Singapore Real Estate

More banks may cut back on office space amid weakening outlook

Banks look set to continue shedding excess office space in Singapore amid a cautious business outlook. Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), RHB Securities and Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BOAML) are among those contemplating ways to save costs by trimming space.

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/banking-finance/more-banks-may-cut-back-on-office-space-amid-weakening-outlook


Companies' Brief

Ascendas India Trust

While a-iTrust has rallied over 20 per cent since we upgraded the stock to "buy" in late January, we believe it remains an under-appreciated growth story. With Singapore-focused Reit facing headwinds translating into slowing DPU growth (average DPU CAGR of 3 per cent), a-iTrust stands out with three-year DPU CAGR of 11 per cent and a still attractive 6.6 per cent yield.

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/brokers-take-245


Keppel Corporation

Keppel Corporation is acquiring a 20 per cent stake in Vietnam real estate development firm Quoc Loc Phat Joint Stock Company (QLP) for about 329.9 billion dong (or S$20.3 million). It has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with QLP shareholder Pham Quang Hung to acquire 30 million shares, it said in a stock exchange filing yesterday.

http://www.straitstimes.com/business/company-briefs-yongnam-holdings


Yongnam Holdings

Steel contractor and civil engineering solutions provider Yongnam Holdings has secured two contracts worth a total of $49.5 million, it said yesterday. One of the projects is a structural steelwork sub-contract for a proposed 19-storey mixed-use development, which will house the future Outram Community Hospital here.

http://www.straitstimes.com/business/company-briefs-yongnam-holdings


Views, Reviews & Forum

Masterplanning A Mindset Shift

The newly launched Design 2025 masterplan envisions a Singapore in which design is part of the national skill set and advances Singapore's economic and social interests. But what will it take to get us there?

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/masterplanning-a-mindset-shift


Global Economy & Global Real Estate

Global house prices in 2015 build on 2014 gain

KNIGHT Frank's Global House Price Index rose 3 per cent in 2015 - a stronger gain compared with a 2.3 per cent increase in 2014. This year, however, the outlook is muted. Kate Everett-Allen, partner, international residential research at the property consulting group, said: "We expect the index's overall rate of growth to be weaker in 2016 than in 2015.

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/global-house-prices-in-2015-build-on-2014-gain


Existing home sales in February down more than forecast

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/existing-home-sales-in-february-down-more-than-forecast


Hong Kong's Housing Market Looks Like It's Avoided a Bust

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/hong-kong-property-crash-averted-if-the-stock-market-is-right


Previously Owned U.S. Home Sales Decline More Than Forecast

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/previously-owned-u-s-home-sales-decline-more-than-forecast


One More Big Reason You Can't Buy a Home

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/one-more-big-reason-you-can-t-buy-a-home


New World Development Wins Go-Ahead to Take Chinese Unit Private

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/new-world-development-wins-go-ahead-to-take-chinese-unit-private


Starwood Battle to Have Little Impact on Price of Rooms

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/marriott-wins-over-starwood-with-revised-buyout-bid


Starwood accepts sweetened bid from Marriott

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/starwood-accepts-sweetened-bid-from-marriott


Marriott Wins Starwood Hotels Support With Improved Takeover Offer

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/starwood-hotels-accepts-improved-takeover-offer-from-marriott


Iron Ore Climbs as Signs of China Property Revival Boost Outlook

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/iron-ore-surges-as-signs-of-china-property-revival-boost-outlook


Canadian REITs Tap Banks, Sending Bond Issuance to Four-Year Low

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/canadian-reits-tap-banks-sending-bond-issuance-to-four-year-low


Cheung Kong Property Rises to Two-Month High After Share Buyback

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/cheung-kong-property-rises-to-two-month-high-after-share-buyback


Shanghai planning to curb property price hikes: sources

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/shanghai-planning-to-curb-property-price-hikes-sources


China property bubble looming for int'l investors

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/china-property-bubble-looming-for-intl-investors