Image Credits: The M, by Wing Tai Asia Pte Ltd

For the city dweller that wants to merge work and home, The M signifies a new way of living in the majestic city-state of Singapore. With luxury living set as its primary goal, The M sits in a prime location at the Bugis District, at the extended Singapore Downtown.

A mixed-development with luxury facilities, commercial spaces on the first floor, with plenty of rich, common areas that provide indulgent lifestyles within the property, The M is your ultimate modern residence.

Developed by Wing Tai Holdings, it is a showpiece property for affluent homeowners who wish to acquire the epitome of what a luxury Singapore home should be.

The Location

The M’s most prized feature is its prime location. Bugis is a hip and happening part of Singapore, where commercial shops, malls, food and beverage shops, schools, banks, and many establishments are within walking distance. Residents won’t have to go very far to truly enjoy the gist and spirit of the city-state.

Located along Middle Road, near Orchard Road and the Central Business District, The M is the place to be if you want to live in a modern home that’s close to everything else. There are 3 MRT stations within walking distance, which are the Bugis station, the Esplanade station, and the City Hall station.

For private vehicles, most of Singapore’s major districts are within easy access, with the East Coast Parkway, the Central Expressway, and the Ayer Rajah Expressway within minutes from the property. Changi International Airport if but a short 15 minutes away once you get on the expressway.

On its first weekend of launching in February 2020, 360 units were sold out of 522, which comprises 70% of the entire residential units. This goes to show the high demand for residential homes in the Bugis area, and the appeal of The M to Singapore’s citizens.

Major Features

A mixed-development property, The M features a first floor with commercial retail spaces, staying true to the condo’s concept of seamlessly blending work and home.

With a land area of more than 80,000 square feet, it has the capacity to build 522 units, dispersed throughout a 6-story block, and 3 20-story high towers above the commercial podium.

There are 5 types of units at The M, which are:

-Studio unit

-1 bedroom unit

-1 bedroom + study

-2 bedrooms

-2 bedrooms + study

-3 bedrooms + dual key

On the 3rd floor are excellent facilities that allow residents to relax and rejuvenate without having to take a step outside the buildings. The following facilities are available on this floor:

-A 50m starlight pool

-Jacuzzi lounge

-Hydro Pod

-Sun Deck

-Aqua Lounge

-Chill Deck

-Club M with a fitness center, party lounge, meeting rooms at The Boardroom, The Den, and The Bar.

-Yoga deck

-Outdoor gym

-Rain garden

-Laundry deck

And if these facilities are not enough, the developers of The M also wanted to take advantage of the roof deck for a broad range of incredible facilities that make living in the property a dream come true for city dwellers. The roof deck features the following:

-Jacuzzi pool/deck

-Sky Lounge

-The Cabana

-The Pendulum

-Wine and Roast

-Teppanyaki Deck

With these features and amenities, luxury living is in every inch of this property. Merging retail spaces, restaurants, spas, and all you need to relax and enjoy without taking a step outside the property, The M truly encapsulates the true essence of what it’s like to live in a high-end home.

Unit Features

And of course, each unit is completely furnished and finished with only the best appliances, furnishings, and a pioneer Smart Home technology unlike any other.

Owners can enter and lock their homes without the need for a key, with face recognition technology using motion sensors to give access to your floor lift. This amazing Smart feature also makes sure security is paramount, providing absolute safety for you and your family.

The designers thoughtfully selected the Grohe fittings and Duravit wares found in each unit of The M. They wanted to guarantee that those who wish to work from home have the ability to do so with the limited space they have. They came up with space-saving solutions such as an integrated kitchen with a countertop that can be transformed into a dining table, cabinet doors turning into a dining space, as well as innovative ceiling storage that allows residents to keep items out of sight.

With pioneering technology, innovative space-saving solutions, and high-end finishings in each and every unit, residents can make sure they have the ability to live well and work well in their home.

Amenities

And of course, with a prime location, restaurants, supermarket,s shopping malls, and schools are within short walking distance from The M. Raffles Hotel. Orchard Road and the Central Business District are only 2 to 3 MRT stops away, while some schools and commercial establishments are an easy walk.

Cafes, night clubs, restaurants, and art centers surround the Busig District, making your neighborhood a great way to enjoy the spoils of Singapore.

If The M is the dream home you’re looking for, you can use the services of iCompareLoan mortgage broker to help you compare home loan Singapore to finally have the urban residence that you deserve.

For advice on a new home loan.

For refinancing advice.

Download this article here.

The post Luxury Living at Its Finest with The M on Bugis District appeared first on iCompareLoan Resources.

Image Credits: Verticus, by Soilbuild Group Holdings Ltd

District 12’s Verticus is at the forefront of offering its residents a wholesome homely experience. Located along Jalan Kemaman, Verticus is a new freehold development that’s set to consist of 162 apartments.

The new property launch is developed by the renowned Soilbuild Group and it consists of one, two, three, and four-bedroomed units. Verticus’ design plan as well as the neighborhood make it stand out easily.

Each unit mix offers several bedroom options and they are spacious enough to fit a queen-size bed. Besides that, there is a home automation system, smart security, sky gardens, and terraces among others. So, why should you consider investing in Verticus?

Enjoy the Convenience of a Well-Connected Transport System

This new property launch provides residence with the convenience they need while moving around. Verticus is in close proximity to several MRT stations including:

Farrer Park

Steven MRT

Little Indian MRT

Newton MRT and

Somerset MRT station.

The condo’s location in district 12 means that it seamlessly connects to other parts of Singapore. This is facilitated by the availability of the Balestier Road in addition to major expressways such as the Pan-Island and Central Expressway.

Schools and Medical Center

This condo is family-friendly and suitable for residents with school-going children. There are several schools located within just a 5 km radius and they include:

The Bendemeer secondary school

Balestier Hill primary and secondary schools

CHIJ secondary

The global Indian international school

Additionally, you don’t have to worry about your wellbeing since this region is already a medical hub. If you are going to reside in Verticus, then you can access medical services from:

Mt. Elizabeth Hospital

Novena Medical center and

Tan Tok-Seng Hospital

Explore Various Dining and Shopping Options

Having retail outlets nearby to shop for basic needs makes this Condo amazing. But what about those who shopping fanatics? Well, there are limitless shopping options for you. If you are interested in living in Verticus, then be ready to be spoilt for choice.

The Shaw Plaza and Balestier Plaza are within 5 minutes from this new property launch. Besides that, United Square Mall, Zhongshan Mall, Velocity, and Novena Square are all located within this property’s vicinity.

For those who love to sample food, the condo gives you access to various eateries. You can enjoy street feed or utilize the services of dining areas such as:

Boon Tong Kee

Balestier Market

Alt. Pizza

Original Herbal Shop among others

A Broad Range of Active Lifestyle Options

Verticus is surrounded by nature. It’s the best place where you can go out, bond with nature thanks to the nearby green spaces and parks. These utilities mean that residents can engage in healthy lifestyle habits such as running, jogging, outdoor yoga, and cycling among others. For naturalists who want to explore parks, the condo is located conveniently close to the Novena Rise Park, Toa Payoh Town Park, in addition to Malcolm Park.

Those who want to engage in active living, either through socialization or sports activities don’t have to look further. The new property launch has several facilities located close to it that support such type of lifestyle. They include:

SAFRA clubhouse

Ceylon Sports Club

Singapore Indoor Stadium

Singapore-Chinese Creation Club

Overall, this is a well-designed modern condo that’s suitable for all types of residents. Verticus mainly provides convenience in all aspects of life. Its location on the city fringe means that there are numerous indulgences that future residents can engage in. whether its buying day-to-day necessities, catching up with friends, enjoying the relaxing outdoor space, and engaging in active lifestyle, there are amenities designed to cater to all these. This is an establishment that makes your life effortlessly great.

While we are offering you the best deal in the market, we want to ensure that you get your finances just right. That’s why it’s advisable to seek the services of a mortgage broker, to help you compare Singapore housing loans.

iCompareLoan mortgage broker is one of the best services you can use. The broker normally works with several mortgage lenders to determine the best competitive mortgage rates that suit best your needs. The free online platform can be used to effectively compare mortgage loan Singapore and an opportunity to get in touch with the relevant bankers directly.

For advice on a new home loan.

For refinancing advice.

Download this article here.

The post Verticus: A FREEHOLD Modern Condo Offering a Wholesome Homely Experience appeared first on iCompareLoan Resources.

Image Credits: Clement Grand Residence, by UOL Venture Investments and UIC Homes

Clement Grand Residence is a new compound based in District 5 in Singapore. This residential building is located at Clementi Avenue 1 and stands 40 storeys high, featuring over 640 modern units perfect for anybody, from students and employees to single parents and large families. The expected completion date is 2024, and the complex includes hundreds of apartments, from 1 Bedroom up to 5 Bedroom floor plans.

This upcoming complex is located in the Southern part of the Clementi neighbourhood, and North of Ghim Moh. It’s a stone’s throw from the famous Singapore Science Park, which boasts with some of Singapore’s most innovative companies and start-ups. If you’re planning on opening your own business or finding a great job at a modern company, this is the place to stay.

Both foreign and domestic students can rent an apartment at the Clement Grand Residence, especially as it is located in the close proximity of the National University of Singapore. Owning an apartment here is a great long-term investment, as you’ll always find thousands of students or young corporate employees willing to relocate here.

Masterfully Designed for a Flawless Experience

Clement Grand Residence is a complex built from the ground up to meet the ever-increasing needs of the market. This place can meet even the most stringent of requirements by modern consumers who want to enjoy everything the technology has to offer.

The long, vertical panels go up for hundreds of meters, while the façade commands pure power. The elevated location allows you to enjoy an outstanding view of the surroundings and marvel at the best Singapore has to offer.

This estate enables you to indulge in urban sophistication without ignoring the rustic charm. From this place, you can quickly travel into any part of the city and experience life to its fullest. The trendy, charming restaurants and bars nearby complement all the malls and shops found in Holland Village, Sunset Way, West Coast Plaza, Clementi Mall and 321 Clementi.

Countless Relaxation Experiences

The central location of this compound makes it a great place to experience nature and relax after a hard day’s work. The Clement Woods Park, West Coast Park, Clementi Swimming Complex, and the Pandan River with its terraces and piers, can make for an excellent end of the day.

The Chinese Garden and the Jurong Lake Gardens are perfect places if you want to make new friends either from the elite universities in the area or from the smart corporate employees working at the Trade Hub or Pantech Business Hub.

Perfect Location for Anything you Need

Clement Grand Residence is perfectly located near the Science Park. This makes it perfect for employees who work in one of Singapore’s main tech hubs. Thanks to its location, this place is also perfect for students or families with young children. There are dozens of well-established schools around, including the Qifa Primary School, NUS High School, Nan Hua Primary School, and of course the National University of Singapore.

The Jurong Lake District is poised to become Singapore’s next Central Business District, as a growing number of companies are migrating in this area. Since it’s just one MRT stop away from the Clementi MRT, the residents of this complex can quickly travel to and fro to work.

Let’s Meet the Developer

This compound is created by UOL Group Limited, the most important publicly listed developer in Singapore. Their list of previous projects includes famous hotels, buildings and malls, such as Avenue South Residence, The Tre Ver, Meyer House, United Square, Odeon Towers, Faber House, and Novena Square.

This company strongly believes in creating outstanding projects and exceeding the expectations of its customers. Their core values include innovation, passion, corporate responsibility, and people value. You can rest assure that this project is a great investment, getting the peace of mind that it is created by a top developer with a proven record of buildings in Singapore and South-East Asia.

Why Buy an Apartment at Clement Grand Residence?

Clement Grand Residence comes as a great long-term investment, because of several reasons. First, it is located in District 5, a central area of Singapore that is surrounded by parks, malls, and numerous points of interest. Second, it is very close to the Jurong Lake District and to prestigious schools. Third, it is designed with comfort in mind.

If you need a loan, you probably should compare home loan Singapore. Use the best mortgage broker for that, iCompareLoan.

For advice on a new home loan.

For refinancing advice.

Download this article here.

The post Clement Grand Residence – The Best Investment you can make in 2020 appeared first on iCompareLoan Resources.

Best home loan mortgage brokers will guide you through the shopping process to get the best loans for you

By: Hitesh Khan/

1. MORTGAGE BROKER TEACH YOU HOW TO BUY

The home buying process – from application, liaising with lawyers, compiling the documentation, and finally disbursement – can be a tedious, time consuming process.

Best home loan mortgage brokers guide you through this process and teach you how to buy so that you don’t stress yourself out.

2. THEY ARE NOT TIED TO PARTICULAR LENDERS AND PRODUCTS

In Singapore, where we have a good number of local and foreign financial institutions, the choice of a lender and its packages can be mind boggling. Imagine having to compare over hundreds of different loan packages and wondering which is best for you. Even if you are a specialist in finance, it is not so straight forward as there are quite a few variables.

Most of the time, your property agent would also refer a contact at a bank to you. The point is, does the property agent know which bank package is good for you? Do they know how to calculate your loan affordability and interest costs? Do the property agents have the supporting home loan reports to assist you to find the right home loan packages and layout the facts for you?

This is where the Best home loan mortgage brokers comes in. Without any partiality, the mortgage broker can compare a range of products and lenders. This will help you save time and money, avoid confusion, and improve your chances of getting approved, as well.

A quick view of how the best home loan mortgage brokers can help you save money.

3. SERVICES ARE USUALLY FREE

You heard right – the services of the mortgage brokers are usually free. That is, unless you have a complex situation or if you are only borrowing a small amount.

In case you are wondering why it is free to the borrower, it is because the lenders will pay the mortgage broker a distribution fee upon successful disbursement of loan.

Best home loan mortgage brokers also have tools such as the home loan comparison system, which compiles all the available loans that meet your search query, when you input the loan quantum, duration, housing type and whether the property is  completed or under construction.

You can download the sample property buyer home loan report here.

4. YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE

Mortgage brokers usually have many years of experience in the credit and finance industry.  This means they know how to get your application approved and how to get you the best home loan which fits your situation.

5. THEY CAN SPEED UP YOUR APPLICATION

Good mortgage brokers usually have very good relationships with lenders. This is good news for those who need their loans approved and disbursed with as little delay as possible, so that they can enjoy their new homes sooner. In most cases, the application turnaround time can be 2 – 3 days faster than going directly to the bank.

6. HOME BUYING PROCESS IS COMPLEX – GOOD MORTGAGE BROKERS MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU

Best home loan mortgage brokers will keep you updated on each stage of your home loan application until the loan is disbursed. They will liaise with the different parties like property agents, conveyancers and valuers, to make the process seamless and stress-free.

7. THEY SPECIALISE IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF LOANS

Borrowers with complex needs often get dismissed as ‘bad borrowers’. That’s because most banks do not have the skills to handle complex or the special requirements of the home buyers. A good mortgage broker, however, understands.

From property investing, to construction loans, to commercial properties, to bad credit loans, to unusual employment situation, to non-resident loans and non-traditional properties, there are many different types of loans. It actually makes good sense for someone who is looking to invest or someone with complex needs and goals, to use the services of a mortgage broker. It is especially an excellent option if you don’t know much about the best home loans or the home buying process.

8. THEY CAN HELP YOU MAKE YOUR MORTGAGE WORK FOR YOU

The best home loans often come with different features which fit your unique financial needs. And from home loan with a redraw facility to interest-offset mortgage accounts, there are many different types of home loans with varying features which can help you better manage your mortgage over the long term. A good mortgage broker would be able to analyse your unique situation and recommend which home loan features are best for you.

In summary, engaging best home loan mortgage brokers can help you save time and money and ease the process of shopping for a home loan.

For starters, you can read up more to give you some basic understanding. Read about how a mortgage broker can help you or simply find out more about refinancing and fixed versus floating rates.

If you have been shopping around for best home loans you may have noticed that different banks offer different rates and that even these may greatly vary at different points in time. The one big reason why this is so is because mortgages are complicated business and in this industry, there is no such thing a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

From local and foreign banks, to financial institutions, and credit cooperatives, there are many players in the mortgage business. These players have different amounts of funds at their disposal at different points in time, and based on supply and demand, these lenders offer different rates and repayment schemes.

This is where the best home loan mortgage brokers can help you.

The post Best home loan mortgage brokers will help you seal the deal appeared first on iCompareLoan Resources.

Prominently located near Tuas Checkpoint and future Tuas Mega Port, the Tuas industrial properties at 31 Tuas South St 5 and 8 Tuas South St 6 present untapped redevelopment opportunities

Colliers International announced on June 17 that it will put up two industrial properties located at Tuas for sale via an expression of interest exercise (EOI).

The two Tuas industrial properties are namely 31 Tuas South St 5 and at 8 Tuas South St 6 with indicative prices of S$17 million and S$6 million, respectively.

Image: Colliers International

One of the two Tuas industrial properties is at 31 Tuas South St 5

This property has an indicative price of S$ 17 million translates to S$107 per sq ft (psf) based on the total land area of 158,402 sq ft (14,716sq m).

The property is a General Industrial factory located in the Tuas Planning area of Singapore. It comprises a single two-storey mezzanine factory with ancillary office space and three single-storey factory blocks. The land is zoned Business 2 with a maximum allowable plot ratio of 1.4 under the Master Plan 2019. The property has an existing Gross Floor Area (GFA) of 95,056 sq ft, translating to a plot ratio of 0.6. With a land tenure of 30 years commencing from 2006, the property has a remaining tenure of approximately 16 years.

Mr Steven Tan, Senior Director of Capital Markets & Investment Services at Colliers International, said, “This property presents an investment upside with untapped redevelopment potential. Given that the site has an unutilised GFA quantum, it can be maximised up to a total GFA of 221,762 sq ft under the current Master Plan, subject to approval from the relevant authorities.”

Land premium has been fully paid upfront and this development is suitable for end-users who are looking for a large plot of land for their operations.

The building has excellent connectivity to Tuas Checkpoint and the future Tuas Mega Port, and is highly accessible via major roads and public transport with Tuas South MRT station in the vicinity.

Image: Colliers International

The other one of the Tuas industrial properties is located at 8 Tuas South St 6

The indicative price of S$6 million translates to approximately S$183 psf based on its current total GFA of 32,663 sq ft (3,034.5sq m).

Completed in 2017, the property is a five-storey detached factory building also located in the Tuas Planning area of Singapore. The building is currently vacant, and it comprises a warehouse with ancillary office space, 11 parking lots and a cargo lift. The land is zoned Business 2 with a maximum allowable plot ratio of 1.0.

With a leasehold tenure of 22 years commencing from 1 October 2013, the property has a remainder land tenure of about 13 years. Situated on JTC land, the annual land rent has been waived.

Mr Tan added, “We believe this industrial property is excellent for investors and end-users looking for warehouse space as it has a high ceiling height. As the building is newly completed, buyers need not fork out large sums of capital expenditure to spruce up the building and can move in for operations almost immediately.”

The building is strategically located near the future Tuas Mega Port and has easy access to Malaysia through the nearby Tuas Checkpoint. The property is well-connected by major arterial roads and expressways, including Tuas Flyover and Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE).

Mr Tan added, “Both properties are likely to benefit from being located near the future Tuas Mega Port, which will commence its first phase of operations with two berths in 2021. We expect demand in the area to increase when Tuas Mega Port commences operations.”

The EOI for both Tuas industrial properties will close at 3pm on Thursday, 16 July 2020.

The sale of the Tuas industrial properties comes amidst research reports suggesting manufacturing and technology sectors are set to thrive post pandemic. Colliers International on May 29 released its Resilience and Rebound Ranking Report, identifying the most attractive industries over the past crises, the implications and opportunities for commercial real estate sectors post-coronavirus pandemic.

In assessing seven core trade sectors in Singapore – manufacturing, financials, construction, professional services, hospitality, retail and technology – Colliers Research considered three factors, GDP growth, stock index returns and earnings outlook.

Ms. Tricia Song, Head of Research for Singapore at Colliers International, said, “We recommend investors to focus on prime offices and industrial buildings, such as hi-spec space and business parks. Hotels and retail malls could also provide near-term opportunities. Occupiers should embrace technology and more flexible work strategies in the longer term.”

Top Resilience and Rebound Ranking of Core Trade Sectors
Colliers’ Research ranks the resilience and rebound potential of core sectors is based on three metrics: historical GDP performance and stock index returns during and post other major crises, as well as future earnings growth.

#1 Manufacturing: Manufacturing ranks top in our overall resilience and rebound ranking, on strongest GDP rebound, as well as second highest stock index returns and earnings outlook.

#2 Technology: Technology ranks second in our resilience and rebound ranking, driven by second highest GDP growth resilience, highest stock index returns and strongest earnings outlook.

#3 Hospitality: Ranking third, Hospitality is among the most volatile sectors, having experienced significant effects during the crisis, with a strong rebound expected to follow. Looking ahead, earnings growth is expected to be strong, giving it a favorable tilt.

Market Implications and Outlook

Industrial sector to benefit from Manufacturing rebound post-COVID-19

While the manufacturing sector is expected to contract in the near-term due to labour shortages amidst more stringent restrictions during COVID-19, our research suggests a strong rebound in the sector as Singapore emerges from the pandemic and Circuit Breaker measures. This bodes well for the industrial sector.

Rick Thomas, Head of Occupier Services for Singapore at Colliers International, said: “The strong rebound of the manufacturing sector expected post pandemic, together with increasing technology adoption, e-Commerce sales, delivery service needs, data broadband usage and other online activities, will directly benefit the sector across business parks, logistics spaces and data centres.”

The post Tuas industrial properties for sale via Expression of Interest appeared first on iCompareLoan Resources.

CBRE announced on June 22 that it has been appointed as the exclusive marketing agent for the sale of two strata office floors – Level 16 and 23 – at GB Building, which is located at 143 Cecil Street. The sale will be by way of Expression of Interest, which closes on 28 July 2020 at 3pm.

Image: CBRE

With an area of 5,425 sq ft each, the two strata office floors at Level 16 and 23 feature a regular and column-free layout and enjoy excellent views of the city. Level 16 is currently leased to multiple tenants, while Level 23 is to be sold with vacant possession.

Strategically located at the junction of Cecil Street and McCallum Street, GB Building is a 26-storey office development with a three-level basement car park that can accommodate 105 vehicles. The two strata office floors in GB Building are easily accessible via a fully sheltered walkway from the nearby Tanjong Pagar MRT station.

Clemence Lee, Senior Director of Capital Markets at CBRE says, “GB Building sits within one of the city sub-zones which is expected to benefit from the CBD Incentive Scheme announced last year. As older buildings in the area make way for newer mixed-use developments in the journey of rejuvenation, strata property owners of GB Building can expect to enjoy potential capital appreciation in the mid to long term.”

To be sold either individually or collectively, the two strata office floors at Level 16 and 23 of GB Building have indicative prices of S$11.9 million (approximately S$2,200 per sq ft on strata area) and S$12.7 million (approximately $2,350 per sq ft on strata area), respectively.

Mr Lee adds, “Compared to recent strata office transactions, the indicative prices for these two office floors at GB Building are noticeably competitive. We expect strong interest from investors such as boutique real estate funds, family offices and high-net-worth individuals. Level 23 can also be the space of choice for owner-occupiers seeking immediate occupation in the CBD.”

Three office floors in the CBD were transacted this year – including Level 11 at Samsung Hub which changed hands at S$$49.8 million (S$3,800 per sq ft on strata area), Level 10 at Suntec Tower 1 which was transacted at S$37.1 million (S$2,580 per sq ft on strata area) and Level 33 at Suntec Tower 2 which was traded at S$38 million (S$3,209 per sq ft on strata area).

Both locals and foreigners are eligible to purchase the two strata office floors at GB Building, which is zoned for “commercial” use. There will be no Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty or Seller’s Stamp Duty imposed on the purchase.

Some landmark developments near GB Building include Asia Square, Frasers Towers, Capital Tower, the upcoming 79 Robinson Road and Afro-Asia I-Mark Building. GB Building is also within proximity to a wide array of amenities from the retail, F&B, entertainment and lifestyle establishments at the nearby OUE Downtown and Amoy Street.

A recent research said office demand and usage will evolve according to corporates’ changing needs in the COVID-19 world. According to JLL’s research, leasing activity softened with global volumes 22% lower than in Q1 2019 as deals were cancelled or delayed. Asia Pacific leasing activity, however, was down only 9% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 2020 and up 14% year-on-year. This has yet to filter through to vacancy rates in Asia Pacific, which were flat compared to a quarter earlier at 10.9%.

“For Singapore, the vacancy rate of Grade A office space in the central business district crept up marginally to 5.0% in 1Q20, from 4.1% in 4Q19 while the average monthly gross effective rents contracted 0.1% quarter-on-quarter to SGD 10.80 per sq ft, from $10.81 per sq/mth in 4Q19,” said Tay Huey Ying, Head of Research & Consultancy, JLL Singapore.

“The current situation poses disruption and challenges for the office sector. The way people view and use corporate real estate will change. However, we can expect the office to remain at the heart of employers’ occupational strategies in Asia Pacific over the medium-to-long-term,” says Anthony Couse, CEO, JLL Asia Pacific.

As companies prioritise the health and safety of their employees and implement social distancing to re-enter workplaces, changes to office demand and usage will be inevitable, according to the report published by JLL. CEOs are re-examining strategies and may consider recalibrating the amount of space dedicated to traditional office space upon lease expiry, or even before.

However, despite current headwinds, the global real estate consultant believes the office is here to stay. In fact, in some cases the pandemic may lead to an expansion of office space, as companies try to increase physical distancing among their employees. Current office configurations may be modified, increasing the need for additional space. In doing so, occupiers may consider tapping into flexible space from third-party operators, alongside continued remote working for some employees.

Not all remote working is created equal
Despite a seemingly successful work-from-home experiment globally, offices will continue to be sought after in this region. Although the pandemic has shifted perceptions around the effectiveness of remote working, it has not presented a sustainable or optimal long-term solution for all corporates.

Huey Ying shared, “In Singapore, while work from home has been feasible for many during the circuit breaker period, it is telling that more than a third of the close to 200 respondents in a recent survey we conducted with Singapore-based corporate clients indicated their preference to work from the office post-COVID19. The lack of a conducive work-from-home environment could be a key contributory factor. Shared homes, which is prevalent in Singapore, makes it difficult for many to have dedicated and conducive home workplaces. According to the Department of Statistic Singapore, the average resident household size stood at 3.16 persons and we estimate that more than 80% of Singapore resident households are living in homes with three or fewer bedrooms in 2019.”

While remote working has been credited with providing employees with more flexibility and work-life balance, offices still play a central role in creating a space for employees to collaborate, interact and unite around shared values, boost staff morale and enhance productivity.

The post Two strata office floors in CBD for sale by Expression of Interest appeared first on iCompareLoan Resources.

Diligently comparing home loans to assess best fit may give you better savings over the long-run

By: Hitesh Khan/

iCompareLoan’s Home Loan Report (TM)

Diligently comparing home loans – Why to different mortgage offer different rates? 

If you have been shopping around for best home loans you may have noticed that different banks offer different rates and that even these may greatly vary at different points in time. The one big reason why this is so is because mortgages are complicated business and in this industry, there is no such thing a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

From local and foreign banks, to financial institutions, and credit cooperatives, there are many players in the mortgage business. These players have different amounts of funds at their disposal at different points in time, and based on supply and demand, these lenders offer different rates and repayment schemes.

The better known names of these lenders may offer higher rates in exchange for their perceived trust and familiarity of their brand. While smaller players may offer near-rock-bottom rates just to stay in contention with the ‘big boys’. Whatever it may be, there is big competition among the mortgagees and this is good news for the mortgagor.

DILIGENTLY COMPARING HOME LOANS WILL HELP YOU DETERMINE WHICH RATE IS GOOD FOR YOU?

The industry players offer different rate types such as 1-month Singapore Interbank Offered (SIBOR), Swap Offered Rate (SOR), 18-month Fixed Home Rates (FHR18), and floating rates.

SIBOR and SOR are open to public scrutiny as they are determined by the interactions between multiple banks. These rates are therefore quite popular among home buyers as they offer transparency and security for the mortgagors.

Fixed Home Rates (FHR) means the interest rate of the property loan is pegged to the bank’s fixed deposit rate. The FHR is usually followed by a number (such as 18). The number denotes the average fixed deposit rate over a given period. This means that the FHR 18 is pegged to the lender’s 18-month, average fixed deposit rate (which would differ from FHR9, and so forth).

There are some inherent risks in FHR as the mortgagee can unilaterally exercise control over the interest rates, thereby increasing costs for the borrowers. But financial institutions are often not very inclined to raise such rates because by doing so they increase costs to themselves.

Floating rates which are usually offered with a ‘lock-in’ period may charge lower interest at the outset, will fluctuate on a daily basis as the SIBOR or SOR rates move up or down. As such, floating rates could rise above the fixed rates or could drop even lower.

When you are diligently comparing home loans who will notice that there are different mortgage rates for different borrowers

Also, be mindful that not everybody qualifies for the same mortgage rates. That’s because lenders use different tools and models for assessing risk, and for pricing loans based on the perceived risk the borrower brings. The interest rates your mortgagee offers you are partly determined by your credit score, your debt to income ratio, and the amount of money you were planning to put down on the loan. These are some of the strongest factors that influence rates (though they’re not the only ones).

The bottom-line is, different mortgage rates for different borrowers is good news for the mortgagor. But you have to be diligent in comparing the different home loans to see which fits you best and gives you better savings over the long-run.

Mortgage Broker Singapore – Should I use one?

When diligently comparing home loans, there is no harm in asking lenders or brokers if they can give better terms than the original ones they quoted or than those you have found elsewhere.

A home loan often involves many fees, such as loan origination or underwriting fees, broker fees, and closing costs. Every lender or broker should be able to give you an estimate of its fees. Many of these fees are negotiable. Some fees are paid when you apply for a loan, and others are paid at closing. In some cases, you can borrow the money needed to pay these fees, but doing so will increase your loan amount and total costs.

Mortgage refinance online applications, does it trump in-person submissions?

Once you are satisfied with the terms you have negotiated, you may want to obtain a written lock-in from the lender or broker. The lock-in should include the rate that you have agreed upon, the period the lock-in lasts, and the number of points to be paid. A fee may be charged for locking in the loan rate.

This fee may be refundable at closing. Lock-ins can protect you from rate increases while your loan is being processed; if rates fall, however, you could end up with a less-favorable rate. If that happens, try to negotiate a compromise with the lender or broker.

If you are looking for good mortgage brokers because you are ensure of funds availability for purchase, trusted mortgage consultants can set you up on a path that can get you a home loan in a quick and seamless manner.

Good mortgage consultants have close links with the best lenders in town and can help you compare Singapore home loans and settle for a package that best suits your home or commercial purchase needs. You should also find out money saving tips.

Whether you are looking for a new home loan or to refinance your existing one, a Mortgage broker can help you get everything right from calculating mortgage repayment, comparing interest rates all through to securing the best home loans in Singapore. And the good thing is that all their services are free of charge. So it’s all worth it to secure a loan through them.

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When considering refinance questions, know that financial institutions will carefully assess the risk of dealing with you before suggesting solutions

By: Hitesh Khan/

A strong management team
Before you venture out with refinance questions and choose your lender for solutions, be sure you clearly understand their expectations. Any financial institution will want to verify that your company is well managed. Being profitable is one thing, but ensuring that you have the team in place to sustain growth is another. Start by demonstrating that your team members are competent and well-qualified to do the job.

image credit: Alpha Stock Images

Before seeking business solutions for your refinance questions, it would help to prove your successful track record by communicating past achievements and the soundness of your plans.

Comprehensive financial strategy
If you have a cash-flow problem, you need to show how you plan to avoid a recurrence of this situation. Present conservative financial forecasts to include different scenarios, i.e., best-case and worst-case. Be sure to clearly communicate how well you understand your financial needs and the factors affecting your business success.

Using credit wisely requires a lot of common sense and discipline

An important part before seeking business solutions for your refinance questions is to understand how your level of risk is determined by assessing basic financial concepts, such as working capital, collateral and balance sheet.

Keep in mind that forecasting can be a complex task. It may help to rely on financial specialists to help you develop an effective business plan.

Proactive growth strategy
You need to demonstrate that you understand the risks and opportunities for your company. Your strategy is a result of looking closely at internal resources, the market, the economy, competitors, marketing and distribution channels and demographics.

A clear restructuring plan
If you are dealing with temporary difficulties, you should provide a restructuring plan. More detailed than a financial analysis, it includes measures to rectify an unprofitable position. The plan can present business refinancing solutions as one way to re-establish positive working capital by improving the terms and conditions of your current loans. Restructuring can include the sale of non-essential assets and inventory, which may generate additional one-time revenue.

A restructuring plan performs the same function as a business plan and must therefore serve as a guide for continuing operations. Like a financial forecast, it will be more convincing if it contains input from outside consultants who can help you with what can be a complex process.

Proof that you can repay
To obtain financing, you must prove your repayment ability, particularly if your company is in difficulty. Your earnings forecast should be conservative to avoid giving the lender any cause for concern. Before any new loan is approved, the financial institution will double-check your business credit and capacity.

Your chances of obtaining business refinancing are greater if you have:

• good credit history by always fulfilling the repayment conditions on your previous loans,
• credible financial forecast. and
• an honest and courteous relationship with your account manager.

Personal guarantee is a must for most small business loans but should be made with caution

If you do feel that the debt you have might be a problem, here are a few tips for improving the situation:

• Determine how much debt you have, and put together a plan for repaying it. If you’re currently paying the minimum amount required on your loans, stop doing so, and pay the maximum you’re able to. If you pay the minimum, it will take you 20-40 years to pay off the balance, meaning you’ll pay more than five times the actual debt in interest.
• If you have multiple loans, pay off the ones with the highest interest rates first.
• Consider refinancing to a loan that offers a lower interest rate.
• If you’re a homeowner, consider a home equity loan. The rate will usually be significantly lower than that of a personal loans, and the interest on these loans is generally tax deductible.
• Avoid luxuries, impulse buying, and any unnecessary spending.
• Keep track of your expenses so you can determine where your money is going and keep a tight lid on expenditures that are higher than they need to be.
• Limit your credit usage to the bare necessities. If the situation is dire, try to stop using your credit cards entirely.

Before searching for solutions for your refinance questions, you will need to gather key information and required business documents to support your application. The requirements will vary greatly depending on the type and amount of credit, from basic information for a credit card to full financials for a major term loan.

It is important for the business owners to have a clear understanding of their financial situation and objectives – keeping them in mind in order to acquire the best refinancing loan for them. Business owners with good credit can get special deals on their closing costs from various lenders. In these cases, getting the best refinancing loan may make sense as it helps them to achieve lower interest rates.

Achieving better credit scores is another great reason to get the best refinancing loan. If business owner’s credit score has gotten better because mortgage payments have been made on time, the owner may be able to take advantage of that improved credit by refinancing into a loan with lower interest rates decreased payments.

If the owner has paid off a car, inherited a sum of money, or received a bonus at work, if the owner is planning to own their home into retirement, refinancing down from a 25-year loan to a 20 or a 15 year loan may be a good move financially. The payments will rise, but the extra money can be used to cover the difference.

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SME Micro Loans are cheaper than the other types of loans.

By: Hitesh Khan/

All SMEs should explore this option prior to the other types of business term loans, working capital loans or using personal loans in their capacity. As part of the government’s plan to help SME with their cashflow, Enterprise Singapore launched the Local Enterprise Finance Scheme (LEFS). SME Micro Loans are one of the loan programs under LEFS.

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What Are SME Micro Loans?

The SME Micro Loan is a government assisted financing scheme to help local SMEs access financing. Through the SME Micro Loan, companies can get access to working capital financing to support their day-to-day business operations.

Which Financial Institutions Are Participating In The SME Micro Loan Scheme?

In Singapore, there are 9 financial institutions that are participating in this SME Micro Loan scheme.

Table 1: SME Micro Loan Scheme Participating Financial Institutions

How Much Can You Borrow From The SME Micro Loan?

Under the SME Micro Loan, you can borrow up to a loan quantum of $100k. The repayment period for the SME Micro Loan can be stretched up to 4 years.

How Can You Qualify For SME Micro Loans?

In order to qualify for SME Micro Loan, your company needs to be registered and operating in Singapore. In addition, at least 30% of the shareholdings need to be owned by a local or PR. It does not have to be owned by a single local individual. For example, if there are 4 Singaporean shareholders with 7.5% shareholding each, your company will also qualify for SME Micro Loan.

Apart from ownership and registration criteria, your company also needs to have at most 10 employees. Alternatively, if your company’s annual sales turnover is less than $1M, you will also qualify for SME Micro Loan.

Most times, your company also need to be profitable in the latest year or 2 years out of three years. Cyclical downturns in some industries last much longer, this means that

How Long Do You Have To Wait For Your SME Micro Loans To Be Approved?

The typical wait time for an SME Micro Loan application is between 2 to 4 weeks. The long wait time is usually a result of back-and-forth emails requesting for documents and information gathering by the bank. However, if you were to engage a loan consultant, you can reduce the wait time to as short as one week.

Are SME Micro Loans Guaranteed Approval Loan?

Unfortunately, SME Micro Loan is not a guaranteed approval loan. This means that there is still a chance that your application will get rejected. In the event that your application gets rejected, you will not be able to submit another application within the next 3-6 months.

What Is The Interest Rate Payable On SME Micro Loan?

Officially, the interest rate for SME Micro Loan program is subjected to the participating financial institutions’ risk assessment process. You can realistically expect the interest rate on your SME Micro Loan to be between 6-8.75% per annum (effective interest rate). This means that each bank might offer SME Micro Loan with different interest rate.

In order to get the best interest rate on your SME Micro Loan, you need to send in an application to every financial institution and view their offer. However, most SMEs cannot afford the luxury of time to do that.

Lesser known among SME Loans is the Working Capital Loan for small business (SME) owners. The objective of the SME Working Capital Loan is to give business owners greater access to unsecured working capital loans of up to $300,000.

Launched in June 2016, the loan acts as an additional financing option by helping eligible companies cope with larger working capital and cash flow needs.

Enterprise Singapore partners Participating Financial Institutions and co-shares 50% of loan default risks in the event of company insolvency, but the loan programme will only be available till 31 May 2019. The best way to pre-assess your eligibility to access this loan before it expires is to speak to a mortgage consultant.

Applicants who are successful with their Working Capital Loan will have up to 5 years to repay their loan. Different financial institutions offer the SME micro loan with different interest rates and it is subject to their assessments of risks involved.

To be eligible for the SME Working Capital Loan companies should be registered and operating in Singapore, have at least 30% local shareholding, with group annual sales of up to S$100 million or group employment size of not more than 200 employees. Annual sales turnover and employment size will be computed on a group basis (i.e. all levels for corporate shareholders holding > 50% of total shareholding of the applicant company and any subsequent corporate parents, and subsidiaries all levels down).

Besides these 2 loans there are other SME Loans and insurances owners of small enterprises can have access to, including alternative venture debt financing for innovative, high-growth companies of up to S$5 million for their business expansion; and financing of up to S$15 million to purchase equipment, machines or selected factory properties.

As a high number of applications for SME Loans are unsuccessful, it is important for passionate business-owners to work with trusted hands, and people who know the industry. Personal loans should not be off the list of considerations if they are really passionate about their business. Affordability Tools are also helpful to help you make better borrowing decision.

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The business success or failure of your venture can hinge on responsibly taking loans

By: Hitesh Khan/

As you know, a loan is based on a simple idea: someone gives you money and you promise to pay it back, usually with interest. Loans are so common that you probably are familiar with the mechanics, but nevertheless it makes sense to review the basics.

The business success or failure of your venture can hinge on responsibly taking loans: you want to borrow enough that your company can reach its potential but not so much that you have severe difficulty paying it back.

It can be a mistake to pour too much money into your business at the beginning. A fair number of small businesses fail in the first year, so raising and spending a pile of money for an untested business idea can lead to much grief – especially if you’re personally on the hook for borrowed funds. Consider starting as small and cheaply as possible.

You have many options when looking a loan for your business. For small ventures, responsibly taking loans means considering if friends and family members are willing to help. For sophisticated or mid-sized businesses, banks, cooperatives, and savings and loans may be willing to lend you money.

While a friend or relative may be willing to lend you money on a handshake, responsibly taking loans would tell you that this is a bad idea for both of you. It’s always a better business practice to put the loan in writing, and to state a specific interest rate and repayment plan. Otherwise, you open the door to unfortunate misunderstandings that can chill your relationship.

Close look at small business loan documents now could save you headaches later

Business success depends on borrowing money responsibly, you should also know how interest rates on your loans work.

Interest is a percentage of the amount that you owe that is added to your balance periodically as a fee for using the money. It will continue to accumulate until your debt has been repaid.

Interest rate is the percentage of the debt that is charged as interest. Every loan, mortgage, credit card, or medical bill that you ever will receive will have an interest rate associated with it. These can vary wildly between financial products, and also between consumers based on their credit histories.

It is very important for you to know how interest works, because otherwise you might not understand why your balance never seems to get any lower even though you are making payments, or just how much your debt really is costing you.

Interest rate is a fact of life, so understanding how they work is crucial to financial planning and debt repayment. Do not ignore the power that compound interest can have on your debts, but also remember that interest can work for you just as well as against you!

It is important to understand how Interest rate works as it affects you

Personal guarantee is an inherent part of responsibly taking loans and so business success but there are many ambiguities and misunderstandings that surround the topic of personal guarantees.

A personal guarantee is an unsecured promise from an individual to make loan payments when a small business is not able to do so. “Unsecured” means it is a promise that is not backed up by a specific asset, such as real estate, in which case, the asset would be considered collateral.

A personal guarantee is an added assurance that you are serious about your business – and most importantly – serious about repaying the loan. One big reason why a personal guarantee is needed is because most lenders are bankers and are in the business of accepting deposits. They use those deposits to make small business and other loans, and, as a result, they are responsible for protecting the interests of their depositors.

For business success, be mindful that while your small business may be a borrower, you are also a depositor. As such, you would be affected if an unscrupulous small business owner borrowed your company’s deposits and did not bother to repay them.

A personal guarantee is a psychological reminder to you of your company’s obligation to make timely payments and eventually repay the loan. If it fails, you are responsible. A personal guarantee shows your commitment to being a responsible business manager and repaying your business loan.

Financial affairs of a small business are commonly intertwined with the personal financial affairs of its owners, so it is logical and reasonable to ask you to promise to repay the loan, if your company cannot. A personal guarantee offers lenders the ability to follow the due process to recover the business loan from you personally.

If you believe in responsibly taking loans, you should speak to a loan consultant who can set you up on a path that can get you a it in a quick and seamless manner. Loan consultants have close links with the best lenders in town and can help you compare various loans and settle for a package that best suits your needs. You should also find out about money saving tips. You should also check out Affordability Tools which can help you make better property buying decisions. Calculators, are also an essential tool which can help you ascertain the fair value of a property and find properties below market value in Singapore.

If you are looking for a new home loan or to refinance, Mortgage brokers can help you get everything right from calculating mortgage repayment, comparing interest rates all through to securing the best home loans in Singapore. And the good thing is that all our services are free of charge.

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