Condos in the Core Central Region (CCR) have seen a fresh boost of interest with the full reopening of borders last year following the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, despite various macroeconomic headwinds and cooling measures rolled out by the government, prices in the CCR remained steady, growing by a more sedate pace of 4.6% y-o-y as compared to 3.8% in the year before.
In comparison, the Rest of Central Region (RCR) and the Outside Central Region (OCR) have saw prices rise over 9% y-o-y, bolstered by new launches which set benchmark prices. This trend has narrowed the price gap between properties in the CCR versus the RCR and OCR – renewing buyers’ interest to look for properties in a prime location. As China relaxes its border controls in early 2023, the CCR has seen more Chinese buyers returning to the market.
However, this may have raised attention of the government. Within less than a year, on April 27, the government implemented a new round of cooling measures which includes the doubling of additional buyer’s stamp duty (ABSD) for foreigners from 30% to 60%. The latest measure also saw increments on ABSD for second property purchases by Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
Despite the cooling measures, the tight supply of new developments in the CCR are anticipated to continue supporting property prices in the region, which are expected to grow albeit at a slower pace. However, amidst this market environment, buyers may find it increasingly difficult to secure a home at a palatable quantum, with only pockets of opportunity remaining. One Draycott, a newly-completed development located just along Draycott Drive, off Ardmore Park in prime District 10 presents a great prospect for these buyers.
The exclusive One Draycott project, featuring 64 units of bespoke luxury homes, has just received its temporary occupation permit (TOP) in April. The developer, Selangor Dredging Berhad (SDB) will be holding a post-TOP launch for the project in June, presenting its compelling proposition for prospective buyers – the opportunity to purchase a newly-completed, freehold residence in the prestigious Ardmore-Draycott residential enclave at an appealing price-point.