It’s safe to say 2018 was a busy year for both Dot Property and real estate in Asia. We covered a lot of interesting stories, but here are the top stories on Dot Property in 2018.
Top 15 articles on Dot Property in 2018
Muji takes on interior design in Southeast Asia starting with Bangkok
Muji shops are incredibly popular throughout Southeast Asia. From Bangkok to Jakarta and Singapore to Manila, you can’t miss the Japanese lifestyle brand’s outlets in shopping centres. And now the company has made its way into the interior design space after announcing a partnership with Thai developer AP.
Muji will oversee the interior design of Life Pinklao, a luxury condominium in suburban Bangkok. The 23-story development is located within walking distance of the under construction Bang Yi Khan MRT station. Not only will Muji oversee the design, but its products will be used in the units to help bring Japanese-style living to Bangkok.
4 property investment hotspots in the Philippines
Real estate investment in the Philippines continues to pick up thanks in large part to the strong performance of the country’s economy. This has carried over to the property market with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reporting that the residential real estate price index rose by 5.7 percent in 2017.
Many overseas investors elected to acquire property in Makati. Known as the Financial Capital of the Philippines, strong rental demand and the highest rental rates in the country are appealing to property investors. However, Makati isn’t the only place offering strong rental returns and outstanding capital appreciation.
Is now a good time to buy a Bali villa?
If you are considering a Bali villa purchase, now is as good of a time as any. Tourist arrivals to the island continue to increase annually with more than five million visitors spending time in Bali last year, according to statistics from the Bali Government Tourism Office.
And while tourists are arriving in record numbers, the amount of villas available full-time for short-term rental in Bali remains relatively low. Research from Villa-Finder.com shows there are only 3000 villas on the short-term rental market. This presents savvy investors with an opportunity.
The next China? ASEAN demand for overseas luxury real estate could soar
The Chinese government is likely to tighten outbound capital policy even further in the short term which has seen many in the real estate industry try to identify the next China. With significant wealth growth and an appetite for luxury property, Southeast Asia seems set to become a major player with some believing it to be the next China.
This is according to Stephanie Anton, president of Luxury Portfolio International®, a collection of the world’s most powerful independent luxury brokerages, who spoke to Dot Property last April.
Nha Trang property investment: 3 things you need to know
Nha Trang property investment is becoming popular with both the local and international crowds. It’s easy to see why. The city boasts a beautiful stretch of coastline that spans six kilometres and is regularly ranked among Southeast Asia’s best beaches. This has seen arrivals soar and all these people need a place to stay.
In many ways, Nha Trang and Pattaya are similar. They both feature long beaches that are close to the city. They are both popular with Chinese and Russian tourists as well. Finally, the two areas present real estate investors with some unique opportunities, especially when it comes to condotels.
International buyers face price hikes in Penang
Overseas property buyers eyeing Penang were dealt some bad news after the local government increased the real estate price floor for foreigners. Penang property prices have been on a slow decline in recent times and the move is the government’s latest attempt to halt the slide.
Café del Mar Pattaya and more new leisure centres set to revamp the Eastern Seaboard
Pattaya is still known for its raunchy nightlife and despite repeated attempts to change this, the bars and clubs don’t seem to be going anywhere. However, there are numerous places, such as Café del Mar Pattaya, springing up beyond Walking Street that are broadening the city’s appeal.
The reason for this is necessity. According to the Mastercard Asia Pacific Destinations Index 2017, Pattaya welcomed the eighth most international overnight arrivals in the Asia-Pacific region, finishing just behind Hong Kong. These days Chinese, Korean and German guests are visiting the city in droves and are looking for different types of activities.
Belt and Road steers Chinese investors to Filipino property
China’s Belt and Road initiative isn’t simply improving infrastructure in the 24 countries that make up the ambitious programme. Countries in Southeast Asia that are part of the Belt and Road, including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia, have all seen an influx of Chinese real estate investors.
Thanks to thawing relations between Manila and Beijing, Chinese investment in the Philippines is rising with the Belt and Road initiative playing a factor in this. Of course, the surging Filipino economy has played its part in the increase as well.
The people choose Hinode City as Vietnam’s Best Development
Hinode City won the inaugural People’s Choice Award for Best Development at the Dot Property Vietnam Awards 2018. Hinode City was one of 12 developments up for the award that was decided on exclusively by the public. Thousands of votes were cast as people selected the project they felt to be the best. Hinode City was the winner, collecting almost more than 1500 votes in less than a week.
MM2H attracts Hong Kong buyers looking for affordable property to Malaysia
Malaysia has become an attractive place among retirees from Hong Kong because of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme. Those who purchase a property and can support themselves without seeking employment are able to obtain a 10-year, multiple-entry visa. Family members are also eligible for the visa which has made MM2H desirable for those in Hong Kong wanting a hassle-free retirement haven.
Breeze Park Condotel is perfect for Phuket property investment
Despite the central location and awe-inspiring coastline, development in and around Kamala Beach remains relatively limited. At the north-end of the beach is the MontAzure residential resort development, but beyond that there isn’t much for real estate investors to choose from.
This is just one of the many reasons Breeze Park Condotel is such an exciting development. Located in the hills just south of Kamala Beach, this residential complex boasts an impressive design and an affordable price point that makes it extremely attractive for investors, holiday home seekers or those wanting one property to do both.
As Singapore office rents increase, firms look for new options
New research from DBS and CBRE found Singapore office rents are beginning to recover after bottoming out early last year. The rising rents and office market outlook has caused some businesses to consider alternatives, such as co-working centres or other non-traditional office solutions, in order to save on costs. This situation is most notable in the CBD where finding space is proving to be problematic.
Why do expats choose to retire in the Philippines?
More expatriates are choosing to retire in the Philippines. People from the USA, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and many Nordic countries are all enjoying the Filipino lifestyle these days. Ever wonder why more expats are looking to retire in the Philippines? There are quite a few reasons, but here are four of the most popular ones.
Dot Property Thailand Awards 2018 honours 24 of real estate’s best
A total of 24 awards were bestowed upon developers, projects, real estate agencies and companies during the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2018 exclusive presentation ceremony at Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok on 16 August. All Inspire Development and Blue Horizon were among the night’s big winners that also saw the People’s Choice Award for Best Developer Thailand announced.
Where is Asia’s best kept beach secret?
Ngwe Saung Beach is undoubtedly a hidden gem. In fact, it’s Asia’s best kept beach secret. More than 15 kilometres of pristine beaches can be enjoyed with most being sparsely populated when compared to the region’s other popular seaside getaway locations. If you’re looking for seclusion and peace, Ngwe Saung Beach offers both in spades. It is only a matter of time before more people find out about Asia’s best kept beach secret.