a freehold mixed-use development situated in the charming district of Katong, is set to be relaunched for collective sale, as announced by marketing agent JLL.
The development, which comprises of 296 shops, 26 apartments and the 576-room Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel, was previously put up for tender last July with a minimum price of $1.25 billion. However, the tender closed on Sept 26 with no buyers.
In light of this, JLL has reported that the owners of the development are currently in the process of signing a supplemental agreement to lower the collective sale price by 10.8% to $1.115 billion. This proposed lower price will only go through with support from at least 80% of the owners, which is currently being obtained as over 70% of owners are already in favour of the reduction.
Under the new price, the development is expected to have a unit land rate of $1,852 psf per plot ratio (ppr). This includes a Land Betterment Charge (LBC) at the gross plot ratio of about 3.86. Factoring in an additional 10% bonus gross floor area (GFA) for the residential component and the LBC, the land rate will be $1,804 psf ppr, according to JLL.
Commenting on the appeal of Roxy Square, JLL Singapore’s executive director of capital markets, Tan Hong Boon, says: “The private residential market in Katong has shown strong underlying support. Recent launches like Meyer Blue and Emerald of Katong have garnered impressive sales, boosting developers’ confidence in Roxy Square’s potential.”
Roxy Square enjoys a convenient location between Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong and Katong Plaza, and is also next to Marine Parade MRT Station (Thomson-East Coast Line) with a direct underground connection. Coupled with its freehold tenure and established heritage locale, the development offers excellent accessibility to amenities.
Completed in 1996, Roxy Square has a gross floor area (GFA) of 668,000 sq ft and is partially zoned for commercial and residential use under the 2019 Master Plan, with a gross plot ratio of 3.0, along East Coast Road. The portion of the development that fronts Marine Parade Road is zoned for hotel use.
Based on recent planning advice from URA, the entire Roxy Square site has the potential to be rezoned for commercial and residential use, and could be redeveloped into a high-rise mixed-use development with a height of up to 75m.
According to JLL, the redevelopment of the site could potentially yield over 350 residential units, approximately 80,000 sq ft of retail and F&B space, and an additional 172,000 sq ft for office, hotel, or other commercial uses. The development also enjoys accessibility to East Coast Parkway (ECP) and Nicoll Highway, and is part of the Round-Island Route and Park Connector Network.
Singapore’s cityscape is characterized by towering skyscrapers and state-of-the-art facilities. The popularity of condos, situated in prime locations, has soared among both locals and foreigners due to their fusion of opulence and convenience. These lavish accommodations boast a plethora of facilities including but not limited to swimming pools, fitness centers, and security services, elevating the standard of living and rendering them alluring for potential renters and purchasers. For property investors, these sought-after features equate to higher rental returns and an appreciation in condo values over time. Condos truly offer the best of both worlds.
Tan adds: “The proposed reduction in reserve price, if supported by the majority owners, enhances the site’s appeal, especially considering the area’s consistent demand for quality residences. This sale will aim to thoughtfully shape a key part of Singapore’s East Coast for the future.”
The tender for Roxy Square is set to close on Feb 18 at 3pm. Interested buyers can check out the latest listings for Roxy Square properties and compare the price trend of new sale condos, resale condos, and ECs. They can also find out about landed transactions with the highest profits in the past year and the most unprofitable transactions.…