personally, i think this project is not bad, though external architecture cld have been improved more. in terms of the unit internal layout, there's good space for family. location also very good, 5-10mins' walking distance to somerset mrt, easy access to business district and chinatown. near the nite spot, yet serene in a high-end residential community, with river view and city view. the potential is there if water activities are properly developed there.
recommend a buy.. currently @ around $1,500psf, roughly $2m investment ... definitely better than orchard or bukit timah areas which are going at a higher rate with less to offer ... or even its peers in the region...
To me, River gate looks like a giant ugly HDB flat if they don't plant all those greenery. So to all owners of River gate, please ask your MC to spare no expense to plant sky gardens and maintain them. Otherwise will really look like premium HDB flats.
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/...31983,00.html?
Published May 8, 2009
Payment collected for 98% of sold RiverGate units
PAYMENT has been collected for 98 per cent of the 542 condo units sold at CapitaLand's RiverGate project since Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) was obtained in March, the developer said yesterday.
The three towers: Payment collection for 11 units, all sold separately to individual buyers under DPS, is ongoing
Payment collection for the remaining 2 per cent, or 11 sold units, is ongoing, and the buyers have been served notice to pay up. The 11 units were 'all sold separately to individual buyers under the deferred payment scheme (DPS)', a CapitaLand spokeswoman said.
More than 90 per cent of the 542 RiverGate units sold were under DPS, she added. CapitaLand developed the 545-unit freehold condo in the Robertson Quay area through a 50:50 joint venture with Hwa Hong Corporation.
Asked what CapitaLand will do regarding the 11 buyers that have not paid up, the spokeswoman said: 'For genuine homebuyers who may face difficulties meeting the payment obligations, we will address these on a case-by-case basis. We will see how we can lend our assistance within the constraints of the obligations under the securitisation structure.'
The progress payments and deferred payment receivables for sold units were securitised through special purpose vehicle Okeanos Investment Corporation, which in January 2007 issued US$477 million ($731 million) of floating rate notes due 2011.
With the proceeds collected for RiverGate so far, the US$477 million of notes are expected to be fully redeemed by the expected maturity date in June 2009, CapitaLand said in a statement yesterday.
RiverGate buyers who opted for DPS paid 20 per cent of the apartments' price when booking them. Upon obtaining TOP, a further 65 per cent of the price is payable, with the balance of 15 per cent to be paid once the development obtains a Certificate of Statutory Completion and legal completion status from the authorities.
The 43-storey freehold project was launched in phases, with the initial phase in 2005 priced at $1,080 per square foot on average, and the final phase in 2006 priced at $1,600 psf on average. Units in the project have recently changed hands at about $1,200-1,380 psf.
Among those who bought RiverGate units from the developers is property fund manager Ferrell, which acquired 100 units in two tranches - 80 around Chinese New Year in 2005 and 20 later that year.
RiverGate is the first residential project in Singapore to be accorded landmark status by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in recognition of its strategic location and cutting-edge architectural design, CapitaLand pointed out yesterday.
'At 43 storeys, the development towers above the predominantly 10-storey buildings in the vicinity,' it said. 'Against this urban landscape, the majority of RiverGate's apartments enjoy views of the river and the business district city-scape.'
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori...427636/1/.html
CapitaLand collects payment for 98% of sold RiverGate apartments
By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 07 May 2009 2040 hrs
SINGAPORE : Property developer CapitaLand has collected payment for 98 per cent of the 542 units of RiverGate apartments which have been sold since it obtained the Temporary Occupation Permit in March 2009.
CapitaLand said the progress payments and deferred payment receivables for the sold units were securitised through special purpose vehicle Okeanos Investment Corporation.
Okeanos issued US$477 million (S$731 million) of floating rate notes in January 2007.
The notes are due in 2011 and CapitaLand expects to fully redeem them by the maturity date in June 2009 with the proceeds collected for RiverGate to date.
RiverGate is a joint venture project by CapitaLand and Hwa Hong Corporation.
The development comprises 545 freehold residential units and is located in Singapore's Robertson Quay area. - CNA /ls
Really surprised to read in the paper that the last batch of RG units were sold in 2006 at 1600 psf, and transactions today for all RG units occur at the 1300 psf level.
That means those bought units at RV in 2006 have lost a lot of money. It has been generally believed that those bought any condos in 2006 are still above water. That is not true for RG buyers.
But those bought mass market condo in 2006 will still make $$ today. This has something to do with the oversuppy situations of highend condos and the fall of rental. If you check the list of condos TOP in 2009/2010, most of them are highend condos. The real surprise to me is that 98% had paid up ... Singaporeans really rich, paper loss only loh.Originally Posted by stalingrad
but the high pay-up rate is for this high end condo only. I am sure that high-end condos launched in 2007 would have a hard time getting a high pay-up rate. the loss suffered by RG buyers is about only 20 plus percent. For other high end buyers, the loss can be 40% or more. many of the buyers, especially if they are foreign, will walk away.Originally Posted by jitkiat
c'mon u omitted the part that most paid 1080 for earlier launches
at current prices all made money
http://www.straitstimes.com/Life%252...ry_374138.html
May 9, 2009
home & garden
Gardens in the sky
High-rise greenery is sprouting in condos and HDB blocks
By tay suan chiang
High-rise havens at Newton Suites (left) and HDB carpark in Toa Payoh. -- ST PHOTOS: JOYCE FANG, SHAHRIYA YAHAYA
Garden terraces on high-rise buildings are a growing idea.
More condominiums, Housing Board carparks and office towers are sprouting plants and trees amid the concrete, helping Singapore bloom as a 'garden city'.
Everyone is happy: Developers like adding high-rise greens because they say they help keep buildings cool and beautify the urban jungle. Residents like them because they help them keep close to nature, despite being above the ground.
The idea gets the (green) thumbs-up from housewife Mei Wong, who lives in one of Singapore's oldest housing estates, Toa Payoh, which boasts the first sky garden to connect five HDB blocks. It has landscaped footpaths, sheltered seating areas and a trellis where creepers grow.
Ms Wong, 40, who goes there often with her two children, says: 'There's no need for me to grow plants at home. I just come here.
'The plants keep the sky garden cool, and it is pleasant to look out onto it from my 20th-storey window.'
The HDB and the National Parks Board first started a pilot project to green the roof of a multi-storey carpark in Punggol in 2003. At some multi-storey carparks in new HDB projects, there are also roof gardens which the public can access.
The idea is also taking root in the private sector (see separate stories). Last month, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) launched a new programme called Landscaping for Urban Spaces and High Rises - or appropriately, Lush in short - to promote more skyrise greenery.
Its initiatives include making landscaping, such as to shape rooftop gardens or sky terraces, a must for new developments in Raffles Place, Shenton Way, Marina Centre, along Kallang River and Jurong Gateway, the upcoming commercial hub in the west.
Already, since 1997, the URA has encouraged developers to incorporate sky terraces in residential projects by allowing a higher building height if they are provided. Covered sky terraces are also exempt from gross floor area computation, which means a developer has more room to build more apartment units.
Under Lush, these guidelines were revised to require that sky terraces are lushly landscaped and that the greenery is visible externally, to ensure a more attractive communal space.
New condos are showing they are taking the sky garden concept to new heights. At year-old Icon in Tanjong Pagar, residents are living a luxe lush life.
The sky terrace on the 31st storey of the mixed-use development makes for one superb venue for residents' private parties. It is filled with shade-loving plants such as frangipani trees, and small pockets of areas have been created to give some privacy.
Mr Chng Kiong Huat, director of development and planning for the condo's developer, Far East Organization, says the sky terrace was created so residents can 'live, work and play within the compound'.
Property developer Capitaland has also introduced high-rise greenery at two recent residential projects, Citylights near Lavender and RiverGate near River Valley Road. At Citylights, there is a sky terrace on the 24th storey with fitness facilities, plus reading and yoga corners, amid the lush greenery.
Over at RiverGate, its sky gardens are made up of a series of public and private gardens and balconies which give the development a green and ecologically harmonious appearance on Singapore's skyline, says Capitaland.
At Fusionopolis, the science and research centre in Buona Vista, there are 13 sky gardens which the public can visit.
Developer JTC Corporation says the sky gardens provide visual relief and serve as green lungs and social pockets.
Mr Eric Van Steen, 38, senior manager of Accenture, a consulting firm, goes to the gardens about twice a week.
'The greens, with the breeze and the great views, make it a pleasant space to step out of the office to clear the mind,' he says.
Newton Suites, developed by UOL Group, also has a 100m wall of vertical greenery on the 36-storey tower.
Architect Chan Ee Mun from award-winning firm Woha, which designed the Newton Road condo, says 'elevated gardens bring nature closer to the residents and afford the luxury of greenery that was previously reserved only for landed living'.
The greenery absorbs sunlight and carbon dioxide emissions and helps create oxygen. Mr Chan adds that by planting vertically, 'we are also populating our dense urban centres with gardens and greenery that encourage a thriving biodiversity'.
Newton Suites resident, financial consultant Mona Honegger, 43, lives on the ninth storey but regularly goes up to the lush sky terrace on the 31st storey to revel in the unblocked views of the city.
The Swiss expat, who enjoys a drink and relaxes there before bedtime, says: 'Being here among the green gives me a feeling of being close to nature.'
[email protected]
The high life
Icon
A sky terrace on the 31st storey provides private seating areas, with hot tubs from which users can enjoy unblocked views of the city and the sea and floating birdcage swings.
Lush greenery to block out prying eyes creates pockets of private space.
On the seventh storey is a pool deck featuring green 'islands'. The use of trees and plants gives the deck a tropical resort feel.
-- PHOTOS: ASHLEIGH SIM, JOYCE FANG, SHAHRIYA YAHAYA, CAPITALAND, JTC CORPORATION
RiverGate
This 545-unit condomnium near River Valley Road offers residents 45 sky gardens with views of the city, Singapore River and the South China Sea. The sky gardens are made up of a series of public and private gardens and balconies. There are trellises on which creepers grow so residents can feel close to nature.
Newton Suites
This award-winning condominium boasts sky terraces surrounded by lush greenery, giving residents a garden-in-the-sky feel. There is also a 100m-tall green wall along the 36-storey block.
HDB roof gardens
Some lucky HDB flat dwellers are also enjoying skyrise greenery. In 2003, the Housing Board and National Parks Board started a pilot project to green the roof of a multi-storey carpark in Punggol.
These rooftop gardens not only keep the surround- ings cool but are also pleasing to look at for neighbouring residents.
The one on the left is at Toa Payoh Lorong 2. Other rooftop gardens on carparks can be found in new housing estates such as Punggol, Sengkang and Sembawang.
Fusionopolis
This science and technology centre, developed by JTC Corporation, boasts 13 sky gardens which are open to the public. The sky gardens have water features amid the lush greenery, with clear views of the surroundings.
Citylights
Taking a leisurely stroll is an elevating experience at this 600-unit condo near Lavender MRT station. Residents have a lush high-rise pool deck and a sky terrace on the 24th floor that has fitness facilities and a jacuzzi plus reading and yoga corners.
sky garden is good .. i like it ...
buy will the ants follow the plants all the way from ground floor to the PH ??? or even into the units ?
or will the unit just below the garden risk having 'mouldy' ceiling ?
u forget bee and butterflyOriginally Posted by proud owner
**RIVERGATE UNITS BY L**** !!! (SUPPOSED HUSH SALE!!!)
**OVER 80+ BEST FACING UNITS !!! 3/4BR & PENTHOUSES!!!
~~~HURRY~~~
**CALL ME FOR PRICING AND ENQUIRIES NW!!!
**VIEWING BY APPT ONLY!!
MOBILE : 81680241
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/...34341,00.html?
Published May 23, 2009
Ferrell puts 80 RiverGate units back on market
30 to 40 apartments have since been sold at private preview
By EMILYN YAP
FERRELL Asset Management, which counts Indonesia's Lippo Group as one of its investors, has put around 80 apartments at the RiverGate back on the market for sale, BT understands.
SELLING POINT
The 545-unit freehold condominium in the Robertson Quay area received Temporary Occupation Permit in March
According to agents, a private preview began a few days ago and around 30 to 40 units have been taken up. The 545-unit freehold condominium in the Robertson Quay area received Temporary Occupation Permit in March, and was a joint development between CapitaLand and Hwa Hong Corporation.
The apartments on sale are spread over several floors and comprise three-bedders, four-bedders and penthouses. They are selling at $1,450 - $1,550 psf, one source said. Prices of lower-level units may even start from $1,380 psf.
According to Urban Redevelopment Authority data on caveats lodged, recent transactions of RiverGate units took place between $1,150 - $1,470 psf.
The seller of the apartments is believed to be fund manager Ferrell Asset Management. One of its funds, the Ferrell Premier Real Estate Investment Fund, had paid over $180 million for 100 units in 2005, bought in two separate tranches of 80 and 20 units.
Previous reports did not mention the per-square-foot price of the fund's units. When RiverGate was first launched in 2005, units were priced at $1,080 psf on average. That subsequently rose to $1,600 psf in the final phase of release in 2006.
Ferrell Premier Real Estate Investment Fund's website states that the fund invests in the 'high-yielding sector' of Singapore's property market.
'The objective of this sub-fund is to achieve returns of 10 - 15 per cent per annum through investments in properties with medium to long-term capital appreciation potential.'
BT understands that associates of Knight Frank and DTZ are marketing the units. Savills could also be marketing the units.
Are these Ferrell units all sold ?
YFG
you may want to call one of those agents who advertised (knight frank or savills) to check. the last time i heard from them, there were 4 units and 1 penthouse out of the 80+ units left.
Originally Posted by DKSG
hello owners of Rivergate
so now that you have moved in .. what the honest opinion of the project .. ?
and owners who have rented out their units.. whats the true rental yield ??
would appreciate honest replies .. as i believe there are still people out there keen to buy RG
danke schon
4.50 psf for rental. is that good?
based on current price of 1500 to 1600psf, 4.50psf means net yield is 3+%? i guess not attractive enough for prices to go beyond 1600 currently?
Originally Posted by qus
seems spore is similar to NY ..prices fell 20 pct but rental fell 40 pctOriginally Posted by bargain hunter
just heard from my landlord .. 2 yrs ago, the unit i renting now (5k usd), he rented it out at 11k usd
will spore be the same in 2012/13 will majority of prop TOP ??
i feel is that spore could be worst off..Originally Posted by proud owner
prices UP rental down ..
yield will fall even more .. as it is now i believe some owners are renting out their units at par return, some at negative return ... hoping for capital appreciation ..
by the time it reaches the target , where will rental be ? if rental doesnt pick up .. who is going to be buying ?
with so many buyers now .. i just feel soon bank loan will also go up ..
If purchase price is $1500psf, then $4.50psf equates to 3.6% yield, not high but not low either, considering FD paying about 1% and loan interest rate only at 1.6% - Still have net gain after factoring in interest payment.
Originally Posted by bargain hunter
Banks will soon be bz sending out letters to inform increase in interests rate.Originally Posted by proud owner
hee, everyone buying now assumes economy recovered by then and can absorb this oversupply with lots of expats coming in but our own MM Lee had said it would take 5 years, maybe this theory of global consolidation of economies going sideways till 2013 is possible. that makes 2013 a great time to buy. i guess rentals already down 20% from peak so maybe "just" another 20% down when the TOP craze comes in 2013?
Originally Posted by proud owner
you need to nett off maintenece, ppty and income taxes, did i leave out anything? after that becomes low 3% (what if bought at 1600psf as that is the current asking price) and when banks demand more margin on interest rate and/or SIBOR inches up the spread is even thinner. if sibor goes up a lot, siao liao...
Originally Posted by teddybear
As rule of thumb, I usually take net yield to be 1% less than gross yield. Net yield of 2.6% vs bank interest of 1.6% still not bad at the moment. Regarding interest rate, advice is to lock-in to this low rate for the first year at least.
Originally Posted by bargain hunter
Hi Proud Owner,
Are you currently renting a unit at Rivergate? If so, may I know how much per mth? I heard from a friend that a landlord offered rent at S$5k for a 29th floor unit last weekend.. If this is true, wouldn't it be negative (poor) yield?
wow only 2.6% nett? i know that only first year can lock in at 1.6% right? by this comparison the risk is too high i feel, on average rates will easily be above 2% and with only 2.6% nett yield, i wouldn't go for it, stock market better
Originally Posted by teddybear
Believe that our bro here is using the Maybank package which is the lowest for the first year.
Its very dangerous to assume just for the first year.....very very dangerous for such investment on leverage.
You can go for the 1.99% fixed rate package being offered by DBS (not sure whether still on offer or not). If you can lock in for 3 years paying 1.99% while earning 2.6% nett (this is just a rule of thumb, could be higher depending on your income), you are not only earning now in terms of rent and also wait for capital appreciation. I would say it is good deal since 3 years down the road I expect prices to be higher than now when the economy growing robustly again with significant contributions from all existing sectors and also the additional gain from the 2 IRs, the cruise hub, the F1 etc. Don't forget we are now still in recession. It is only reasonable to expect that property prices when economy is roaring would definitely be higher than during recession. The only risk is deflation but deflation can be controlled by policies in Singapore due to the small size and tight fist of the govt (which is an advantage actually).
Originally Posted by bargain hunter