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. 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 Hong Kong's Housing Market Looks Like It's Avoided a Bust 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 Starwood Battle to Have Little Impact on Price of Rooms 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 Iron Ore Climbs as Signs of China Property Revival Boost Outlook Canadian REITs Tap Banks, Sending Bond Issuance to Four-Year Low 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 |