Saturday, August 28, 2010

District 10 - Ardmore, Bukit Timah, Farrer, Holland, Tanglin Rd

Famous celebrity haunts, luxury homes, delectable food, a forest reserve, a horse racing track and the highest hill in Singapore are some of the highlights of District 10. Comprising of Bukit Timah, Farrer Park, Holland Village and Tanglin, it is a place that offers both the scenic view of nature and the closeness of city life.

Introduction/History

Bukit Timah
Towering the Bukit Timah Planning Area at an altitude of 164 metres is the highest hill in Singapore, Bukit Timah. It is part of the Central Region about 10 kilometres from the Central Business District (CBD). A favourite among property owners, it has a number of luxury bungalows and condominiums in the area. The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is located there, which adds to its high land value thanks to the abundant foliage beautifying the area compared to other parts of Singapore. The area is mainly populated by expatriates or well-to-do Singaporeans as it is expensive to own landed properties in Singapore. Bukit Timah was extended to Upper Bukit Timah later on. The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) from Malaysia has a station here along its railway network from Johor Bahru to Tanjong Pagar. The longest road in Singapore, the 25-km long Bukit Timah Road which runs from the north to the south of the island, got its name from the hill. In 1933, the Bukit Timah Race Course was opened and served as a Thoroughbred horse racing facility until it closed in 1999.

Farrer Park
The historic neighbourhood of Farrer Park is located within the urban planning area of Kallang. It is bounded by Dorset Road, Hampshire Road and Northumberland Road. This park is where the first Singapore racecourse was built and where Singapore’s aviation history began. Named after R.F. Farrer, the President of the Municipal Commissioners in the 1920s, Farrer Park and Farrer Road often cause for confusion as both places are located differently. In 1952 there was an abortive attempt to change the name of the road.

Holland Village
A small township near Buona Vista MRT Station, Holland Village is a popular food haunt among younger Singaporeans and expatriates. Nicknamed “Holland V”, its low-rise buildings are surrounded by high-rise HDB flats in the area. There will be a Holland Village MRT Station in 2010.

Tanglin
The Tanglin Planning Area is the name of the urban planning area in the Central Region of Singapore. In 2006, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) proposed to give the area a new facelift. It will be revamped to a lifestyle, education and arts centre. There are two tenders to be called by the end of 2006, one to revitalize six blocks of colonial buildings, opening a fencing school and a pet café and another one for the single colonial building next to Minden Road – used as a dance studio or childcare centre.

Amenities/Facilities

A number of educational institutions can be found in Bukit Timah including Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road), Singapore Chinese Girls' School, Methodist Girls' School, Hwa Chong Institution, National Junior College, Raffles Girls' Primary School, Nanyang Primary School, Nanyang Girls' High School, Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School and Saint Joseph's Institution, amongst others. Fine dining and prominent bars can be found in Holland Village, such as Marmalade Pantry, Tapas Wine Bistro, Tango’s, Baden-Baden, Harry’s Bar and the most famous of all, Wala Wala. In Tanglin Village, alfresco bars like Hacienda and the celebrity haunt PS Café provides good food and entertainment.

Transportation

Buona Vista MRT station, Newton MRT Station as well as various bus services provide accessibility to other major parts of Singapore.

*Visit http://chorkim.goh.virtualhomes.sg/ for property listings

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

China Buyers Top Sentosa Cove Property Market

Buyers from China now comprise the largest group of foreign buyers in the exclusive residential enclave of Sentosa Cove.


In the first half of this year, Chinese buyers accounted for nearly a third of all foreign buyers - well up from 18 percent for all of last year and just 7 per cent in 2008.

Chinese buyers have shown a clear preference for the landed homes, accounting for 60 per cent (12 deals) of all foreign buyers. These properties tend to be more expensive than apartments, due, but, offers Chinese buyers a ‘resort-style living environment’, at prices lower than similar properties in mainland China and Hong Kong.

Although they now outnumber Malaysians, the largest group at the gated community last year, overall, they are still No. 3 among foreign buyers here, after Indonesians in second place and Malaysians at the top. The latter two groups together accounted for around 40 per cent of total deals by non-Singaporeans in the first half of this year.

Still, foreign buyers, not including PRs, remain cautious, owing to slow economic growth in the United States and Europe, while Singaporeans accounted for a higher proportion of private home purchases in the second quarter, at 74 per cent of total deals.

Chinese buyers are attracted to the transparent and well-regulated Singapore market, come to Singapore to work, or want their children to study here, due to the comfortable, bilingual environment, and have the wealth and mobility to purchase properties, such as the $36 million purchase of a Sentosa Cove bungalow in June this year.

Rising real estate prices and property purchase curbs in China have also motivated its citizens to look to overseas markets for diversification and investment opportunities, Ms Chua said.

Singapore PRs from China generally like homes in districts 22 and 23 such as Jurong and Choa Chu Kang as they are near a number of their workplaces.

On the other hand, well-to-do Chinese buyers are attracted to prime districts 9, 10 and 11 as well as waterfront areas in Sentosa Cove and district 15 in the east.

Visit http://chorkim.goh.virtualhomes.sg/ for Sentosa property listings.

Land parcel at Miltonia Close attracts seven bids

SINGAPORE : A land parcel at Miltonia Close attracted seven bids when the tender closed on Tuesday.
The highest bid of S$165 million came from Hoi Hup Realty and Sunway Developments, which are jointly pitching for the project.
This translates to S$406 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr).
The bid is some 31 per cent higher than the second highest one at S$126 million which was submitted by Master Contract Services. The remaining bids ranged between S$97.9 million and S$125.3 million.
They came from developers like Allgreen Properties as well as Superport, a unit of MCL Land.

The site was launched by Housing & Development Board (HDB) on July 2. It spans 27,000 square metres (sqm) and has a maximum gross floor area of 37,800 sqm. With a 99-year lease term, the land parcel is slated for strata landed housing, condominium housing or flats development. HDB said the project completion period is 72 months from the date the tender is accepted.

Leonard Tay, director, CBRE Research, said the developer who wins the site will likely develop a five-storey low-rise condominium. He said: "The top bid of S$165 million or S$406 psf ppr could reflect a breakeven cost of around S$700 to S$750 psf should a low-rise condominium be developed. Condominium units in this new project could possibly sell above S$800 psf."

He added; "For comparison against transactions of other developments in the vicinity from April to August, units in The Estuary, which was launched in April 10, transacted at S$650 to S$850 psf, while those in the 16-year-old Orchid Park Condominium were sold at S$550 to S$700 psf." - CNA/ms

* Visit http://chorkim.goh.virtualhomes.sg/ for property listings.

Monday, August 23, 2010

VANDA ROAD BUNGALOW $11M (Neg)

~Prime @ Bukit Timah. 2 & 1/2 Storey Detached. 6 + 1 + S/pool. Excellent Condition. High-End Finishings. Wide Driveway. Quiet.

~Walking Distance to the Future Sixth Ave MRT. Near Restaurants, Good Schools, Amenities. Selling With Tenancy.
This 7300sqft/6500sqft Bungalow is tenanted till $15.5K till Jan 2012.
Nice Garden


Swimming Pool


Schools

NANYANG GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL
NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE (NATIONAL JC)
RAFFLES GIRLS' PRIMARY SCHOOL







Restaurants



PICOTIN - Turf Club Road

BORGO - 789 Bukit Timah Road

YANQING'S SHANGHAI KITCHEN - 791 Bukit Timah Road












* Visit http://chorkim.goh.virtualhomes.sg/ for more listings!


Swettenham Road, Sale - SGD$ 17,500,000.00

A delightful 2 storey Bungalow with swimming pool nestled in a prestigious locale, this is Swettenham Road, Complete privacy awaits you in this well maintained classic spanish like design house on elevated ground.

Don't like long driveways? Think again..the long driveway provides lots of parking - Perfect for all your guests at your parties. All you need now is a valet to fully spoil your guests.

Only minutes to Tanglin, Orchard and Holland Village. And if you love the botanical gardens, it is just across the road, not forgetting eateries, winebars, pubs just next door at Dempsey.

Enjoy the investment - this 16000sqft/8000sqft house is currently tenanted at $23k/mth till June 2012.

Log on to http://chorkim.goh.virtualhomes.sg/ for more listings.



Huge Living & Dining

Swimming Pool

Sunday, August 22, 2010

FOR SALE 5RM HDB

Blk 48 Telok Blangah Drive 

5-Rm, HDB Point Block Apartment, approx 123sq.m (1,324sq.ft).

Upgraded, Large Balcony Added, served by 2 lifts,

Grand View from Each and Every Window & Large Open Balcony !

Unblocked Panoramic View of Sea, Golf Course, Sentosa and Universal Studio

nightly fireworks, etc. (photos are attached, however, please note that

photos can't effectively reproduce the actual magnificent panoramic view

that has to be seen to be truly appreciated)

Excellent Location (near MRT, Vivo City, Sentosa, 3 Nature Parks,

neighborhood Wet Market, NTUC Super Market, Covered Car Park, Schools, etc)

PRICE: $808,888 (negotiable / view to offer)

Valuation done on 13 August 2010. Report ready soon. (Note: Recently a unit

in the same block, without sea view, was valued at S$630K)

Tenure: 99years w.e.f. 1 Nov 1976 (good for another 65 years)

Call / SMS +65 97938778 for a viewing today!

MARINA BAY RESIDENCES, SINGAPORE

A Masterpiece Icon
THE CROWN Jewel Of Marina Bay

Poised to become the most desirable address in Singapore, Marina Bay Residences is a new iconic landmark that will redefine the meaning of luxurious living.
Set in the heart of the brand new Marina Bay district, Marina Bay Residences offers residents a superb selection of business and pleasure activities. The Marina Bay Financial Centre is right next door and the corporate and business centre of Raffles Place is less than a five minute stroll away. With the new Marina Bay Sands integrated resort and the Esplanade just across the Bay, Marina Bay Residences is the ultimate location for living, working and playing.

At the heart of it all
Marina Bay Residences will place residents at the very heart of exciting Marina Bay and connect them to the rest of Singapore via the East Coast Parkway, the Raffles Place Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) station and the upcoming Circle Line MRT. The rest of the world is close by too – thanks to Marina Bay Residences offering easy access to Changi Airport. Residents can even commute to work along the Singapore River via river taxis.

Location: Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre (District 1)


Tenure: 99 years leasehold


Year of Completion: 2010


Total Units: 428


Unit Types:


1 bedrooms ~ 66 sqm (710 sqft) to 70 sqm (753 sqft)


2 bedrooms ~ 91 sqm (980 sqft) to 114 sqm (1,227 sqft)


3 bedrooms ~ 151 sqm (1,625 sqft) to 185 sqm (1,991 sqft)


4 bedrooms ~ 220 sqm (2,368 sqft) to 221 sqm (2,379 sqft)


Penthouses ~ 369 sqm (3972 sqft)

A wealth of entertainment options surround you
At Marina Bay Residences, you will be surrounded by a vast array of entertainment options thanks to the exciting new Marina Bay Sands integrated resort right next door.
This landmark in entertainment will also offer the most exquisite cuisine from around the world. Over a dozen restaurants, including six destination-style restaurants managed by world famous chefs from the US, Japan, Australia and Italy, are set to make Marina Bay and Singapore the epicurean capital of Asia.
You will also be able to enjoy world-class entertainment in two 2,000-seat theatres. Or explore the fascinating worlds revealed by a unique ArtScience Museum.

Dining experiences that set your senses alight
At Marina Bay Residences you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to superb dining experiences. Dine al fresco under the stars and by the water, at Boat Quay and the Marina Bay Waterfront. Enjoy the most exquisite repasts at Singapore’s finest restaurants and hotels. Food lovers will also be able to treat themselves to authentic local cuisine at famous food centres. Whatever your tastes and fancies, Marina Bay Residences will meet your desires.

Indulge in Ultimate Shopping
Your new home at Marina Bay Residences will put you in close proximity to the finest shopping in Singapore. You will be in the midst of some of the world’s most exclusive retailer brands including Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Down by the new waterfront at Marina Bay, you will have a selection of shops and boutiques to explore. A short stroll will take you to mega malls like Marina Square and Suntec City. And you can be in the shopping mecca of Orchard Road in less than 10 minutes. Whether for life’s daily necessities or the most luxurious brands, Marina Bay Residences puts you close to everything.

Discover the Fine Art of Living
Art lovers and theatre goers are well catered for at Marina Bay Residences. Just across the Bay, the stunning esplanade regularly hosts world-renowned artists and world-class performances. With the conversion of the old Supreme Court and City Hall buildings into Singapore’s new National Art Gallery, you will be able to enjoy the critically acclaimed Asian and international artworks. An exciting revamp of the Collyer Quay will create a whole new space to show case the arts. And, even closer to home, Marina Bay Residences homeowners can explore the fascinating art galleries and boutiques that will line the new waterfront.
Immediately adjacent to Marina Bay Residences, the Central Promontory will be a signature waterfront development that will be home to many public attractions, including a museum, art gallery, science centre, planetarium or aquarium. It will also house retail, food and beverage, recreational and entertainment outlets as well as possible convention halls.

Relax and unwind in the Gardens of the City
Living at Marina Bay Residences puts you in close proximity to the green sanctuaries of the Gardens By The Bay. These stunning parks and gardens will further enhance Singapore’s reputation as a beautiful garden city. The 54-ha Marina South garden is planned around giant tree-like structures for orchids and ferns, shell-shaped cooled conservatories that showcase flowers and plants from more temperate climates and a mini-lake. Plans for the 30-ha Marina East garden include wind-and water-themed gardens featuring lotus ponds, eateries set amidst herb and vegetable gardens and a nature education centre. A third 10-ha garden in Marina Centre is also planned for.

Savour the pure joy of living by the waterfront
Marina Bay Residences offers the perfect setting to enjoy the sights and sounds of aquatic water sports, such as jet ski and wakeboard championships, water skiiing, canoeing and dragon boating in the newly created fresh water Marina Bay Reservoir. For those who desire less energetic pursuits, a jog or gentle stroll around the Bay will allow you to savour the glint of golden sunlight sparkling on tranquil waters and the stunning skyline of the city. You could even indulge yourself with a cruise on one of the many River taxis that meander up and down the Singapore River and the Bay.

All the right connections
As well as being your exclusive sanctuary of luxury, Marina Bay Residences places you in the very centre of things. The Central Business District and Raffles Place are literally right at your doorstep. Wireless broadband internet connections mean that you are never out of touch anywhere within the Residences. And, because it is integrated with the landmark Marina bay Financial Centre, Marina Bay Residences offer you the ultimate living and working choices in the very heart of Singapore’s newest business district.

An Architectural Masterpiece
How many people can claim ownership of a stunning home created by one of the world’s leading architects? The fortunate owners of Marina Bay Residences will be members of this very exclusive club.

Conceived and created by New York-based Gene Kohn of Kohn Pedersen Fox, the crystal-like architectural design of Marina Bay Residences is destined to become a landmark on the Bay and will add a signature image to Singapore’s skyline.

The facade of Marina Bay Residences is illuminated from below, creating a glorious night-time landmark. The sculpted crowns and sky gardens at the top are dramatically lit from the inside, forming a visual dialogue with the other crowns of the CBD skyline.

Unmatched facilities with dazzling views
On its 7th floor, Marina Bay Residences provides a complete range of superb condominium facilities that combine stunning views with sumptuous luxury. Splash out in the lap pool and children’s pool, relax in the jacuzzi, stroll through open pavilions, enjoy intense workouts in the gym or wind down with a cool evening barbecue and take in the glorious sights of the sea, the Bay and the CBD skyline.

Indulge yourself totally
On the 47th floor, Marina Bay Residences takes luxury to a new level with a wonderful spa-like retreat that sets you high above it all. Here you can relax and escape from the challenges of a busy working day by practicing yoga as the lights of the city glitter and dance far below you. Relaxation and meditation corners as well as cosy function rooms allow you to escape to your very own exclusive world of luxury.

Marina Bay’s most exclusive club
When you live at Marina Bay Residences, you will join a very select few. And the magnificent 47th floor Sky Lounge is a fitting reflection of this achievement. Mix and mingle with other high flyers and achievers as you enjoy the most privilege views in Singapore. A superb wine cellar and select cigar room complete the ambience of total exclusivity.

Live the High Life
The incredible beauty of the views that you will enjoy from you living room are matched only by the luxurious fixtures and fittings that adorn you entire apartment. Create your own unique environment within the capacious and well-planned spaces of your home. Marina Bay Residences represents the epitome of luxury living and truly reflects your accomplishments in life.

All you could possibly desire… and more
At Marina Bay Residences you will be able to wake up every morning to the glorious sight of the sun sparkling on the Bay. Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee as you relax on the balcony and savour the cool sea breezes. Every day at Marina Bay Residences is a gift to the senses and a confirmation of your good taste. For the ultimate lifestyle of luxury on Marina Bay, there is only one place to be… Marina Bay Residences.

** I have 10 units available for SALE / RENT. SMS your interest to +65 97938778 or email to: property@ckgroup.sg to arrange for a viewing today!

THE COAST @ SENTOSA COVE


Situated on the longest coastal stretch of Sentosa Cove, The Coast is the only condominium in this premier residential enclave to feature views of both the panoramic vista of the South China Sea and the enchanting waterways of Sentosa Cove for all units. It will provide an unparalleled setting for your abode. In fact, you'll probably just feel as if the high seas belong to you.

The Coast comprises 249 exquisitely appointed units, giving you a wide selection of 3 and 4-bedroom apartments as well as luxury penthouses. Lavishly equipped for your every need, The Coast features full condominium facilities including a function room, a gymnasium, a lap pool, a wading pool, jacuzzi-equipped leisure pools and BBQ pits, together with thoughtfully landscaped pavilions and gardens as well as private berthing facilities - numbering a total of 41 berths for your pleasure crafts.

The building's facades are composed of full-height glass windows, sliding mesh panels and planted ledges. The percolated effect interacts with the changing light condition of the internal and external environment to create a visual impact that is at once arresting and ethereal. The overall impression is that of a sanctum of tranquility and a pure and meditative environment that is simply breathtaking. At The Coast, your return home will be made a welcome retreat to a private universe of serenity each and every day.

Sentosa Cove - Singapore's prestigious new address
Offering an integrated waterfront resort concept that blends residential, commercial and marina facilities, Sentosa Cove promises a living environment without equal not just in Singapore, but also across the region. Inspired by the glitzy French Riviera, it even has its own charming marina village, not to mention the cosmopolitan ONEo15 Marina Club, specifically designed to allow mega-yachts to dock - which means you'll get to enjoy the atmosphere of a neighbourhood unlike any other you can find, one where the global elite would be glad to call home.
Only a stone's throw away at the glistening new HarbourFront Precinct is VivoCity, Singapore's largest retail, entertainment and lifestyle destination. And since it's a mere 10-minute drive away from the CBD and the Orchard Road shopping belt, you'll also enjoy convenient accessibility, together with the privacy and exclusivity you deserve.
From sun-kissed beaches to naturally deep aquamarine waters, from a world-class integrated resort that will incorporate a casino as well as theme parks to premier golf courses, tranquil spas, upmarket retail outlets and fine dining choices, Sentosa will soon have it all. Which means your home at The Coast also boasts excellent investment potential, in addition to having these pleasures right at your doorstep.

The development was completed in April 2009. Log on to http://chorkim.goh.virtualhomes.sg/

CORAL ISLAND, SENTOSA ISLAND

Your very own private berth
Inspired by nature itself, Coral Island blends natural form and human artistry to create a new aesthetic specifically tailored to the needs of those privileged and perceptive. The 21 splendidly appointed waterfront villas of Coral Island will showcase new standards of exclusivity, luxury and privacy.


The first integrated bungalow development on the pristine new waterfront district of Sentosa Cove, Coral Island has been specifically designed to meet the taste and requirements of those who demand nothing less than the very best.

Gracefully crafted by Award winning MAPS Design Studio, each meticulously detailed villa is the private backdrop for the unfolding of your varied lifestyle. Each villa will also be endowed with its own private infinity pool and berthing space. Internationally renowned landscape architect Bill Bensley has also injected an inspired sense of style with his artful designs that accentuate an already refined living environment.

Located near the proposed Integrated Resort and the upcoming Vivo City Mall, Coral Island is also a mere 10-minutes drive from the city and a 20-minutes drive from the Changi International Airport.

Total No. of Units: 21 villas

Property Listings can be found on http://chorkim.goh.virtualhomes.sg/