Choice Units Left and Roasted Pig profile

[Cecil Lee]

Dear All,

Another good indicator when house-hunting, especially for more affordable 99-year lease apartments, is to take note of the following:

1. “Unsold” units in a development that has already obtained TOP for more than one year, yet still has no takers for certain “choice units.” This can be seen in some of the projects by this relatively new developer:
http://www.ntuc-choicehomes.com/available.htm

Here, they have listed three ‘not so’ hot-selling properties, especially Tropical Springs and Rivervale Crest.

1. Tropical Springs  
It should have been a good seller, considering that it is within walking distance of the Simei MRT station. Yet, some choice units still remain unsold.

2. Rivervale Crest  
I previously reviewed this condo. I really do not like this development and have turned down several new requests for on-site audits here.

3. Park Green – Is there a roasted pig somewhere?  

This is an executive condo. Nevertheless, it has one of the lowest p.s.f. prices, ranging from about $281 to $360 p.s.f. A few units were sold at around $380 p.s.f., usually those with better views.  Executive condos are worth considering for first-time buyers because they come with a government grant. The only limitation is a fixed period during which they cannot be sold.  

What I find interesting about executive condos is that in the future, some owners who can no longer afford to keep their higher-priced condos may choose to downgrade. Some, out of pride, may not want to move to an HDB flat and may instead look at buying an executive condo.  
It is not that the prices of executive condos will necessarily rise, but my best guess is that, being cheaper and more affordable, they may have better liquidity in the future.  

Try taking a look at this site featuring a roasted pig:  
http://www.tiongbahruroastedpig.com.sg/  
Next, look at the Park Green sitemap (see the attachment).  
Can you see a mouth devouring a roasted pig? The best units are at the “mouth,” facing this roasted pig.

4. Grandeur 8  
Perhaps NTUC Choice Homes is getting a better sense of what buyers want. This new launch is so far their most popular, with a strong rate of sales.  
I suspect that Rivervale Crest will continue to remain unsold for quite some time.  

Once again, best wishes on your house hunting!  
Warmest regards,  
Cecil