SINGAPORE (EDGEPROP) - A five-room flat at SkyTerrace @ Dawson transacted for $1.01 million in April, the month that saw resale volume for HDB flats hit a record low of 423 flats sold, due to “circuit breaker” measures.
SkyTerrace Dawson was launched in December 2009 as a BTO development. It was designed by renowned architectural firm SCDA Architects (Photo: Albert Chua/The Edge Singapore)
The buyer had viewed the 1,065 sq ft flat just before the circuit breaker period kicked in and exercised the option to purchase later on. The seller is upgrading to a larger private property.
The high-floor unit faces the Sky Park and enjoys a breezy view of Ridley Park and the surrounding Good Class Bungalows. The previous owner had hacked one wall to create a walk-in bedroom in the master bedroom. As such, the unit has two bedrooms.
James Ho, associate group director at PropNex who closed the deal, says: “Because there are only two rooms, we focused our marketing on buyers who are not really looking to raise a family. In the end, a couple in their early 40s bought the unit.”
The unit is tastefully designed in a monochromatic style. It was snapped up about three weeks after it was listed at the beginning of March. Ho shares that 25 groups came to view the unit over three weekends and they received more than 40 enquiries, despite the million-dollar price tag.
The new owners of the flat are upgrading from an older, 40-year-old HDB flat. They were most attracted to the unit’s city-fringe location. SkyTerrace is only an 11-minute walk to Queens-town MRT Station on the East-West Line and only five or six stops to the CBD, via Tanjong Pagar or Raffles Place. Singapore Botanic Gardens and Orchard Road can be reached within 10 minutes by car.
In April, prices fell 1.5% for three-room HDB flats, 0.2% for four-room flats and 1.8% for executive flats from March. However, prices for five-room flats increased by 2%. Ho says: “This million-dollar transaction could have pushed up the average prices. However, I don’t think it is particularly the five-room layout that is high in demand. The location, design and condition of a unit are probably more important.”
In 2008, renowned architectural firm SCDA Architects was commissioned by HDB to design SkyTerrace as part of rejuvenation plans. It bears high-quality design that makes it appear “condominium-like”, albeit without a gated fence.
The 758 units across five towers, ranging from 40 to 43 storeys, have flexible layouts that include loft units and paired units, meant for multi-generational living. Sky gardens with lush landscaping are built on the upper floors, which offer communal spaces and breathtaking views. The towers are conveniently linked by bridges to amenities at Block 85, which houses the multi-storey carpark and 30 commercial spaces accommodating a supermarket, childcare centre, senior citizen centre, and various eateries and shops.
Across the street, there are also five shops, an eatery and a supermarket at SkyVille Dawson, a Build-To-Order (BTO) development designed by WOHA. The residents at SkyTerrace and SkyVille can enjoy amenities in both developments.
The 1,718 units at SkyTerrace and SkyVille were almost 12 times oversubscribed when they were launched together in December 2009, even though prices were higher than other BTO launches at that time. The prices of five-room flats at these two developments started from $532,000.
As flats in these two developments reach minimum occupancy period (MOP) this year, supply might increase and make selling units more competitive. However, there might also be more million-dollar deals being transacted as the developments are unique and well-designed. Earlier this year, a five-room unit on the 19th floor at SkyVille transacted at $1.01 million and another five-room unit on the 35th floor of SkyTerrace also crossed the million-dollar mark at $1.038 million.
Adelyn Chan, associate division director at PropNex and founder of D3 Dawson Team, shares that despite stay-home measures, 17 homeowners in SkyTerrace engaged her team to market their unit in March. As of May 12, her team is managing more than 20 units there.
Check out the latest listings near SkyTerrace @ Dawson, Skyville @ Dawson, MRT Stations and Schools
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