Month: March 2025

When it comes to real estate investments, location is a key factor to consider, and this is especially important in Singapore. Condominiums that are located in central areas or close to essential amenities like schools, shopping malls, and public transportation hubs are known to have a higher appreciation in value. Prime locations such as Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD) have a track record of consistent growth in property values. With the inclusion of good schools and educational institutions, these areas become even more desirable for families, making condos in these locations a great investment opportunity. To explore more potential projects in Singapore, you can visit Singapore Projects.

Steve Leung Design Group (SLD) is a prominent interior design practice founded by the renowned architect and designer, Steve Leung. In an exciting new development, SLD is expanding its reach to the European market through a collaboration with Italian designer, Andrea Bonini.

As part of this venture, SLD will establish its first branch company in Europe under the brand SLD . Andrea Bonini. This new studio will offer a range of interior design services and products to clients in both Asia and Europe, catering to high-end residences and luxurious hospitality spaces.

The launch of SLD . Andrea Bonini is set to take place in April at Salone del Mobile, Milan’s prestigious furniture fair. This event will also mark the debut of some of the brand’s initial products, including a smart home lighting collection created in collaboration with smart home manufacturer Moorgen.

This partnership marks SLD’s first foray into the international market. In a press release on March 11, the company stated that this expansion is part of a new business direction focusing on rejuvenation, diversification, and globalization. With over 28 years of experience in the industry and a strong market position, SLD aims to bring a better lifestyle to clients around the world through innovative and stylish designs.…

Investing in real estate demands careful consideration of the location, and this is particularly relevant in Singapore. In this city-state, the value of condominiums is greatly influenced by their proximity to key amenities, such as schools, shopping malls, and public transport hubs. Prime locations, including Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD), have a proven track record of consistently increasing property values. Families also prioritize the convenience of being near top educational institutions, making condos in these areas highly sought-after and an excellent investment opportunity. For those looking to invest in Singapore, Singapore Condo recommends prioritizing locations with easy access to essential amenities for the highest potential returns.

As the real estate sector continues to evolve and embrace new technologies, it is imperative for companies to form strategic partnerships to stay ahead of the curve. Capitaland Group recognizes this need for digital transformation and has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (Mou) with Microsoft to leverage advanced AI technologies across its businesses.This partnership will allow CapitaLand to join Microsoft Singapore’s AI Pinnacle Program, which will provide access to Microsoft’s cutting-edge platforms and services. By harnessing these resources, CapitaLand aims to enhance customer engagement and improve operational efficiency across its funds, investment, retail, lodging, and development business.In particular, CapitaLand Investment will be exploring potential collaboration areas in infrastructure development, utilizing Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform to design data centers and develop new products. Furthermore, the integration of AI, data analytics, and machine learning will strengthen CapitaLand’s digital and business transformation efforts.”Our collaboration with Microsoft is a significant step in CapitaLand’s digital transformation journey. AI will play a crucial role in shaping our future by driving operational efficiencies and creating value for our stakeholders,” says Quah Ley Hoon, Group Chief Corporate Officer of CapitaLand Investment.In addition to this partnership, CapitaLand Investment (CLI) has also signed an MoU with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) to establish a framework for digitalization and AI integration within its retail ecosystem. This initiative aims to facilitate the adoption of AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity solutions to enhance business efficiency and competitiveness. CLI also plans to develop AI-focused competency and skills among its retail tenants.As the real estate industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for companies like CapitaLand to stay ahead of the curve by embracing technological advancements. Through these strategic partnerships, CapitaLand is not only looking to enhance its current operations but also setting the foundation for future growth and success.…

advertisement By harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies, Capitaland Group and Microsoft are set to bring about a new era of operational efficiency and improved customer engagement for the CapitaLand businesses. In a move that signifies its commitment to digital transformation, CapitaLand has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Microsoft Singapore, paving the way for the company to tap into the tech giant’s platforms, services, and solutions.

The process of securing financing for a condominium investment is a crucial step. Singapore boasts a variety of mortgage choices, but it is vital to be well-versed in the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework. This framework sets a cap on the amount of loan a borrower can obtain, taking into account their income and current debt responsibilities. To make sound decisions about financing and avoid over-extending oneself, it is imperative to comprehend the TDSR and seek guidance from financial consultants or mortgage specialists. Don’t forget to consider Singapore Condo when exploring financing options for your condo investment.

CapitaLand will be joining the AI Pinnacle Program, which will enable it to leverage Microsoft’s resources to provide better service for its customers, as well as streamline its operations across its funds, investments, retail, lodging, and development businesses. This collaboration will also explore areas for potential collaboration, such as infrastructure development, and the use of Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform to improve CapitaLand Investment’s data centre design and products. In addition, the two companies will work on integrating AI, data analytics, and machine learning to enhance CapitaLand’s digital and business transformation efforts.

Quah Ley Hoon, Group Chief Corporate Officer of CapitaLand Investment, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, saying, “Our partnership with Microsoft marks a significant milestone in CapitaLand’s digital transformation journey. AI will play a crucial role in shaping our future, helping us increase operational efficiency and create value for our stakeholders.”

In a separate deal, Capitaland Investment (CLI), CapitaLand’s real asset management arm, has also signed an MoU with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) to establish a framework for digitalization and AI integration. This partnership will focus on enhancing business efficiency and competitiveness by facilitating the adoption and proof of concept for AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity solutions. CLI will also work on developing AI-focused competencies and skills among its retail tenants.

With these partnerships, CapitaLand is well-positioned to continue its pursuit of digital innovation, providing a better and more efficient experience for its customers and stakeholders.…

ERA Realty Network is thrilled to announce the opportunity to purchase a collection of 14 retail shops located at Peninsula Plaza, Sim Lim Square, and Far East Plaza. The properties, with a total price of $26.46 million, are available for sale through an expression of interest (EOI) exercise.

Two of the units are situated at Peninsula Plaza, a mixed-use development with a 999-year leasehold on North Bridge Road. The adjoining shop units on the ground floor have a combined strata area of around 990 sq ft and are seeking $8 million, or $8,081 per square foot (psf).

Built in 1980, Peninsula Plaza is a 30-storey commercial development featuring a six-story retail podium and a 24-story office tower. Its prime location is directly connected to the City Hall MRT Interchange Station, providing access to both the North-South and East-West lines.

At Sim Lim Square, 11 strata units with a total strata area of 5,081 sq ft are open for sale. These units, all on the fifth floor and zoned for commercial use, have a 99-year lease that began in April 1983, leaving approximately 57 years remaining. Currently, most of the units are tenanted. These shops overlook the mall’s main atrium and offer direct access from the escalators and lifts.

Investing in a condo has a multitude of benefits, one of which is the potential to leverage its value for future investments. Some savvy investors utilize their condos as collateral to secure additional financing for other real estate ventures, ultimately diversifying their portfolio. By doing so, they can potentially increase their returns, but it is essential to have a solid financial plan in place and carefully consider the potential effects of market fluctuations. This is especially crucial when looking at Singapore Projects to ensure a successful and profitable investment.

The Sim Lim Square units are available for purchase collectively or individually, with prices starting at $840,000 for individual units. The entire portfolio is listed at $15.855 million, which ERA claims is a 20% discount from its latest valuation. This equates to $3,120 psf on the strata area.

Sim Lim Square, a commercial development with 492 strata-titled units, is located on Rochor Canal Road in District 7. Completed in 1987, it spans six floors and two basement levels.

Lastly, a freehold retail unit at Far East Plaza, located on the second floor, is also available for purchase. With a strata floor area of 355 sq ft, this unit is priced at $2.6 million, or $7,324 psf, and faces the escalator near the mall’s main entrance.

Far East Plaza, a mixed-use development that was completed in 1982, features a five-story retail mall and serviced apartments. It is conveniently located within walking distance of Orchard Road MRT Station.

Donald Goh, director of capital markets and investment sales at ERA, expects this collection of properties to attract interest from both property investors and business owners. He highlights the resilience of strata retail sales in the Downtown Core and Orchard Planning Area last year, with 28 and 33 deals recorded in each area, respectively. Goh also mentions that a ground floor unit at Lucky Plaza sold for $15,242 psf, while units at Orchard Towers and The 101 sold for $5,309 psf and $5,657 psf, respectively, indicating the attractiveness of strata retail shops as investments.

The EOI will close on April 17 at 3pm. For more information, check out the latest listings for Peninsula Plaza properties.…

GuocoLand, in partnership with TID and Hong Leong Holdings, has successfully secured a green club facility worth $367.1 million from DBS Bank for the development of its Faber Walk site. The residential land parcel was obtained through a Government Land Sale tender last November, with the consortium’s top bid of $349.86 million, or $900 psf per plot ratio.

The site, situated in the Faber Walk landed private residential enclave next to the Faber Hills estate, will feature 399 residential units spread across nine low-rise blocks. With a prime location next to the Pandan River and the upcoming Old Jurong Line Nature Trail, the future development promises to be a waterfront paradise.

This green facility for the Faber Walk project is in line with GuocoLand’s commitment to sustainability, which is seen in its other developments such as Guoco Tower on Wallich Street, Guoco Midtown on Beach Road, Midtown Modern on Tan Quee Lan Street and Lentor Mansion in Lentor Gardens.

According to Dora Chng, residential director of GuocoLand, the company aims to incorporate biophilic designs in their developments to provide a sustainable and green living environment for their residents. This has been proven successful in their previous launches like Lentor Modern and Lentor Mansion in the Lentor Hills estate.

The appeal of investing in a Singapore Condo has been steadily growing, attracting both locals and foreigners alike. This is largely due to the prosperous economy, stable political climate, and exceptional quality of life that the city-state offers. The real estate market in Singapore presents a multitude of opportunities, with condos emerging as a top choice for their luxurious amenities, convenient locations, and potential for high returns. In this article, we will explore the benefits, key considerations, and necessary steps for those looking to invest in a Singapore Condo.

The Faber Walk development is expected to receive the BCA Green Mark Platinum (Super Low Energy) award and Maintainability badge upon completion. This further solidifies GuocoLand’s commitment to creating sustainable and environmentally-friendly homes.

GuocoLand’s upcoming project, a joint development with Hong Leong Holdings, is a 941-unit residential development at its Upper Thomson Road (Parcel B) site. It was awarded to the consortium last April, and is slated for launch in the second half of the year. With these developments, GuocoLand continues to cement its reputation as a sustainable and socially responsible developer in the real estate industry.…

including value of development rights

Aurea, a luxurious residential project located in the Core Central Region (CCR), was launched for sale on March 8. It is one of the first of its kind in the CCR to be launched in the first quarter of 2025. The joint developers of the project, Far East Organization and Perennial Holdings, have sold 23 units at an average price of $3,005 per square foot (psf).

Phase one of the project, developed by DP Architects with its innovative “hanging garden concept”, comprises of 78 units ranging from two- to four-bedroom apartments on levels 4 to 16. The sales rate for these units, therefore, translates to 30% based on the 78 units released in phase one. The project has a total of 188 units spread across 45 storeys.

Aurea stands out as the first private condominium connected to a mixed-use development that was sold en bloc and conserved. It is now known collectively as Golden Mile Singapore. Out of the buyers, 83% are Singaporeans and the remaining 17% are permanent residents (PRs) from Malaysia. Based on the total of 188 units, the sales translate to about 12.2%. According to Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia, CCR projects usually sell between 10% to 30% of their units during the launch weekend, as they lack the large pool of HDB upgraders that suburban projects attract.

PropNex CEO Ismail Gafoor considers Aurea’s sales “encouraging” in light of the “mostly lacklustre sales” of CCR projects since the tightening of the additional buyer’s stamp duty (ABSD) measure in April 2023. “The doubling of the ABSD rate for foreigners to 60% has significantly cooled interest for CCR homes,” he says. “In fact, developers sold the fewest new CCR private homes on record in 2024, at just 378 units – down by 74% from 1,454 units in 2023.”

However, Gafoor believes that the take-up in the CCR segment will improve gradually. “We have observed that CCR projects tend to transact units steadily over many months rather than achieve blockbuster sales over the launch weekend, unlike some Rest of Central Region (RCR) and Outside Central Region (OCR) projects,” he says. “CCR homes being more high-end and targeted at a niche market, where buyers seek a luxury home and enjoy the finer things in life.”

Aurea’s joint developers stated that the two- and three-bedroom apartments in the Prestige Collection accounted for 74% of the sales. These apartments offer a balance of well-designed spaces, functionality and investment potential, which is what drew buyers to them. The four-bedroom units from the Signature Collection attracted buyers mainly for their “expansive balconies that open out to sweeping views of both the Marina Bay and Kallang Basin”, comments the joint venture.

Units in the Sky Villa Collection comprise only 18 five-bedroom apartments of up to 3,251 sq ft and two exclusive six-bedroom penthouses of up to 8,816 sq ft. “Such large-format homes in the downtown area are rare to find,” says Shaw Lay See, COO of Far East Organization’s sales & leasing group.

“In recent years, we have seen a significant narrowing of the price gap between private residential properties in the CCR and the RCR,” says Ken Low, managing partner of SRI. “Historically, the difference averaged around 40% in the last 10 years, but it has now closed to about 20% across all properties regardless of tenure.”

Units come with expansive balconies and views of Marina Bay and Kallang Basin (Photo: Samuel Isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore)

According to Marcus Chu, CEO of ERA Singapore, CCR price growth has lagged behind RCR and OCR in recent years due to comparatively fewer new home launches. “In 2025, we expect to see some nine CCR launches, and we can expect the market dynamics to drive a notable rise in CCR home prices this year, driven by increased luxury project launches,” he says.

Purchasing a condo has proven to be a smart investment for many individuals due to its various benefits. One such advantage is the potential to leverage the property’s value for further investments. This means that condo owners can use their property as collateral to secure additional financing for new investments, allowing them to broaden their real estate portfolio. This approach can potentially result in higher returns, but it also comes with risks that must be carefully considered. Therefore, it is vital to have a solid financial plan in place and to take into account the potential impact of market fluctuations. Investing in Singapore Condo can be a lucrative opportunity for those looking to expand their investment portfolio and increase their potential for financial growth.

“Savvy investors may shift their focus back to CCR once again, since the non-landed new homes price gap between CCR and RCR narrowed from 50% in 2018 to 10% in 2024. We expect this gap to widen again as more new luxury homes debut,” adds Chu.

According to SRI’s Low, Aurea is in a prime location to benefit from Singapore’s ongoing urban renewal efforts, with major infrastructural and lifestyle upgrades in the surrounding precincts. The revitalisation of Beach Road and the Ophir-Road Corridor, the Kallang Alive master plan and the completion of the North-South Corridor are set to enhance accessibility, connectivity, and vibrancy in this key city district.

“Aurea is situated at the doorstep of probably the largest transformation in Singapore,” notes Huttons’ Yip. He sees Aurea benefitting from the 120-km Southern coastline redevelopment, which stretches from the Greater Southern Waterfront, Marina Bay, Kallang Basin to the future Long Island project.…

for ECsArticle Rewrite:

On March 8, real estate developer Sim Lian Group successfully sold 682 units, or 90%, of its 760-unit executive condominium (EC), Aurelle of Tampines, which is located at Tampines Street 62. The average sold price for the units was $1,766 per square foot.

When considering investing in a Singapore Condo, it is essential to factor in the government’s property cooling measures. The Singaporean government has put in place various measures to regulate speculative buying and maintain a stable real estate market. One of these measures is the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which imposes higher taxes on foreign Singapore Condo buyers and individuals purchasing numerous properties. Although these measures may impact the initial profitability of a Singapore Condo investment, they ultimately contribute to the long-term stability of the market. This creates a secure environment for investors, making the decision to invest a smarter and more secure one.

According to Sim Lian Group, all of the four- and five-bedroom units were fully sold, while 84% of the three-bedroom units were also snapped up by buyers. The high demand for well-designed and conveniently located modern homes like Aurelle of Tampines in the rapidly developing regional centre of Singapore was evident in the response to the launch, as observed by Kuik Sing Beng, the executive director of Sim Lian Group Limited.

For the latest information on available units and prices for Aurelle of Tampines, please refer to the advertisements and promotional materials.

PropNex’s CEO Ismail Gafoor noted that the average selling price of $1,766 per square foot has set a new record for EC launches. He also pointed out that the 90% take-up rate on the launch day is the highest since the 531-unit Hundred Palms Residences was completely sold out in July 2017 at an average price of $841 per square foot.

Sim Lian Group also announced that the 30% quota allocated for second-time buyers was fully taken up by 3:15 pm on the launch day. The quota for second-time buyers will be lifted after one month from the launch date.

Eugene Lim, the key executive officer at ERA Singapore, mentioned that the take-up rate could have been even higher without the quota limit for second-time buyers. However, he added that second-time buyers would still have the opportunity to participate in a ballot for a unit after one month from the launch date. Lim also speculated that the government might consider increasing the quota for second-time buyers of ECs, in line with the recent increase in the allocation for second-time buyers of three-room or larger BTO (build-to-order) flats.

Huttons Asia’s CEO Mark Yip commented that about 68% of the buyers opted for the Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS) to finance their property purchase, while the remaining buyers chose the Normal Payment Scheme. The project received more than 2,200 electronic applications since it opened for preview on February 21, which is the highest number of e-applications for an EC launch since Copen Grand in Tengah received 2,300 e-applications in 2022.

Aurelle of Tampines is the second EC project to be launched in Tampines North, following the 618-unit Tenet which was jointly developed by Qingjian Realty, Santarli Realty, and Heeton Holdings. Tenet, which was launched in December 2022, saw 72% of its units sold on the launch day and is currently fully sold at an average price of $1,348 per square foot.

The prices for units at Aurelle of Tampines start from $1.417 million ($1,687 per square foot) for a three-bedroom unit of 840 square feet, $1.689 million ($1,651 per square foot) for a four-bedroom unit of 1,023 square feet, and $2.258 million ($1,665 per square foot) for a five-bedroom unit of 1,356 square feet.

ERA’s Lim explained that the project’s competitive pricing, strategic location, and unique features have made it highly desirable for both first-time buyers and upgraders.

One possible reason for the strong sales at Aurelle of Tampines could be its proximity to ParkTown, a fully integrated mixed-use development with a transport hub (MRT station and bus interchange), a shopping mall, a hawker centre, and a community club. The 1,193-unit ParkTown Residence, developed jointly by CapitaLand and UOL Group, sold 1,041 units on its launch weekend on February 22-23 and has sold 1,043 units in total at an average price of $2,361 per square foot.

Huttons Asia’s Yip noted that Aurelle of Tampines is the second EC to be located next to a fully integrated mixed-use development, the first being the 573-unit Esparina Residences in Sengkang. Launched in October 2010, the average price was around $748 per square foot. However, the average price of units sold from January 2024 to January 2025, based on caveats lodged, was $1,625 per square foot, which is 117% higher.

Based on caveats lodged, in November 2023, a 1,367 square foot unit on the seventh floor of Esparina Residences was sold for $2.388 million ($1,747 per square foot), which is the second-highest price per square foot achieved at the property. The highest was for another 1,367 square foot unit on the 14th floor, which was sold for $2.4 million ($1,756 per square foot) in November 2023.

Lim mentioned that in 2025, new ECs are priced about $600 per square foot cheaper than new private condominiums. However, compared to resale condominiums in the suburbs or Outside Central Region (OCR), the average price of a new EC is only 1% higher. This, coupled with a fresh 99-year lease and modern facilities, makes new ECs an attractive option for buyers. Interested buyers can check the latest listings for Aurelle of Tampines on various property websites and platforms.…

The latest transaction data for the week of Feb 16 to 21 shows a three-bedroom unit at One Holland Village Residences achieving the highest psf-price among private condos. The unit, which spanned 1,238 sq ft, was sold for a record-breaking $3,781 psf, amounting to a total sale price of $4.68 million. This surpasses the previous record of $3,426 psf set by the developer’s sale of a four-bedroom unit in August 2022. Besides this, boutique condo Hill House also saw a new record of $3,402 psf during the review period. Chuan Park, a district 19 development, also had a new psf-price high of $2,785 psf with the sale of a 732 sq ft, two-bedroom unit on the 20th floor. With the private condo market continuing to see new record-high psf-prices, it is evident that demand for luxury properties in prime locations remains strong.

When it comes to real estate investments, location is a key factor that cannot be ignored. This is especially true in the context of Singapore, where the right location can mean the difference between a successful or unsuccessful investment. Condominiums that are strategically situated in central areas or in close proximity to important amenities such as schools, shopping malls, and public transportation hubs tend to experience a higher appreciation in value. Some prime locations in Singapore that have consistently shown growth in property values include Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District (CBD). These areas are highly sought after by investors due to their convenient location and potential for strong returns. Additionally, having access to top-rated schools and educational institutions also adds value to properties in these areas, making them even more attractive to families. Keep an eye out for new condo launches in these prime locations for potential investment opportunities.…

Exclusive marketing agent Colliers International has announced the sale of a three-storey terrace factory at Midview City at a guide price of $6.2 million or $688 psf.

Located at Sin Ming Lane in the heart of Sin Ming Industrial Estate, the 60-year leasehold property comes equipped with a basement and roof terrace.

Spanning across a total strata area of 9,009 sq ft, the property is zoned as a “Business 1” site under the URA Masterplan 2019.

.

Securing financing is a crucial element when it comes to investing in a condo. Fortunately, Singapore offers a variety of mortgage choices. However, it is imperative to have a thorough understanding of the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework. This framework restricts the amount of loan that a borrower can obtain, taking into account their income and existing debt obligations. Collaborating with financial advisors or mortgage brokers can assist investors in comprehending the TDSR and making knowledgeable decisions about their financing options, preventing the risk of over-leveraging. For the latest information on condo investments in Singapore, be sure to check out New Condo Launches.

According to Colliers International, the property is fully-leased and has been approved for use as a childcare centre. The current tenant is Star Learner preschool and childcare centre.

The property will be sold with the existing preschool operator in place, making it a rare opportunity for investors, says Raphael Lee, director of industrial services at Colliers.

Completed in 2012, Midview City is a 60-year leasehold light industrial building. One of the main selling points of the property is its location, with Bright Hill MRT Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line within walking distance. The property is also highly accessible from the Bishan and Upper Thomson residential areas, with two entrances via Sin Ming Lane and Bright Hill Drive.

The EOI exercise for the property closes on April 29 at 3pm. Being a Business 1 light-industrial property, it is not subject to Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) and can be purchased by foreigners.…

Investing in a condo requires careful consideration of financing options. In Singapore, there are various mortgage choices available, but it is crucial for investors to have knowledge of the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework. This framework sets a limit on the amount of loan that can be taken by a borrower, taking into account their income and current debt obligations. To navigate through this process, it is advisable for investors to seek guidance from financial advisors or mortgage brokers. They can help individuals understand the TDSR and make sound decisions regarding their condo investment without falling into the trap of over-leveraging. It is crucial to keep this in mind when choosing a condo and planning for its financing.

Investors are showing interest in deploying capital into Asia Pacific real estate markets with high liquidity, according to Hamish MacDonald, head and chief investment officer of APAC Real Estate at BlackRock. This year, the sectors that are expected to benefit from economic tailwinds are accommodation, logistics, and alternative assets. The countries and markets that are expected to have abundant liquidity this year include Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Auckland in New Zealand, which are also the main focus for BlackRock.In Singapore, BlackRock has been acquiring serviced apartment properties, including the Citadines Raffles Place for $290 million last October in partnership with YTL Corp and the Citadines Mount Sophia for $148 million in February 2024 with Hong Kong-based accommodation operator Weave Living. This week, the Weave Living-operated property reopened as the 175-room Weave Suites – Hillside. MacDonald states that the lack of new serviced apartment supply in Singapore combined with high demand makes this an attractive market for BlackRock.Furthermore, BlackRock has a different strategy when it comes to property acquisitions in Singapore. Instead of building a portfolio, the company prefers acquiring existing properties to refurbish and reposition in partnership with a local operator to add value to the property. MacDonald believes that Singapore will continue to be a major market for BlackRock due to its strong business growth and influx of capital and high-skilled labour.Japan is also expected to remain a major target for real estate investors this year, with BlackRock bullish on the market due to its strong economy. Conditions like wage growth, corporate reform, and domestic pricing power are expected to support growth in real estate. In addition to residential properties, the company is also interested in investing in accommodation for tourists. It wants to partner with experienced operators to manage properties in popular tourist cities like Kyoto and Fukuoka. In general, BlackRock will focus on smaller developments in these tourist areas that have 50 units or less with an acquisition value of between JPY1 billion ($8.93 million) and JPY3 billion. It is looking for an exit strategy, which is why it is important to find properties at a significant discount in Japan. Long-term population growth estimates also support positive long-term growth in most sectors of the Australian real estate market. Most property markets in the country face low vacancy rates and under-supply. In fact, many sectors, including childcare, last-mile logistics, life sciences, and self-storage, are still chronically undersupplied compared to regional markets. Hence, BlackRock prefers to focus on these niche asset types in Australia. These assets are expected to generate outsized returns with limited risk. According to Ben Hickey, Head of Australia Real Estate at BlackRock, the right investment strategy should consider whether rental growth can surpass inflation and the supply-demand imbalance, as well as have a favourable exit strategy. So, BlackRock is interested in niche assets in these markets as opposed to traditional real estate assets.…