The report on the tender results for Zion Road (Parcel A) and Upper Thomson Road (Parcel B) highlights significant insights into their respective real estate markets and development prospects within the Government Land Sales (GLS) programme.

Zion Road (Parcel A) Overview:

Zion Road (Parcel A) received a sole bid from CDL & Mitsui Fudosan at $1.11 billion, translating to $1,202 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr). This parcel is strategically placed within the Bukit Merah planning area and is part of a pilot program introducing a new category of serviced apartments with a minimum three-month stay requirement. This initiative aims to address the rental market's demand, particularly for those seeking longer-term accommodations.

The parcel's proximity to the 455-unit Rivière condominium, which was fully sold out, underscores the high market demand in the area. The lack of new project launches nearby further makes Zion Road (Parcel A) an attractive development opportunity. Positioned between Great World and Havelock MRT stations, its location ensures excellent connectivity, enhancing its appeal to developers.

Market trends in the Rest of Central Region (RCR), where this parcel is located, show signs of recovery with a modest increase in property prices. Given this backdrop, the expected launch prices for new properties on Zion Road (Parcel A) are projected between $3,000 and $3,300 psf.

Upper Thomson Road (Parcel B) Overview:

Upper Thomson Road (Parcel B) saw a bid of $779.56 million from GuocoLand and Intrepid Investments (a subsidiary of Hong Leong Holdings Limited), amounting to $905 psf ppr. Like Parcel A, Parcel B forms part of the GLS program in the emerging Springleaf Precinct and offers a first-mover advantage to its developer. Its strategic location near the Springleaf MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) is pivotal, especially given the area's primary characteristic of landed housing.

The last non-landed GLS site awarded in the vicinity was at Chong Kuo Road in 2018, indicating a potential pent-up demand in the area. The success of recent developments in nearby Lentor also hints at a strong market appetite for new projects in emerging locales such as Springleaf Precinct. Expected launch prices for properties on Upper Thomson Road (Parcel B) are anticipated to be around $2,000 to $2,200 psf.

Both parcels present significant development opportunities, each with unique strategic advantages that cater to specific market needs. Zion Road (Parcel A) is poised to cater to the high demand for serviced apartments, while Upper Thomson Road (Parcel B) is set to capitalize on the scarcity of new launches in its area, offering a diversification in housing types. Developers are likely to find these parcels especially lucrative given their strategic locations, anticipated market demand, and the overall positive shifts in regional property market trends.

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Prepared By:

Mohan Sandrasegeran

Head of Research & Data Analytics