Blog & News
Market insights, industry updates, and property guides for Singapore SMEs
As hotel restrictions ease, what's next for Upper Circular Road and Beach Road?
URA lifts restrictions for two years until May 31, 2028 for short-term accommodation in Upper Circular Road and Beach Road areas. Boutique hotel 21 Carpenter cited as example of sensitive restoration and adaptive reuse.
HarbourFront Centre to close from July 27
The mall will be redeveloped into a mixed-use building with an elevated park. The new 33-storey building comprising office and retail spaces is expected to be completed by the first half of 2031.
Orchid Hotel in Tanjong Pagar sold for about S$273m
The buyer is a JV between a local developer and Westmont Hospitality; hotel is expected to be rebranded. The 272-room Orchid Hotel occupies the top 18 floors of a 20-storey building at 1 Tras Link.
Economists raise inflation projections, lower growth forecasts in first MAS survey since Iran war
MAS' latest survey shows economists' full-year median forecasts at 2.3% for headline inflation and 2% for core inflation, up from 1.5% in the March poll. Growth forecasts were lowered amid geopolitical risk impacts.
Weighing the ins and outs of retaining Orchard Road's cachet and its future
Top malls there are doing well, but observers ask if Singapore's premier retail belt can still shine. High occupancy rates at Ion Orchard, Wisma Atria, Ngee Ann City, and 313@somerset continue to attract premium tenants.
CICT's S$3.9b Paragon buy draws scrutiny over timing, funding risks at EGM
CICT sees 'good potential' in Paragon and is taking a longer-term view of the acquisition. The S$3.9 billion purchase was approved with 99.96 per cent of votes cast in favour at the EGM.
Geopolitical shocks: What moves first and why it matters
In the Middle East conflict, energy markets were the first and most forceful point of impact. By the time equities sold off in a meaningful way, oil had already repriced the shock. Gold held its ground as a reliable hedge.
URA lifts ban on new hotels, hostels and serviced apartments in Boat Quay, Beach Road areas
The government will also pilot schemes in some precincts to test how space can be used to make the city centre more vibrant. Regulatory sandboxes will be introduced to test rules for space use.
Co-living, wellness spaces to transform former MHA and British spy HQ sites
Tanglin project spans 610,000 sq ft and is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2027. The historic Phoenix Park site will be repurposed with co-living and wellness spaces, with over 700 keys and annual rent of $404,888.
Johor Bahru traffic woes set to worsen when RTS starts to run in 2027
Train commuters need e-hailing or personal cars for their transfer to and from station. The Rapid Transit System Link, connecting Johor Bahru and Singapore by rail, is on track for completion by end-2026 and set to begin operating on Jan 1, 2027.
One Raffles Place attracting interest from IOI, CLI, tycoons: sources
One Raffles Place, a major office complex in the heart of Singapore's commercial centre, is attracting interest from multiple suitors and is being marketed for more than S$2.3 billion.
From overspending to business failures: Why more people in Singapore are going bankrupt
More people in Singapore are being declared bankrupt, going by the latest official statistics, although their age distribution has largely stayed the same. Personal bankruptcy cases reached 4,616 in the first quarter of 2026.
S'pore factory output rises in April, driven by AI-related tailwinds
Singapore's manufacturing output increased in April, rising by 17.6 per cent from a year ago, on the back of soaring artificial intelligence-related demand that led to a surge in electronics production.
Farmland south of Lim Chu Kang to be zoned for defence; land further north for agriculture
Agricultural land south of Lim Chu Kang will be zoned for defence use in the near future, while military land in the north will be reallocated for future farming use.
S-Reit retail flows in 2026: Income anchors in focus
Singapore-listed real estate investment trusts (S-Reits) derive investor appeal from rental income, with distributions anchoring returns while valuations adjust to interest rates and funding conditions.
CapitaLand chalks up over 80% occupancy for Geneo cluster at Science Park; rents meet expectations
CapitaLand's S$1.4 billion Geneo business park and life sciences development at Singapore Science Park is over 80 per cent occupied, with rents achieved in line with expectations.
Punggol Digital District to host large-scale AI robot trials
Eight firms including Grab and Certis will lead a renewed push to deploy robots to automate cleaning, patrolling and food delivery in Singapore's largest smart robotics test bed.
Largest used-car hub's lease to be renewed, enabling owners to continue operating till 2040
The lease for Automobile Megamart at Ubi is set to be renewed until end-2040 after the owners of the eight-storey building paid S$68 million by the deadline set by the authorities.
Prepare for a turn in the interest rate cycle
Bond investors should be mindful of excessive duration exposure within their portfolios as the Middle East conflict has fundamentally altered the global inflation narrative.
SingLand buys out UOB's stake in Novena Square JVs for S$299m
Property player Singapore Land Group has purchased UOB's shares in two entities related to the shopping mall Novena Square for S$299 million in cash.
Boom in big-ticket real estate deals keeps Singapore dealmakers on their toes
Real estate dealmakers are preparing for a busy season with a boom in big-ticket transactions as cheaper financing makes large acquisitions viable while also bringing more assets onto the table.
Keppel, Cantonment, Prince Edward Road MRT stations to open on July 12
The three remaining stations that will close the loop between HarbourFront and Marina Bay stations on the Circle Line (CCL) will begin operations on July 12, said Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow.
Yishun 10 multiplex set to make way for residential and commercial building
Singapore's first multiplex, Yishun 10, is set to be redeveloped, based on a proposed change to the site's land use. The site is on a 99-year lease ending in March 2089.
CapitaLand, Hongkong Land possible bidders for Marina One office complex
Marina One includes 1.88 million sq ft of office space, 140,000 sq ft of retail space, as well as some apartments. Deliberations are at an early stage.
UOB opens $500m tech hub in Punggol Digital District; 400 staff already on site
Some 400 UOB employees have started work at Punggol Digital District (PDD), as companies begin moving into Singapore's newest business and technology hub designed to anchor the country's digital economy ambitions.
Marina One office complex attracts CapitaLand, Hongkong Land: sources
The high price target has been an obstacle to a sale of the asset, which could also lure other suitors, possibly in a consortium. The asset is being marketed for more than S$5.7 billion.
Paragon deal: Why investors should get ready for more Reit mergers and take-private offers
With elevated inflation and interest rates weighing on yield-oriented investments, the largest players play the role of consolidators, scooping up assets that become available amid the shakeout.
More F&B options, greenery as demand for premium offices grows
Landlords say CBD workers increasingly look for higher-quality building features such as smart lifts, as well as more food and beverage options and amenities including medical clinics.
Residents raise concerns over long-vacant shops at Northshore Plaza
HDB says it is in process of securing new retailers, and has adjusted rent to help tenants. About 50 out of 50 spaces were vacant across the mall as of March and April.
Soon Hock buys industrial property Kewalram House for S$120.5m
A wholly owned subsidiary of industrial developer Soon Hock Enterprise has clinched the tender for Kewalram House on an en bloc basis for S$120.5 million.
Land betterment charges upped 4.1% on average for non-landed residential, 4% for landed residential uses
The government has raised land betterment charge (LBC) rates across most real estate sectors in its latest half-yearly update. Industrial LBC rates have been raised by 3.2 per cent on average.
Far East Organization sells Tuas industrial asset for S$121.1m
Far East Organization is selling a sizeable industrial property in Tuas for S$121.1 million to an entity linked to a real estate investment manager.
Rise in Singapore industrial rents tapers to 2.4% for 2025 after almost flat Q4: JTC
Rents of Singapore industrial spaces rose 2.4 per cent in 2025, a 3.5 per cent gain in 2024, with prices climbing 5 per cent year on year with strong buying interest in assets.
Jumbo Group to acquire leasehold interest in Tai Seng Street property from Boustead Industrial Fund
Jumbo Group is proposing to acquire a leasehold interest in a 26 Tai Seng Street property owned by Boustead Industrial Fund, a private real estate trust set up by Boustead's real estate solutions division.
Johor-Singapore SEZ to 'anchor' industrial properties in Malaysia: Maybank
The upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone is expected to anchor the growth of industrial properties in Malaysia, with the segment set to remain the 'key growth driver' of the country's property market.
Government launches 11.1 ha of industrial land for H1 2026 amid rising rents
The Ministry of Trade and Industry is launching around 11.1 hectares of industrial land across eight sites for H1 2026 through the industrial government land sales programme.
Mapletree Industrial Trust to divest up to S$600m of assets over next two years
The manager of Mapletree Industrial Trust (MIT) plans to divest between S$500 million and S$600 million worth of assets over the next two years, with a focus on its North American portfolio.
Singapore industrial rents rise 2.3% year on year in Q3 2025: JTC
Rents and prices for industrial spaces in Singapore grew marginally in Q3 2025, with rental index growing 2.3 per cent from a year earlier.
Oxley's Chings, LHN, KSH, Soon Hock form joint venture for S$351m industrial property
LHN Group, KSH Holdings and Soon Hock Enterprise announced their entry into a joint venture alongside Macritchie Developments for S$351 million to acquire NTUC Fairprice Co-operative's industrial property.
Singapore aims for 3-4% growth, with push into new industries, tech: DPM Gan
Singapore aims for economic growth of between 3 and 4 per cent despite challenges ahead, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong in Parliament, with a push into new industries and technology.
Land betterment charges for commercial, residential and industrial uses go up by 0.1% to 1.6%
The government has raised land betterment charge rates by 0.1 to 1.6 per cent on average for commercial, residential and industrial uses from Sep 1, 2025.
Aims Apac Reit to acquire two industrial buildings in Aljunied for S$56.7m
AIMS Apac Reit is proposing to acquire an industrial property comprising two buildings in the Aljunied area for around S$56.7 million, offering an attractive 8.1 per cent property yield.
Singapore industrial rents, prices rise in Q2 as occupancy falls: JTC
Rental rates of Singapore industrial properties rose 0.7 per cent quarter-on-quarter for Q2, with the rental index rising 2%, representing the smallest year-on-year increase since 2021.
Depot Lane industrial estate, warehouses to make way for housing
An industrial estate and a row of warehouses at Depot Lane in Bukit Merah are to make way for residential development. The area will be vacated by Q4 2025.
New models for regional hubs, industrial estates in URA's Draft Master Plan 2025
Singapore's new Draft Master Plan 2025 reveals new models for regional hubs and industrial estates, with major office hub planned for Bishan and more flexible zoning for industrial sites near transport nodes.
Real estate investors eye residential and industrial development sites in Johor-Singapore SEZ
Investors are currently focused on acquiring residential and industrial development sites in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, where opportunities for growth in the hospitality sector are expected to present themselves in the longer term.
JTC extends land leases for new industrial sites, offers more flexible renewals for businesses
Businesses taking up JTC industrial land will get longer leases and more flexible lease renewal terms, in line with the agency's latest changes to its industrial land lease framework.
LBC rates up average 0.1% to 3% for commercial, residential, industrial and hotel use groups
The government has raised land betterment charge (LBC) rates on average by 0.1 per cent to nearly 3 per cent for commercial, residential, industrial and hotel use groups for the next six months.
Johor Singapore-SEZ development likely to hit local industrial property sector: analysts
While some industries in Singapore are poised to benefit from the establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, others such as manufacturing and logistics may face more limited impact.
Singapore's industrial rents up 3.5% in 2024 after rising 0.5% in Q4: JTC
Rental rates for industrial properties in Singapore inched up 0.5 per cent in Q4 2024, bringing full-year rental index growth to 3.5 per cent — a sharp decline from the previous annual increase of 8.9 per cent in 2023.
Government ramps up supply of industrial sites in H1 2025 amid still-rising rents
The Ministry of Trade and Industry is launching a total of 14.07 hectares of industrial land across 10 sites for H1 2025 through the Industrial Government Land Sales programme.
Suburban business parks see rising vacancies in 2024; muted growth likely for industrial rents in 2025
The business park segment in Singapore has faced challenges in 2024, besieged by concerns about whether new space in the pipeline could be absorbed and increasing vacancy rates.
Rental rates remain key factor in influencing industrial space location choices: NUS
Competitive rental is the most important factor that determines how industrial space users decide where to move, a Singapore survey found, with an overwhelming 84 per cent of respondents citing it.
Wave of asset rejuvenation to come in Singapore industrial real estate
Despite heightened interest rate environment and slower economic growth, the Singapore industrial property market continues to see healthy growth, with a wave of asset rejuvenation expected.
Close to 60% of industries record at least 'average' growth by Q3 2024: MAS
Singapore's economy has gained a firmer footing, with a majority of the economy at or exceeding pre-pandemic growth norms, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said.
CapitaLand Development tops bids for Kallang Way industrial site at S$368.9m
CapitaLand Development has placed the top bid of S$368.9 million in a Government Land Sales exercise to redevelop a Kallang Way industrial site into a food factory.
Trio of industrial assets sitting on land lease of 11 years up for sale
Three industrial properties in the Tuas South industrial hub are on the market for a combined indicative price of S$36 million, with marketing agent JLL saying investors could look at a yield of about 10%.
Mortgagee listings for residential and industrial properties build up in Q2 as bankruptcies rise
More residential and industrial properties in Singapore were put up for mortgagee sales in Q2 2024, as homeowners and businesses continue to bear the brunt of high interest rates.
Industrial rents continue climbing in Q2, but more slowly: JTC
Prices and rents of Singapore industrial space rose in Q2 2024, but rent growth slowed, from 1.7 per cent qoq to 1 per cent, the slowest in 10 quarters.
High Street Centre gets offer of under S$700m for collective sale
High Street Centre has received an offer of under S$700 million, more than 6 per cent below its reserve price of S$748 million, in its latest collective sale attempt.
Government cuts industrial land supply on confirmed list by 30% in H2
The government has launched five sites on the confirmed list and another five sites on the reserve list with a total site area of 13 hectares for H2 2024, a 30 per cent reduction from H1.
Kallang Way terraced industrial block to be converted for retail in sale of food factory site
A three-storey block of terraced industrial units in Kallang Way, the last of its kind in Singapore, will be given a new lease of life with shops, food and beverage, and entertainment outlets.
Food factory site in Mandai fetches S$74m, among recent big-ticket industrial deals
The industrial property market has been buzzing with big-ticket sales in the past few months, including a freehold food factory development site in Mandai fetching S$74m.
Upcoming Johor-Singapore SEZ to benefit developers and Reits in industrial, commercial sectors
Property developers and real estate investment trusts in the industrial, commercial and hospitality sectors look set to get a boost when the upcoming Special Economic Zone in Johor, Malaysia, is set up.
Singapore Q1 industrial rents rise further as occupancy dips, prices fall: JTC
Rents of Singapore industrial space continued to rise in Q1 2024, even as occupancy rates dipped and prices fell. Prices are expected to continue moderating, with slowing global growth and higher supply.
Singapore industrial: Strong growth prospects but no easy ride
The Singapore industrial sector has been a standout performer in the real estate market. Rents have shown robust growth driven mainly by undersupply in high-quality assets.
Singapore industrial: Strong growth prospects but no easy ride (BT Property Week 2024)
The Singapore industrial sector remains a standout performer. Rents have shown robust growth, driven mainly by undersupply in high-quality assets, but investors must navigate specific challenges.
Industrial rents up 1.7% in Q4, prices climb 0.6%: JTC
Rents and prices of Singapore industrial space continued to rise for the 13th straight quarter in Q4 2023, though momentum is slowing, with industrial rents rising 1.7 per cent quarter on quarter.
Tampines industrial facility up for sale for S$400m
An industrial facility in the Tampines industrial estate is on the market for S$400 million, suitable for semiconductor, wafer fabrication and electronics industries.
Industrial GLS for H1 2024 launched
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) is launching a total of 13.75 hectares of industrial land across nine sites through the Industrial Government Land Sales (IGLS) programme for the first half of 2024.
Playfair Road freehold industrial property sold for S$81m
A freehold property at 50 Playfair Road within Tai Seng Industrial Estate has been sold for S$81.18 million, around 16 per cent above the guide price.
Fragrance Group boss bags two industrial buildings for S$101m
Entities controlled by Fragrance Group founder and chairman James Koh have picked up two freehold Singapore industrial buildings for a total of nearly S$101 million.
Industrial space prices increase 1.4%, rents up 2% for Q3: JTC
Prices and rents of Singapore's industrial spaces continued to rise in the third quarter of 2023, amid overall inflationary pressures, based on JTC's quarterly market report.
Riverfront homes one idea to reimagine industrial landscape
Industrial buildings along a river in Yishun could be repurposed into residential units as part of a proposal to rejuvenate the Yishun industrial estate, among seven entries shortlisted by JTC.
Chinese billionaire-linked unit bags Far East Shopping Centre for S$910m
The collective sale of Far East Shopping Centre has been awarded, subject to conditions, to a company linked to Bright Ruby Resources and Chinese businessman Du Shuanghua for around S$910 million.
Singapore industrial: a bright spot in commercial real estate
Amid the current backdrop of higher interest rates and heightened uncertainty, industrial assets in Singapore have stood out as a bright spot in commercial real estate.
Golden Mile Tower's attempt at S$600m collective sale closes with no bids
The collective sale tender of Golden Mile Tower closed on May 8 with no bids again. The owners have entered into private treaty negotiations with several interested parties.
Commercial, industrial collective sale sites may attract investors
Local and foreign investors may gravitate towards commercial and industrial collective sale sites following the cooling measures, but higher buyer's stamp duty could temper interest.
Rents, prices of Singapore industrial space rise for 10th straight quarter: JTC
Rents and prices of Singapore industrial space continued to rise for the tenth straight quarter in Q1 2023, despite a fall in transaction volumes and occupancy rates.
CDL puts up 62 freehold strata industrial units in Pasir Panjang for sale at S$103m
A portfolio of 62 freehold strata industrial units in Citilink Warehouse Complex has been put up for sale en masse by City Developments Ltd via an expression of interest exercise at around S$103 million.
What to watch in Singapore's industrial and logistics space this year
Inflation resilience, supply chain disruption and cost control are expected to be key themes for the industrial and logistics space in 2023, with rents expected to rise given strong demand.
Industrial space rents up 2.1%, prices climb 1.7% in Q4 2022: JTC
Rents and prices of Singapore industrial developments rose for the ninth straight quarter in Q4 2022, with industrial space rents gaining by 2.1 per cent quarter on quarter.
Seven hectares of industrial land launched for sale for H1 2023
The industrial government land sales (IGLS) programme for the first half of 2023 has been launched with a total site area of 7.16 hectares, up from the previous 6.36 ha released in the last launch.
Amenities in Jurong's 'industrial park of the future' to be ready by 2024
Far Jurong West residents, Jurong-Eco District, is a mere 120m from their estate. The park development includes an underground network of channels for vehicles, allowing JTC to shrink the footprint of roads.
Ming Arcade sold to Singapore family office for record S$3,125 psf ppr
Freehold commercial site Ming Arcade has been sold for S$172 million by a public tender exercise. The sale price translates to S$3,125 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr).
First positive-energy industrial building in Singapore opens
Home-grown engineering and construction firm Samwoh opened its new headquarters in Kranji, featuring the nation's first positive-energy industrial building.
Prices, rents of industrial space in Singapore continue to rise in Q3: JTC
Prices and rents of Singapore's industrial spaces continued to rise for the eighth straight quarter in Q3 2022, amid overall inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions.
Two freehold industrial units in Mandai for sale with S$100m guide price
Two adjoining freehold industrial land properties in Mandai have been put up for sale with a guide price of S$100 million, located near the upcoming Sungei Kadut MRT station.
Steady demand to support industrial prices and rentals in 2022, despite Q3 bumps
Industrial prices and rentals are expected to stabilise in 2022, supported by a steady demand for space, says Knight Frank, despite a slowdown in the rate of manufacturing growth.
Multi-faceted industrial market in Apac has diverse growth opportunities
An uncertain trajectory of inflation and rising interest rates have fuelled a gap in buyer-seller expectations and slowed industrial investment in the Asia-Pacific, but the region's growth story remains underpinned by strong demographic growth.
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