Happy Year of the Horse! According to the experts, the energy of the Year of the Horse is free-spirited, independent, fast-acting and spontaneous, unlike the outgoing Year of the Snake, which was a time for pondering and planning. Apparently, it is the time to take the leap; to act fast, buy that home, launch that business, travel the world, make a big purchase, get a promotion at work, have a breakthrough.
However, with the high costs of purchasing property, lower loan-to-value ratios and possible future rises in interest rates, make sure you do your figures properly before taking that leap.
As property starts to disappoint investors for the first time in eight years (anyone who bought in 2013 would have made just as much interest on their money as they would have if they had left it in the bank, without all the extras involved with property), the market has dipped into a buyer’s market and is turning bearish. This market is for genuine buyers who are thinking long-term and can take advantage of the dip.
Landlords, you need to stay competitive with all the new-builds and extra properties on the market, so take the time now to renovate old bathrooms and kitchens and present a clean and shining property with a fresh coat of paint.
Happy hunting!
Scroll through the gallery above for all of the photos from the below properties
Family-Friendly: Astrid Meadows
$5K to $17K RENT
District: 10
Size: 1,350 to 3,800 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 2 to 5
Type: Condo
Astrid Meadows is a freehold property located at Coronation Road West in District 10. This beautifully presented and well-maintained low-rise condo has a quiet elegance and grace. The units are large, with big rooms, high ceilings and enormous balconies.
It is popular among families with active kids, as it has facilities for tennis, squash, gym and basketball, playgrounds, a skate park and a pool. It also has a mini-mart.
It is close to Holland Village and its plethora of shops, banks and restaurants, and the convenient Holland Village MRT station. It is also perfectly located, being about five minutes from Orchard, Tanglin, Botanic Gardens and Dempsey Village and near many international schools.
East Coast All-Rounder: Bayshore Park
$2.6K to $12K RENT
District: 16
Size: 624 to 3,500 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: Studio to 5
Type: Condo
Bayshore Park is an older-style condo on the East Coast that is known for its spaciousness and large balconies, and lush, sprawling grounds that create a resort feeling. Full facilities include a mini-mart, a restaurant, a launderette, a spa, tennis and squash courts, playgrounds, a gym and a pool.
It is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from Changi Airport and an easy 15-to-20-minute drive from the city. You can walk to East Coast beaches, perfect for an active outdoor lifestyle. A private shuttle bus service goes to Bedok Central and Parkway Parade’s shops and restaurants.
A myriad of other restaurants and eating establishments are located nearby at Siglap and at East Coast Park, just a stone’s throw away. International schools nearby include United World College, One World, Chatsworth East and Canadian.
Iconic Reflections: Reflections at Keppel Bay
$4.5K to $25K RENT
District: 4
Size: 800 to 8,250 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 2 to 4
Type: Condo
Reflections @ Keppel Bay is a 99-year-leasehold development located in District 4 and withing walking distance of Telok Blangah MRT station. Mount Faber Park, VivoCity shopping mall, Keppel Marina, Sentosa Island Resort and Keppel Golf Course are all in the vicinity. With award-winning architecture by Daniel Libekind, it is a Singapore icon with towering views over Sentosa and the cruise ships at berth.
Facilities include a swimming pool, barbecue pits, a gym, tennis courts, a spa pool, landscaped sky gardens and a playground.
Numerous bus services are available nearby. Several international schools are located within reasonable driving distance, and it’s a 10-to-15-minute drive to either the CBD or the Orchard Road shopping district.
Family Fun Near The City: Sommerville Park
$3K to $28K RENT
District: 10
Size: 624 to 4,200 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 1 to 4
Type: Condo with Townhouses
Sommerville Park is a freehold development located between Farrer and Holland Roads in District 10, close to Farrer Road MRT station, the Botanic Gardens and Dempsey and Holland Villages. This sprawling condo combines townhouses, duplexes and condo facilities in one. Being an older development, its units are all of a good size and have balconies or patios.
Facilities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, barbecue pits, a gym, tennis and squash courts, a clubhouse, a mini-mart, a beauty and hair salon, a health café and a fabulous playground.
Being centrally located, it’s a short drive away from many of the international schools, within walking distance of many restaurants and on the fringe of the Orchard Road area.
Commuter Perfection: Chuan Park
$3K to $28K RENT
District: 14
Size: 624 to 4,200 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 1 to 4
Type: Condo
Chuan Park is commuter heaven, with Lorong Chuan MRT on its doorstep and the Australian International School an easy walk away. Close to popular Serangoon Gardens bars, shops, restaurants and banks, it is also only one stop away from the new Nex Mall cinemas, shops and restaurants. Easy access to the CTE makes it an easy commute to Orchard Road.
Offering the spaciousness of an older condo, it consists of low-rise maisonettes and high-rise units and boasts a large swimming pool, tennis courts, a restaurant, a minimart and a hair salon.
A spacious 1,498-square-foot walk-up unit is now on the market for $3.5K. It has two bedrooms, the master a very generous 395 sq. ft. with ensuite bathroom. The unit also has a study or maid’s room, a common bathroom, separate living and dining rooms and a kitchen with a back balcony for laundry and cooking.
Low-rise neighbourhood: Greenwood and Hillcrest
$5K to $13K RENT
District: 10
Size: Varying
Bedrooms: 1 to 6
Type: Low-rise condos, cluster housing and landed properties
The Greenwood-Hillcrest area has cluster housing such as Hillcrest Villas and Watten Residences, landed houses and apartments. This quiet and tranquil, low-rise neighbourhood is very child-friendly with plenty of parks and playgrounds. It also offers interesting clusters of bakeries, cafés and restaurants serving a mix of cuisines to delight the gourmet.
Located on the city fringe and just a ten-minute drive from Orchard, it is close to Botanic Gardens MRT station and is surrounded by recreational facilities such as Green Fairways Golf Course, Bukit Timah Saddle Club, Turf City, Coronation Plaza shops and eateries and good schools.
A delightful family home, opposite a popular playground, is on the market for around $8K. It is 2,800 sq. ft in size and has five bedrooms and five bathrooms. Sunlight pours in, and the huge master bedroom has walk-in wardrobes and a bathroom that screams decadence. With large, square rooms, a good helper’s room, wet and dry kitchens and a great sitting and play area to the front, it is the perfect family home.
