THE average capital value of luxury apartments in Singapore has risen 43.5 per cent in the first nine months of this year since the fourth quarter

THE average capital value of luxury apartments in Singapore has risen 43.5 per cent in the first nine months of this year since the fourth quarter of 2006. At $2,827 psf, the Q3 2007 average luxury apartment cap value has surpassed 1997’s peak level by 59 per cent, according to a report by Colliers International issued yesterday.

In the leasing market, average monthly gross rents of luxury apartments were up 27.9 per cent in the first nine months of the year. The increase was at a faster clip in the third quarter of this year, with a quarter-on-quarter gain of 10.2 per cent to $6.86 per square foot a month. This was higher than earlier rises of 7.9 per cent and 7.6 per cent in Q2 and Q1.

‘The supply crunch, coupled with strong demand, continued to contribute to escalating rental growth, a growing concern among the expatriate population in the Republic and the government,’ Colliers noted.

The average cap value of luxury apartments rose 13.3 per cent in Q3 over the preceding quarter to $2,827 psf.

The property consultancy firm predicts that average capital values and monthly gross rents of luxury apartments will rise by up to 10 per cent in the final quarter of the year. But it acknowledged the downside risks in the coming months, including the negative spillover from the US housing market and potential negative oil supply shocks.

‘Nevertheless, the strong economic and demand fundamentals in the Singapore market, coupled with the continuing commitment of the government to maintain Singapore’s attractiveness as a stable market for investments, should lend support to the private residential property market amid cautious sentiments,’ the report added.

Colliers also highlighted the government’s assurance that it would continue to monitor the market and ensure that prices do not run ahead because of a shortage of supply.

Earlier this month, the Urban Redevelopment Authority said that it was reviewing the Government Land Sales programme for the first half of next year and that the government would make available more sites for private residential development through the GLS programme next year if the demand continues to remain strong.

Source : Business Times - 13 Oct 2007