<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Thailand+Property+Awards+2017_Group+Photo.png/c3d754fb-87ce-4daa-b334-e149fb14bf4d?t=1505534117358" />This year’s PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards 2017 has concluded and boasted a very strong shortlist of nominees. Ananda Development won its first-ever Best Developer trophy in the competition’s 12-year history for pioneering its “urban technology ecosystem” strategy to build better urban living solutions.</p> <p>For winning the top prize, Ananda Development was gifted with 10,000 Royal Orchid Plus bonus miles by official airline partner THAI Airways International. Other co-sponsors were JLL Thailand and Crystal Lagoons.</p> <p>Meanwhile, two former Best Developer title holders returned to stage to receive the ‘Best of Thailand’ awards: Charn Issara Development for Best Housing Development (Thailand); and Major Development for Best Condo Development (Thailand).</p> <p>The country’s ‘retail queen’ Supaluck Umpujh, chairwoman of The Mall Group, and the visionary behind such iconic shopping centres including The Siam Paragon, The Emporium, and The EmQuartier, was honoured as the 2017 Real Estate Personality of the Year by the editors of PropertyGuru Property Report magazine for her contributions to the country’s retail and lifestyle real estate segment.</p> <p>Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and South Pacific of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, keynoted the ceremony attended by more than 500 senior industry guests and media.</p> <p>Thirty-nine categories were handed out on Friday evening (15 September) at Plaza Athenee Bangkok (a Royal Meridien hotel) to more than 100 recipients of Winner trophies or Highly Commended certificates to celebrate the finest real estate in Bangkok, Samui, Hua Hin, Khao Yai, Phuket and the Eastern Seaboard.</p> <p><strong>Full list of Winners and Highly Commended at the 12th PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards 2017:</strong></p> <p><strong><u>DEVELOPER AWARDS</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Best Developer</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Ananda Development</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Boutique Developer</strong></p> <p>WINNER: D’Well Grand Asset Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Apus Development Group Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Issara United Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Riviera Group</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u>DEVELOPMENT AWARDS</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Best Ultra Luxury Condo Development (Bangkok)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: MARQUE Sukhumvit by Major Development Public Company Limited</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Luxury Condo Development (Bangkok)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Ashton Residence 41 by Ananda Development</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Park24 by Proud Residences Co., Ltd.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best High-Rise High End Condo Development (Bangkok)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: THE LINE Phanon – Pradipat by Sansiri PLC</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Chewathai Residence Bang Pho by CHEWATHAI PLC.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Knightsbridge Prime Sathorn by Origin Sathorn Co., Ltd.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Low-Rise High End Condo Development (Bangkok)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: FYNN Sukhumvit 31 by FYNN Development Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Issara Collection Sathorn by Charn Issara Viphapol Co., Ltd.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best High-Rise Affordable Condo Development (Bangkok)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Niche Pride Thonglor Phetchaburiby Sena Development Public Company Limited</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Chewathai Phetkasem 27 by CHEWATHAI PLC.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Metro Sky Prachacheun by Property Perfect PCL</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Low-Rise Affordable Condo Development (Bangkok)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: D’Mura by D’Well Grand Asset Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Miti Condo by One Living Development</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Moniiq Sukhumvit 64 by Sankyo Home (Thailand) Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Niche ID Sukhumvit 113 by Sena Development Public Company Limited</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Niche MONO Sukhumvit 50 by Sena Development Public Company Limited</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Housing Development (Bangkok)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: The MARQ by Enrich Villa Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: ARNA Ekamai by D’Well Grand Asset Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Chewarom Rangsit – Don Mueang by CHEWATHAI PLC.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Residential Development (Samui)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Oasis Samui by Cascades Estate Company Limited</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: New Nordic Water World Koh Samui by New Nordic Group Co., Ltd.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Housing Development (Phuket)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: The Pavilions Phuket Residences by LS Pavilions</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Utopia Naiharn by International Property Advisory Co Ltd</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Condo Development (Phuket)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: X2 Vibe Phuket Bangtao by Millstone Company Limited</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Pavilions Phuket Residences by LS Pavilions</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Twinpalms Residences MontAzure by MontAzure</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Housing Development (Hua Hin)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Falcon Hill by Falcon Hill Development Limited</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Baan Phu Thara by Thai Country Homes Co. Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: [email protected] Mountain, Hua Hin by Sansara Development Ltd</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Condo Development (Hua Hin)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Veranda Residence Huahin by Veranda Resort and Spa Co., Ltd</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: BLU by Issara United Co., Ltd</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: [email protected] Mountain, Hua Hin by Sansara Development Ltd</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Housing Development (Khao Yai)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Baan Sita Wan by Charn Issara Development PLC</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Luxury Condo Development (Eastern Seaboard)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Knightsbridge The Ocean Sriracha by Origin Sathorn Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: City Garden Tower by Global Top Group</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best High End Condo Development (Eastern Seaboard)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: The Riviera Wongamat Beach by The Riviera Group</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Del Mare Bang Saray Beachfront Condominium by Apus Development Group Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Dusit Grand Condo View by Dusit Pattaya Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Riviera Jomtien by The Riviera Group</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Affordable Condo Development (Eastern Seaboard)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Dusit Grand Park Condo by Dusit Pattaya Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Aurora Pratumnak by DJP Land & House Co., Ltd.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Housing Development (Eastern Seaboard)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: X2 Pattaya Oceanphere by Habitat One Co., Ltd.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Office Development</strong></p> <p>WINNER: FYI Center – For Your Inspiration Workplace by Golden Land Property Development PLC</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Mixed Use Development</strong></p> <p>WINNER: MontAzure by MontAzure</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u>DESIGN CATEGORIES</u></strong></p> <p style="margin-left:-15.0pt;"> </p> <p><strong>Best High-Rise Condo Architectural Design (Bangkok)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: THE LINE Sukhumvit 101 by Sansiri PLC</p> <p> </p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Knightsbridge Prime Sathorn by Origin Sathorn Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Park24 by Proud Residences Co., Ltd.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Low-Rise Condo Architectural Design (Bangkok)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Ashton Residence 41 by Ananda Development</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: FYNN Sukhumvit 31 by FYNN Development Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Issara Collection Sathorn by Charn Issara Viphapol Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Miti Condo by One Living Development</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Venio Sukhumvit 10 by Helix Company Limited</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best High-Rise Condo Architectural Design (Resort)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Andromeda Condominium by Apus Development Group Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: City Garden Tower by Global Top Group</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Riviera Jomtien by The Riviera Group</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Riviera Wonamat Beach by The Riviera Group</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Low-Rise Condo Architectural Design (Resort)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: BW Premier Collection BluPhere Pattaya by Habitat Group Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Aurora Pratumnak by DJP Land & House Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Blue Ocean by AD House Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: [email protected] Mountain, Hua by Sansara Development Ltd</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Twinpalms Residences MontAzure by MontAzure</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Housing Architectural Design</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Issara Residence Rama 9 by Charn Issara Development PCL</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: ARNA Ekamai by D’Well Grand Asset Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Primary V by Krungthep Pattana CMS Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: X2 Pattaya Oceanphere by Habitat One Co., Ltd.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Condo Interior Design</strong></p> <p>WINNER: FYNN Sukhumvit 31 by FYNN Development Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: BW Premier Collection BluPhere Pattaya by Habitat Group Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Moniiq Sukhumvit 64 by Sankyo Home (Thailand) Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Park24 by Proud Residences Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Runesu Thonglor5 Condominium by W-Shinwa Co., Ltd.</p> <p><strong>Best Housing Interior Design</strong></p> <p>WINNER: The Primary V by Krungthep Pattana CMS Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Jaytiya Private Pool Villas Residence by Jaytiya Property Co., Ltd</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: [email protected] Mountain Hua Hin, Thailand by Sansara Development Ltd</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Retail Architectural Design</strong></p> <p>WINNER: 949 Neighborhood by Pannaphat Development Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Diamond Plaza by One Group Development</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Condo Landscape Architectural Design</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Park24 by Proud Residences Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: BW Premier Collection BluPhere Pattaya by Habitat Group Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: FYNN Sukhumvit 31 by FYNN Development Co., Ltd.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Housing Landscape Architectural Design</strong></p> <p>WINNER: [email protected] Mountain Hua Hin, Thailand by Sansara Development Ltd</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: The MARQ by Enrich Villa Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Primary V by Krungthep Pattana CMS Co., Ltd.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Retail Landscape Architectural Design</strong></p> <p>WINNER: 949 Neighborhood by Pannaphat Development Co., Ltd.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u>SPECIAL AWARDS</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Special Recognition in CSR</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Sansiri PLC</p> <p>WINNER: Sena Development Public Company Limited</p> <p>WINNER: The Riviera Group</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Special Recognition in Sustainable Development</strong></p> <p>WINNER: MontAzure by MontAzure</p> <p>WINNER: Suppagarn Real Estate Co. Ltd</p> <p>WINNER: The Riviera Group</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Universal Design Development</strong></p> <p>WINNER: THE LINE Phanon – Pradipat by Sansiri PLC</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: ARNA Ekamai by Dwell Grand Asset Co., Ltd.</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: MontAzure by MontAzure</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: [email protected] Mountain Hua Hin by Sansara Development</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Green Development</strong></p> <p>WINNER: FYI Center – For Your Inspiration Workplace by Golden Land Property Development PLC</p> <p>HIGHLY COMMENDED: Baan Phu Thara by Thai Country Homes</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u>BEST OF THAILAND AWARDS</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Best Condo Development (Thailand)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: MARQUE Sukhumvit by Major Development Public Company Limited</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best Housing Development (Thailand)</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Baan Sita Wan by Charn Issara Development PLC</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u>PUBLISHER’S CHOICE</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Real Estate Personality of the Year</strong></p> <p>WINNER: Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman, The Mall Group</p> <p> </p> <p>For more information about the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards, email <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or visit: <a href="http://www.asiapropertyawards.com/thailand-property-awards/">AsiaPropertyAwards.com/thailand-property-awards/</a></p> <p> </p>
<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_548949886.jpg/85e6ec38-0e1a-479f-b480-ba23ba877d16?t=1504763774524" style="width: 740px; height: 488px;" />Cryptocurrency, a decentralised form of money that can be traded and earned anonymously over the Internet, is breaking and entering the mainstream at the moment, with everyone from John Cena and Gywneth Paltrow to Paris Hilton singing its praises.</p> <p>The first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, has since spawned many imitators since its creation in 2009. The value of Bitcoin has been erratic over the years, but it hit USD1,000 in January and has since topped USD4,500.</p> <p>All cryptocurrencies are based on the technology of Blockchain, an enormous, digital public ledger that automatically enforces contractual obligations by way of smart contracts. This capability propounds a game-change for the real estate industry; through cryptocurrency, Blockchain can <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcprosser/2017/09/06/blockchain-from-wall-street-to-main-street/" target="_blank">serve as an escrow account</a> that delivers funds to one party and the property’s title to the other.</p> <p>Many countries are just witnessing the first high-profile real estate transactions involving digital currencies this year. Here are a few bold sellers accepting cryptocurrencies as payment options.</p> <h3>1. Aston Plaza and Residences</h3> <p><img alt="Units at the Aston Plaza and Residences boast double-height living spaces" src="/documents/10204/0/Doug-Michelle-Post-3.jpg/b6cab12d-48ff-48c4-917a-895db330c663?t=1504763990502" style="width: 740px; height: 347px;" /></p> <p>In Dubai, Michelle Mone, the British entrepreneur behind underwear line Ultimo, launched Wednesday the Aston Plaza and Residence, twin 40-storey towers valued at USD325 million. But that is not the novelty of the project; it is apparently the world's first major development to welcome home buyers who will pay in Bitcoin. "Previously there's been an apartment here and there's been a house here and there, but never a GBP250 million (USD326,000) development, so it's really exciting to be involved in," Mone, who is developing the site with Doug Barrowman of the Knox Group of Companies, told <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/05/dubai-real-estate-project-first-to-be-priced-in-bitcoin-michelle-mone.html" target="_blank">CNBC</a>. Prices for the units start at 33 bitcoins, with a choice of 1,133 units, including studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. The project is due for completion in 2019. </p> <h3>2. Country mansion in Nikolino, Russia</h3> <p><img alt="Image credit: Kalinka Realty" src="/documents/10204/0/1.jpg/9bc71cb3-87b7-4fee-8d6a-d6c659be4fe0?t=1505896913576" style="width: 740px; height: 494px;" /></p> <p>In a first for Russian luxury real estate, property firm Kalinka Group is brokering <a href="https://bitcoinmagazine.com/articles/russian-real-estate-firm-experiments-selling-luxury-mansion-bitcoin/" target="_blank">the sale of a residential property in exchange for some crypto-money</a>, per the owner’s wishes. The 930-square-metre country mansion, situated in the village of Nikolino off the Rublevo-Upenskoe highway west of Moscow, is being unloaded for 3,000 bitcoins or around USD8 million at the time of valuation. “We are pleased to be pioneers and open new frontiers in business,” said Ekaterina Rumyantseva, chairman of the board of directors of Kalinka Group, in a statement.</p> <h3>3. Villa in Coral Gables, Florida</h3> <p><img alt="This property at 7350 SW 47 Court Miami accepts payment in cryptocurrency" src="/documents/10204/0/miami+cryptocurrency+accepting+home.jpeg/9b547b37-ac07-4be7-8e42-7f5537ce4660?t=1505101569417" style="width: 740px; height: 494px;" /></p> <p>Bitcoin trader Mike Komaransky is selling his 9,500-square-foot mansion in Coral Gables near downtown Miami. If you’re not willing to pay the asking price of USD6.4 million, Mike Komaransky will gladly take 1,400 in bitcoins or Zcash, a cryptocurrency of smaller repute. "I wanted to show people that real-world goods and services are payable in Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash," Komaransky said. The property is listed on <a href="http://www.zilbert.com/property.asp?R=A10326547" target="_blank">Brown Harris Stevens Miami</a>.</p> <p><em>And one not quite luxury...</em></p> <h3>Flat in Glasgow</h3> <p>Scotland saw last month its <a href="https://scotcoinproject.com/news/scotlands-first-house-purchase-with-scotcoin/" target="_blank">first successful property transaction via the cryptocurrency Scotcoin</a>. Home to David Low, owner of Scotcoin’s intellectual property, the two-bedroom apartment situated along Bridge Street was unloaded for 10 million Scotcoins, equivalent to around GBP60,000 as of press time. The transaction was subjected to conveyancing rules and procedures as usual. “We commissioned a Home Report, which gave us the fair value of the flat in Sterling, which we translated into Scotcoin on the day of sale,” Low said.</p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/this-bitcoin-company-is-changing-how-real-estate-investments-will-work-in-the-futu-4" target="_blank"><strong>Read next: This proptech company is changing real estate investment with blockchain</strong></a></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/SEAPA+Grand+Finals_2016.png/5b789e79-d58c-4479-bcd6-3b30187341dd?t=1504606739246" style="width: 1095px; height: 731px;" />PropertyGuru, Asia’s foremost online property company, has named the final shortlist of nominees for the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Sri Lanka) 2017 across the condominium, residential and commercial categories.</p> <p>Sri Lanka joins the esteemed PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series for the first time in its 12-year-history as the programme expands to emerging markets this year to recognise Asia’s finest real estate developers.</p> <p>Leading the finalists are Home Lands Skyline (Pvt) Ltd and Blue Ocean, scoring three places in the shortlist each. Vertical living specialist Home Lands Skyline collects two shortlists in the condo categories, while Blue Ocean, a part of one of the island’s largest conglomerates, takes two Design nods. The two firms are also up for special awards in corporate social responsibility or sustainable development.</p> <p>Two-time nominees D.P Jayasinghe's and M/S Widac Commercial Interiors (Pvt) Ltd. both earn citations in the office categories. According to a recent report by <a href="http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/sri-lanka-poised-for-growth-across-all-real-estate-asset-classes-jll/">JLL Sri Lanka</a>, the market expects a strong demand for Grade-A office spaces as the local government ramps up infrastructure improvement projects as well as interest from foreign investors rises.</p> <p>In the residential categories, Capital Trust collects two nominations, while Shangri-La, Grand Capital Residencies, Blue Mountain, and Balmond Studio round up the shortlist with one nod each.</p> <p>Under the supervision of BDO, the world’s fifth largest auditing and accounting firm, the nine shortlisted Sri Lankan developers and 12 developments were chosen in the last six months by an independent panel of judges comprising six industry experts led by chairman Dr Nirmal De Silva, co-founder and CEO of Paramount Realty.</p> <p>"I am pleased with the enthusiasm shown by local developers to participate in the inaugural PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Sri Lanka) edition. It exemplifies their commitment to be recognised amongst the best at a regional level. I have been impressed with the design, functionality and processors put in place by the local developers during the site visit stage of the programme. Overall, it is evident that we are reaching world-class standards in the local real estate sphere.”</p> <p>De Silva’s colleagues on the judging panel are Stephanie Balendra (Director, SB Realtors (Private) Limited); Roshan Madawela (Director and Founding CEO, Research Intelligence Unit); Emeritus Prof. Chitra Weddikkra (Managing Director, QServe Pte Ltd); Steven Mayes (Managing Director, JLL Sri Lanka); and Sanjana Fernando (CEO, Wolvert Apartments).</p> <p>Sri Lankan developers will be honoured during the seventh annual gala dinner of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final to be held on Wednesday, 8 November 2017, at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.</p> <p>Domestic winners from Sri Lanka will also compete later that same evening with other Asian markets for regional accolades, including categories for the Best Developer, Best Mixed Use Development and Best Condo Development in Asia.</p> <p>Terry Blackburn, founder and managing director of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, said: "It is important for Sri Lanka to have a detailed and respected awards programme that sets a benchmark for recognising quality real estate in the country. We are delighted to introduce our awards series that is known across the region for fair judgement and transparency of process to Sri Lanka.”</p> <p>Because of the positive reception of local developers for the Sri Lankan tilt, Blackburn said that PropertyGuru has planned to hold a domestic gala dinner and ceremony in 2018 with an expanded awards scheme to include more than 20 categories – up from this year’s 13 – covering various segments to represent the best real estate on the entire island. </p> <p>Presented by title sponsor Kohler, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards 2017 gala dinner in Singapore is supported by co-sponsors Regus and Mitsubishi Electric; official portal partner PropertyGuru.com.sg; official portal partner in Sri Lanka, Lankapropertyweb.com; official South Korea newspaper Korea Economic Times; media partners Oxford Business Group, Southeast Asia GLOBE, Realestate.com.kh, and PropertyGuru Property Report; and official supervisor BDO.</p> <p>The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards 2017 takes place alongside the two-day PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit, a top-level networking conference for C-level executives and industry leaders to discuss the future of Asia’s dynamic property sector to be attended by more than 100 delegates and global speakers.</p> <p><strong>Full shortlist of the </strong><strong>PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Sri Lanka) 2017:</strong></p> <p><strong><u>DEVELOPER CATEGORY</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Best Developer</strong></p> <ul> <li>WINNER will be revealed on 8 November 2017 during the gala dinner in Singapore</li> </ul> <p><strong><u>DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Best Condo Development (Colombo)</strong></p> <ul> <li>Capital Trust Residences: Vajira Road by Capital Trust</li> <li>Treasure Trive Residences by Home Lands Skyline (Pvt) Ltd</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Residential Development (Greater Colombo)</strong></p> <ul> <li>Grand Capital Residence by Grand Capital Residencies</li> <li>Green Valley by Home Lands Skyline (Pvt) Ltd</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Office Development</strong></p> <ul> <li>Construction and Completion of Show Room and Office Building for Mr. D.U.Jayasinghe at No 288, Sri Jayawardanapura Mawatha, Kotte, Sri Lanka by D.P Jayasinghe's</li> <li>Construction and Completion of Show Room and Office Building for Mr. D.U.Jayasinghe at No 717, Baseline Road, Colombo 09, Sri Lanka by D.P Jayasinghe's</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Mixed Use Development</strong></p> <ul> <li>One Galle Face by Shangri-La</li> </ul> <p><strong><u>DESIGN CATEGORIES</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Best Condo Architectural Design</strong></p> <ul> <li>Achilleion by Blue Mountain</li> <li>King Alfred Palace by Blue Ocean</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Hotel Architectural Design</strong></p> <ul> <li>Jetwing Surf, Pottuvil Point by Balmond Studio</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Residential Interior Design</strong></p> <ul> <li>Capital Trust Residences: Vajira Road by Capital Trust</li> <li>King Alfred Palace by Blue Ocean</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Office Interior Design</strong></p> <ul> <li>Huawei Technologies Lanka Company Pvt Ltd by M/S Widac Commercial Interiors (Pvt) Ltd.</li> <li>Regus by M/S Widac Commercial Interiors (Pvt) Ltd.</li> </ul> <p><strong><u>SPECIAL AWARDS CATEGORIES</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Special Recognition in CSR</strong></p> <ul> <li>Home Lands Skyline (Pvt) Ltd</li> </ul> <p><strong>Special Recognition in Sustainable Development</strong></p> <ul> <li>Blue Ocean</li> </ul> <p><strong><u>BEST OF SRI LANKA CATEGORIES</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Best Condo Development (Sri Lanka)</strong></p> <ul> <li>WINNER to be selected from Condo category winners and announced on 8 November 2017 during the gala dinner in Singapore</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Housing Development (Sri Lanka)</strong></p> <ul> <li>WINNER to be announced on 8 November 2017 during the gala dinner in Singapore</li> </ul> For more information about the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Sri Lanka), email <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or visit the official website: <a href="http://www.asiapropertyawards.com">AsiaPropertyAwards.com</a>
<p><img alt="Taiwan is an industrial powerhouse, home to electronics manufacturer Foxconn, PC manufacturers Acer and Asus, and smartphone maker HTC. Arkadiusz Komski/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_101402914.jpg/b710eccc-33a5-4efd-ba92-d82cae8c64b7?t=1504587350705" style="width: 740px; height: 491px;" />Taiwan’s major urban areas are best suited for advancement as smart cities, Virginia-based public-private partnership <a href="https://www.meritalk.com/articles/taiwan-enjoys-smart-city-collaboration/" target="_blank">MeriTalk</a> reported.</p> <p>World-famous for its PC and motherboard manufacturing industry, Taiwan is primed for piloting smart city programmes, according to Taiwanese officials who attended MeriTalk’s Global City Teams Challenge (GCTC) expo in Washington DC. </p> <p>“It’s not a very big island, and that helps,” said Tsai Zse-hong, who serves as human resources officer for the Asia Silicon Valley Development Agency, formed by lawmakers in 2016 to facilitate the country's transformation into the continent’s version of the Californian high-tech hub. “Taiwan used to be a major IT power exporting country. They know and they understand the trick to do fast prototyping.”</p> <p>Representatives from Taipei, New Taipei City, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung, six of the island nation’s biggest cities, attended the expo, which was organized by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology.</p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/why-gambling-on-chinese-property-could-pay-off" target="_blank"><strong>More: Why gambling on Chinese property could pay off</strong></a></p> <p>“Every major city in Taiwan has significant results, has already achieved certain results,” Tsai said. “We see all six major cities in Taiwan, either on their own or working together, they built and made themselves an open platform for new smart city innovations.”</p> <p>Tainan features an autonomous roadside parking system and billing programme, while mobile citizen cards allow Taoyuan residents to pay bus fares, access credit card accounts, and check out books from libraries, Tsai noted. “All of [the cities] are very open. Actually, they are competing with each other. Certainly every city will claim they have their own features, and they are solving different problems, but you’ll see that they are very competitive.”</p> <p>Delegates from more than 100 cities around the world attended the expo. “Every city probably needs some customized models for their smart city projects,” Tsai said. “With this process we are now in better shape to bring our own version of smart city out of prototype.”</p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/haunted-houses-are-a-big-scary-deal-in-taiwan" target="_blank"><strong>Read next: Haunted houses are a big, scary deal in Taiwan</strong></a></p>
<p><img alt="Simple House by Moon Hoon. Image credit: Designboom.com" src="/documents/10204/0/moon-hoon-simple-house-jeju-city-south-korea-designboom-02.jpg/b5f63b71-1817-4699-bcea-5a4ce408ecdc?t=1504518585987" style="width: 740px; height: 493px;" />A three-storey house in Jeju Island in South Korea is drawing attention for its peculiar design of stacked concrete blocks interlocked by angled support beams, giving it the semblance of being caught in a web.</p> <p>The property, named "Simple House," boasts multiple verandas and vantage points, thanks to the radial arrangement of the structure’s rectilinear volumes. A roof of one block would serve as the terrace of another, for example. </p> <p>The support beams serve to provide stability to the blocks and secure the entire edifice against Jeju’s strong winds. </p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/how-this-couple-helped-redefine-singapore-s-skyli-9" target="_blank"><strong>More: How this couple helped redefine Singapore’s skyline</strong></a></p> <p>Architect Moon Hoon’s original design had taken inspiration from the region’s vernacular architecture. However, the client demanded a more ostentatious and “showy” scheme after a “sudden mood change,” resulting in the current design, <a href="https://www.designboom.com/architecture/moon-hoon-simple-house-jeju-island-south-korea-08-28-2017" target="_blank">DesignBoom</a> reported. </p> <p>The third, uppermost volume of the structure contains a master bedroom, with an ensuite bathroom and dressing room, and terraces holding an outdoor hot tub and garden. The ground floor hosts another bedroom, alongside a laundry room, playroom, and storage areas, and leads to the second floor via a staircase with bookshelves for walls. The living room, kitchen, lounge, and dining area occupies the second storey, which opens to a terrace for dining. </p> <p>A rooftop terrace crowns the edifice, suitable for barbecues and offering vistas of the basalt terrain. </p> <p><em>More photos of Simple House via <a href="https://www.designboom.com/architecture/moon-hoon-simple-house-jeju-island-south-korea-08-28-2017" target="_blank">Designboom</a>:</em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/g7.jpg/e362a498-7e06-40ca-a434-f1bcb66c5851?t=1504518426828" style="width: 740px; height: 501px;" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/moon-hoon-simple-house-jeju-city-south-korea-designboom-06.jpg/4965429f-1dcf-4ac0-88bf-858ccf813d1a?t=1504518460673" style="width: 740px; height: 511px;" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/g3.jpg/d744dcaa-03c9-4538-a77b-7d0ff4140772?t=1504518496671" style="width: 740px; height: 493px;" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/g1.jpg/7340fdff-13ee-4117-a171-750a68bb461e?t=1504518539847" style="width: 740px; height: 502px;" /></p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/improvised-jazz-inspired-this-singapore-architect-s-freeform-designs" target="_blank"><strong>Read next: Improvised jazz inspired this Singapore architect's freeform designs</strong></a></p>
<div><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/POK+KOBKONGSANTI.jpg/2d865479-e5d4-43dd-823a-c7ba73fa48f7?t=1505214516355" style="width: 740px; height: 492px;" />“A lot of designers now are concerned about sustainability, but don’t give value to aesthetics and beauty,” says Pok Kobkongsanti, lead designer and founder of the Bangkok-based landscape architecture firm T.R.O.P. terrains + open space.</div> <div> </div> <div>Sat amongst a tangle of paintings, sketchbooks and action figurines in his Bangkok office, Pok riffs on his unique design philosophy. “Personally, I believe that beauty has a kind of energy and when you see it, you want to do something good.”</div> <div> </div> <div>That attention to aesthetics, along with a commitment to eco-friendly principles, has helped propel a precipitous rise in the industry that has coincided with Thailand’s increasing fascination with landscape architecture.</div> <div> </div> <div>Over the course of the last decade, Pok and his team have been the creative force behind hospitality venues across Thailand including the Hilton Pattaya and Casa de la Flora in the Andaman resort area of Khao Lak, as well as a host of high-profile residential projects including luxury Bangkok condominiums for Noble and Sansiri.</div> <div> </div> <div>When Pok first set off on his path at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand’s most prestigious educational institution, at the age of 16, he’d never even heard of the profession that would thrust him into the limelight.</div> <div> </div> <div>“I’m a bit of a fluke,” he says, laughing. “In the Thai entrance exams, you choose five programmes and where you end up depends on your scores. I got into the last one, which was landscape design. I had no idea what it was, but one thing soon led to another.”</div> <div> </div> <div>The first of those things was interning with legendary Asia-based architect and landscape designer Bill Bensley, who wrote him a recommendation letter to Harvard University, Graduate School of Design when the Thai economy cratered in the 1998 Asian financial crisis.</div> <div> </div> <div>After working in Massachusetts on waterfront parks for four years, he returned to BENSLEY, then known as Bensley Design Studio. “Bill actually called me the first day I graduated. Like, ‘Hey Pok, you back yet?’ He had marked it in his calendar,” he fondly recalls. “To this day he’s still one of my biggest role models.”</div> <div> </div> <div>Indeed, Bensley had no qualms about fast-tracking Pok into a managerial role. “My first project was at the Four Seasons hotel in Hangzhou. Very clean, very traditional, very simple,” he says. “Bill asked me to do the spa there. He said, ‘You can do it!’ and I remember thinking, ‘Really? Are you sure?’ Fortunately it came out alright in the end!”</div> <div> </div> <div>Despite the temptation to stay with the firm, Pok decided to go it alone – a make-or-break decision. “I knew nothing about going it alone. I didn’t have employees and didn’t bring any of my old clients with me,” he says.</div> <div> </div> <div>Business was initially slow and brought in primarily by word of mouth. Pok initially struggled to find his own visual style. “When I started out, I wanted to create my own signature design. But I’d only ever worked on company projects, so never had the chance to develop a vocabulary of my own.”</div> <div> </div> <div class="pull-quotes-container">Bruce Lee says: ‘Don’t get set into one form, adapt it and build your own, and let it grow. Be like water’… We became ‘water’</div> <div> </div> <div>When asked what changed, he points to the half a dozen Bruce Lee action figures that stand, in various combative poses, on his shelves. Pok explains how he saw a Youtube clip of Lee in which the ‘Little Phoenix’ explains his fighting philosophy.</div> <div> </div> <div>“Lee says: ‘Don’t get set into one form, adapt it and build your own, and let it grow. Be like water. Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless — like water.’</div> <div> </div> <div>“That became the main principle in my work. Instead of forcing a signature design onto every project, we became ‘water’. We let the site, the architecture, the requirements and sometimes even the name form the design. That’s how we keep the landscapes so different for each of our projects.”</div> <div> </div> <div><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/POK+KOBKONGSANTI+2.jpg/ccb97e58-f7ef-493f-9cc1-a1996b66b123?t=1505214483317" style="width: 740px; height: 493px;" /></div> <div> </div> <div>Although the philosophy manifests in myriad ways, certain visual tropes recur in Pok’s work. The firm tends for instance to focus on negative spaces as much as positive ones, using water features and terrains to create wide, visual breaks.</div> <div> </div> <div>“We don’t build this thing for you to look at it; we build this for the things you don’t see: the open space.” He adds that he’s forever thinking of ways to subtly enhance both a building’s eco-factor and to bring more green into its surroundings. “We’re a little like Robin Hood. We don’t rob the owner, but we do convince them to give green space back to society.”</div> <div> </div> <div>Unlike heroic outlaw’s unique approach to wealth redistribution, T.R.O.P.’s designs are more of a win-win scenario for all parties, especially as landscape design becomes a critical factor in the long-term value of luxury Thai real estate.</div> <div> </div> <div>“When I first started this company in 2007, nobody cared about landscape architects and the designs were very simple. You would have a pool, a garden, some place to sit. But we changed all of that.”</div> <div> </div> <div>With additional urban infrastructure projects, including major extensions to public transport systems, continuing to cause havoc on the city’s streets and carbon-copy condos clogging the skyline, Bangkok – and other Southeast Asian cities for that matter – could do with more from Pok Kobkongsanti and his martial arts mantra.</div> <div><a href="http://www.property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/industrial-revolution-10" target="_blank"><strong>More: The industrial revolutionary rocking Hong Kong design</strong></a></div> <h3>RESIDENTIAL</h3> <h3>Pyne by Sansiri</h3> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/PYNE+2.jpg/8c8db573-451d-49f7-b8ba-7579bb1f0546?t=1505214406689" style="width: 740px; height: 493px;" /></p> <div><strong>The Challenge</strong></div> <div> </div> <div>“The pool at Pyne is quite small and, although the location is great, the view is nothing special. In fact, many condominiums in Bangkok have a similar layout with a ‘sky pool’ on top of the parking podium. Since the podium is normally quite ugly, most architects try to decorate it with some features and just stop at the top.”</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>The Solution</strong></div> <div> </div> <div>“We came up with the idea to extend the parking facade upward and wrap it around the top of the pool in order to integrate it into the architecture. This concrete ‘skeleton’ cuts the view into several portions, making it more intriguing. When looking down, instead of seeing one single blue patch, you’ll notice it’s divided into several. The design was so successful that the price today has doubled. It started at THB140,000 (USD4,000) per square metre, which was considered very expensive at the time. Now it’s close to THB300,000.”</div> <h3>HOSPITALITY</h3> <h3>Casa de la Flora</h3> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/CASA+DE+LA+FLORA.jpg/1e66aa13-e20e-46b5-bb8e-4d3f5274c80e?t=1505214300771" style="width: 740px; height: 443px;" /></p> <div><strong>The Challenge</strong></div> <div> </div> <div>“The site for the resort is very compact and there are so many villas. While the property’s striking, minimalist aesthetic is one of its selling points, the initial design plans tried to cram too many rooms into too little space. They hadn’t left any room for plants. It could’ve been called ‘Casa de la Concrete’.”</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>The Solution</strong></div> <div> </div> <div>"The architect eventually called me and asked if I’d join the team. I convinced the owner to change quite a lot of the design in order to incorporate much greenery. As a result, the project, which was our second hospitality property, took on a much more open feel and gave guests room to breathe.</div> <h3>COMMERCIAL </h3> <h3>Groove at Centralworld</h3> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/THE+GROOVE.jpg/652b9528-a61e-4d54-9cb3-bb332d4285cf?t=1505214243614" style="width: 740px; height: 307px;" /></p> <div><strong>The Challenge</strong></div> <div> </div> <div>“The brief was to come up with a ‘talk-of-the-town design,’ like Siam Paragon was at the time. But there were already so many shopping malls crowded into that area, so we decided to do something different.”</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>The Solution</strong></div> <div> </div> <div>“Instead of ‘talk of the town’ we proposed ‘walk of the town.’ We convinced Central to donate some of its own land to build a public walkway with a ventilation system beneath it. Basically we built a green wall, so when you look at it from afar you think that the building is sitting on top of the green hill, even though it’s not connected. Now other shopping malls want to do something similar – give back a little bit to the environment.”</div> <div> </div> <div><em>This article originally appeared in <a href="https://www.magzter.com/TH/PropertyGuru-International-(Thailand)-Co.,Ltd/Property-Report/Business/214429" target="_blank">Issue No. 141 of PropertyGuru Property Report Magazine</a></em></div> <div> </div> <div><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/open-to-the-elemen-7" target="_blank"><strong>Read next: Meet the engineer who will change your opinion on green buildings</strong></a></div>
<p><img alt="Digital properties in the REC industry are not immune to cybercrime. Kheng Guan Toh/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_307143542.jpg/ba66d57d-37ab-40b6-aa4f-86133fc1e7b9?t=1505108825274" style="width: 740px; height: 469px;" />In 2016 cybercrime cost the global economy over USD450 billion; over two billion personal records were stolen and, in the US alone, more than 100 million people had their medical records stolen. The Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report 2017 surveyed 3,000 companies across all sectors in the US, UK and Germany, to assess their readiness to deal with cybercrime: the report found that less than half of the businesses were prepared to deal with cyber-attacks.</p> <p>This relaxed attitude to cyber security is a real concern because all businesses are vulnerable to cyber attack. Perhaps most at risk are the industries least concerned about cyber issues - the real estate and construction (REC) sector considers itself immune from hacking as, traditionally, it is not a digital industry.</p> <p>However, the increased use of digital technologies exposes supposedly secure information and data through multiple channels: web-based transactions, the use of cloud services, smartphones and social media all represent access points, through which hackers can access and leverage sensitive information. So, with each new digital exchange or action, data protection becomes increasingly complex and the reality of cyber-attack grows more likely. The REC sector holds significant value for cyber attackers and its minimal cyber defences make it vulnerable.</p> <h3>So, what are the threats and what can REC businesses do to protect themselves?</h3> <p>All REC companies are in possession of sensitive data, whether it is in the form of building blueprints, infrastructure designs, client information or financials. Real estate companies regularly handle significant funds, which make them ideal targets for hackers, and many REC companies have expressed concern about potential cyber vulnerabilities in wire transfer processes associated with these big-ticket transactions.</p> <p>For this reason, BDO Global advises its REC clients to regularly check their communication channels to ensure that they are secure. Avoid online messaging apps and be cautious about opening suspect emails or attachments. Company-wide training on identifying online risk would also help to prevent breaches in cyber security.</p> <p><a href="http://www.property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/what-reforms-new-levies-could-do-next-for-thai-real-estate" target="_blank"><strong>More: What reforms, new levies could do next for Thai real estate</strong></a></p> <h3>Check your comms</h3> <p>Secure communications channels are vital. REC businesses will store details of high-profile tenders, perhaps including information on highly-lucrative government contracts. Without proper cyber security, corporate espionage is a real risk: it would be in the interests of a company to find out what their competitors’ bids look like, and to undercut them.</p> <p>Similarly, real estate companies are often backed by one or two high net worth individuals, working from small or home offices, which are vulnerable to small scale or targeted attacks. The more senior people within a company are most at risk of corporate espionage and sensitive information can easily be used as leverage. So, smartphones, tablets and laptops should be regularly screened to make sure messages, calls and emails are only seen or heard by their intended recipient.</p> <h3>Staying smart</h3> <p>Smart cities represent significant risk: any internet-connected device is in danger of being hacked and in a smart city, these devices are numerous and vital – for example CCTV, traffic controls, and infrastructure systems, such as sewage and drainage.</p> <p>Similarly, smart buildings, and the use of devises equipped with increasing interconnectivity, put personal data and physical safety in jeopardy. For example, building management systems (BMS) handle everything from air conditioning to television, lighting and locks. Though once kept on separate systems, today, BMS are often internet enabled, leaving them open to the same threats as conventional IT systems. Building management systems are also open to abuse because their networks tend to be managed by facilities managers or security guards, often with little background in IT. So, in smart buildings, the threat to physical safety is very real – imagine a hijacked lift or heating system, or perhaps the blueprints of a building falling in to the wrong hands. What is more, the long-term impact of a cyber-attack is later felt by the company that is obliged to compensate tenants, resulting in loss of revenue and brand reparation.</p> <h3>Risk to reputation due to regulation</h3> <p>Reputational and financial damage is one of the key risks for businesses. With many countries implementing new regulation to protect consumers against hacking, companies risk their reputation by not scaling up cyber security to adhere to new laws.</p> <p>The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation by which the European Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission intend to strengthen and unify data protection for all individuals within the EU. The primary objectives of the GDPR are to give citizens back control of their personal data. When the GDPR takes effect, any company that does not have its cyber security up to scratch will face significant fines of up to 5 percent of global annual turnover. As well as financial penalties, this regulation poses a more general risk to reputation of real estate companies. If their data breached, or if an executive's reputation is smeared through a social media campaign, they run the risk of being dropped by business partners and clients.</p> <p>As these regulations are finalised, many REC companies are yet to scope out and bring their IT and data processing systems up to scratch. Regulators in the EU and UK have stated that there will be no extension to implementation timelines, and ignorance of new legislations will merely demonstrate a breakdown in corporate governance. Failing to assess cyber security therefore puts company reputation and financials at risk, not to mention huge data breaches.</p> <p><em>Many thanks to <a href="https://www.bdo.global/en-gb/blogs/real-estate-construction-blog/may-2017/it-s-time-for-the-real-estate-construction-secto" target="_blank">BDO</a> for this article. For more information on BDO’s global real estate team and capabilities, please contact Anna Simmons on [email protected]</em></p> <p><a href="http://www.property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/is-2017-the-year-proptech-will-change-real-estate-forever-" target="_blank"><strong>Read next: Is 2017 the year PropTech will change real estate forever?</strong></a></p>
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Connected to Cebu by two bridges and ferry services, Mactan has outgrown its reputation as merely the home of the city’s international airport. The most densely populated island in the Philippines, Mactan is girded by white sandy beaches and coral-rich waters. It is therefore no surprise that it is now host to a growing expatriate community, which is helping propel the local condominium market. Foreign hoteliers and restaurateurs call the island home, while Mactan Export Processing Zone has been a robust driver of the Philippine economy since the 1970s. With a new supply of luxury residences and ambitious reclamation projects underway, Mactan’s reputation as an enviable investment destination is expected to grow along with its land mass over the coming years.
1. 8 Newtown Boulevard
This is one of nine high-end condominium towers in Mactan Newtown, a 30-hectare waterfront township by the property developer Megaworld. Residents benefit from views of the Hilutungan Channel and Magellan Bay from their units, which range between 38.7 square metres to 51.1 sqm in size and fetch between PHP5.5 million (USD111,000) to PHP7.2 million. There is a beach just outside the building, but also inviting is the 60-metre infinity pool surrounded by Japanese-inspired gardens — a theme that continues with an onsen spa and origami room. Retail spaces and a wellness centre are located on ground level and are open to the public.
2. Azure Beach Club
Hedonists will take a shine to this upscale watering hole, located within the Crimson Resort and Spa in Seascapes Resort Town, a 12-hectare mixed-use project by property titan Filinvest. Opened in 2014, Azure treats revellers to unobstructed views of the Hilutungan Channel from its rock bar, while the nearby infinity pool erupts into foam parties on weekends. An all-day restaurant gives live culinary performances from a theatre kitchen equipped with an Indian tandoori oven. Several menu items are served flaming during the Teatro El Fuego on Sundays.
3. Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa
Outstanding Filipino service is to the fore at the Mactan branch of the Shangri-La. A recipient of several travel mag accolades, the 530-room resort is arranged languidly over a 13-hectare chunk of tropical land. The resort boasts a 350-metre private beach cove as well as a six-hectare marine sanctuary where guests can snorkel with 160 species of fish, clams and corals. Accommodations and public areas incorporate indigenous materials like capiz headboards and timber flooring. A 10,000-square-metre spa village, CHI, offers hilot, a traditional wellness massage, which uses coconut oil and banana leaves. Other attractions include the Chocolate Garden, where guests can sample gourmet chocolates and fine wines under a canopy of cacao trees.
4. Rico’s Lechon
Cebu has the tastiest version of lechon (roasted pig), a Filipino fiesta favourite that won praise from celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain on his 2008 trip to the island. Rico Dionson serves his own twist on the delicacy, ramping up the spice factor and using only vegetable-fed pigs. The joint boasts a star-studded clientele, including former President Joseph Estrada who orders his lechon from here despite being based in Manila. Pop by Rico’s 107-sqm, hacienda-inspired restaurant at Mactan Promenade for slices to take home — or eat then and there when piping hot.
5. Serulyan Seascapes Mactan
Comprised of six condo towers with around 200 units between them, this development will cover a portion of Seascapes Resort Town. Slated for a 2019 opening, the first Serulyan tower is envisioned as a 17-storey serviced apartment block with spacious units, starting at 68 square metres. The entire condo complex will be divided into three zones, designated individually for "celebration,” “recharging,” and “play.”
6. Mactan Alfresco
Patterned after Singapore’s famed hawker food halls, the Mactan Alfresco within Megaworld’s Newtown development has become something of an all-in-one stop for Cebuano favourites, whether it is a skewered street delicacy like the chorizo or fresh seafood like the sinugbang isda. The requisite lechon is roasted right inside the building, over a pit that can accommodate 12 pigs at a time.
<div><img alt="Underwater reef off Mactan Island, Philippines. paul cowell/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_126376439.jpg/421bfc90-31f7-42af-bce0-232e286fac0c?t=1501758607601" style="width: 1000px; height: 667px;" /></div> <div> </div> <div>Connected to Cebu by two bridges and ferry services, Mactan has outgrown its reputation as merely the home of the city’s international airport. The most densely populated island in the Philippines, Mactan is girded by white sandy beaches and coral-rich waters. It is therefore no surprise that it is now host to a growing expatriate community, which is helping propel the local condominium market. Foreign hoteliers and restaurateurs call the island home, while Mactan Export Processing Zone has been a robust driver of the Philippine economy since the 1970s. With a new supply of luxury residences and ambitious reclamation projects underway, Mactan’s reputation as an enviable investment destination is expected to grow along with its land mass over the coming years.</div> <div> </div> <h2>1. 8 Newtown Boulevard</h2> <div><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/8+NEWTOWN+BOULEVARD+%282%29.jpg/b91489f9-9733-4b63-b29c-ff983b8a75d9?t=1501062393948" style="width: 740px; height: 415px;" /></div> <div> </div> <div>This is one of nine high-end condominium towers in <a href="http://megaworldcorp.com/townships/the-mactan-newtown/" target="_blank">Mactan Newtown</a>, a 30-hectare waterfront township by the property developer Megaworld. Residents benefit from views of the Hilutungan Channel and Magellan Bay from their units, which range between 38.7 square metres to 51.1 sqm in size and fetch between PHP5.5 million (USD111,000) to PHP7.2 million. There is a beach just outside the building, but also inviting is the 60-metre infinity pool surrounded by Japanese-inspired gardens — a theme that continues with an onsen spa and origami room. Retail spaces and a wellness centre are located on ground level and are open to the public. </div> <div> </div> <div><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/why-thonglor-remains-bangkoks-epicenter-of-cool/" target="_blank">More: Why Thonglor remains Bangkok’s epicenter of cool</a></strong></div> <div> </div> <h2>2. Azure Beach Club</h2> <div><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/AZURE+BAR+%282%29.jpg/d6fa423e-dcf0-4417-9a79-38eadf8cf32f?t=1501062433624" style="width: 740px; height: 493px;" /></div> <div> </div> <div>Hedonists will take a shine to this upscale watering hole, located within the Crimson Resort and Spa in <a href="http://serulyanseascapesmactan.com" target="_blank">Seascapes Resort Town</a>, a 12-hectare mixed-use project by property titan Filinvest. Opened in 2014, <a href="http://azurebeachclubs.com/mactan" target="_blank">Azure</a> treats revellers to unobstructed views of the Hilutungan Channel from its rock bar, while the nearby infinity pool erupts into foam parties on weekends. An all-day restaurant gives live culinary performances from a theatre kitchen equipped with an Indian tandoori oven. Several menu items are served flaming during the Teatro El Fuego on Sundays.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/6-reasons-why-thamrin-is-one-of-jakartas-hottest-neighbourhoods/" target="_blank">More: 6 reasons why Thamrin is one of Jakarta’s hottest neighbourhoods</a></strong></div> <div> </div> <h2>3. Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa </h2> <div><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/SHANGRI-LA+MACTAN+2.jpg/653b67b3-a712-4bc2-a282-09200c483aa8?t=1501062467215" style="width: 740px; height: 494px;" /></div> <div> </div> <div>Outstanding Filipino service is to the fore at the <a href="http://shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort" target="_blank">Mactan branch of the Shangri-La</a>. A recipient of several travel mag accolades, the 530-room resort is arranged languidly over a 13-hectare chunk of tropical land. The resort boasts a 350-metre private beach cove as well as a six-hectare marine sanctuary where guests can snorkel with 160 species of fish, clams and corals. Accommodations and public areas incorporate indigenous materials like capiz headboards and timber flooring. A 10,000-square-metre spa village, CHI, offers hilot, a traditional wellness massage, which uses coconut oil and banana leaves. Other attractions include the Chocolate Garden, where guests can sample gourmet chocolates and fine wines under a canopy of cacao trees.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/6-places-that-prove-taipei-is-one-of-asias-most-inspiring-cities/" target="_blank">More: 6 places that prove Taipei is one of Asia’s most inspiring cities</a></strong></div> <div> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div> <h2>4. Rico’s Lechon</h2> <div><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/RICOS+LECHON+2.jpg/6ce58f43-f807-4883-9898-52a2b8ba54d8?t=1501062501897" style="width: 740px; height: 493px;" /></div> <div> </div> <div>Cebu has the tastiest version of lechon (roasted pig), a Filipino fiesta favourite that won praise from celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain on his 2008 trip to the island. Rico Dionson serves his <a href="http://ricoslechon.com" target="_blank">own twist on the delicacy</a>, ramping up the spice factor and using only vegetable-fed pigs. The joint boasts a star-studded clientele, including former President Joseph Estrada who orders his lechon from here despite being based in Manila. Pop by Rico’s 107-sqm, hacienda-inspired restaurant at Mactan Promenade for slices to take home — or eat then and there when piping hot. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div> <div> </div> <div><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/hong-kong-newest-expat-neighborhood-keeps-on-getting-cooler/" target="_blank">More: Hong Kong’s newest expat neighborhood keeps on getting cooler</a></strong></div> <div> </div> <h2>5. Serulyan Seascapes Mactan</h2> <div><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/SERULYAN+2.jpg/a18afbc8-05a8-4f6c-8374-476e9372240e?t=1501063587501" style="width: 740px; height: 555px;" /></div> <div> </div> <div>Comprised of six condo towers with around 200 units between them, this development will cover a portion of Seascapes Resort Town. Slated for a 2019 opening, the first Serulyan tower is envisioned as a 17-storey serviced apartment block with spacious units, starting at 68 square metres. The entire condo complex will be divided into three zones, designated individually for "celebration,” “recharging,” and “play.” </div> <div> </div> <div><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/further-education/" target="_blank">More: 6 reasons why Quezon City is one of Manila’s most dynamic hubs</a></strong></div> <div> </div> <h2>6. Mactan Alfresco</h2> <div><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/MACTAN+ALFRESCO+2.jpg/5c58991a-9191-4518-a2a9-d0550393222f?t=1501062541686" style="width: 740px; height: 493px;" /></div> <div> </div> <div>Patterned after Singapore’s famed hawker food halls, the Mactan Alfresco within Megaworld’s Newtown development has become something of an all-in-one stop for Cebuano favourites, whether it is a skewered street delicacy like the chorizo or fresh seafood like the sinugbang isda. The requisite lechon is roasted right inside the building, over a pit that can accommodate 12 pigs at a time. </div> <div> </div> <div><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/5th-propertyguru-philippines-property-awards-2017-best-moments/" target="_blank">Read next: The best moments from the 5th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2017</a></strong></div>
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The densely populated island in the Philippines is attracting investors and tourists alike to its growing range of resorts and condominiums
BY Al Gerard de la Cruz
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In Depth
<p><img alt="Colonial building in Yangon. Sai Shang Kham/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/urban+heritage+lead.jpg/44b2220e-bbff-45e6-9fe2-d63465b86261?t=1505883808823" style="width: 997px; height: 598px;" />In the centre of Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda stands as a gleaming symbol of Myanmar’s ancient heritage. So important is this holy structure that local building legislations ensure no high rises can be constructed within its environs for fear that its luminescent presence will be obstructed.</p> <p>But in recent months, an equally eye-catching, if more prosaic, element has been noticeable in the thoroughfares that pass the historic stupa. Dozens of banana-hued new buses are lined up waiting to play their part in a badly-needed public transport upgrade: a sign of modernity set against Shwedagon’s stately gilt. </p> <p>While interest in the conservation of built heritage is growing in Southeast Asia, few of the region’s main urban centres can claim to have achieved a wholly successful balance between the often-clashing demands of moulding a modern city while integrating architectural traditions.</p> <p>And in no city in the region is this push and pull more delicately poised than in Yangon. Often cited as one of the last bastions of “Old Asia”, the city is known for its rambunctious markets, ornate temples and grand colonial architecture. As the biggest city in Myanmar and its commercial hub, however, it is also ripe for development, while its creaking infrastructure is in dire need of modernisation.</p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">Cities, like dreams, are made of desires and fears. But what marks the development of modern cities is sanitation and transport</div> <p>The question is how successfully the city can be shaped in the face of so many competing factors, and how planners can take on-board lessons from other regional hubs.</p> <p>“Cities, like dreams, are made of desires and fears,” says Luca Bonifacio an architect and visiting professor at Yangon Technical University, quoting the Italian journalist and author Italo Colvino. “But what marks the development of modern cities is sanitation and transport.”</p> <p>Nobody could argue that Yangon doesn’t have a long way to go on both these fronts. Private car traffic has gone from virtually non-existent to Jakarta-worthy jams in just a few years. Meanwhile, inadequate drainage creates widespread, filth-ridden flooding during the monsoon months.</p> <p>All the while countless historic buildings have succumbed to the wreckers’ ball as often hastily built modern condos devour the city’s built-heritage.</p> <p>“There’s a war in the city,” adds Bonficaio referring to the influx of new real estate projects. “Parts of the city are changing in a matter of weeks.”</p> <p>Yet despite these challenges, much of Yangon’s built heritage remains intact and is seen by many as an attribute that could be successfully integrated into the modern city – given the right kind of planning.</p> <p>“This is a crucial moment,” says Bonifacio. “Now is the right time to sit down and discuss what we want from the city.”</p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/this-exile-returned-to-myanmar-a-multimillionai-3" target="_blank"><strong>More: This exile returned to Myanmar and became a multimillionaire</strong></a></p> <p>The new National League for Democracy-led Yangon regional government, has been keen to prove itself a better manager of the city than its military predecessors. Moves to halt rapid unlicensed construction have been introduced and, while plans to upgrade public transport have not been without starting glitches due to an initial shortage of buses, intent is positive.</p> <p>However, evidence of earlier lack of planning and foresight is all too easy to see. Pansodan Street in the city’s downtown is home to admired heritage buildings including the impressive Italianate Lokanat Gallery building. But lurking nearby is the concrete monstrosity of the Shwe Bank building: an ugly reminder of what money can buy under a corrupt regime.</p> <p>If such buildings serve one useful cultural purpose it is that many in Yangon are strongly aware of the benefits of preserving built heritage for social reasons – and not simply as a nostalgic nod to the architectural grandeur of colonial days.</p> <p><img alt="Yangon's historic Strand Hotel has just undergone a major refurbishment. Time will tell if the city itself will balance old and new as successfully" src="/documents/10204/0/urban+heritage+3.jpg/813fd942-5207-4c5e-83ce-7f0f483e4987?t=1505734473589" style="width: 740px; height: 493px;" /></p> <p>The independent conservation group Yangon Heritage Trust’s ambitious master plan for the city takes cues and heeds lessons from the examples of other historic hubs in Asia.</p> <p>The plans quote former Singapore prime minister Lee Kuan Yew who once noted: “We made our share of mistakes in our rush to rebuild Singapore. We realised we were destroying a valuable part of our cultural heritage.”</p> <p>The YHT offers a vision which demands strong government leadership now to tackle urgent modernisation challenges, as well as long term plans to develop an efficient public transport system, affordable housing, green spaces, development of underused government land and new uses for heritage buildings. Adequate health care, employment education facilities are part of the overall vision for a working modern city it notes: a plan for a city must be about more than just buildings.</p> <p>“Yangon doesn’t have to be a concrete museum frozen in time nor a soulless jungle of concrete and steel: there is a middle path that can transform it into a prosperous, regionally competitive and creative metropolis. Yangon’s residents can enjoy all the advantages of modern infrastructure while retaining the social and economic benefits of their unique and irreplaceable heritage,” the plan’s authors state.</p> <p>It is a glorious vision, but how realistic is it for Yangon -- or any other ASEAN city -- to achieve such ambitions?</p> <p>Dan Levin, director of South East Asia for BH architects, recently hosted a seminar in Yangon in which developers, government figures, heritage representatives and others met to discuss such goals.</p> <p>He believes the first challenge is funding, adding that public and private sector had to come up with solid business models, while government needs to introduce clear policies to encourage investment, as well as on land use, and heritage preservation. Levin added that planners should avoid new build, particularly high density, and essential new infrastructure in historic districts wherever possible.</p> <p>Yangon’s Central Business District should be allowed to move elsewhere – potentially to the other side of the Yangon River -- to relieve pressure off the historic core, he suggested, citing Vietnam as an example.</p> <p>“Ho Chi Minh City is building a new CBD across the Saigon River and developing new public transit systems - water bus and train,” he says.</p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/meet-the-man-who-is-reviving-yangon-s-crumbling-colonial-buildings" target="_blank"><strong>More: Reviving Yangon's crumbling colonial buildings</strong></a></p> <p>Indeed, shining examples of how to integrate heritage into the modern cityscape are counterbalanced by cautionary tales throughout Southeast Asia.</p> <p>In Ho Chi Minh City, the implementation of major new infrastructure such as the city’s new metro system and an ongoing construction boom indicative of one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies is counterbalanced by what many see as careless destruction of historic architecture.</p> <p>Developers have scooped up swathes of land in the city’s central District One, with privately owned colonial villas and apartments and historic municipal buildings replaced by sprawling construction zones. There is no comprehensive survey of how many buildings have been demolished, but few are unaware of the aesthetic transformation that is underway.</p> <p>“It’s like losing the chicken that lays the golden egg,” local architect Ngo Viet Nam Son noted in a recent AFP report, referring to the fading of the city’s legendary period charm.</p> <p>This tug of war between heritage preservation and the development demands of the modern city is one that Singapore experienced earlier than other centres in the region.</p> <p><img alt="Older parts of Bangkok are getting a fresh injection of energy as hip businesses move into long-established shophouse communities" src="/documents/10204/0/urban+heritage+2.jpg/1e44a2b8-f689-4efa-8352-5424315bbc1e?t=1505734277000" style="width: 740px; height: 480px;" /></p> <p>In the 1960s and 1970s, the city was faced with the problems of acute housing shortage, a rapidly expanding population and overcrowded slums, as well as the pressing need for rapid economic development. As such, urban renewal took precedence over heritage conservation to provide more housing and transform Singapore into a modern and efficient business centre.</p> <p>It was only later, faced with falling tourist arrivals, that the Singapore government recommended, among other things, to conserve Chinatown and other historic districts to woo visitors back.</p> <p>“Conservation is testament to our rich architectural, historical and cultural heritage,” reads the mission statement on the homepage of Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority. “Conserving these buildings also adds to the distinctive character and identity of our city.”</p> <p>Another regional city with a strong heritage component is Bangkok. Although gleaming skyscrapers characterise the main commercial core of Thailand’s capital, conservation groups are trying to ensure that the city’s older districts and its riverside area develop in a less dramatic, more organic fashion.</p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/golden-opportunities-lurk-in-myanmar-s-static-property-sector" target="_blank"><strong>More: Is Myanmar's gold rush over?</strong></a></p> <p>Bangkok River Partners, a multi-partner organisation, aims to promote the integrity of the city’s historic and riverside districts by making them a hub for creative industries and restaurants, while ensuring that centuries-old communities retain their heart and heritage as the area is transformed into one of the city’s greatest assets.</p> <p>Numerous art galleries have sprouted in the area in recent times, as well as some of Bangkok’s hottest bars and restaurants – many of which are housed in traditional shophouse buildings. Also symbolic of the area’s flowering as a magnet for creative types are places such as Jam Factory, a multi-discipline space founded by famed architect Duangrit Bunnag, and the new Thailand Creative and Design Centre (TCDC), which now occupies the 80-year old Grand Postal Building.</p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">Building new demonstrates a city’s wealth and progress. Also, it’s often cheaper than restoring and repurposing an old structure</div> <p>Experts say this example could be emulated in Yangon, which has a major river front area that is currently used as docks and mainly cut off from the public, but earmarked as a creative public space under YHT’s proposals.</p> <p>“Building new demonstrates a city’s wealth and progress,” says David Robinson, director of Bangkok River Partners. “Also, it’s often cheaper to pull down and build new than restore and repurpose an old structure. “Where we can offer inspiration to others is projects which demonstrate the real value of old buildings to small business, low cost residential and tourism.”</p> <p>Back in Yangon, the evening crowds filter into the bar at the Strand Hotel. The legendary pile recently underwent a major renovation, and the fresh look is a contemporary – and perhaps glitzier – twist on the original style implemented by the Sarkies brothers when they opened it in 1901. A stone’s throw from the hotel, weather-worn cargo ships ply the Yangon River, many laden with construction materials for the condominiums and towers about to alter the skyline. The contrast between new and old might be stark, but the challenge for those tasked with outlining the future of the city is ensuring that they are – at least – reconcilable.</p> <p><em>This article originally appeared in <a href="https://www.magzter.com/TH/PropertyGuru-International-(Thailand)-Co.,Ltd/Property-Report/Business/" target="_blank">Issue No. 143 of PropertyGuru Property Report Magazine</a></em></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Vietnam+feature+lead+image.jpg/193d4265-acb3-4d46-a07b-ba5e35d98ac5?t=1504091080000" style="width: 1500px; height: 901px;" /></p> <p>The rooftop bar at the Majestic Hotel has provided a prime vantage point onto the changing face of Ho Chi Minh City over Vietnam’s eventful last century.</p> <p>In the 1930s, the colonial hoi polloi drank daiquiris here as local coolies in conical hats laboured in the docks and the shipyards by the Saigon River.</p> <p>During the American War, hard-bitten scribes shared stories from the frontline and watched bombs explode across the skyline while Vietcong fighters laid low amidst the mangroves of the Thu Thiem peninsula directly opposite the hotel on the other side of the stream. </p> <p>Contemporary patrons are treated to an equally surreal sight. The swampy jungle that once characterised Thu Thiem has been replaced by cranes, highways, shiny new structures and giant building sites. </p> <p>This is the current visual manifestation of the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, a planned CBD that takes in everything from luxury residential property to amenities like museums, community centres and schools, a new national stadium and an observation tower that will be Vietnam’s highest building. </p> <p>Further up from the Majestic, meanwhile, the historic Ba Son Shipyard has now made way for the chrome and glass fronted residential towers of Vinhomes Golden River, an eco-urban “city within a city” by titan Vietnamese developer Vingroup. </p> <p>Change happens at a rapid pace in Southeast Asia, and nowhere more so than in Vietnam, regarded as one of the region’s most dynamic nations. </p> <p>Indeed, Ho Chi Minh City is far from the only place in Vietnam that is experiencing a frenzy of evolution that is closely linked to the country’s thriving real estate market, a sector that has been in overdrive mode for several years now following a crash that temporarily brought it to its knees.</p> <p>“It’s a very buoyant time for the real estate market,” says Matt Powell, director at Savills Hanoi. “The sector has been performing well for several years now in terms of both quantity and quality. There is a wide range of high calibre developments in major centres such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and some very attractive second home and resort properties in Central and South Central Vietnam in coastal cities such as Danang and Nha Trang.”</p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/look-up-to-homes-in-the-vietnamese-highlands" target="_blank"><strong>More: Here's a market vying for your attention in the Vietnamese highlands</strong></a></p> <p>In the capital Hanoi, a string of upscale real estate projects has launched in recent times both in the heart of the city and at vast, privately built and managed “new towns” such as Ecopark, a grand, USD8bn private development being built on the eastern edge of Hanoi, and the multi-billion dollar Ciputra International City complex in the northwest of the city. </p> <p>Elsewhere, Danang, Nha Trang and previously unheralded markets such as the holiday island of Phu Quoc and up and coming leisure enclaves like Quy Nhon and Ho Tram are reaping the rewards of booming interest in second home ownership from investors – both Vietnamese and foreign – and a remarkable upsurge in tourist arrivals, with a 25 percent year-on-year increase in international arrivals in Q1 2017.</p> <p>It’s a far cry from the doom and gloom – nay despair – of the years 2010-2013 when a property bubble perpetuated by wanton and often low-quality development, low interest rates and free-flowing credit lines burst in spectacular fashion.</p> <p>So, what has changed since then and what makes this boom more sustainable than the last? Several things say experts and developers. </p> <p>“In the aftermath of the crash we have seen encouraging policies and laws for customer protection such as mandatory bank guarantees for residential development projects,” says Dung Duong of CBRE Vietnam. “There has also been removal of barriers for foreign investors and, most importantly, thorough consolidation of the property market to the extent that there’s a lack of supply in certain products.”</p> <p>Although widely optimistic about the fettle of the various markets in Vietnam, analysts are not gung-ho. </p> <p>Indeed, Duong points to a slowdown in transactions in Q1 2017 and the fact that 2016 ended with a record number of new supply as indications that the country’s major centres could be facing the possibility of a glut. </p> <p>In a report published in September 2016 leading real estate consulting firm Vinacapital noted an oversupply at the highest end of the market. It reported that at the end of Q2 2016 unsold inventory in this segment totalled nearly USD556m and concluded that this end of the market “may well have reached its capacity.” </p> <p>Despite the prospect of a glut, nobody is yet talking about price correction: and certainly nothing in the range of the dramatic 30-50 percent drop in value witnessed in the wake of the previous housing crash.</p> <p> </p> <div align="center"><img alt="Twilight over the intersection of Pham Hung and Duong Dinh Nghe in Hanoi. Hanoi Photography/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_516780274.jpg/5ccf9823-8958-4c07-8ee0-de2bc6163cc1?t=1504176313758" style="width: 740px; height: 494px;" /></div> <p> </p> <p>In fact, the current overall picture seems remarkably rosy. Real estate in Vietnam saw a 12 percent increase in investment during 2016 compared with the year before. Greater market transparency and projected economic growth of 6 percent, like last year’s rate, add to the momentum. </p> <p>In addition to more stringent government control of lending and interest rates, better quality of development and the removal of barriers to foreign ownership, many other attractive fundamentals are fuelling the feel-good factor.</p> <p>First off, property in Vietnam remains a remarkably good deal. The prices of prime real estate in Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s most expensive market, are – on average – just under USD5,000 per square metre, well below the going rate in regional rivals like Bangkok or Jakarta and light years from the eye-watering property prices in Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korean – countries where investor interest in Vietnam is particularly strong.</p> <p>In the second-home market, meanwhile, a luxury four or five-bedroom home on an 800- to 1,000-square-metre plot in Danang or Nha Trang might set investors back USD1m-USD2m. In other words, a steal.</p> <p>For the buy-to-rent investor, healthy yields of between 5-8 percent in the high-end segment represent another good reason to invest. </p> <p> </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">Developers are building more selectively and smartly, serving demand with high quality products rather than inflating a bubble in the race for fast cash</div> <p> </p> <p>Throw into the mix major infrastructure projects such as mass transit systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, new airports in Danang and Phu Quoc and a strong, established government that seems unlikely to brook any dissention in the medium to long term future and you can see why Vietnam looks increasingly like a solid bet rather than an emerging market to investors.</p> <p>Some of the quiet confidence surrounding the market – even in the face of what looks like an impending glut in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi – is down to an overall maturation of the market. Developers are building more selectively and smartly: serving demand with high quality products rather than inflating a bubble in the race for fast cash. </p> <p>As the top-end of the market appears to be heading for saturation, developers are turning their attentions to smaller, boutique, products aimed at Vietnam’s growing middle class. Another change since the dark days of the crash has been an increased focus on high calibre management and hands-on customer service. </p> <p>“We strive to offer the best in customer service through product and service innovation,” says Chen Lian Pang, CEO of CapitaLand Vietnam. “We set up a dedicated customer relations department, which assists buyers in every step of the property purchase process ranging from payment procedures, handover of units to maintenance of developments.”</p> <p> </p> <div align="center"><img alt="Luxury buildings on the rise in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. melis/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_706069186.jpg/7701cebd-e7d9-485f-8b7c-57e083afc281?t=1504176477373" style="width: 740px; height: 494px;" /></div> <p> </p> <p>Another indication of lessons learn is the expansion of the green building market. The number of GB projects has, according to Melissa Merryweather, chair of the Vietnam Green Building Council, has been doubling annually for the last few years, with more than 100 projects either under GB certification or having completed GB certifications. Yet, although this represents significant progress, it is still a tiny fraction of the new and ongoing construction projects in the country.</p> <p>“With the speculative market so strong, many bigger developers feel they don’t need the advantages green building provides,” says Merryweather. “However, some canny, mid-range, smaller developers have realised it is very attractive to well-educated clients and they are using their investment as market leverage to increase sales to choosy customers.”</p> <p>While the luxury residential projects reshaping the skylines of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have captured the headlines in recent years, observers believe that the next big story to emerge from Vietnam will be the expansion of its second home destinations.</p> <p>With its favourable business climate (it has ranked top in the country’s Provincial Competitiveness Index for the last four years) and lifestyle perks that include world-class championship golf courses and easy access to one of Vietnam’s best beaches, Danang has long been on the radar of canny investors. This autumn the city hosts the APEC conference: an honour that will, experts say, present it with a golden opportunity for it to build its brand and attract a large flow of investment. </p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/novaland-ceo-named-vietnam-s-2017-real-estate-personality-of-the-year" target="_blank"><strong>More: Novaland CEO named Vietnam’s 2017 Real Estate Personality of the Year</strong></a></p> <p>“Danang appeals to both local and foreign buyers for many reasons: the image of a young, dynamic and green city, the bright tourism prospects, the completed infrastructure with improved connectivity, wide variety of products, attractive sale policies with rental pool and guaranteed returns,” says Powell of Savills. </p> <p>“Danang reminds me of Phuket about 20 years ago,” adds Hoi Cheung, co-founder of Hitchbird, an online wedding destination portal, and Hong Kong-based investor who purchased a villa at The Point Residences, adjacent to Danang Golf Club. “Although there is a rapid rate of development there is still quite a lot of available land and the current prices will remain attractive as a long-term investment bet. Plus, the property is attached to a golf course so it’s quite appealing as a rental property for golfers.” </p> <p>With Danang and increasingly Nha Trang and Phu Quoc on the radars of second-home investors, other new locations are emerging as potential quarry. </p> <p>“It is anticipated that six coastal regions (Khanh Hoa, Danang, Phu Quoc, Ho Tram, Halong and Quang Nam—will witness a huge wave of second home supply of more than 17,000 units in the next three years,” says Rudolf Hever, director of Savills Hotels, Asia Pacific.</p> <p>In Vietnam, rapid change has become a given in recent times. And with towering new condos about to flank virgin beaches and communities being freshly minded in previously uncharted parts of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, fresh perspectives will continue to be inevitable. </p> <p><em>This story originally appeared on Issue No. 142 of PropertyGuru Property Report Magazine </em></p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/rip-tpp-what-s-next-for-asia-" target="_blank"><strong>More: What's next for Asia after TPP?</strong></a></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/club+med+lead.jpg/82f595ff-435f-4ec7-b8f6-c7a41abbbcc6?t=1503476057159" style="width: 1500px; height: 884px;" />On the gilded coastline of France’s Côte d’Azur, historic glamour remains eminently palpable. The so-called “roaring twenties” can be experienced at Art Deco hotels such as the Hotel Belles Rives at Juan-les-Pins where former residents include author F Scott Fitzgerald. The famous stretch, meanwhile, is scattered with vintage villas and modern luxury piles that are testament to its traditional and enduring appeal as a destination for the international jet-set.</p> <p>Yet while France is widely recognised as the most venerable choice for those seeking a slice of the Mediterranean high life, other European destinations have long been giving it a run for its money. When Fitzgerald et al were living it up on the Riviera in the early part of the 20th Century, countries such as Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal were barely on the radar. Backward and feudal, these places were largely the preserve of peasants and bandits, certainly not moneyed international dilettantes. </p> <p>How things change. Spain, Italy, Greece – and later Portugal – all benefited hugely from the explosion in package holiday tourism in the 1970s and 1980s, when the bucket and spade brigade from northern European nations flocked to their beach destinations. As awareness of their respective attributes grew, meanwhile, so too did the sophistication of their second-home markets, as canny investors hunted down potential quarry everywhere from the Algarve region in southern Portugal to the Greek islands.</p> <p>All these countries (and France) are still very much on the radar of speculators. Like Phuket and Bali in Southeast Asia, they have transcended their reputations as cheap and cheerful package holiday destinations to offer febrile territory for potentially-fruitful second-home investment. </p> <p>And luring wealthy property investors from Asian countries such as China is now also seen as a lucrative goal for many of these markets. Various governments have introduced so-called “golden visa” schemes in a bid to entice buyers from abroad. These programmes offer fast-track residency for buyers and, in many cases, the appealing bonus of freedom of movement across the European Union’s 26-country Schengen area. </p> <p>Aside from visa schemes, markets are bending over backwards to attract Asian investors, says Charles Pittar, CEO of Chinese international property website Juwai. “The property industry is leading the charge by marketing properties in Chinese and leading industry trips to China on fact-finding missions so they can better understand the market,” he says.</p> <p><img alt="While Andalucia in southern Spain is famous for its built-up resort areas, the region has charm in abundance in picturesque villages such as Mijas" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_339275027.jpg/39fd43be-a048-4af1-bd37-9f953642a1ce?t=1503293776494" style="width: 740px; height: 493px;" /></p> <p>Much of the prime property market of southern Europe is driven by leisure. Wealthy buyers are often attracted to purchase second homes that offer easy access to at least one of three popular activities of the wealthy – golf, skiing or simply enjoying the delights of life on the coast.</p> <p>Many golfers are attracted to the Algarve in Portugal and Alicante in Spain, wealthy skiers hit the famous Alpine slopes of France, Switzerland and Austria, while Monaco and the Côte d’Azur region of France are among the best-known premium coastal markets.</p> <p> </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">Most buyers are looking for a combination of lifestyle and financial returns in the form of capital gains and – for property they don’t occupy – yields</div> <p> </p> <p>But despite these varied perks, Asian buyers in these regions are concerned with more than simply leisure. </p> <p>“Most buyers are looking for a combination of lifestyle and financial returns in the form of capital gains and – for property they don’t occupy – yields,” says Pittar, noting that strong links to China and the reassurance that compatriots consider the investment a good one make the purchase even easier. </p> <p>“Having made their own investment, it is common for first-time investors to talk their friends into buying in the same area,” he adds.</p> <p>While the reasons to invest – strong returns, visa benefits and fantastic leisure possibilities – are clear, less obvious is where exactly to plump for a place in the European sun. </p> <p>Buyers looking for stability would be well advised to look to Spain, France and Italy, according to Kate Everett-Allen, head of International Residential Research at Knight Frank LLP. Here, she says, “Finance is cheap, available on good terms but there are safeguards in place to avoid the boom-and-bust scenario evident post-2008.”</p> <p><img alt="Regarded by many as the world's most desirable ski destination, Courchevel 1850 in France offers premium property, plentiful powder, Michelin-starred restaurants and more" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_437735995.jpg/851cece9-1274-4622-b33f-4867659397fc?t=1503293900612" style="width: 740px; height: 509px;" /></p> <p>The diverse politics, economics and price-points of the European markets meant that each was affected differently by the financial crash of 2008. Similarly, each has recovered to varying degrees. </p> <p>“Some second-home markets saw prices falls of 30 per cent to 50 per cent in peak-to-trough terms, although Europe’s prime markets were better insulated than the wider mainstream housing markets,” adds Everett-Allen. </p> <p>One of the countries hardest hit by the crash was Portugal. But the country is proving attractive to Asian buyers, according to research by Juwai – and it’s not simply because of Portugal’s successful golden-visa scheme. </p> <p>“Portugal is appealing to Chinese buyers who seek lifestyle benefits above big-city glamour and who prefer Europe over the United States,” says Pittar. “Chinese investors like Portugal for its low cost of living, old-world charm and Mediterranean beauty and affordable property.”</p> <p>The hub of Portugal’s prime property market is the Algarve. The southern coast is generously sprinkled with beaches, golf courses and gated resorts – offering security as well as luxury. </p> <p> </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">The beautiful beaches and legendary nightlife of the Balearic island of Ibiza attract a younger but no less wealthy buyer</div> <p> </p> <p>Over the border in Spain, one of the main hotspots for buyers of luxury second homes has long been the Costa del Sol on the south coast, where golf, sun and sea can be enjoyed in equal measure. </p> <p>Meanwhile, the beautiful beaches and legendary nightlife of the Balearic island of Ibiza attract a younger but – judging by the armada of super yachts berthed there – no less wealthy buyer. Prime prices here have outperformed the rest of Spain of late, rising by 10 percent from 2015 to 2016. </p> <p>In France, too, markets catering to the pursuits of the wealthy are outperforming the rest of the country. “An oversupply of inland rural properties is holding average prices back, but in prominent international tourist areas, such as the ski resorts in the Alps and hot spots along the Riviera, prices are buoyant,” says Julian Walker, director at London-based portal InternationalPropertyForSale.com. </p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/asia-missing-in-eiu-s-list-of-the-world-s-10-most-liveable-citi-8" target="_blank"><strong>More: Asia missing from EIU's 10 most liveable cities ranking</strong></a></p> <p>The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, has few rivals when it comes to fame, glamour and status. Aside from the glitz and buzz of celebrity-packed St Tropez and Cannes, attractive prime locations here include the exclusive Cap d’Antibes, Cap Ferrat and the quiet village of Mougins, popular with wealthy families thanks to its highly regarded international school. The peaceful peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat boasts the world’s fifth most expensive street, Chemin du Sémaphore, where average prices were USD67,000 per square metre in 2015. France has also been dealt a lucrative geological hand in the shape of the Alps. Courchevel 1850 is one of the most sought-after ski resorts on the Continent with good infrastructure and facilities. </p> <p>“Activity has been concentrated in the EUR1-4m (USD1.1-4.4m) bracket, though a few ultra-prime deals have taken place,” notes Savills in its 2016/17 Alpine Property Report. Despite the resort’s maturity, new developments are still appearing. For example, the Six Senses Residences Courchevel, which opened in 2016, offers extensive concierge and spa facilities and is the first branded resort in the area. Picturesque Méribel is also highlighted as a popular option. </p> <p>“Prime new build apartments sell for around EUR15,000 per square metre,” notes the report. There are options for buyers looking for value, too. “Resorts priced under EUR5,000 per square metre include St Gervais, offering access to the Mont Blanc ski domaine, and Les Contamines.” </p> <p><img alt="Greece may not have had its troubles to seek in recent times, but the picture-postcard qualities of destinations such as Santorini mean it retains its appeal for investors" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_634105301.jpg/a5c9e81b-af54-428e-bffe-b2b49a5d4f75?t=1503294021473" style="width: 740px; height: 310px;" /></p> <p>Alpine investment opportunities are also abound in Italy, where the prime market has a proven track record of resilience. Political uncertainty in the country has however been so enduring that it’s something of a certainty. December 2016’s constitutional referendum, for example, saw voters reject mainstream political wisdom à la Brexit and Trump. But the Italian market is well accustomed to riding such turbulence, says Diletta Giorgolo Spinola of Sotheby’s International Realty. </p> <p>“Italy has always had a lot of changes in government,” she explains. “Our stability is different than in other European countries. Politics do not affect our trophy assets.”</p> <p>One of these trophy assets is Costa Smeralda on the island of Sardinia. Here, EUR1m buys 50 square metres. “Portofino, perched on the cliffs of the Italian Riviera sits in second place (67 square metres), but compare this to less famous, but attractive and emerging destination such as Maremma (the coastal region of southern Tuscany) and Umbria (a rolling, landlocked region in central Italy) where prime prices are close to EUR6,000 per square metre, and EUR1m buys around 167 square metres of floorspace,” explains Everett-Allan. Italy’s best performing prime region last year was Lake Como, home to the likes of George Clooney. Here, prices rose 1.2 percent in 2016.</p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/student-accommodation-has-graduated-at-la-4" target="_blank"><strong>More: Student accommodation graduates at last</strong></a></p> <p>The luxury market in Greece is also seeing a resurgence as buyers who might otherwise have considered Turkey look for somewhere more secure. </p> <p>Research by property valuation firm Geotaxis in 2016 found that the prices of villas on the islands of Santorini and Mykonos have inflated faster than the prices of non-premium properties on the same islands. A luxury holiday home on Santorini averages at EUR10,800 per square metre while a luxury villa on Mykonos costs an average of EUR12,500 per square metre. Thanks to its sovereign debt crisis, however, Greece remains toxic for many Asian buyers – despite its EUR250,000 property investment threshold for a golden visa being the lowest in Europe.</p> <p>“Demand for Greek property is still low relative to its Mediterranean neighbours because of its political and especially economic turmoil,” notes Pittar.</p> <p>So, whether buyers want to take a risk with a bargain in Greece, hit the heights and vertiginous prices at a premium French ski resort or play it safe on the gated golf greens of the Algarve in Portugal, it’s clear that the prime second home market of Europe is as varied in terms of value, lifestyle and risk as it is in geography.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/the-risks-and-rewards-of-europe-s-golden-visa-schemes" target="_blank"><strong>Read next: The risks and rewards of Europe's golden visa schemes</strong></a></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/India+Duncan+resized+2.jpg/c814e7f9-9e03-45ea-a30e-e3c68e9a5bd2?t=1502165156424" style="width: 1499px; height: 831px;" />In the often-murky world of Indian real estate, short-term gain has traditionally been associated with more sustained damage to the country’s reputation as a place to invest.</p> <p>Land records in the vast nation are patchy and arcane. Analysts say that figures such as politicians, businessmen and non-resident Indians often use black money they haven’t paid taxes on to buy property, but put it in the name of their relatives or trusted employees. These transactions are known as benami, a Persian term meaning “no name”.</p> <p>Meanwhile, slack law enforcement and a culture of corruption at the highest levels of local government have resulted in frequently shoddy work by builders and developers and “white elephant” high-end projects where supply has far outstripped demand.</p> <p>With the government of prime-minister Narendra Modi now taking strong action against graft, with measures including a demonetisation initiative to render high valuation notes worthless and drive money from the “grey economy” into the mainstream, the sector is currently in the eye what appears to be a worrying looking storm. </p> <p>Sales and launches at the end of 2016 plunged to the worst level since the global financial crisis in 2008, incurring a INR226 billion (USD3.39 bn) industry loss in the fourth quarter, according to a report by consultancy Knight Frank. Home sales in the last quarter of 2016 in India’s major cities – including Bangalore, Mumbai and New Delhi – crashed by 40 percent compared with the previous quarter. Launches of properties, meanwhile, fell by 45 in the same period. This is despite the fact that the fourth quarter, the festive season in India, is traditionally a busy time for home sales. </p> <p> </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">The market is definitely in a kind of reset mode right now from being investor driven to end-user driven</div> <p> </p> <p>Analysts and realtors, however, believe that this particular blip will do more to energise and safeguard the market in the longer term than the decades of quick-buck profiteering that preceded it. </p> <p>“The market is definitely in a kind of reset mode right now from being investor driven to end-user driven,” says Pankaj Kapoor, founder and managing director of Liases Foras, one of India’s leading independent real estate research firms. “It’s shedding the extra fat in the cost and assessing all the ways in which it can be more efficient. I’m very confident that after this period of metamorphosis, the Indian real estate sector will benefit and emerge stronger, healthier, transparent and stable.” </p> <p>The Modi government has introduced a number of measures specifically targeted at regulating and bringing discipline to India’s chaotic real estate sector. These include central legislations including the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) 2016 and the Benami Transactions (Prohibitions) Amendment Act 2016, which essentially bans the use of substitute names to hide ownership.</p> <p>RERA, once implemented, will increase transparency, which in turn will bring back buyer confidence. The Act requires States and Union Territories to come up with governing rules. Developers as well as intermediaries will have to recalibrate the way they do business to be RERA compliant. And the real benefits would be that buyers will be ensured of a dedicated governing body, timely project completion and complete clarity on the project and amenities promised – something that hasn’t always been the case in the past. </p> <p>Further significant reforms include a relaxation of FDI norms to increase the inflow of foreign capital and a Smart Cities scheme that will see major population centres in the country transformed into high-tech hubs. Also huge was the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) – better known as the “housing for all” initiative – with the stated aim of constructing two crore (20 million) houses for the urban poor by 2022.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.property-report.com/indias-smart-cities-mission-wants-to-transform-urban-areas-into-high-tech-hubs/" target="_blank"><strong>More: India’s Smart Cities Mission wants to transform urban areas into high-tech hubs</strong></a><br /> <br /> Despite the expected widespread impact of all of these reforms, as well as the major infrastructure projects that Modi has also made a signature of his rule, it is arguable that no one policy initiative has had quite as dramatic an impact as that of demonetization.</p> <p>On November 8, 86 percent of India’s currency was nullified in an effort aimed to clean out the cash supply for the black market. All 500 and 1000 rupee notes were instantaneously voided and a 50-day period ensued where people could redeem their cancelled cash for newly designed 500 and 2000 rupee notes or deposit them into bank accounts.</p> <p>The radical move was planned in secret as it was feared that if the black market caught wind of what the government was planning, ways would be found to rapidly unload illicit cash. As it was, the move caught vast swathes of the population by surprise. A few months on, long lines of people looking to exchange notes still spew out of the banks and sectors of the economy continue to struggle with the lack of readily available cash.</p> <p>The real estate sector immediately tanked following demonetisation. “It fell of a cliff,” says Dr Samantak Das, national director at Knight Frank India. However, analysts say that the dramatic – and intended – impact of the policy should not detract from what many see as a much-needed reckoning within the sector. </p> <p> </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">Property has always been a major bastion of black money… [but the] demonetisation and the new benami transactions act will help tighten the screws</div> <p> </p> <p>“A lot of investors who were investing in projects with unaccounted for money and raising prices to book profits, will be eliminated from the system, which will cause much-needed correction,” says Savita Singh, partner at Khaitan & Co, one of the oldest and largest law firms in India. </p> <p>“Property has always been a major bastion of black money,” adds Das of Knight Frank. “Overall the system is moving towards a new normal involving white money transactions. Demonetisation and also the new benami transactions act will help tighten the screws to ensure it’s more difficult to route black money into property.”</p> <p>All of India’s major cities – including Bengaluru, typically one of the country’s most resilient markets – witnessed a crash during the fourth quarter of last year. Although sales are expected to remain sluggish for the duration of 2017 as investors and developers adapt to the new reality, analysts and other experts believe that India’s real estate market will emerge cleansed and more attractive than ever in the not too distant future. And there appears to be empirical evidence to support these positive noises.</p> <p>The Indian government is doling out incentives for people to buy affordable homes. Earlier this year Prime Minister Modi extended subsidised loans for building or expanding homes in rural areas, as well as for the urban poor. Meanwhile, in its budget announced in February 2017, the government said it would grant infrastructure status to affordable housing opening up cheaper sources of finance to developers and additional avenues for developers to raise funds. The segment will now be given priority-lending status. According to experts, these incentives will help to focus established developers, previously known for their work on premium projects, on the real housing issues facing India. Given the tax incentives and other perks offered by the government, home buyers in this category can expect up to 10 percent benefit on pricing.</p> <p>“Currently the biggest factor affecting sales is the unaffordability of housing,” says Das. “House prices have increased significantly faster than the income level of homebuyers. Developers need to rethink the pricing, size and configuration of residential units in their planned projects.” <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.property-report.com/which-states-are-on-board-for-indias-most-consumer-friendly-property-law-yet/" target="_blank"><strong>More: Which states are on board for India’s most consumer-friendly property law yet?</strong></a><br /> <br /> Another positive has been the continued steadiness of India’s commercial office space sector, which has held strong while the residential real estate sector has headed south. This has largely been due to growing demand for office space leasing from flourishing sectors such as e-commerce, banking, financial services, information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITES). The market has thrived due to local and international companies reviving their expansion plans, while the introduction of real estate investment trusts (REITs) have also made office assets an attractive proposition for investors. Even the tsunami of demonetisation has not been as destructive as some reports have suggested. </p> <p>Although the secondary market, which deals with a significant amount of cash, has been decimated for now, projects undertaken by reputed developers in leading markets such as Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru have remained more or less unaffected. This is because buyers who invest in such projects generally do so with the help of a home loan, with all transactions carried out through legal channels.</p> <p>“The real estate market in India has been bottoming out and it is widely believed that the market will soon start accelerating again, especially in the primary market,” says Anupam Rastogi, principle partner at Square Yards, a leading real estate advisory service for Indian property buyers. “Hence this is an ideal time to invest, both for end-users and speculators.” </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.property-report.com/asia-property-awards-2017-programme-revamped-to-include-14-markets/" target="_blank"><strong>Read next: PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards 2017 revamped to include 14 countries</strong></a></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/vancouver+resized.jpg/1497ce2e-234e-40f4-b74d-701f41e44cfb?t=1501134449027" style="width: 1500px; height: 1000px;" /></p> <p>When Chelsea Jiang, star of the hit reality series ‘Ultra-Rich Asian Girls of Vancouver’, announced she was hunting for a “cheap” CAD2 million (USD1.46 million) Vancouver property in a 2014 episode of the show, the local press guffawed. Since then though, house price rises have been no laughing matter in this part of British Columbia. <br /> <br /> By June of last year, the average price of a detached home in Vancouver was nearly CAD1.6 million, up 40 percent in a year. Then came new taxes and a sudden crash. Vancouver’s housing market has endured a recent rollercoaster ride, terrifying realtors as angry residents say they are sick of being priced out of their own city. Meanwhile, many ultra-rich Asian buyers have moved on. Welcome to Vancouver’s high stakes property market: 2017 edition.<br /> <br /> After dawdling for months, under-pressure authorities initiated a 15 percent tax on foreign buyers in Greater Vancouver on August 2, reversing the market overnight. Just three homes were sold in West Vancouver over the following two weeks, city sales data showed, down from 52 a year earlier. During the same month, the average price of a home in the city fell 24.5 percent to CAD1.1 million.<br /> <br /> “The implementation of the tax on foreign buyers in Greater Vancouver had an immediate effect on the market,” says Brad Henderson, president and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. <br /> <br /> The key reason: Chinese buyers were suddenly scared off. A joint survey by Sotheby’s and the Chinese overseas realty website juwai.com found Chinese inquiries for Vancouver homes fell 81 percent in July, the same month the new tax was first announced, followed by a 78 percent drop in August when it came into effect.<br /> <br /> After decades of buying into what looked like assured capital growth in Vancouver, Chinese were far from happy. Beijing’s envoy in Vancouver, Liu Fei, complained to British Columbia officials that distraught Chinese students couldn’t afford the extra fees to complete on their new homes. Jing Li, a 29-year-old student, has even tried to lead a Chinese class action suit against British Columbia claiming the new tax violates Canada’s international agreements which state foreign residents must be treated no differently.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/ghostbusters-target-canadas-chinese-buyers/" target="_blank">More: Are Chinese buyers being forced out of Canada’s market?</a></strong></p> <p>Over the long-term though, Chinese buyers seem unlikely to end their love affair with the city, no matter how high taxes – and prices – soar. Vancouver is home to the largest Chinatown in Canada and one of the biggest by population outside of China – Chinese labourers were working here even before the city was incorporated in 1886. Today 43 percent of residents are of Asian heritage, according to Statistics Canada, more than any other city outside of Asia. <br /> <br /> “The reality is that many foreign buyers, including those from China, have personal interests in living in Vancouver,” says Henderson. “This is the city their children attend school, it's where they already have family and friends, and it's the city they want to live in or retire to.” </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">Vancouver is now ranked the third least affordable city in the world to live in after Hong Kong and Sydney</div> <p> </p> <p>Like in many cities feeling the effects of globalisation, Vancouver’s non-Asian majority say they are getting a bum deal. As growing numbers of exorbitantly priced houses sit empty, many poorer residents have been pushed ever further out of the city. Few days go by in Vancouver without a newspaper story bemoaning rogue real estate agents, many of them Chinese.<br /> <br /> Vancouver is now ranked the third least affordable city in the world to live in after Hong Kong and Sydney as “house prices rose the equivalent of a full year’s household income in a year” in the third quarter of 2016, according to a recent study by Demographia. Although heavy state subsidies given to home owners and a drastic under-supply of new property are considered key contributors to the red-hot property market, foreigners – particularly Chinese – have become the main target of real estate wrath. <br /> <br /> Under pressure, the government has been forced to act. Outside of the much publicised 15-percent tax on foreign buyers, in November Vancouver became the first city in Canada to introduce a tax – albeit just 1 percent – on empty homes. After losing faith in the real estate industry’s ability to regulate itself, a new independent body has also been set up and rules have become tighter when assessing whether homes are owned by real residents, or not.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/chill-out-foreign-buyers-vancouver-has-a-new-property-transfer-tax/">More: Chill out, foreign buyers – Vancouver has a new property transfer tax</a></strong></p> <p>“As a whole it is much stricter now,” says Iven Tse, a Vancouver-based solicitor specialising in real estate and immigration. “There is some posturing from parties to be seen as even ‘tougher’ on foreign buyers.”<br /> <br /> Unsurprisingly, the immediate outlook for Vancouver’s property market remains a mix of doom and gloom and outright uncertainty. Although the steep drop-off in July and August has evened out, a bumpy readjustment is anticipated by most agents. Royal LePage has predicted an 8.5 percent slide in house prices in 2017. <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Chinese buyers have sought out the likes of Toronto and Seattle as the new North American markets of choice, says Colin Bogar, CEO of propertypassbook.com which pairs Chinese buyers with properties in 33 cities – including Vancouver – mostly in North America and Australia. <br /> <br /> “If cities look to implement similar policies as Vancouver, that capital will move to more friendly markets in Southeast Asia, Europe or other jurisdictions in North America,” says Bogar.<br /> <br /> In an increasingly global real estate market dominated by growing numbers of middle and upper class Chinese, Vancouver has become a key litmus test. Seattle has started its own debate on taxing overseas buyers, Toronto is showing signs of major overheating and Australia has already placed restrictions on mortgages for foreigners. <br /> <br /> Other cities are taking note, it seems, but avoiding the boom-and-bust market experienced in Vancouver is easier said than done.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/seattle-is-the-new-vancouver-for-chinese-buyers/" target="_blank">Read next: Seattle is the new Vancouver for Chinese buyers</a></strong></p>
<p><img alt="The TPP trade deal has been divisive among politicians and the public alike" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_306196799.jpg/60602db4-9e39-4381-ad47-b20e94f4022e?t=1500615782375" style="width: 3008px; height: 2000px;" />Bernie Sanders reproached it, Hillary Clinton was ambivalent towards it, and Donald Trump vowed to exit the US from it throughout his ultimately successful bid for the presidency.</p> <p>The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a sweeping trade pact that would have given 11 Pacific Rim nations greater market access to the US and vice-versa, is dead. Trump withdrew the US out of the deal only three days into his presidency.</p> <p>In a US political climate where Trump’s promises to safeguard industries and lure back manufacturing jobs from overseas struck a huge chord with voters in the nation’s disgruntled heartlands, the TPP has taken on the status of a bogeyman.</p> <p>Originally struck between Singapore, New Zealand, and Chile, the trade deal’s prospectus promised several benefits, albeit indirectly, to the housing markets of its members. It offered gains to industrial, office, and retail markets, conflating wealth creation with a greater demand for residential real estate. Its mooted benefits extended far beyond mere economics. It also promised to advance the defence and security interests of member nations embroiled in territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.<br /> <br /> <strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/whats-next-for-real-estate-in-mekong-river-countries-if-tpp/">More: What’s next for Mekong River real estate if TPP fails?</a></strong><br /> <br /> Indeed, the collapse of the deal is set to leave a power vacuum that could see Beijing taking on a leadership role in trade liberalisation. Uninvited to the TPP, China is proposing an alternative, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).</p> <p>Experts say that the TPP would have boosted housing markets in Japan and the deal’s other Asian signatories: Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia.</p> <p>“There would be an indirect impact on ASEAN residential markets because of increased investment in the region,” says Henry Gao, associate professor of law at Singapore Management University. “There would be an influx in foreign direct investment (FDI) from multi-national corporations and they would need residential property for their senior executives.”</p> <p>While the TPP would have boosted service-oriented markets like Singapore and Japan, manufacturing economies like Vietnam were set to be its biggest winners.</p> <div id="pull-quotes-container"> </div> <p>“All the manufacturing sectors, especially textile and apparel, were going to be TPP’s biggest beneficiaries as there’s a lot of trade already with US companies,” says Stephen Wyatt, country head for Jones Lang LaSalle Vietnam. “We’ve already started to see an increase in US companies setting up business in Vietnam in the expectation that the TPP would go through. If more FDI comes into Vietnam there would be a knock-on effect for the real estate industry, from industrial to office to residential. One leads to another.”</p> <p>In contrast, the RCEP may prove downright predatory to Southeast Asian countries, given China’s manufacturing clout. In identifying the deal’s possible downsides, Gao points to a 2010 free trade agreement with China where ASEAN nations hit a USD8.5 billion trade deficit in 2012, ending years of surpluses.</p> <p>“If you are a resource-rich country like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, you might benefit more from the RCEP because the duties for your exports to China, a big resource consumer, would be reduced,” he says. “If you’re a mainly manufacturing economy like Vietnam and Thailand, you will need to reduce tariffs on goods from China, which is more effective in manufacturing industrial products, so you might lose out.”</p> <p>The RCEP appears to offer more superficial tariff concessions to goods and services than the TPP. The China-led RCEP would also set a weaker agenda in terms of intellectual property rights, labour standards, and other rules of trade than the TPP, which outlined “high quality standards” as a stipulation for member countries.</p> <p>Still, many observers point out that trade barriers are better overcome than retained. “The deal would be a positive signal that trade liberalisation will continue,” says Richard Barkham, global chief economist at CBRE. </p> <p>The RCEP could transmute eventually into a broader agreement: the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP). “Achieving FTAAP would be supportive of real estate markets and a positive signal for the development of Asia,” adds Barkham. “Anything that boosts gross domestic product also supports the housing market.”</p> <p>Critics of the TPP have long bemoaned its flaws. They say it propagates labour rights abuses in countries like Vietnam and Malaysia and disproportionately benefits big corporations. Its weak rules of origin allegedly benefit China and other non-signatory countries.</p> <p>Whatever its downsides, supporters of globalisation will hope an alternative to TPP manages to withstand the rising isolationist mood in the west.<br /> <br /> <strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/on-vietnam-real-estate-there-are-opportunities-and-the-opportunity-is-now/" target="_blank">Read next: There are opportunities in Vietnam real estate and the time is now</a></strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/DPS1.jpg/903aa3c7-d536-4cd3-b0d2-b29890925d95?t=1500978160642" style="width: 2479px; height: 1653px;" /></p> <p>The condominium was just six blocks away from work. For Ryan Azares, 32, quality analyst at a California-based business process-outsourcing (BPO) firm in Cebu City, that was the clincher.</p> <p>“It is so near that I usually just walk home,” says Azares, who bought the 20-square-metre unit off-plan after leaving his hometown of Butuan on the island of Mindanao three years ago. “When you look at traffic, people don’t want to spend a lot of time trying to commute from one place to another.”</p> <p>Such ability to buy time has become symptomatic of resurgent wealth in the Philippines. With a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 6.8 percent in 2016, one of the highest in ASEAN, the country is reclaiming its status as a “tiger-cub economy”. </p> <p>Inexpensive labour, exported in the form of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and BPO services in the Philippines itself, is the major backbone of this prosperity. </p> <p>Residential real estate prices in the Philippines grew 2.2 percent year-on-year in Q3 2016, according to the central bank’s residential real estate price index (RREPI). Capital values rose 5.9 percent year-on-year in the same period to PHP161,900 (USD3,200) per square metre, according to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Philippines. </p> <p>This vibrancy is also being felt in the luxury residential property sector. Ayala Group, the country’s oldest conglomerate, is building the 68-storey Park Central Towers, an apartment complex with unit prices ranging from PHP32 million to PHP477 million per unit. </p> <p>Rental yields for high-end Philippine homes have been in the range of 7 percent to 9 percent over the past few years, says Sigrid Zialcita, managing director for Asia Pacific research at Cushman & Wakefield. “Sales take-up for these types of projects outpace take-up for mid-end condo units and rents are still on the up and up.”</p> <p> </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">Residential real estate is slowing down in terms of price growth because the boom has gone on for three to five years now </div> <p> </p> <p>In the years since the financial crisis of 2008, property providers have diluted both prime housing stock and clogged the supply pipeline. The Philippines remains a seller's market, but the boom has created a lot of competition. Five to 10 years ago, many high-end projects used to sell out in pre-sales within one to two years of launch. Now developers are finding it takes the full building period of four to five years to sell all units in a project, according to Antton Nordberg, head of research at KMC Savills.</p> <p>“Residential real estate is slowing down in terms of price growth because the boom has gone on for three to five years now,” he says. “Developers are trying to get rid of their current inventories. The market slowdown doesn’t mean that it will bottom off though. It will just slow down from the highest curve of a few years ago.” </p> <p>Developers are gradually rebalancing their pipeline to include more low-end projects. Century Properties Group announced last year that it would be teaming up with Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp for a project aimed at first-time homebuyers. Many other big developers have also been going downmarket, and targeting the PHP3-million average where there is more room to grow. </p> <p>Overall, around 600 new projects are underway in the country, data from leading Philippines property portal ZipMatch.com shows. But while half will be situated in Metro Manila, markets elsewhere are growing feverish. Residential property prices declined in Metro Manila by 0.2 percent in Q3 2016, but they rose in areas outside the National Capital Region (AONCR) by 4.9 percent, according to the RREPI. </p> <p>One of the most exciting housing markets of late is that of Davao City, bailiwick of President Rodrigo Duterte, its former mayor. Amid an influx of capital flows from Manila-based developers, local real estate giant Damosa Land Inc has been holding its own, reportedly selling out five of the seven towers in its new SeaWind condominium project in the city. </p> <p>“The long-term play in Davao is good,” says Ricardo Lagdameo, vice-president of Damosa Land, stressing that buying sentiment had been on the upswing even before Duterte assumed the presidency. “Prices are much lower than Metro Manila and Cebu, but those of Davao have increased quite noticeably. A couple of years ago, there was really a shortage of supply. It started at 40 percent of supply to demand. By 2018, we might see that rise to 80 percent.”</p> <p>Duterte, a self-described country boy, appears dead-set on shaking up the traditional Manila establishment, in part by making an infrastructure play for the provinces. One of the stated aims of his economic growth agenda is to decentralise and decongest Metro Manila by pushing for more investment in provincial hubs like Davao. Such a policy, say experts, will benefit the real estate sector and provide new avenues for property developers. </p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/diversification-nation/" target="_blank">More: A look at the Philippines’ emerging secondary real estate markets</a></strong></p> <p>With positives come negatives, however, and concern has been expressed about the synergy required to realise the phenomenal surge in supply in major regional hubs. </p> <p>“Construction delays could end up becoming a huge hurdle to overcome in the coming years,” Zialcita says.</p> <p>Despite misgivings about the capabilities of the nation’s construction sector, secondary markets are continuing to show a lot of potential. Like Davao, Cebu is another city riding high on a wave of investment. The metropolis in the Visayas island group showed price growth of more than 8 percent in the second half of 2016. </p> <p>Azares, who bought his unit in the city’s tony Lahug neighbourhood for PHP1.2 million, expects the condo to make an exit at around PHP2 million. “I think it’s going to appreciate even more,” he said. “Cebu is in a real estate boom.”</p> <p>While the unit is currently for end use, he plans to invest in another within five years and lease one of his apartments out through AirBnb.</p> <p> </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">There won’t be any severing of relationships with the US. Those BPO contracts will be honoured </div> <p> </p> <p>Naysayers might see myopia in such plans, taking into account the current protectionist-nationalist rhetoric spilling out of the US, the biggest source market of the BPO industry. New US President Donald Trump has threatened to levy exorbitant taxes on American firms outsourcing work overseas. Experts, though, believe that it is far too early to ring the alarm bells on the country’s relationship with one of its strongest allies.</p> <p>“My take on it is that there won’t be any severing of relationships with the US,” says Lindsay Orr, chairman of JLL Philippines. “Those (BPO) contracts will be honoured. All that’s going to happen is that there won’t be such a dependence on the US. Doors are opening to China and Russia. I look at it more as an opening up of a relationship to other countries.”</p> <p>Indeed, Chinese buyer sentiment is showing an uptick. In the fourth quarter, the Chinese made 43.8 percent more buying inquiries in the Philippines than in Q4 2015, according to Chinese property portal Juwai.com. </p> <p>Foreign ownership laws still however remain a thorny issue for expats in the Philippines. The Duterte administration has discussed upping foreign ownership caps to 70 percent, all the way through 100 percent in future freeport economic zones. </p> <p>Long a lifeline for the Philippine economy, OFW remittances seem to be under siege from the crude oil price downturn in the Middle East. Demand for middle-class properties in the Philippines usually stem from Filipinos working in oil-producing nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. </p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/further-education/" target="_blank">More: 6 reasons why Quezon City is one of Manila’s most dynamic hubs</a></strong></p> <p>“Of course, there is a danger that spending power will diminish, but these things don’t happen so drastically,” Orr says. “Admittedly, overseas workers’ remittances contribute to about 30 percent of the take-up of new condominiums, particularly in the low to mid-priced sector.” </p> <p>Counteracting the oil price downturn is the appreciation of the US dollar, which stands to benefit the Filipino diaspora in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, The greenback traded at USD1 to PHP50 in November, the weakest showing for the Philippine peso since 2006. Observers have noted that this depreciation against the US dollar may strengthen the purchasing power of overseas Filipino families. </p> <p>What the coming period will look like for the market in The Philippines is a matter of perspective. Some experts have predicted a slowdown in growth while others believe that rapid urbanisation, increasing employment by the BPO sector, surging OFW remittances and growing real estate investments will continue to fuel a thriving sector. </p> <p>Analysts, however, are united on the view that the glut of supply coming online will likely put the brakes on the years of unbridled boom. “A massive amount of inventory is being turned over this year and next, and with it we suspect growth will continue, but perhaps not at the breakneck speeds we’ve been accustomed to,” says Kyle Wiltshere, CTO of Zipmatch.com. </p> <p>As uncertainty mounts around the world in these turbulent political and economic times, the likes of Azares have set contingencies in case of job loss. He hopes to set up a small business with his father in Butuan. His apartment in Cebu, too, is a source of comfort. Indeed, property ownership is proving to be a salve and a form of security for a huge number of newly affluent Filipinos. “I’m ready for anything,” says Azares. “I guess people are like that; they always find secondary sources of income.”</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/propertyguru-philippines-property-awards-2017-winners-hope-for-a-green-future/" target="_blank">Read next: PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2017 winners hope for a green future</a></strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/HK+resized.jpg/1e61d161-0869-4e52-9bfb-fb90808ff95a?t=1501061538025" style="width: 1500px; height: 1000px;" />Hong Kong, dubbed “Asia’s World City,” is a metropolis in flux, a bridge between East and West and a former colony determined to imprint its identity on the globe. Although some lifelong Hong Kongers lament the unbridled capitalism at play in the territory, many view it as one of Asia’s best places to invest. In fact, appetite for its world-class residential units and choice commercial space remains as high as ever. </p> <p>Much like New York, Hong Kong rebounded with vigour in the years following the 2008 financial crisis. Since around 2009 both rental and sale indexes have risen steadily. After a few years of vertiginous price rises in the real estate sector, the market appears to have settled – albeit as the most expensive in the world. </p> <p>Hong Kong’s government has implemented stamp duty hikes to try to cool the market, most recently in November 2016. Additionally, a hefty 15 percent foreign buyer tax was imposed in 2012 as a way of giving local buyers a leg up. </p> <p>The measures certainly appear to be having some kind of effect. After plateauing in September 2015, residential prices appear to be stabilising and even dropping slightly. A recent report by Colliers International Hong Kong predicted that luxury market prices will decrease by 8 percent for the next 12 months as a result of the revised stamp duty prices.</p> <p>Although some believe that the measures have been introduced as way of protecting the Hong Kong market from overheating in the face of massive interest from Chinese buyers, most observers noted that the stamp duty will have the greatest impact on the city’s second-home buyers. </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">In 2047, all land leases will automatically expire and nobody actually knows how this will impact owners </div> <p>"The latest change of the stamp duty is not targeting overseas buyers, Vincent Cheung, executive director at Colliers International Hong Kong, says. “It's targeting the second-home buyer or speculators of the market. The government wants to see more protection for the first-time home buyers.”</p> <p>Hong Kong’s knotty relationship with China, however, looks likely to be one of the major stories relating to its property sector for years to come. Tensions continue to grow, with younger Hong Kongers especially keen to establish more autonomy – even independence – from China. In 2047, the year when Beijing’s 50-year promise to maintain the existing “one country, two systems” principle expires, all land leases will automatically expire. </p> <p>Nobody actually knows how this will impact owners, according to Alana Fruean, an accounts manager at property agency Manks Quarters, which primarily serves local buyers. “[If] you don't know who your government is, you don't know what's going to happen,” Fruean says. “But I wouldn't say that it is a factor for buyers at this time.”</p> <p>In a post on his official blog dated from September 2016, Hong Kong’s secretary for development Paul Chan Mo-po moved to dispel concerns about the expiry of land leases after 2047. </p> <p>He wrote that he hoped residents would not “scare themselves” by blindly believing that the SAR government will fundamentally change its policies, urging property owners not to sell their property under an erroneous belief that they will automatically lose their ownership after 2047. Chan added that there would be no major shift in land lease policy and the government will consider extensions on a case-by-case basis according to current laws.</p> <p>The main risks to the market relate to economic and political uncertainty. However, with demand easily outstripping supply, values are expected to “remain high”, according to a CBRE market overview published in October.<br /> <br /> <strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/iceland-hong-kong-are-the-worlds-hottest-housing-markets/" target="_blank">More: Iceland, Hong Kong are the world’s hottest housing markets</a></strong><br /> <br /> Nevertheless, the recent downturn in the market has led to questions over whether friction between independence-leaning and pro-Beijing factions in the Hong Kong government might have the potential to spook investors. </p> <p>That’s not the case according to David Ji, Knight Frank’s head of research and consultancy in Greater China. “This is not a policy-driven market. It’s purely market driven, and to be honest, the tax alone is enough to drive some people away.”</p> <p>Even taking into account the sky-high prices and punitive tax schemes that can leave foreign buyers paying as much as 20 percent on their acquisitions, there are still plenty of buyers eager to own a piece of Hong Kong and rich enough to make it happen. </p> <p>A fair number of locals, having gotten a taste of ownership during the post-2008 upswing, are now looking out for second homes as investment assets, Ji adds. </p> <p>Although rental yields are relatively low – consistently averaging about 2 to 3 percent – property is still considered to be more profitable over time than parking money in the bank. Westerners are not as active as local buyers, while capital from the mainland continues to flow into Hong Kong, despite tax hikes and other cooling measures. </p> <p>Prices in the SAR may well be exorbitant, but they aren’t increasing at the rate of mainland cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou, hence values aren’t expected to take a sudden tumble. <br /> <br /> <strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/hong-kong-newest-expat-neighborhood-keeps-on-getting-cooler/" target="_blank">More: Hong Kong’s newest expat neighborhood keeps on getting cooler</a></strong><br /> <br /> “Mainland developers are prepared to pay a higher premium in order to secure market share in Hong Kong and take advantage of anticipated growth in residential prices,” stated a recent study on Chinese outward investment by Knight Frank. </p> <p>The report notes that Chinese buyers account for roughly 25 percent of all land transactions in Hong Kong over the past year, totalling some USD435.9 million in sales. Ji says that Chinese investors are also making a slow return back into the housing market.</p> <p>“In recent months, because the mainland market has been seeing lots of price hikes, lots of mainlanders are seeing Hong Kong housing prices as not as expensive as they thought,” he says. “So we’re actually seeing a return, albeit slowly, of buyers.” </p> <p>Most investment is still cantered on Hong Kong Island, due to its status as the territory’s commercial and financial hub. In recent years many have turned their attention to the island’s northern margin, Kennedy Town and Chai Wan, as the city’s heart, Central, nears capacity. </p> <p>Buyers have also begun looking across the harbour to Kowloon where property prices are lower and more land is opening up for development. One of the most highly anticipated tenders of 2016 was for a government-owned commercial property in Kai Tak, the site of the city’s former airport. Similar state-owned properties are expected to hit the market in the first quarter of 2017, such as the much-coveted Murray Road Car park in Central, which is expected to elicit record-breaking bids due to its size and location. </p> <p>Much of the action in the residential market over the coming years is expected to unfold in the New Territories in the north of the peninsula, which the regional government has earmarked for much of its new housing stock. </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">The fundamental problem in Hong Kong is that the government hasn’t been able to secure enough land to build units and maintain supply for the next few years </div> <p>For first-time buyers and small families who cannot afford homes elsewhere in Hong Kong, a projected increase in supply is welcome news. Few expect the imbalance to be redressed in the short term, however, meaning that Hong Kong will continue to appeal mostly to investors with the deepest pockets.</p> <p>“The fundamental problem in Hong Kong is that the government hasn’t been able to secure enough land to build units and maintain supply for the next few years,” Ji says. “People know this, so the market expectation is that there will be a shortage for the next few years, and the prices aren’t going to come down any time soon.”<br /> <br /> <strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/hong-kong-residents-can-now-trade-their-coffin-homes-for-mini-towers/" target="_blank">Read next: Hong Kong residents can now trade their coffin homes for mini-towers</a></strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Education.jpg/511a9b24-834e-4a40-8266-63a427c05708?t=1501062828683" style="width: 1500px; height: 1026px;" />For many people of a certain age, living in a truly awful shared flat was all part of the university experience. Many of today’s students, however, will tell a different story. That’s because more and more of them are opting to live in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), and it’s a far cry from the student flats of old with additions such as gyms, cinema rooms and concierge services among the most basic features of the new breed of undergraduate digs.</p> <p>The face of student accommodation has clearly changed and also undergone a radical transformation as an asset class. Indeed, the decade since the turn of the millennium has seen student housing make the jump from being an “alternative” investment sector to being a robust, mainstream option. </p> <p>“All these factors result in this type of accommodation being more attractive to international students, many of whom see such high standards of living as not out of the ordinary and their parents are willing to pay the premium prices for their children’s safety and convenience,” says Reena Patel, a London-based partner in the real-estate investment and development team at multinational law firm Gowling WLG.</p> <p>According to global property consultancy, Knight Frank, the UK’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector is set to reach a total combined value of GBP45.8 billion (USD55.9 bn) by September 2017. </p> <p>Knight Frank’s dedicated Student Property team forecasts that in excess of 24,000 additional purpose-built student beds will be delivered next year – bringing the UK’s total to 549,000, representing a national average of GBP83,000 per bed space. </p> <p>The latest research from Knight Frank highlights that the value of the sector has grown by 37 percent since 2014, from GBP30.9 to 42.5 billion in 2016 – making student property one of the fastest growing asset classes in UK commercial property. <br /> <br /> <strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/this-is-why-the-appeal-of-british-property-will-carry-on/" target="_blank">More: Why British property has such enduring appeal</a></strong><br /> <br /> The consultancy is anticipating 2.5 percent rental growth next year due to the underlying market fundamentals and growing student numbers year-on-year. It is felt that existing players will look to build upon newly acquired portfolios, as well as overseas investors, particularly from the Far East, who have been tracking the market for opportunities. </p> <p>You don’t need a Phd in Social Sciences to figure out why the UK is such a hot property for students, says James Pullan, Knight Frank’s head of student property in the UK. “The UK is particularly good at higher education,” he says. “The quality that the country produces is attractive to overseas students that have the choice of where they want to study.” </p> <p>Also bolstering the appeal of the UK is its affordability in comparison with other countries, including the US. “The UK has the upper hand,” says Patel. “Research recently carried out by bookings platform, Students.com, shows that student accommodation prices in New York, San Francisco, Berkeley and San Diego all came out as more expensive than in London. UK towns and cities outside of London are still considerably cheaper.” </p> <p>That affordability has only been enhanced by the post-Brexit referendum slump in the value of the British pound. “It’s 100 percent good news for the sector, which is now better value to investors than it’s ever been before,” says Pullan. </p> <p> </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">The market remains, fundamentally, structurally undersupplied</div> <p> </p> <p>While demand is strong, however, supply isn’t always keeping pace. Cushman & Wakefield’s study flagged up the fact that despite the number of purpose-built beds reaching 568,000 in 2016-2017 the “ratio of students seeking a purpose-built bed has increased.” In fact, the firm points out that the “national student-to-bed ratio has now risen from an average of 2.1 to 2.3 students per bed space.” </p> <p>“The market remains, fundamentally, structurally undersupplied,” adds Pullan. “But it is a maturing market so it is becoming more balanced as we produce more stock.” </p> <p>Driven by undersupply, rents in the UK sector have risen by an average of 2.7 percent over the past year, according to Cushman & Wakefield. Weekly rent for an en-suite PBSA in London was around GBP186 (USD225), while in Glasgow it averaged at GBP132 and in Newcastle at GBP127. The firm noted that both these cities have major development plans in the pipeline, which will create more than 6,000 bed spaces. </p> <p>Indeed, investors have also focused their attention away from the capital. “2016 has seen the focus of investment move to the regions, with the proportion of transactions in London falling by approximately two-thirds,” noted Cushman & Wakefield in its report. </p> <p>Lower costs outside London make for higher yields, points out Dale Anderson, project manager at London-based independent property specialist Experience Invest. “Investment opportunities in London do not necessarily reflect the full potential of the market as property prices tend to be higher and provide lower yields,” he says.</p> <p>As for challenges facing the UK market, Pullan points to Brexit – the uncertain implications of which are being felt in every sector. While its deleterious impact on the pound is good news for the PBSA sector, its anti-immigration agenda is more worrying for foreign students. </p> <p>“There seems to be a confusion as to whether students are immigrants or whether they are only seeking education,” explains Pullan. “I think the biggest challenge to the sector right now is riding through this political storm and ensuring that students are perceived as people seeking education as opposed to people that want to immigrate into the UK.”</p> <p>However, that aside, Pullan doesn’t see any other significant problems facing the British sector in 2017. “We’re still seeing that there’s more money chasing PBSA than at any time before,” he says. “We’re going to see a reduction in the volume of transactions because the limitation of stock, not the limitation of buyers.”<br /> <br /> <strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/live-close-to-a-school-thats-no-guarantee-of-enrollment-in-beijing/" target="_blank">More: Live close to a school? That’s no longer guarantee of enrollment in Beijing</a></strong><br /> <br /> That’s a trend mirrored in the sector in the United States. “It would be pretty hard to overbuild in most markets, there is such strong demand,” Nat Kunes of AppFolio Inc, a provider of property management software, recently told National Real Estate Investor. “In most markets you could double the amount and not overbuild.”</p> <p>Developers in the US plan to provide some 45,700 new beds in the PBSA market in time for the start of the autumn semester of 2017. Inventory has increased by 55.3 percent over the past decade, according to Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA), with 2016 marking the sector’s seventh year in a row of rent growth. </p> <p>Los Angeles and New York are home to four out of six of the most popular universities for international students, according to statistics from the Institute of International Education. NYU and Columbia are the first- and fourth-most popular institutions, and according to Amy Williamson of Knight Frank’s US Residential business, this makes these two university areas a popular target amongst Asian buyers.</p> <p>In 2013-14, there were 886,000 international students enrolled on courses throughout the United States, that’s 4 percent of the total student population, and an 8 percent growth on figures from the previous year.</p> <p>However, student enrolments are predicted to slump in 2018, which could be a cause for concern, according to Anna Hertzman, managing director of KBRA. </p> <p>“The sheer amount of supply coupled with expectations of slowing enrolment growth after 2017, doesn’t bode well on an overall basis,” she says. “However, preference for purpose-built, highly amenitized housing appears to be overcoming headwinds in many markets.”</p> <p> </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">Those seeking serious growth in the sector might wish to look to Germany – which is seen as being at around the same maturity level as the UK was some 10 to 15 years ago</div> <p> </p> <p>Australia’s PBSA market, meanwhile, is largely seen as booming, with Brisbane the most active area for development. Moreover, the number of PBSA beds in the city is set to double by 2020, with 10,000 more in the offing. PBSA developer Iglu, which is backed by the GIC of Singapore, has however put plans for any new developments in the city on hold. “There are a limited number of students, particularly at the higher price points,” company director Robert Smith told The Australian newspaper in December 2016.”</p> <p>Those seeking serious growth in the sector might wish to look to Germany – which Stuart Osborn, JLL’s associate director in the UK, sees as being at around the same maturity level as the UK was some 10 to 15 years ago. </p> <p>Germany boasts Europe’s largest student population, but there’s not a lot of PBSA currently on offer. Most students tend to rent private flats or shared apartments off campus. But that’s set to change, say experts. Investment yields in the PBSA sector have risen to 6 percent. This has driven a trebling in investment transactions, which hit around USD1 billion in 2016. Small furnished flats dodge German rent control regulations, meaning that investors can charge as much as double the going rate for local rents, while like elsewhere, the luxury end of the sector is proving worthwhile. </p> <p>“Germany’s student housing market is similar to the maturity of the UK market 10 to 15 years ago,” explains Stuart Osborn, JLL’s associate director in the UK. “Rents in Germany will continue to grow rapidly, just as the product evolves and a broader range of students becomes familiar with purpose built student housing.”</p> <p>Based on the current rude health of PBSA markets elsewhere, Germany could well be the smart place to make an educated investment in student accommodation.<br /> <br /> <strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/has-australia-had-enough-of-asian-buyers/" target="_blank">Read next: Has Australia had enough of Asian buyers?</a></strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Outpost+Asia+%28DPS+1%29.jpg/949c98e9-d181-47c3-bc35-0f4d186f3301?t=1500973815077" style="width: 1920px; height: 1280px;" />In recent years the market for co-living has spread across the world, from its birthplace in the so-called “hacker mansions” of San Francisco – spacious houses kitted out with dorm rooms and communal work spaces where young tech-heads can collaborate on start-up projects – to once backwater Southeast Asian towns like Siem Reap in Cambodia.</p> <p>It was to the latter that Kether Saturnius, a UX (user experience) development professional from Edmonton, Canada, headed when life at home began to feel constricting. He sought to “soft-launch” his life as a digital nomad. He would maintain his contract with the company, but be a world away from the office environment. </p> <p>But before upping sticks and leaving, he needed first to be confident that there would be a place to settle that would allow him to still enjoy the collaborative environment he had known at home, and guarantee he could stay connected with colleagues 7,000 miles away.</p> <p>Advocates of co-living see it as a refreshing alternative to a professional flat share. Daniel Beck runs the popular Coliving.com website, which lists spaces in various countries across Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and India.</p> <p>“There is the community of like-minded people and the convenience of not needing to think about cleaning or buying stuff for the apartment,” he says of the perks of co-living. “It’s all inclusive. And it’s more open to travelers.”</p> <p>While the original West Coast incarnation of co-living was tailored to meet the needs of local urban programmers seeking a communal working and living environment, newer iterations better allow for the marriage of work and travel. </p> <p>It means that a mid-career professional tired of the daily grind can relocate and know that a space already exists that guarantees fast internet, and therefore vital connectivity, as well as a community of like-minded nomads. </p> <p>“I wanted a place to land and get oriented while being able to maintain my work schedule,” Kether says. “This is what co-living provided.” </p> <div id="pull-quotes-container"> </div> <p>He contacted AngkorHUB, a co-living space in Cambodia’s Siem Reap, where a package that includes a private room and access to the co-working space, as well as daily breakfast and lunch, costs USD32 a night.</p> <p>“I could roll out of bed at 2 AM for a call with North America and know that the internet would be there, would be high quality, and I didn't have to worry about disturbing other people,” adds Kether.</p> <p>Yet the co-living market in Asia is still only embryonic. How it will develop is difficult to predict. Jeff Laflamme, founder of AngkorHUB, says the venture makes enough profit to cover costs, and little else. </p> <p>With up to 90 percent of co-working spaces struggling to break even, according to Laflamme, the added co-living element helps such enterprises stay afloat. </p> <p>But co-living in Asia is not purely a means for westerners with itchy feet to work in the region. The trend is catching on among young Asian professionals who see it as an alternative to renting apartments or staying at home. </p> <p>Ashok Jangid moved to CoHo in the Gurgaon district of Delhi shortly after graduating from university. The so-called Paying Guest accommodation that many young Indians opt for after leaving home and moving to the city – a migratory trend that is growing at a staggering rate – lacks any sense of community, and the quality is often poor. CoHo was close to work, and it boasted perks that were not on offer elsewhere. </p> <p>“Every morning we go into the lounge and have our coffee, talk a little and read newspapers,” Ashok says of he and the dozen or so other co-livers at CoHo. He pays USD225 a month, only USD50 more than the Paying Guest accommodation. Many of his fellow co-livers work from CoHo throughout the day, and when Ashok returns after work there is a guarantee of interaction with people. “In the evening we all go to the lounge area and play pool and watch movies and cricket together.”<br /> <br /> <strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/5-small-asean-cities-with-the-most-exciting-startup-scenes/" target="_blank">More: 5 small ASEAN cities with the most exciting startup scenes</a></strong><br /> <br /> Although only a relatively new global trend, the co-living market has already adapted somewhat to the hugely varied demands of its customers.</p> <p>Outpost Asia, launched in April 2016, caters for well-heeled professionals, offering an idyllic location in Bali with a palm-fringed pool and jungle-view balconies from which to work. It has two three-bedroom villas, where prices for a month’s stay with access to the co-working space begin at USD975.</p> <p>At first the clientele was entirely foreign. Now, a few Indonesians are also using the facility. Yet it’s still a small proportion, and the reason for the imbalance is something that may ultimately handicap the market in Asia. </p> <p>“It’s about the type of activities they are engaged in,” David Abraham, co-founder of Outpost Asia, says of early-career Indonesians. “Many work in traditional service industries so do not need a co-working space as they might in other areas.” </p> <p>While the likes of Ashok, one of tens of millions of young urban Asians whose lifestyle and career path suit the communal spirit, provide local demand for co-living spaces, this may be limited only to cities. </p> <p>It could be that the co-living market elsewhere in Asia will depend upon the continued desire of young professionals from the west to live and work abroad. Moreover, investors will need to understand that the market in Asia is wildly different to that of San Francisco.</p> <p>“I have lived in a three-bedroom house with 15 others, sleeping in bunk beds, and that could be a good investment if bought cheap in the San Francisco area,” says Beck. “But in Asia? I don't think so. No one would live in a bunk bed unless it's a pod in Tokyo or Singapore.”</p> <p>For now people like Kether provide the backbone of the industry. </p> <p>“The attraction to Southeast Asia is that I could afford to not work for anyone else for a while,” says Kether. “I could just relax and distance myself from the intense pressure of survival that comes from living in the West with our insanely high cost of living.”<br /> <br /> <strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/is-2017-the-year-proptech-will-change-real-estate-forever/" target="_blank">Read next: Is 2017 the year PropTech will change real estate forever?</a></strong></p>
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<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Design+Focus+resorts+lead.jpg/4f9f2c07-be50-4590-ae28-5a96d9f76638?t=1503476715389" style="width: 1500px; height: 814px;" /></p> <p>Travellers have long looked towards Asia – with its shimmering azure waters and near-limitless selection of palm-fringed white-sand beaches – in their search for paradise.</p> <p>Intrepid hippies put the area on the map as a tourist destination in the 1960s. The intervening years, meanwhile, have seen rustic bamboo beach shacks edged out by a growing phalanx of upscale hotels and resorts.</p> <p>Indeed, these days it is just as likely to be high-powered investors making for the region’s resort destinations as singlet-wearing backpackers and other holidaymakers. </p> <p>Countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines, can ably cater to the most demanding of buyers, with sumptuous properties ranging from secluded island hideaways to palatial residences with easy access to first-class restaurants and highly developed transport infrastructure.</p> <p>Investors who are as keen on powder snow as granules of sand are equally well catered for. Japan has come into its own as a winter-sports destination, with the legendarily consistent supply of fresh snow in the northern island of Hokkaido matched by an ever-expanding portfolio of après-ski options.</p> <p>For those searching for a home away from home in regional hubs, meanwhile, urban hotel residences are on the rise. In fact, the growing number of metropolitan options has been one of the key trends in the resort residence market over the past couple of years.</p> <p>The upcoming Four Seasons Private Residences on the banks of the Chao Phraya river is one of the most highly anticipated developments in Thailand’s capital Bangkok, while the Residences at Mandarin Oriental have proved popular for their dead-central locales in Asian cities such as Taipei and Macau. </p> <p> </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">It is little wonder that demand has spiked across Asia as investors seek to capitalise on their potential for both personal and financial gain</div> <p> </p> <p>Another interesting progression has been the emergence of China as a real player in the resort residences sector. The southern island of Hainan has long been touted as the nation’s luxury playground and the new Sanya EDITION is as opulent as you might expect, while other options in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai are as appealing as anything on the country’s coastline. </p> <p>With this allure in mind, it is little wonder that demand has spiked across Asia as investors seek to capitalise on their potential for both personal and financial gain. </p> <p>The benefits of resort property ownership are aplenty. Unlike with a condominium or an independent villa, the tedious logistics can easily be delegated to either the resort itself or a third-party management company – a boon for investors with limited time on their hands. Upon arrival, residents are treated to the same warm welcome and high-end amenities as a resort guest, with the bonus of additional privacy and familiarity. Though many residences come equipped with state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, it never hurts to have myriad dining options nearby, not to mention other perks such as state-of-the-art fitness centres and spas. </p> <p>Many of the more extravagant villas also cater to extended families. For instance, at Andara Resort & Villas in Phuket, the privately owned six-bedroom Villa 3A features an in-house bar, spa room, and billiards area for adults, as well a private cinema and games for kids. </p> <p>As appealing as a private bolt-hole may be, most investors getting in on the action are doing with the hope of netting a considerable profit. Luxury resorts tend to boast in-demand locations to match their stature. In the case of Villa 3A at Andara Resort & Villas, the property’s advantageous perch on a cliff overlooking Kamala Beach means it is unlikely to decrease in value. Similarly, the privately-owned Mansions, lavish two to five-bedroom residences at the Bulgari Resort Bali, sport a private funicular leading from the vertiginous bluffs of Uluwatu directly down to the Indian Ocean. </p> <p> </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">Property values may rise and fall, but internationally recognised hospitality labels have a cachet that transcends the whims of a volatile market and adds value even to remote locales</div> <p> </p> <p>The initial investment may have been staggering, but these assets represent a stable, long-term investment due to their limited availability and prestigious names. In fact, hospitality titans such as Ritz-Carlton have begun marketing über-luxe residences that are independent of any resort, but still hope to take advantage of the brand’s respected reputation for exemplary service, design and décor.</p> <p>Property values may rise and fall, but internationally recognised hospitality labels have a cachet that transcends the whims of a volatile market and adds value even to remote locales. Ultimately, resort residences offer the utmost in comfort and a high level of security of return on investment. Of the many options around the region, here are some of the finest. </p> <p> </p> <h3>1. Amanpuri</h3> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Villas+5+and+6+Aerial_High+Res_12961.jpg/0a8be6c4-4aac-4c45-a741-9b4dccbeef17?t=1503290816817" style="width: 740px; height: 555px;" /></p> <p><strong>Location: Thailand</strong></p> <p>With private residences available in 20 countries around the globe, Aman Resorts has long been a leader in the market. Self-professed “Aman-junkies” possess a cult-like loyalty that most hospitality brands could only dream of, and the Aman Residences come with a host of benefits, including a private chef, housekeeper, and access to all resort facilities and babysitting and concierge services. While the villas at Amanoi in Vietnam may be stunning, the Amanpuri Villas at the brand’s flagship property in Phuket offer access to Pansea Beach, a private beach with a coral reef just offshore. These properties seldom hardly ever come up for resale, but Villa 5, a 3,464-square-metre four-bedroom with a 21-metre infinity pool overlooking the Andaman Ocean, is currently up for grabs.</p> <p> </p> <h3>2. Six Senses Con Dao</h3> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Ocean_View_4_Bedroom_Pool_VIlla_3_%5B6600-ORIGINAL%5D.jpg/741c41d9-4e37-4598-bd73-5be53994d3d8?t=1503290899044" style="width: 740px; height: 494px;" /></p> <p><strong>Location: Vietnam</strong></p> <p>Even as the popular beaches across the region have grown increasingly overrun, the Con Dao archipelago in southern Vietnam has remained almost supernaturally serene. Only 6,000-odd inhabitants eke out a living across this 15-island chain, leaving visitors free to survey unspoiled coral reefs and bays in near solitude. The residential villas at the Six Senses Con Dao epitomise barefoot luxury and range in size from 540-square-metre three-bedrooms to sprawling four-bedrooms situated on a 2,000-square-metre plot surrounded by manicured foliage. Most impressive of all, The Hill Retreat Villa has its own wine cellar, entertainment room, two swimming pools, and five bedrooms.</p> <p> </p> <h3>3. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai</h3> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Four+Seasons+Resort+Chiang+Mai.jpg/d06a7ff6-3685-4786-ab2c-5466bb38c4f2?t=1503291494579" style="width: 740px; height: 493px;" /></p> <p><strong>Location: Thailand</strong></p> <p>When it comes to service, few names in hospitality can match the weight of Four Seasons. The brand’s famous attention to detail extends to any guests renting these two- to four-bedroom residences. The Family Residence comes loaded with board games and an LCD flat-screen TV, while the Spa Residence has its own treatment room for those seeking R&R in complete privacy. Most impressive of all is the four-bedroom Owner’s Residence designed by starchitect Bill Bensley and outfitted with a four-metre swimming pool with outdoor Jacuzzi and a wine room. Rare Thai artefacts and artworks adorn the walls and the living room has a view of the resort’s waterfall. A private chef, butler, and army of expert housekeeping staff are on-hand whenever the owner or a renter chooses to visit.</p> <p> </p> <h3>4. Niseko Annupuri Residences</h3> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Niseko+Annupuri+Residences.jpg/e44ba2ae-3739-44c4-b98f-470677e3030c?t=1503291437460" style="width: 740px; height: 555px;" /></p> <p><strong>Location: Japan</strong></p> <p>The mountains of Hokkaido offer unbeatable conditions for winter sports. When the snow melts and the après-ski revellers depart in summer, Niseko offers abundant trekking options, as well as a steadily growing culinary scene that takes advantage of the region’s pristine seafood and produce. Small wonder, then, that these 19 ski-in residences housed on plots of up to 2,700 square metres are in such high demand. These modern chalets ensconced by birch and pine forest blend contemporary design touches with classic alpine style.</p> <p> </p> <h3>5. The Peninsula Shanghai</h3> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/1102-LivingRm-1a-01.jpg/58a0fe9c-687f-4297-ad36-9d9ae139c6a0?t=1503291360725" style="width: 740px; height: 493px;" /></p> <p><strong>Location: China</strong></p> <p>Nestled among the historic baroque facades of the Bund lie the first Peninsula Residences, 36 Art Deco apartments with decorative touches by French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. With hand-tufted wool carpets, ebony and mahogany furnishings, private elevators, LED televisions, and an exceptionally curated collection of original works of art in each three- and four-bedroom residence, these posh pads make a serious statement. As if that weren’t enough, owners can hop over to The Peninsula Residences Club House for a splash in the 15-metre pool or a workout at the fitness centre. To further gild the lily The Peninsula Shanghai itself features half a dozen restaurants and lounges, a world-class spa, and superlative extras like a fleet of BMW 7-series limousines and Rolls-Royce Phantoms for cruising around town.</p> <p> </p> <h3>6. The Sanya EDITION</h3> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/B_0011.jpg/c2022d20-e933-45bd-a726-a49ff8159f5c?t=1503291298731" style="width: 740px; height: 493px;" /></p> <p><strong>Location: China</strong></p> <p>For its Asia-Pacific debut, this slick hotel pulled out all the stops with features like a cerulean artificial sea pumped with 37,854 litres of purified saltwater each day where guests can go kayaking, paddle boarding, or cruising while sipping Champagne. Ownership of one of the 37 private residential villas entitles you to access to everything from a kids’ area stocked with bumper cars and a rideable train, to discounts on in-house eateries serving everything from Asian-fusion tapas to Cantonese classics to Balinese beachside barbecue. The Jing Villas, which range in size from 530 square metres to 813 square metres, all come with ocean views and spacious gardens. Though the asking price of CNY28 million (USD4.6m) to CNY110 million (USD15.9m) might deter some, an in-demand location right on Haitang Bay ensures that these are likely to appreciate quickly.</p> <p> </p> <h3>7. Alila Dalit Bay Sabah</h3> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Alila+Dalit+Bay+-+One+Bedroom+Courtyard+Villa.jpg/84026ecd-112e-4cf9-b81f-e98bf5afe861?t=1503291095691" style="width: 740px; height: 314px;" /></p> <p><strong>Location: Malaysia</strong></p> <p>For nature-lovers, it’s hard to top the location of these 74 private villas in Malaysian Borneo on a lush five-hectare plot overlooking the Mengkabong River. Beyond the gardens lies one of the most biodiverse rainforests on the planet, while Mount Kinabalu, the region’s mightiest peak, is a scenic hour-and-a-half drive from the resort. Though the project will not be completed until the first quarter of 2018, viewings are already available and many of these are likely to be snapped up by then. Local woods, tribal items, and woven rattan add to the rustic chic vibe in these one- and two-bedroom villas, which start at around USD1 million.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/6-luxury-student-digs-to-make-you-cool-for-sch-12" target="_blank"><strong>Read next: 6 luxury student digs to make you cool for school</strong></a></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/industrial+revolutionary+lead.jpg/49216f16-286a-4d80-80f3-a3b6ef2ba34b?t=1502189825000" style="width: 740px; height: 409px;" />Hong Kong was quite a different place when Michael Young arrived little over a decade ago. Back then the founder of Michael Young Studio, a multi award-wining industrial design powerhouse, was one of only a handful of world-class designers in the harbour metropolis: a stranger who showed up with a stray dog to set up shop in what was fast becoming one of Asia’s most stylish cities.</p> <p>As Hong Kong transformed, he adapted. Young and his team have helped shape a new wave of product design in a rapidly evolving market. It’s a success story that he attributes in part to his love of novelty.</p> <p>“I just like to change, I like to jump about,” says Young as we chat in his atypically spacious loft-style studio in Sheung Wan district, a space so broad and bright it could only have been acquired years ago.</p> <p>Although the area has become one of Hong Kong’s hippest neighbourhoods, it retains a certain old-school frisson. Young’s studio is just a few floors above a bustling market where shoppers sift through dried fish, traditional Chinese medicine and preserved sea creatures in some of the city’s oldest shops. Sheung Wan’s nostalgic, streetcar-lined main avenue is a fitting home for Young who has built the reputation of his firm on his penchant for lending a learned touch to cutting-edge products. </p> <p><strong><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/architect-annabelle-selldorf-on-her-first-venture-in-taiwan">More: Architect Annabelle Selldorf on her first venture in Taiwan</a></strong> </p> <p>Born in Sunderland, northeast England, Young studied product and furniture design at Kingston University in London on the cusp of the 1990s. His studies were anchored in the fundamentals of fine art and craftsmanship and his appreciation for classic design elements is evident.</p> <p>Inspired by the likes of legendary Italian designer Achille Castiglioni, Young is a minimalist whose most striking creations are often fresh spins on essentials – a chair manufactured at a smart-phone factory using recycled metals, for instance. Or a sleek aluminium shelf engineered to appear weightless by using joints typically reserved for woodwork.</p> <p>Young landed in Asia when he moved to Taiwan in 2004. His shift took place just before the advent of devices like the iPhone revolutionised the region’s manufacturing sector. The development ushered in a whole world of new products – phones, watches, sound systems, reimagined retail and living spaces – waiting to be designed for a massive emerging generation of young and hungry consumers.</p> <p>“I remember thinking ‘whoa, this is totally cool’,” recalls Young. “We do a lot of work for Chinese companies to try to figure out what this new generation of young Asians want. They demand comfort and ease of life and place more importance on user interfaces as opposed to how something actually works.” </p> <p><strong><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/singapore-s-plant-whisperer-on-why-green-walls-are-now-a-thing" target="_blank">More: Singapore’s ‘plant whisperer’ on why ‘green walls’ are now a thing</a></strong> </p> <p>This knowledge informs his elegant, pared-down style. As a self-described pragmatist, this trend in Asia towards ease of use and efficiency seems to suit him. Young approaches manufacturing with the same utilitarian zeal underpinning his design. He prides himself on his ability to find the right factory for each product and relishes navigating China’s sprawling industrial landscape to bend its innovation potential to his will. He recalls spending six hours in a taxi in Inner Mongolia trying to track down a particular workshop. </p> <div class="pull-quotes-container">It doesn’t matter whether you live in Shanghai, New York, Tokyo or Kathmandu… the language of design is global</div> <p>Young’s familiarity with Asia has made his services highly coveted among Asian and western companies alike. His foreign clients have numbered multinationals including Coca-Cola, and his firm, which also has a studio in Belgium and a creative team in France, has designed interiors for high-end European retailers like Iittala, a Finnish glassware company that recently opened up a flagship store in Taipei.</p> <p>“The language of design is global,” he says. “It doesn’t matter whether you live in Shanghai, New York, Tokyo or Kathmandu. Anyone who likes design is on the same page.” </p> <p><strong><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/improvised-jazz-inspired-this-singapore-architect-s-freeform-designs" target="_blank">More: Improvised jazz inspired this Singapore architect's freeform designs</a></strong></p> <p>Despite his overall utopian approach, Young draws strong inspiration from elements of Asian art. He loves the ornate, mathematical features found in ancient Chinese architecture, while an entire wall of his studio is dedicated to random objets d’art from around the region including a Japanese Kendo sword and an embroidered theatrical costume he bought in Bangkok. The rest of his studio, conversely, is a study in ordered cool.</p> <p>But then Young does have a skill for compartmentalising. He reserves a set amount of his creative bandwidth for fine art projects, which make the rounds in European galleries and museums. This is the flip side of his hyper-functional product design; a space to explore the strangeness and materiality of his adoptive surrounds. He scoured Chinese factories to find one that would agree to blow up moulded aluminium using a gas reaction – a process he says has never been commercially applied – to make the Oxygen Chair as part of his Metal Rock sculpture series. These are limited edition objects that don’t have mass-commercial value, but they keep his design team questing for radical new ideas.</p> <p>“My design is meant to help companies make a product that stands out in the market, but my vision is really to design things that satisfy my own curiosity,” Young says. “It’s a no-brainer, really. I just like to put my DNA into everything. I do it my way and see what happens.”</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/lighting-up-a-high-tech-phuket-hideaway/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read next: Lighting up a high-tech Phuket hideaway</a></strong></p>
<div><img alt="evo Vieux-Montréal and evo Centre-Ville" src="/documents/10204/0/18+-+Double+occupancy+-+View+cropped+resized.jpg/76a20651-7798-4443-b9db-139f7455f0ac?t=1501756010066" style="width: 1500px; height: 716px;" />Shipping off to university was once a rite of passage marked by a certain communal hardship. Students around the globe bonded while bemoaning inedible cafeteria slime, cramped corridors, and brick-hard beds wedged into closet-sized rooms.</div> <div> </div> <div>Yet as higher education evolves, these drab, utilitarian accommodations are swiftly becoming a thing of the past – at least to students with parents in higher income brackets. </div> <div> </div> <div>Many of the top universities across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are swapping outdated dorms for swanky living options that more closely resemble private apartments than the grot-holes of yore. </div> <div> </div> <div>State-of-the-art gyms, mod lounges, plush furnishings, giant TVs, and spacious rooms flooded with natural light are de rigueur at the top options.</div> <div> </div> <div>Eco-conscious students can take comfort in the fact that a number of new residences, such as those at Sontag and Pomona Halls at Pomona College in California, come with LEED Platinum Certification from the US Green Building Council. Sports lovers can enjoy exceptional recreational facilities, such as the swimming pool, beach volleyball court, and private lake right by select residences at Florida Gulf Coast University. </div> <div> </div> <div>Those with sophisticated tastes will find plenty of perks to choose from, like the super-sweet suites at ICON at The University of Waterloo, which come tricked out with 42-inch flat screens, granite countertops, and cutting-edge kitchens.</div> <div> </div> <div id="pull-quotes-container"> </div> <div> </div> <div>Much of this switch has to do with the fact that education has become a big business, one that grows more global by the year. A degree from a prestigious, internationally recognised university carries a cachet that institutions in developing nations cannot hope to match. </div> <div> </div> <div>Universities around the globe are eager to take their pick of high-achieving, high-spending international students and the competition to snag top contenders grows more fierce by the year. To stand out, many institutions and developers are seeking to raise the standard of student living. </div> <div> </div> <div>For instance, cafeteria food at many schools has gone from the butt of cruel jokes to comparatively refined cuisine. At Cornell University, students dine on locally harvested produce and sustainably raised meat from the school’s Farm to Fork programme, while students at Stanford University choose where they’d care to dine from 30 different eateries. At some point, it was only logical that dorm rooms and student apartments would undergo a similar overhaul to lure starry-eyed undergraduates.</div> <div> </div> <div>The most impressive properties tend to be privately run residences near top universities in the UK, US and Canada, many of which have private financial backing. These posh pads offer the panache of a proper apartment, with a social side to help make learning that bit more enjoyable. At all nine UK projects run by Vita Student, incoming inhabitants arrive to find their beds made and a team of beaming assistants ready to help them with their luggage. </div> <div> </div> <div>It’s a welcome that students a generation or two would never have dreamed of, but as institutions continue to raise the bar it’s one that might someday become the norm.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/this-is-why-the-appeal-of-british-property-will-carry-on/" target="_blank">More: Why British property has such enduring appeal</a></strong></div> <div> </div> <h2>1. evo Vieux-Montréal and evo Centre-Ville</h2> <div><strong><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/19+-+Single+King.jpg/10959b4f-1c3e-450d-84d4-4a9471771684?t=1500636032000" style="width: 740px; height: 490px;" /></strong></div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Location: Montreal, Canada</strong></div> <div> </div> <div>If <a href="http://evomontreal.com" target="_blank">these high-rises</a> are more reminiscent of hotels than anything John Belushi might have rampaged through in Animal House, that’s because that’s precisely what they used to be. A top-to-toe refurbishment converted them into some of the plushest student digs anywhere. The list of upscale amenities is enough to tempt even thriftier families to splurge. Keeping fit is a breeze with a heated indoor pool, 24-hour gym with up-to-the-minute equipment, and a yoga studio, while the kitchens look like they could’ve been plucked from a Food Network studio. Centre-Ville offers urbanites the benefit of a downtown location, while Vieux-Montréal is set in a more scenic, tree-lined area with direct Metro access. </div> <div> </div> <h2>2. Dean Clarke Lofts</h2> <div><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Dean+Clarke+Lofts+CGI+View+1_0.jpg/45d06db9-78a3-476d-91c7-d41bb2c49067?t=1500636145000" style="width: 740px; height: 500px;" /></div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Location: Exeter, United Kingdom</strong></div> <div> </div> <div>Not only do students at Exeter University benefit from living in one of England’s most historic and picturesque cities, they also have the option of living in these uber-hip accommodations. Incorporated into Dean Clarke House – a listed landmark and one of Exeter’s most important historic buildings – <a href="http://collegiate-ac.com/uk-student-accommodation/exeter/dean-clarke-lofts" target="_blank">the lofts</a> have been converted into high-spec living spaces generously proportioned to allow plentiful space for studying and relaxing. Duplex-style layouts in many of the apartments up the hipster factor, while trimmings such as leather sofas and full size hob ovens also push the boat out in terms of luxury. </div> <div> </div> <h2>3. Luxe I & II Waterloo</h2> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Lounge1.jpg/f162ecd3-113f-43cc-ae31-a97d992b42cf?t=1500636449000" style="width: 740px; height: 513px;" /></p> <div> </div> <p><strong>Location: Ontario, Canada<span style="white-space:pre"> </span></strong></p> <div> </div> <div><a href="http://luxewaterloo.ca" target="_blank">These upscale abodes</a> right near the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University live up to their name with perks like a sauna, yoga room, fully-loaded gym, and even a rooftop patio complete with a fire pit for those long, chilly Canadian winter nights. While freshmen in the past might have spent months stressing over whether or not they would get along with their new flatmate, a special selection service here aims to pair up compatible incoming classmates. It’s just one of a number of features designed to make this a social space. The recreation centre here stays open 24/7 and includes Ping-Pong, billiards and poker tables. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div> <div> </div> <h2>4. Nido West Hampstead</h2> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Nido.jpg/52d74218-6ddc-4098-ae4d-6fd0fb861164?t=1500636513000" style="width: 740px; height: 309px;" /></p> <div> </div> <div><strong>Location: London</strong><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div> <div> </div> <div>With London housing already at a premium, more and more students are all too happy to turn to top-tier alternatives stuffy old dorms. <a href="http://thenidocollection.com/locations/london/residences/west-hampstead" target="_blank">The Nido Collection</a> offers a number of student residences from Glasgow to Cambridge, but this one in West London’s Hampstead Heath neighbourhood has attracted a particularly loyal following. Its location a leisurely 10-minute stroll from Oxford Circus, 24-hour concierge service, cosy lounge spaces and free Wi-Fi may help account for its continuing popularity. A small army of housekeepers will tidy up private rooms for a modest fee or the shared spaces in the en-suite apartments at no extra cost. </div> <div> </div> <h2>5. Simmons Hall, Massachusetts Institute of Technology</h2> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/000898.jpg/75d9a5d0-0bcc-49d7-8e60-2972e93fece5?t=1500636278000" style="width: 740px; height: 492px;" /></p> <div> </div> <div><strong>Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts</strong></div> <div> </div> <div>Home to more than 100 colleges and universities, including some of the country’s most prestigious, Cambridge and Boston also boast some of the most noteworthy student residences. The Student Village at Boston University comes with a peerless view of the skyline, while a stay at Harvard University’s fabled Hurlbut Hall may set students back by as much as US$10,000 a semester, but it comes with handsomely furnished rooms, many of which have fireplaces. <a href="http://simmons.mit.edu" target="_blank">MIT’s Simmons Hall</a> offers a cutting-edge modern design, an on-site eatery with vegan and organic options, and recreational extras including a ball pit for when students need a break from the books. </div> <div> </div> <h2>6. The Stay Club</h2> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/camden-17.jpg/f7e8f044-c108-4260-8e72-f2cf2cbc45c6?t=1500636353000" style="width: 740px; height: 493px;" /></p> <div> </div> <p><strong>Location: London</strong></p> <div> </div> <div>Everything about <a href="http://thestayclub.com">The Stay Club</a> – from the breezy, informal name to its selection of sought-after private residences – encapsulates the new school PBSA in the UK capital. There are now three clubs in London, in Willesden, Camden and Colindale. All adhere to a similar design template with clean lines, artfully scuffed wooden floors and dazzling white interiors. Apartments are furnished to a high standard and common areas are just as enticing. Extras at the three London residences include sky lounges, gyms, study areas, and on-site cinemas.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/asian-investors-are-at-the-forefront-of-a-uk-student-housing-building-spree/" target="_blank">Read next: Asian investors are at the forefront of a UK student-housing building spree</a></strong></div>
<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/29+Jasmine+Medium+001+resized.jpg/b49ff89b-b5ac-416f-acf8-6c1371e11403?t=1502166180674" style="width: 1500px; height: 1190px;" /></p> <p>Although his passion for design shines through in his innovative work, architecture was not Mink Tan’s first love. Tan, the founder of leading Singapore practice Minkke Architects, initially set out to chart a career in music.</p> <p>The Penang-born, Australia-bred designer was about to embark on an education at Sydney Conservatorium of Music when a last-minute change of heart altered the course of his career. Dedicating himself instead to architecture — “my parents said there wasn’t enough money in music” — he earned his design spurs from the University of Sydney in 1990 and he hasn’t looked back since. This change of tune has allowed him to riff on buildings around the world, including notable commissions such as the IBM Business Park in Sydney and the Silvian Imberg flagship store in Israel. One of his most recent residential projects in Singapore, The Jasmine Road House, demonstrates Tan’s adherence to freeform architecture and love of open space.</p> <div align="center"> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Snapseed+%281%29.jpg/8c426190-1445-4d94-8509-56b659d2fcfa?t=1502166237520" style="width: 480px; height: 600px;" /></p> </div> <h3>How has music influenced your design?</h3> <p>It has influenced me tremendously. I love jazz and the need to resolve opposing pentatonic scales in jazz has honed my ability to bring together and reconcile various — and at times contradictory — forces: financial, sustainability, community, political, aesthetical, etc. On a more layman level, it has also pushed me to produce designs that are functional yet beautiful, progressive yet historical and urbane yet natural. Jazz music has taught me the ability to have my cake and eat it too.</p> <div id="pull-quotes-container">I foresee a movement towards softer lines in forms and shapes because of the continued eschewing of minimalism</div> <h3>What is your design philosophy?</h3> <p>Our design philosophy is what I would term ‘super Asia’, which is about going beyond the typical and traditional. It’s something that looks very modern yet with a underlying feeling of Asia. That’s we’re looking for. I’m very influenced by the Thai 'sala' and Balinese 'bale' in the ways that various parts of the house are expressed as individual pavilions that can open totally to the outside.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/lighting-up-a-high-tech-phuket-hideaway/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More: Lighting up a high-tech Phuket hideaway</a> </strong></p> <h3>Are there certain techniques that you use when working with limited space in Singapore?</h3> There are many techniques, but the one we regularly deploy is the technique of borrowing space, especially from the outdoors. It means that we typically open up the walls to bring external spaces inward and also afford views of the far exteriors. We typically like to conceptualise our houses as a series of pavilions where the walls are non-solid and can at times be expendable. This is a traditional technique in various parts of Southeast Asia to cope with the region’s overbearing heat and humidity. <h3>What challenges did you face with The Jasmine Road House and which features would you say are truly unique?</h3> The owners left us a blank canvas. They’re a couple of doctors, with one daughter, who also want space for the in-laws to come over and stay. The concern we have for this land is that it’s smaller than the minimum required plot size for bungalows. So how do you build a house that will feel more open? Instead of building four walls, we just opened it all up and just built a boundary wall. The best way to deal with small land in Singapore is just to open up rather than have a big and bulky building. In fact, this house almost has no solid walls. Just about every room is all glass, except the bathroom. It looks like concrete and glass grew out of the water. When you’re standing in the living room on the ground floor, the sense of space is quite amazing, because there are no walls. It’s all glass on both sides. And the water being so near to the living room, it really almost feels like you’re outdoors.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/-5232079463466275636Jasmine-Medium-mink-4.jpg/a8f8c213-4944-467f-afa6-74199ce70b65?t=1499855366159"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64260" height="553" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/-5232079463466275636Jasmine-Medium-mink-4.jpg/a8f8c213-4944-467f-afa6-74199ce70b65?t=1499855366159" width="740" /></a> <h3>Are there any particular design trends that are becoming popular in the region?</h3> Wooden architecture is going to boom. Buildings built out of timber could now go high-rise, or at least mid-rise. It’s all thanks to cross-laminated timber technology, which is literally going to change the face of architecture. As for interior design trends, I foresee a movement towards softer lines in forms and shapes because of the continued eschewing of minimalism. These will be blended with strong tactility in materials and finishes.<br /> <br /> I believe Southeast Asian architecture is going to go through the roof. You can already see various international star architects making their mark in various parts of Southeast Asia. Before too long, the respective local architects will heed the lessons and forge their own way ahead, aided by a new breed of developers who are internationally savvy yet sensitive to local cultural values. <h3>Which song has most influenced your design?</h3> <p>“Alice in Wonderland” by Bill Evans.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/-7767538184676667063Jasmine-Medium-mink-8.jpg/1beede6a-1c1f-4b2d-8537-bb283bf7795c?t=1499855366407"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64256" height="553" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/-7767538184676667063Jasmine-Medium-mink-8.jpg/1beede6a-1c1f-4b2d-8537-bb283bf7795c?t=1499855366407" width="740" /></a></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/insider-insight/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read next: Fashioning a globetrotter’s dream home in Singapore</a></strong></p>
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Perched above a coral cove on Koh Samui, Samujana is one of the Thai island’s most celebrated real estate developments.
Aimed exclusively at the luxury end of the market, it is best known for its spectacular location, which allows for some of the island's most jaw-dropping vistas. Also notable are its personalised service and high architectural ideals courtesy of award-winning designer Gary Fell of Gfab Architects.
Since the completion of phase two in 2015, Samujana has become popular not only with savvy investors but also as an enviable venue for upscale family holidays, intimate parties and even as a celebrity bolthole.
While each of the 27 villas are desirable, Villa 28 is one of the stars of the show. From the boats on the horizon to the beauty of its immediate surroundings, the six-bedroom property boasts some of Koh Samui's best views. It was for this reason that British software company owner John Chartres made the decision in 2015 to invest in his own slice of paradise at Samujana.
Tell us a little about your background and your previous experiences with property investment.
I spent most of my formative years in the Royal Air Force before leaving in 1990. Since then I’ve primarily worked in programming and founded a software company, which works with very large retail opticians mainly in the US. That success has allowed me to buy a few properties and a boat.
Two of the residential properties in the UK are in West Sussex, which is convenient as the boat is docked at Brighton Marina. Obviously, a boat is not an investment, you’re just spending a lot of money that you’ll never see again! Still, I’ve invested at both ends of the spectrum, so hopefully my properties don’t become boats.
Why did you decide to invest in Thailand?
My relationship with Thailand started about 12 years ago. My wife and I fell in love with the culture and the food. My wife loved going to detox retreats, especially Kamalaya on Koh Samui. I went along a couple of times and just about coped: if nobody mentioned colonic irrigation!
The general manager at Kamalaya told us that a friend of his was managing a resort on the island and we should look. We went up to Samujana on the same day and I remember being absolutely wowed by the villas and the views.
We didn’t go there with the intention of spending USD4m, but by the time we were sat back at Kamalaya the decision had been made. We can occasionally be impulsive, but there wasn’t even any coffee, never mind alcohol, served at the retreat, so it wasn’t a question of us being intoxicated. We just thought it was the right time and basically said “why not”?
More: Asia’s 15 Best Resort Residences in 2015
Did you buy Villa 28 solely as a lifestyle investment or were you already thinking about the potential rental yields?
There was never any intention to rent it out. It was to be used as family holiday home. It’s only when we went to a cocktail party at one of the villas and got chatting to another owner that we realised the types of rents we could achieve. He told me that we could probably fetch anywhere up to USD3,500 a night and, well, I thought that sounded good.
I think our property is slightly different to some of the others in that we’ve made some notable bespoke additions, such as the high-tech games room. Guests are now specifically seeking out our villa because of the facilities we offer.
There have even been a few celebrities stop by, including a very famous Chinese actress and model. Wealthy Chinese clients now very much want to stay where these celebrities have visited.
Would you say you’ve designed the interior to suit your tastes as well as those of your guests?
My wife is a natural interior designer. She spends her life pulling out pages from magazines. While we haven’t employed interior designers, we have hired great craftsman to create a unique setting.
We’re not trying to copy a certain brand, but there’s been an eye on who’s staying there. Many of our guests don’t necessarily always want to be out in the sun, which is why is why we wanted to ensure the property was kitted out with the latest gadgets and tech. If guests have had too much of the heat, they can lock themselves away and watch the latest movies in the home cinema.
More: 6 royal reasons to live, invest and play in Hua Hin
What do you think is the villa’s standout feature?
The view from the dining area. In fact, the view from anywhere in the villa. Wherever you sit there’s a stunning view.
I also think that the personalised service and the privacy sets it apart and makes it better than a stay at any hotel. A hotel room is essentially just a bedroom and, unless you want to eat from your lap, you typically must go the restaurant, which you share with everyone else, to eat. If you’re a wealthy businessman or a celebrity – or you’re with someone you shouldn’t be with – you probably want privacy, and that’s what you get at Samujana. You’ve got the kitchen, the staff (maids, butlers and the gardeners) and if you want to self-cater you can. There’s nobody looking in on you.
Had you explored investing in overseas property elsewhere, and do you have plans to expand your portfolio?
Before buying the villa at Samujana we’d taken a trip on a catamaran to the British Virgin Isles with some friends. They were looking seriously at buying property in the Caribbean and we were involved in that for a while. We also looked at Ibiza, so that we could have the boat nearby and stay in a villa when we wanted to use it, but I never found anything suitable in Ibiza or the Caribbean. Looking ahead, there’s no plans to invest in other properties again anytime soon. For now, the villa on Koh Samui – and the new boat – is all I need.
Read next: Why luxury real estate in Thailand remains a solid investment
<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/visions+of+paradise+lead+3.jpg/691f500e-0425-42b1-993d-d9fa290f33e5?t=1502164541396" style="width: 1499px; height: 644px;" /></p> <p>Perched above a coral cove on Koh Samui, Samujana is one of the Thai island’s most celebrated real estate developments.</p> <p>Aimed exclusively at the luxury end of the market, it is best known for its spectacular location, which allows for some of the island's most jaw-dropping vistas. Also notable are its personalised service and high architectural ideals courtesy of award-winning designer Gary Fell of Gfab Architects. </p> <p>Since the completion of phase two in 2015, Samujana has become popular not only with savvy investors but also as an enviable venue for upscale family holidays, intimate parties and even as a celebrity bolthole. </p> <p>While each of the 27 villas are desirable, Villa 28 is one of the stars of the show. From the boats on the horizon to the beauty of its immediate surroundings, the six-bedroom property boasts some of Koh Samui's best views. It was for this reason that British software company owner John Chartres made the decision in 2015 to invest in his own slice of paradise at Samujana.</p> <p> </p> <h3><img alt="Sitting at the highest point of the estate, the villa's infinity pool offers unparalleled views of the island and ocean" src="/documents/10204/0/945A0891_2_3_4_5_6_tonemapped.jpg/e679e7ff-d8ef-43b1-8607-39e205459c17?t=1501488776376" style="width: 740px; height: 494px;" /></h3> <p> </p> <h3>Tell us a little about your background and your previous experiences with property investment.</h3> <p>I spent most of my formative years in the Royal Air Force before leaving in 1990. Since then I’ve primarily worked in programming and founded a software company, which works with very large retail opticians mainly in the US. That success has allowed me to buy a few properties and a boat.</p> <p>Two of the residential properties in the UK are in West Sussex, which is convenient as the boat is docked at Brighton Marina. Obviously, a boat is not an investment, you’re just spending a lot of money that you’ll never see again! Still, I’ve invested at both ends of the spectrum, so hopefully my properties don’t become boats. </p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="The air-conditioned 'sea view lounge' provides a cool retreat from the Samui sun" src="/documents/10204/0/945A1029_30_31_tonemapped.jpg/c2b7ffd6-c280-41be-8f9b-c7569df8358c?t=1501488788787" style="width: 740px; height: 494px;" /></p> <p> </p> <h3>Why did you decide to invest in Thailand?</h3> <p>My relationship with Thailand started about 12 years ago. My wife and I fell in love with the culture and the food. My wife loved going to detox retreats, especially Kamalaya on Koh Samui. I went along a couple of times and just about coped: if nobody mentioned colonic irrigation! </p> <p>The general manager at Kamalaya told us that a friend of his was managing a resort on the island and we should look. We went up to Samujana on the same day and I remember being absolutely wowed by the villas and the views. </p> <p>We didn’t go there with the intention of spending USD4m, but by the time we were sat back at Kamalaya the decision had been made. We can occasionally be impulsive, but there wasn’t even any coffee, never mind alcohol, served at the retreat, so it wasn’t a question of us being intoxicated. We just thought it was the right time and basically said “why not”? <br /> <br /> <strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/asias-15-best-resort-residences-in-2015/" target="_blank">More: Asia’s 15 Best Resort Residences in 2015</a></strong><br /> </p> <h3>Did you buy Villa 28 solely as a lifestyle investment or were you already thinking about the potential rental yields?</h3> <p>There was never any intention to rent it out. It was to be used as family holiday home. It’s only when we went to a cocktail party at one of the villas and got chatting to another owner that we realised the types of rents we could achieve. He told me that we could probably fetch anywhere up to USD3,500 a night and, well, I thought that sounded good.</p> <p>I think our property is slightly different to some of the others in that we’ve made some notable bespoke additions, such as the high-tech games room. Guests are now specifically seeking out our villa because of the facilities we offer.</p> <p>There have even been a few celebrities stop by, including a very famous Chinese actress and model. Wealthy Chinese clients now very much want to stay where these celebrities have visited. </p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Each of the six master bedrooms also boasts stunning sea views" src="/documents/10204/0/IMG_8014-retouched.jpg/77428302-f560-42f4-9253-f8eb6d33bab2?t=1501488891776" style="width: 740px; height: 493px;" /></p> <p> </p> <h3>Would you say you’ve designed the interior to suit your tastes as well as those of your guests?</h3> <p>My wife is a natural interior designer. She spends her life pulling out pages from magazines. While we haven’t employed interior designers, we have hired great craftsman to create a unique setting. </p> <p>We’re not trying to copy a certain brand, but there’s been an eye on who’s staying there. Many of our guests don’t necessarily always want to be out in the sun, which is why is why we wanted to ensure the property was kitted out with the latest gadgets and tech. If guests have had too much of the heat, they can lock themselves away and watch the latest movies in the home cinema.<br /> <br /> <strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/6-royal-reasons-to-live-invest-and-play-in-hua-hin/" target="_blank">More: 6 royal reasons to live, invest and play in Hua Hin</a></strong><br /> </p> <h3>What do you think is the villa’s standout feature?</h3> <p> </p> <p>The view from the dining area. In fact, the view from anywhere in the villa. Wherever you sit there’s a stunning view.</p> <p>I also think that the personalised service and the privacy sets it apart and makes it better than a stay at any hotel. A hotel room is essentially just a bedroom and, unless you want to eat from your lap, you typically must go the restaurant, which you share with everyone else, to eat. If you’re a wealthy businessman or a celebrity – or you’re with someone you shouldn’t be with – you probably want privacy, and that’s what you get at Samujana. You’ve got the kitchen, the staff (maids, butlers and the gardeners) and if you want to self-cater you can. There’s nobody looking in on you.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="State-of-the-art fittings including rain showers and oversized bathtubs are present in the nine bathrooms within the villa" src="/documents/10204/0/945A1149_50_51_52_53_54_tonemapped.jpg/a2eca52f-c21b-4cc1-91f7-df189910893f?t=1501488759404" style="width: 740px; height: 494px;" /></p> <p> </p> <h3>Had you explored investing in overseas property elsewhere, and do you have plans to expand your portfolio?</h3> <p>Before buying the villa at Samujana we’d taken a trip on a catamaran to the British Virgin Isles with some friends. They were looking seriously at buying property in the Caribbean and we were involved in that for a while. We also looked at Ibiza, so that we could have the boat nearby and stay in a villa when we wanted to use it, but I never found anything suitable in Ibiza or the Caribbean. Looking ahead, there’s no plans to invest in other properties again anytime soon. For now, the villa on Koh Samui – and the new boat – is all I need.<br /> <br /> <strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/why-luxury-real-estate-in-thailand-remains-a-solid-investment/" target="_blank">Read next: Why luxury real estate in Thailand remains a solid investment</a></strong></p>
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We caught up with investor John Chartres to discuss the joys of seclusion, celebrity guests and... colonics on the island
BY Liam Aran Barnes
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<p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Glen+Chan_Pacific+Star+Development+Ltd.png/bce0f186-49bf-4989-a355-5043aea48cb9?t=1502342932595" style="width: 921px; height: 682px;" /></p> <p>Malaysia’s premier annual real estate gala event, the fourth annual PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Malaysia), will honour Pacific Star Development Limited’s CEO and Managing Director Glen Chan, who has been named 2017 Malaysia Real Estate Personality of the Year by the editors of PropertyGuru Property Report.</p> <p>The developer behind the Asia Property Award-winning mixed-use development Puteri Cove Residences and Quayside, Chan has nearly three decades of experience in property development, investment management, and property management, among others.</p> <p>Puteri Cove Residences and Quayside, an upscale mixed-use development slated to be completed in the final quarter of this year, collected several awards at the PropertyGuru South East Asia Property Awards (Malaysia) 2016, including Best Luxury Condo Development (South Malaysia) and Best Residential Interior Design.</p> <p>On his selection as the 2017 Malaysia Real Estate Personality of the Year, Chan said: “It is truly an honour to be recognised amongst an industry filled with accomplished and highly successful entrepreneurs. I share this award with my team whose passion, dedication and commitment resulted in our being able to realise our vision of developing top quality properties in Malaysia. This award reiterates that we are on the right path, and motivates us to continue to raise standards and innovate in every project that we develop.”</p> <p>Focused on developing quality projects in the ASEAN region, Pacific Star Development has in the past decade, invested and developed two projects in Kuala Lumpur as well as several residential projects in Bangkok, Thailand. Most recently in February this year, Pacific Star Development was listed on the Singapore stock exchange with a market capitalisation of MYR430 million/SGD140 million.</p> <p>“We have much to look forward to as we see great potential in gateway cities in Malaysia in the years to come,” said Chan, who will soon launch Pacific Star Development’s condominium project, The Posh Twelve in Bangkok, and is also eyeing new ventures in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.</p> <p>Known for being a results-oriented leader, Chan serves as inspiration for his young team of dynamic professionals who relish working in a fast-paced environment. Over the years, he has worked with various teams across the region, including Singapore and Indonesia. In 2004, his engagement and understanding of the Malaysian real estate market further deepened when he managed the Baitak Fund that invested several hundred million dollars into Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur.</p> <p><div class="pull-quotes-container">Glen Chan stands out for bringing to life his vision of mixed-use, world-class lifestyle developments to Malaysian real estate, in particular the multiple award-winning Puteri Cove Residences and Quayside</div></p> <p>Glen Chan's contributions to the domestic property sector will be recognised at the forthcoming black-tie gala dinner of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Malaysia) on 17 August 2017 at the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur ballroom. His special award will be presented by Property Report’s head of publishing Liam Aran Barnes.</p> <p>Mr Barnes commented: “It is our great pleasure to honour Mr Chan as our Malaysia Real Estate Personality of the Year 2017. As a 30-year veteran in real estate, Mr Chan stands out for bringing to life his vision of mixed-use, world-class lifestyle developments to Malaysian real estate, in particular the multiple award-winning Puteri Cove Residences and Quayside in Iskandar Puteri, which has since garnered an outstanding 10 industry accolades.</p> <p>“His efforts have raised the standards of mixed-use properties on an international scale and our editorial team appreciates his contributions to the domestic property sector and local communities.”</p> <p>For more information about the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Malaysia), email <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or visit the official website: <a href="http://www.asiapropertyawards.com/malaysia/">AsiaPropertyAwards.com/malaysia/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/1961813555836979069PropertyGuru-Myanmar-Property-Awards-2017_Shortlist_1.png/a33a6828-9367-4515-8307-bb8e8551756d?t=1499855360366"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-64047" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/1961813555836979069PropertyGuru-Myanmar-Property-Awards-2017_Shortlist_1.png/a33a6828-9367-4515-8307-bb8e8551756d?t=1499855360366" style="width: 740px; height: 506px;" /></a><strong>Marga Landmark and Royal Sky Company Limited lead with five nominations each</strong><br /> <br /> And the judges have spoken! The PropertyGuru Myanmar Property Awards, the biggest and most prestigious annual gathering of the country’s real estate achievers, has announced the final shortlist of nominees for its third edition.<br /> <br /> Marga Landmark, the firm behind the mixed-use development in Yangon called The Central, is tied for first place with five nominations, including a nod in a new category for Best Universal Design Development, which rewards a project with a built environment that can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability.<br /> <br /> Comprising residential and commercial components, Marga Landmark’s The Central is competing in this category against twice-nominated Dagon Group of Companies, whose Danyingone Fruits, Vegetables & Flowers Wholesale Market development has been cited in another category called Best Special Commercial Development, a new addition to the 2017 programme.<br /> <br /> <strong>Mixed-use developments</strong><br /> <br /> Vying for five awards is Royal Sky Company Limited, the developer of Dagon Golf City, a residential project with a top-level golf course and luxury clubhouse redevelopment located near Yangon’s international airport.<br /> <br /> Fellow mixed-use developer Asia Myanmar Shining Star Investment Co., Ltd collects four nominations including one for Kantharyar Centre in the Best Serviced Apartment Development category.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/PropertyGuru-Myanmar-Property-Awards-2017_Shortlist_3.png/a30fedda-c4c3-4e6f-99e8-a353d8419463?t=1500267039225" style="width: 740px; height: 488px;" /></p> <p>The finalists in Myanmar are competing for a total of 17 competition categories and special awards, divided into three main sections: Developer, Development and Design.<br /> <br /> Winners and Highly Commended awardees will be revealed during the third annual black-tie gala dinner of the PropertyGuru Myanmar Property Awards, to be held at the prestigious Sedona Hotel Yangon, a 2016 awardee in the hotel categories.<br /> <br /> <strong>Pushing beyond 'good'</strong><br /> <br /> Hari V. Krishnan, CEO of PropertyGuru Group, said: “I am delighted to see all the outstanding companies in the final shortlist of the PropertyGuru Myanmar Property Awards. They are deeply committed to real estate excellence and they push beyond ‘good’, which mirrors one of our core values within the PropertyGuru Group. All of them truly deserve to be celebrated at Myanmar’s most prestigious awards for the property industry.”<br /> <br /> An independent panel of experts, under the chairmanship of Richard Emerson, managing director of Emerson Real Estate, led the announcement of the final shortlist following a rigorous nomination and judging process in the last six months as supervised by BDO, the world’s fifth largest auditing and accountancy firm.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.property-report.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/PropertyGuru-Myanmar-Property-Awards-2017_Shortlist_5.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-64043" height="491" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/9137255670971612043PropertyGuru-Myanmar-Property-Awards-2017_Shortlist_5-1024x680.png/884cdc8a-a6c1-4fa1-882e-f25959c656b3?t=1499855360707" width="740" /></a><br /> <br /> According to Emerson, Myanmar’s real estate sector should expect huge opportunities for rental properties, as the retail and serviced apartment segments continue to perform strongly amidst the slowing residential sector.<br /> <br /> “With the government’s intention to increase tourism, there is also considerable potential to create new hotel and resort concepts both within existing tourism areas and new emerging destinations around the country,” he noted.<br /> <br /> <strong>Best examples of concept, design and construction</strong><br /> <br /> Emerson added that It has been a challenging year in the Myanmar real estate market in many respects, “although the new government has begun to implement some legislative and policy changes as it seeks to affect economic reforms in the country, but we’ve yet to see a significant impact.”<br /> <br /> “In this regard, the PropertyGuru Myanmar Property Awards are very important in this relatively undeveloped market, as they showcase the best examples of concept, design, construction, and act as a reference point for aspiring developers looking to undertake projects in the future. The Awards also help to encourage improved quality and standards in the development sector, which is essential for the future of the country and its built environment.”<br /> <br /> Since launching its inaugural gala dinner in 2015, the PropertyGuru Myanmar Property Awards have recognised the country’s best-performing developers and their projects, which rank among the best in Asia.<br /> <br /> <strong>Myanmar's Real Estate Personality of the Year</strong><br /> <br /> The Awards have also honoured a Real Estate Personality of the Year as chosen by the editors of PropertyGuru Property Report magazine, Asia’s most trusted and enduring luxury real estate, architecture and design publication. Given to an individual who has made a significant impact to the property sector in the past year, the special award will be presented in 2017 to Shwe Taung Group CEO Aung Zaw Naing. He joins Marga Group’s founding chairman Dr Stephen Suen and SPA Group of Companies’ on the elite list of recipients of this distinction.<br /> <br /> Domestic winners from Myanmar’s completion categories will advance to compete in the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards grand final held annually every November in Singapore, where they can receive further regional recognitions.<br /> <br /> Terry Blackburn, founder and managing director of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, commented: “This year’s nominees truly represent the finest in Myanmar real estate and we’ve ensured that all segments are duly recognised to encourage more quality developments, design and heritage conservation initiatives in the future.”</p> <h3><strong>Final shortlist of nominees for the PropertyGuru Myanmar Property Awards 2017: </strong></h3> <br /> <strong><u>DEVELOPER CATEGORY</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Developer</strong> <ul><br /> <li>WINNER will be revealed on 30 June 2017 during the gala dinner</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <strong><u>SPECIAL AWARDS</u></strong><strong> </strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Special Recognition in CSR</strong> <ul><br /> <li>Marga Landmark</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <strong>Special Recognition in Heritage Property</strong> <ul><br /> <li>Doh Eain</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <strong>Best Universal Design Development</strong> <ul><br /> <li>The Central by Marga Landmark</li> <br /> <li>Danyingone Fruits, Vegetables & Flowers Wholesale Market by Dagon Group of Companies</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <br /> <strong><u>DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES (RESIDENTIAL)</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Condo Development</strong> <ul><br /> <li>Kabar Aye Executive Residence by Living Square Co. Ltd.</li> <br /> <li>The Central by Marga Landmark</li> <br /> <li>The Leaf Residence by Global Green Property</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <strong>Best Housing Development</strong> <ul><br /> <li>Dagon Golf City by Royal Sky Company Limited</li> <br /> <li>Golden Valley Residences by Atlas Development</li> <br /> <li>Lotus Hill by Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <br /> <strong><u>DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES (COMMERCIAL)</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Office Development</strong> <ul><br /> <li>Kantharyar Centre by Asia Myanmar Shining Star Investment Co., Ltd.</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <br /> <strong>Best Retail Development</strong> <ul><br /> <li>The Central by Marga Landmark</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <strong>Best Hotel Development</strong> <ul><br /> <li>Kantharyar Centre by Asia Myanmar Shining Star Investment Co., Ltd.</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <strong>Best Mixed Use Development</strong> <ul><br /> <li>Kabar Aye Executive Residence by Living Square Co. Ltd.</li> <br /> <li>Kantharyar Centre by Asia Myanmar Shining Star Investment Co., Ltd.</li> <br /> <li>The Central by Marga Landmark</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <strong>Best Special Commercial Development</strong> <ul><br /> <li>Danyingone Fruits, Vegetables & Flowers Wholesale Market by Dagon Group of Companies</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <strong>Best Golf Development</strong> <ul><br /> <li>Dagon Golf City – International 18 Holes Golf Course & Clubhouse by Royal Sky Company Limited</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <strong>Best Serviced Apartment Development</strong> <ul><br /> <li>85 SOHO Serviced Residences by Greenhub Serviced Offices Yangon Limited, Subsidiary of LHN Limited</li> <br /> <li>Kantharyar Centre by Asia Myanmar Shining Star Investment Co., Ltd.</li> <br /> <li>[email protected] by Myanmar Seilone</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <br /> <strong><u>DESIGN CATEGORIES</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Condo Design</strong> <ul><br /> <li>The Leaf Residence by Global Green Property</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <strong>Best Housing Design</strong> <ul><br /> <li>Dagon Golf City by Royal Sky Company Limited</li> <br /> <li>Golden Valley Residences by Atlas Development</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <strong>Best Residential Interior Design</strong> <ul><br /> <li>Dagon Golf City by Royal Sky Company Limited</li> <br /> <li>[email protected] by The Keier Group Myanmar Co. Ltd</li> <br /> <li>The Leaf Residence by Global Green Property</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <strong>Best Landscape Design</strong> <ul><br /> <li>Dagon Golf City by Royal Sky Company Limited</li> <br /> <li>Pun Hlaing Estate by Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd</li> <br /> <li>The Leaf Residence by Global Green Property</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> <strong><u>PUBLISHER’S CHOICE</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Real Estate Personality of the Year</strong> <ul><br /> <li>Aung Zaw Naing, Group CEO, Shwe Taung Group</li> <br /> <li> </li> </ul> The PropertyGuru Myanmar Property Awards is supported by co-sponsors Rinnai and TEKA; official portal partner ShweProperty.com; media partners Myanmar Insider, Oxford Business Group, Golden Hexagon, Frontier Myanmar Research and Advisory, and Property Report; supporting associations British Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, European Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, The American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, The Australia Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and French Myanmar Chamber of Commerce; official hotel venue Sedona Hotel Yangon; and official supervisor BDO.<br /> <br /> For more information about the PropertyGuru Myanmar Property Awards, email <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or visit the official website: <a href="http://asiapropertyawards.com/Myanmar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AsiaPropertyAwards.com/Myanmar</a>. <p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.property-report.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Phan-Thanh-Huy_Novaland-Group-CEO_1.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63787" height="739" src="http://www.property-report.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Phan-Thanh-Huy_Novaland-Group-CEO_1.png" width="803" /></a>Novaland Group CEO Phan Thanh Huy has been selected the 2017 Vietnam Real Estate Personality of the Year by the editors of Property Report magazine. He will be honoured at the gala ceremony of the third annual PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards on Friday, 2 June.<br /> <br /> The Vietnamese executive was chosen to receive the coveted award for his role in Novaland’s consistent delivery of high quality developments that help in improving the standard of living in the country.<br /> <br /> “I am honoured to represent Novaland Group and receive the Real Estate Personality of the Year 2017 award from the editors of Property Report magazine,” says Phan Thanh Huy. “This award means so much, not only to myself, but also to Novaland Group employees, customers, stakeholders and partners. This is truly an accomplishment for our entire team that began with a vision shared by our Board of Directors and carried out by our employees.”<br /> <br /> <strong>"Integrity, efficiency and professionalism"</strong><br /> <br /> The Vietnam Real Estate Personality of the Year award is presented to an individual who has made lasting contributions to the local property sector in the past year. It is the only award not selected by the independent panel of judges of the PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards.<br /> <br /> Phan Thanh Huy has more than 15 years of experience in the finance and real estate industries and has held various senior management positions at Novaland, including deputy managing director and general director before assuming his role as CEO. He currently serves as a member of the firm’s Board of Directors.<br /> <br /> A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Apollos University in the US, Phan Thanh Huy has consistently championed Novaland’s core values – "integrity, efficiency and professionalism" – telling his team to “continuously strive to build our systems, improve procedures and unite our people” in a recent message to employees and stakeholders.<br /> <br /> <strong>Transforming a Vietnamese brand</strong><br /> <br /> Through his leadership, the executive aims to transform Novaland into a recognised and reliable Vietnamese brand in the international real estate market following 25 years of development in Ho Chi Minh City and other key cities in the country.<br /> <br /> “We’re passionate about what we do. Our three core values have provided us with the perfect model to accomplish our goals,” he says. “Our activities are based on these guidelines, which helped us to strengthen our team, respect local laws, become more customer-focused, and take public interest into consideration in order to ensure sustainable development.”<br /> <br /> Novaland continues to make strides in the sector after being named the year’s Best Developer (Vietnam) at the first-ever Vietnam Property Awards 2015. This year, the firm has earned four nominations, including nods for The Sun Avenue condominium development in HCMC and hotel project Nova Serai Phù Sa.<br /> <br /> <strong>Journey of excellence</strong><br /> <br /> “I would like to thank everyone at Novaland Group for their dedication, joy and passionate hard work throughout this journey of excellence. Importantly, I also would like to thank our customers, partners, investors, and especially PropertyGuru Group for organising this prestigious awards programme.”<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.property-report.com/kohler-is-main-sponsor-of-five-propertyguru-asia-property-awards-2017-events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Presented by Kohler in 2017</a>, the third edition of the PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards is co-organised by local partner Oriental Media. More than 400 guests and VIPs are expected to attend the gala dinner on 2 June at the InterContinental Saigon Hotel ballroom where Winners and Highly Commended awardees in the competition categories, plus other special awards, will be revealed.<br /> <br /> For reservations or more information about the PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards, email <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[email protected]</a> or visit the official website: <a href="http://www.asiapropertyawards.com/vietnam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AsiaPropertyAwards.com/vietnam</a>.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.property-report.com/extremely-competitive-propertyguru-vietnam-property-awards-2017-announces-shortlist/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Read next: Extremely competitive PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards 2017 announces shortlist</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/-2912531623871771840ANC_prm-1.jpg/3519ed84-24f4-42ee-a131-f18676bae064?t=1499855315828"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-62858" height="400" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/-2912531623871771840ANC_prm-1.jpg/3519ed84-24f4-42ee-a131-f18676bae064?t=1499855315828" width="740" /></a><a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/anc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel</a>, has <a href="http://www.property-report.com/anc-chosen-as-philippines-property-awards-2016-official-broadcaster/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">again signed on</a> to become the 2017 official broadcaster of the fifth annual PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, which takes place on Thursday, 4 May.<br /> <br /> "The fact that the country has one of the most dynamic and vibrant property markets means that someone truly needs to be an achiever to be recognised at these awards...with excellence as the guiding value. Excellence has always been one of the guiding principles of ANC – and as such, we are proud to support endeavours that seek to recognise people and companies that promote excellence, no matter what the field,” said Rhobee L. Pilares, ANC’s head of business and operations.<br /> <br /> Launched in 1996, ANC is the Philippines’ first 24-hour all-news network, featuring original news content and in-depth analyses in English and Filipino intended for local and international cable viewers.<br /> <br /> The channel has won several awards in the last 21 years, including 2015’s '<a href="http://abscbnpr.com/anc-named-tv-station-of-the-year-by-the-rotary-club-of-manila/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Television Station of the Year</a>’ given by the Rotary Club of Manila for its outstanding journalistic standards and values.<br /> <br /> ANC is available on SkyCable, The Filipino Channel (TFC) and online streaming via <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/anc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">anc.abscbnnews.com</a>. The channel also has a wide following on social channels including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.<br /> <br /> For tickets to the annual PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards gala dinner at the Fairmont Makati, email <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[email protected]</a> or visit the official website: <a href="http://www.AsiaPropertyAwards.com/philippines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AsiaPropertyAwards.com/philippines</a>.<br /> <br /> Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AsiaPropertyAwards&src=typd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#AsiaPropertyAwards</a> to join the real-time conversation about the Asia Property Awards series on social media.</p> <p class="post-title"><strong><a class="post-link" href="http://www.property-report.com/full-shortlist-announced-for-philippines-property-awards-2017/">Read next: Full shortlist announced for Philippines Property Awards 2017</a></strong></p> <p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.property-report.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/kohler.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-62854" height="470" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/-9017162420047971005kohler-1024x651.png/d2a8840c-22f3-4797-9df9-834352aa7a1f?t=1499855315660" width="740" /></a></strong>Kohler Co. will serve as the title sponsor of the 2017 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards events in five markets, namely the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.<br /> <br /> “The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards is one of the most renowned awards in Asia that gives recognition to developers for their remarkable developments. By being the title sponsor this year, we believe it provides us a great platform to engage and strengthen our relationship with architects and developers as well as showcase our newest products,” the company said in a statement.<br /> <br /> Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies comprised of more than 30,000 associates.<br /> <br /> With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products; engines and power systems; premier furniture, cabinetry and tile; and owner/operator of two of the world’s finest five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, and St Andrews, Scotland.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.property-report.com/save-the-dates-asia-property-awards-2017-season-calendar/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Save the dates: 2017 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards season calendar</strong></a><br /> <br /> “It will be an honour to be part of the awards programme that appreciates the most outstanding developments in Asia today,” Kohler added.<br /> <br /> Established in 2005, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards has an unparalleled reputation for being credible, fair and transparent, with an independent panel of judges and trusted awards supervisor. It hosts several annual gala dinners, welcoming up to 600 C-level executives and industry figures from around the region.<br /> <br /> A widely recognised as a professionally-run international awards series, the 12-year-old programme continues to set the gold standard for achievement and success in the Asian real estate sector.<br /> <br /> Tickets for the gala dinner are available. For reservations, email <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[email protected]</a> or visit the official website: <a href="http://www.AsiaPropertyAwards.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AsiaPropertyAwards.com</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.property-report.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/PropertyGuru-Vietnam-Property-Awards-2017-shortlist_1.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-62741" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/3457117726522905423PropertyGuru-Vietnam-Property-Awards-2017-shortlist_1-1024x768.jpg/b0826242-7a42-4177-8ad3-be37c6591d66?t=1499855312003" style="width: 740px; height: 555px;" /></a><strong>CapitaLand Vietnam leads the nominations with 10 nods in the final shortlist</strong><br /> <br /> The PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards 2017, presented by Kohler, has announced the complete shortlist of nominees for the prestigious annual competition.<br /> <br /> Rewarding the country’s best developers, real estate projects and design in the top-tier markets and emerging resort destinations, the PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards will include honours for Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as outstanding residential development in Danang, Ha Long Bay and Nha Trang.<br /> <br /> Leading the race is CapitaLand Vietnam, with 10 appearances in the final shortlist, including nods for its condominium and retail projects. The firm behind D1MENSION, the nominated branded condo development in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, joins this year’s edition following a single win and two Highly Commended accolades in 2016 for its high-end properties in HCMC and Hanoi.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/u8WCmeIBoV8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Watch: Highlights from the PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards 2016 gala dinner</strong></a><br /> <br /> In Danang, MIVI Joint Stock Company’s mixed-use development X2 HOI AN collects a total of seven nominations, including five citations in architectural, interior and landscape design. Comprising hotel and residential villa units, the Co Co River front project is set to become one of the acclaimed destinations in Vietnam’s central coast.<br /> <br /> Phat Dat Real Estate Development Corporation earns six places in the shortlist, including two nods for the hotly contested Best High End Condo Development (Ho Chi Minh City) category, where it’s competing against the high-profile Diamond Island by Kusto Home and The Sun Avenue by four-time nominee Novaland Group, the Best Developer winner during the inaugural awards in 2015.<br /> <br /> <strong>Former Best Developer title holders return</strong><br /> <br /> Another Best Developer (Vietnam) title holder returns to the competition, this time with a single nomination for Nam Long Investment Corporation for its housing project called Valora Fuji.<br /> <br /> In Hanoi, Vietnam International Township Development (VIDC), developer of the integrated community project ParkCity Hanoi that began development in 2008, earns four nominations in the Development and Design categories.<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/PropertyGuru-Vietnam-Property-Awards-2017-shortlist_2.jpg/b463b7dc-0d55-49b9-a769-e8cecd2a247f?t=1500286242226" style="width: 740px; height: 555px;" /></p> <p>Nearly 130 entries were submitted for the extremely competitive 2017 Awards, with a total of 23 companies making the final cut following a rigorous nomination and judging process in the last six months.<br /> <br /> Thien Duong, managing director of Transform Architecture, once again heads the 10-member central panel that comprises experts in the real estate sector and related fields.<br /> <br /> <strong>Higher levels of standard</strong><br /> <br /> “PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards offer quality projects in Vietnam a great amount of exposure to the local market as well as to foreign investors. Well-designed and developed projects help to set higher levels of standard for properties in Vietnam,” he commented.<br /> <br /> Expressing his support for the shortlisted companies, he added: “Developers can be proud that they have made benchmark contributions to the built environment and while giving high value for money to their customers and investors. There is an opportunity for businesses in Vietnam, which strive not just for profit but to create brands that have long term credibility in the market.”</p> <h3><strong>Below is the full shortlist of the PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards 2017: </strong></h3> <br /> <strong><u>DEVELOPER</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Developer</strong> <ul> <li>WINNER to be revealed on 2 June 2017</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Boutique Developer</strong> <ul> <li>Hung Thinh Real Estate Business Investment Corporation (Hung Thinh Corp)</li> </ul> <br /> <strong><u>BEST OF THE BEST</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Condo Development (Vietnam)</strong> <ul> <li>WINNER to be revealed on 2 June 2017</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Housing Development (Vietnam)</strong> <ul> <li>WINNER to be revealed on 2 June 2017</li> <br /> </ul> <strong><u>SPECIAL AWARDS</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Green Development</strong> <ul> <li>Seasons Avenue by CapitaLand Vietnam</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Universal Design Development</strong> <ul> <li>Gamuda Gardens (The ZEN Residence) by Gamuda Land</li> <li>Mapletree Business Centre by Mapletree Vietnam</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Special Recognition in CSR</strong> <ul> <li>Novaland Group</li> <br /> </ul> <strong><u>DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES (RESIDENTIAL)</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Luxury Condo Development (Ho Chi Minh City)</strong> <ul> <li>D1MENSION by CapitaLand Vietnam</li> <li>Evergreen by Tai Nguyen Ltd</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best High End Condo Development (Ho Chi Minh City)</strong> <ul> <li>Diamond Island by Kusto Home</li> <li>Millennium by Phat Dat Real Estate Development Corporation</li> <li>The EverRich Infinity by Phat Dat Real Estate Development Corporation</li> <li>The Sun Avenue by Novaland Group</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Mid End Condo Development (Ho Chi Minh City)</strong> <ul> <li>Riva Park by Viet Real Estate Commercial Joint Stock Company (Vietcomreal)</li> <li>The Habitat by VSIP-Sembcorp Gateway Development Co., Ltd.</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Affordable Condo Development (Ho Chi Minh City)</strong> <ul> <li>Citisoho by Kien A Corp</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Housing Development (Ho Chi Minh City)</strong> <ul> <li>Evergreen by Tai Nguyen Ltd</li> <li>Senturia Vuon Lai by Tien Phuoc Real Estate Joint Stock Company</li> <li>Valora Fuji by Nam Long Investment Corporation</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best High End Condo Development (Hanoi)</strong> <ul> <li>Seasons Avenue by CapitaLand Vietnam</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Mid End Condo Development (Hanoi)</strong> <ul> <li>EcoHome Phuc Loi by Capital House</li> <li>Gamuda Gardens (The ZEN Residence) by Gamuda Land</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Housing Development (Hanoi)</strong> <ul> <li>Evelyne Gardens Residential Neighborhood, ParkCity Hanoi Township by ParkCity Hanoi</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Condo Development (Danang)</strong> <ul> <li>X2 HOI AN by MIVI Joint Stock Company</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Housing Development (Danang)</strong> <ul> <li>X2 HOI AN by MIVI Joint Stock Company</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Residential Development (Ha Long Bay)</strong> <ul> <li>FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club & Luxury Resort by FLC Group</li> <li>Times Garden Ha Long by Times Garden Vietnam JSC</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Residential Development (Nha Trang)</strong> <ul> <li>Panorama Nha Trang by Nha Trang Bay Investment and Construction Joint Stock Company</li> <br /> </ul> <strong><u>DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES (COMMERCIAL)</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Office Development</strong> <ul> <li>Mapletree Business Centre by Mapletree Vietnam</li> </ul> <p> </p> <strong>Best Retail Development</strong> <ul> <li>Millennium by Phat Dat Real Estate Development Corporation</li> <li>The Oxygen by CapitaLand Vietnam</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Hotel Development</strong> <ul> <li>FLC Quynhon Beach and Golf Resort by FLC Group</li> <li>Fleur de Lys by Naviland JSC</li> <li>Nova Phù Sa by Novaland Group</li> <li>The Westin Resort by Phat Dat Real Estate Development Corporation</li> <br /> </ul> <strong><u>DESIGN CATEGORIES</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Condo Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>D1MENSION by CapitaLand Vietnam</li> <li>Feliz en Vista by CapitaLand Vietnam</li> <li>Panorama Nha Trang by Nha Trang Bay Investment and Construction Joint Stock Company</li> <li>The EverRich Infinity by Phat Dat Real Estate Development Corporation</li> <li>Waterina Suites by Maeda Thien Duc Company Limited</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Housing Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>Evelyne Gardens Residential Neighborhood, ParkCity Hanoi Township by ParkCity Hanoi</li> <li>Evergreen by Tai Nguyen Ltd</li> <li>X2 HOI AN by MIVI Joint Stock Company</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Residential Interior Design</strong> <ul> <li>City Garden by Sicart & Smith Architects</li> <li>D1MENSION by CapitaLand Vietnam</li> <li>Feliz en Vista by CapitaLand Vietnam</li> <li>X2 HOI AN by MIVI Joint Stock Company</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Retail Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>The ParkCity Club Hanoi, ParkCity Hanoi Township by Vietnam International Township Development Joint Stock Company</li> <li>The Oxygen by CapitaLand Vietnam</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Office Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>Mapletree Business Centre by Mapletree Vietnam</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Hotel Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>Fleur de Lys by Naviland JSC</li> <li>Regent Phu Quoc Hotel & Villas by BIM Group</li> <li>X2 HOI AN by MIVI Joint Stock Company</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Hotel Interior Design</strong> <ul> <li>Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon by KAZE Vietnam Co., Ltd</li> <li>X2 Hoi An by Mivi Joint Stock Company</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Condo Landscape Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>Diamond Island by Kusto Home Vietnam</li> <li>Feliz en Vista by CapitaLand Vietnam</li> <li>Kenton Node by Tai Nguyen Ltd</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Housing Landscape Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>Lavila by Kien A Corp</li> <li>Senturia Vuon Lai by Tien Phuoc Real Estate Joint Stock Company</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Hotel Landscape Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>Nova Phù Sa by Novaland Group</li> <li>The Westin Resort by Phat Dat Real Estate Development Corporation</li> <li>X2 HOI AN by MIVI Joint Stock Company</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Retail Landscape Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>The ParkCity Club Hanoi, ParkCity Hanoi Township by Vietnam International Township Development Joint Stock Company</li> <br /> </ul> <strong><a class="post-link" href="http://www.property-report.com/an-cuong-wood-returns-as-co-sponsor-of-the-vietnam-property-awards-2017/">Related: An Cuong wood returns as co-sponsor of the Vietnam Property Awards 2017</a></strong><br /> <br /> With the unparalleled reputation of the PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards in the local real estate industry for being credible, fair and transparent, with an independent judging body, established and up-and-coming developers join the competition to receive the industry’s stamp of approval.<br /> <br /> The Winners and Highly Commended awardees in 33 categories will be revealed at the black-tie gala dinner on 2 June at the InterContinental Asiana Saigon. An estimated 400 guests comprising senior industry figures are expected to join the exclusive event.<br /> <br /> <strong>Vietnam is a vital market</strong><br /> <br /> Hari V. Krishnan, CEO, PropertyGuru Group, said: “Vietnam is a vital market for PropertyGuru Group. In the past year Vietnam became our fifth core market and I’m excited to see more positive developments in the country’s real estate industry. Through the PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards we’re investing in the success of Vietnamese developers and championing them to produce the best properties that cater to serial investors and younger consumers.<br /> <br /> “The developments that made this year’s shortlist of nominees are very encouraging as they bring great value to consumers especially at a time when property seekers look to trusted online and offline platforms to guide them as they make their property decisions.”<br /> <br /> Terry Blackburn, founder and managing director of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, commented: “I would like to thank the chairman of the judges, the central panel and everyone who have assisted during the site visits, for the long hours that they’ve put in to ensure that the awards process is ethical, fair, transparent and credible. The panel represents the finest real estate professionals in Vietnam and we’re very appreciative of their contributions.”<br /> <br /> <strong><a class="post-link" href="http://www.property-report.com/vietnam-property-awards-adds-kitchen-manufacturer-malloca-as-2017-co-sponsor/">Related: Vietnam Property Awards adds Malloca as 2017 co-sponsor</a></strong><br /> <br /> PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards 2017 is supported by title sponsor Kohler; co-sponsors An Cuong Wood and Malloca; official property portal Batdonsan.com.vn; official newspaper Viet Nam News; media partners Deluxe, Resort and Spa, and PropertyGuru Property Report magazines; supporting associations British Business Group Vietnam and European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam; local representative Oriental Media Vietnam; and official supervisor BDO led in Vietnam by audit partner Jeffrey Ong Peng Lock and audit manager Nguyen Thuy Hoa.<br /> <br /> Early bird tickets for the gala dinner are available until 5 May. For reservations or more information about the PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards, email <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[email protected]</a> or visit the official website: <a href="http://www.asiapropertyawards.com/vietnam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AsiaPropertyAwards.com/vietnam</a>.
<p><a href="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/-1947533114300784456OBG-master-logo.png/28836149-944a-4fe7-842b-f48a6f049eda?t=1499855309987"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-62679" height="464" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/-1947533114300784456OBG-master-logo.png/28836149-944a-4fe7-842b-f48a6f049eda?t=1499855309987" width="740" /></a>Internationally acclaimed business intelligence provider Oxford Business Group has signed on as media partner for the fifth annual PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2017, presented by Kohler.<br /> <br /> Spanning the residential, commercial and design sectors, the final shortlist of the annual awards programme is led by 2016 Best Developer winner Megaworld Corporation, which collects a total of 25 official nominations this year.<br /> <br /> Developers Robinsons Land Corporation and ArthaLand are joined by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life) in second place with five nods each.<br /> <br /> Lindsay J. Orr, chairman of JLL Philippines, once again heads the independent judging panel, which comprises some of the industry’s most respected leaders in real estate, consultancy, green certification, design and related fields.<br /> <br /> Winners will be revealed at a black-tie gala dinner and awards presentation ceremony on Thursday, 4 May 2017, at the Fairmont Makati. The evening’s guest of honour is Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo, who will give the opening keynote address.<br /> <br /> During the gala dinner, a special award will be also presented to Robinsons Land Corporation president Frederick D. Go, who has been chosen by the editors of <em>Property Report</em> magazine as the 2017 Philippines Real Estate Personality of the Year.<br /> <br /> Main competition category country winners in the Philippines will advance to the two-day PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards grand finale this November at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Singapore to compete for more regional accolades and to be crowned "the best in Asia”.<br /> <br /> OBG members are entitled to a special early bird rate (12 percent) discount for the gala dinner in Manila on 4 May, with single tickets priced at only SD175 (full price: USD200).<br /> <br /> For more information about the fifth annual PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, email <u>[email protected]</u> or visit the official website: <a href="http://www.asiapropertyawards.com/philippines-property-awards/">AsiaPropertyAwards.com/philippines-property-awards/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/-6064685503687524688Cambodia-Property-Awards-2017_9-1.jpg/e7947c35-e1a3-41ec-83e1-3174c4f0ba8a?t=1499855309094"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-62651" height="494" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/-6064685503687524688Cambodia-Property-Awards-2017_9-1.jpg/e7947c35-e1a3-41ec-83e1-3174c4f0ba8a?t=1499855309094" width="740" /></a>Relive the biggest moments of the 2nd annual PropertyGuru Cambodia Property Awards 2017, featuring exclusive interviews with some of the winners and judges, and appearances by <a href="http://www.property-report.com/the-complete-winners-list-cambodia-property-awards-2017/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Best Developer winner Borey Peng Huoth Group</a>, the Secretary of State H.E. Mr Pen Sophal, and keynote speaker Cambodia’s H.E. Senior Minister Chea Sophara, who was the evening’s guest of honour.<br /> <br /> Cambodian media personalities Tony Re-al and Neang Sovathana served as emcees of the black-tie gala dinner held at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra on 24 March. The exclusive event, which was <a href="http://www.property-report.com/catch-the-live-telecast-of-the-cambodia-property-awards-2017-on-cnc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">telecast live on the Cambodia News Channel</a>, was attended by more then 300 guests and senior industry figures.<br /> <br /> Watch the four-minute highlights video:<br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Sb4RoTR9qw" width="560"></iframe><br /> <br /> The domestic winners in the Cambodia are now headed to the seventh annual PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final 2017 to compete for more regional honours to be named the ‘Best in Asia’.<br /> <br /> For more information about the Grand Final, visit the official website: <a href="http://asiapropertyawards.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">AsiaPropertyAwards.com</a><br /> <br /> <strong><a class="post-link-small" href="http://www.property-report.com/cambodia-property-awards-2017-winners-focus-on-expertly-planned-developments/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read next: PropertyGuru Cambodia Property Awards 2017 reward expertly planned projects</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.property-report.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Philippines-Property-Awards.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-62340" height="491" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/8058697645671829822Philippines-Property-Awards-1024x680.png/bf305674-47b1-40df-a093-aaf4dcf9d867?t=1499855295350" width="740" /></a><strong>Megaworld Corporation roars to the top of the race with 25 appearances in the final shortlist</strong><br /> <br /> The complete 2017 shortlist for the fifth annual PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards has been announced, featuring previous winners and up-and-coming developers from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.<br /> <br /> Spanning the residential, commercial and design sectors, the final shortlist is led by 2016 Best Developer winner Megaworld Corporation, which is known for pioneering the integrated urban township concept in the country.<br /> <br /> Presented by title sponsor Kohler, this year’s competition could become another landmark event for the celebrated developer as it collects a total of 25 official nominations, more than any other company. Megaworld projects are competing against each other in various categories, including Best Luxury Condo Development and Best High End Condo Development for Metro Manila, Best Retail Development, and Best Residential Architectural Design.<br /> <br /> <strong>Long-awaited development</strong><br /> <br /> Developers Robinsons Land Corporation and ArthaLand are joined by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life) in second place with five nods each. Philam Life, currently the largest insurance firm in the country, made the cut after entering its long-awaited office building located in Cebu Business Park.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.property-report.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Philippines-Property-Awards-2017_2.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-62336" height="491" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/271502538552925945Philippines-Property-Awards-2017_2-1024x680.png/6a4fb3db-d3ce-4d2c-9d4f-e0e20976d351?t=1499855295666" width="740" /></a><br /> <br /> When the company launched its project more than three years ago, they said it would be one of the tallest towers in Metro Cebu. The company plans to make the office building, which has been nominated for Best BPO Office Development, its headquarters in central Philippines.<br /> <br /> <strong>Strong office sector</strong><br /> <br /> With a very strong business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, modern office buildings are in high demand not just in Metro Manila. Lindsay J. Orr, chairman of JLL Philippines and head judge of the Philippines Property Awards, believes that the sector will continue to flourish despite recent plans to levy exorbitant taxes on US-based outsourcing firms that conduct business in the country.<br /> <br /> “My take on it is that those BPO contracts with the US will still be honoured. Doors are also opening to China and Russia. I look at it more as an opening up of a relationship to other countries,” he said.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.property-report.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Philippines-Property-Awards-2017_1.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-62352" height="493" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/6956082086065988270Philippines-Property-Awards-2017_1-1024x682.png/2d10ac11-546f-4a97-806e-128b4a5d6b34?t=1499855295970" width="740" /></a><br /> <br /> The fifth edition of Awards is also opening doors to new categories in the expanded 2017 programme. For the first time, the panel of judges will honour developments that incorporate universal design elements.<br /> <br /> “Universal Design is the design of a built environment that can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability,” explained Terry Blackburn, founder and managing director of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards. “We are proud to recognise it alongside longstanding awards for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development as part of PropertyGuru Group’s own CSR mission.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Excellence in real estate</strong><br /> <br /> “With the commercial real estate and condominium segments in the Philippines flourishing, we believe it’s time to reward the developers who put consumers first,” he added. “Their projects exhibit dedication and excellence in real estate for which the Awards stand.”<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.property-report.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Philippines-Property-Awards-2017_4.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-62339" height="491" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/667233707657174675Philippines-Property-Awards-2017_4-1024x679.png/b3a13e08-ee77-4b0f-bc3b-85ec35910259?t=1499855296269" width="740" /></a><br /> <br /> A total of 89 entries were received this year, following a six-month nomination and judging process supervised by BDO, one of the world’s largest accountancy and auditing firms.<br /> <br /> Winners will be revealed at a black-tie gala dinner and awards presentation ceremony on Thursday, 4 May 2017, at the Fairmont Makati, were about 300 of the country’s top industry executives will be in attendance, including the evening’s guest of honour, Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo, who will be giving the opening keynote address and discuss the impact of the country’s tourism sector on the rapidly-growing real estate market.<br /> <br /> <strong>Transforming people's dreams into reality</strong><br /> <br /> During the gala dinner, a special award will be also be presented to Robinsons Land Corporation president Frederick D. Go, who has been chosen by the editors of Property Report magazine as the 2017 Philippines Real Estate Personality of the Year for “leading the company that transforms people's dreams into reality through real estate projects that last generations.”<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.property-report.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Philippines-Property-Awards-2017_5.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-62337" height="491" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/4188112775572389075Philippines-Property-Awards-2017_5-1024x680.png/a11f005f-0653-42e8-b44c-d24a10fd3f43?t=1499855296589" width="740" /></a></p> <p>“We want to leave a legacy of having improved the quality of life of everyone we have touched in our businesses, whether they are a mall customer or partner, an occupant in our office buildings, a hotel guest or a homeowner,” Go said on behalf of his firm. “We are building the business of building dreams and making life better.”<br /> <br /> Main competition category country winners in the Philippines will advance to the two-day PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards grand finale this November at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Singapore to compete for more regional accolades and to be crowned "the best in Asia”.<br /> <br /> <strong>Tech-savvy real estate consumers in the Philippines</strong><br /> <br /> Hari V. Krishnan, CEO of PropertyGuru Group, said: “Congratulations to the developers who made the shortlist of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards. We’re excited to learn about the impressive projects across different segments, including the rapidly-growing office sector. This generation of young and tech-savvy real estate consumers, many of whom are thinking of buying or renting their first property in the Philippines, will be more equipped to make confident and informed property decisions based on the results of this year’s competition.”<br /> <br /> <a href="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/7538327353927010101Philippines-Property-Awards-2017_3.png/24020453-628a-4765-8cb3-36c05c1c646e?t=1499855296892"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-62338" height="518" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/7538327353927010101Philippines-Property-Awards-2017_3.png/24020453-628a-4765-8cb3-36c05c1c646e?t=1499855296892" width="740" /></a><br /> <br /> <strong>Full shortlist of the </strong><strong>PropertyGuru</strong><strong> </strong><strong>Philippines Property Awards 2017:</strong><br /> <br /> <strong><u>DEVELOPER</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Developer</strong></p> <ul> <li>WINNER to be revealed on 4 May 2017</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Boutique Developer</strong> <ul> <li>AppleOne Properties Inc</li> <br /> <li>Keyland</li> <br /> </ul> <strong><u>BEST OF THE BEST</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Green Development</strong> <ul> <li>ArthaLand Century Pacific Tower by ArthaLand</li> <br /> <li>Philam Life Center Cebu by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life)</li> </ul> <br /> <strong>Best Universal Design Development</strong> <ul> <li>Moritz Private Estates by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>Vista Taft by Vista Residences, Inc. (Vista Land Group)<strong> </strong></li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Condo Development (Philippines)</strong> <ul> <li>WINNER to be revealed on 4 May 2017</li> </ul> <br /> <strong><u>SPECIAL AWARDS</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Special Recognition in CSR</strong> <ul> <li>ArthaLand</li> <br /> <li>Century Properties Group Inc</li> <br /> <li>Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>Robinsons Land Corporation</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Special Recognition in Sustainable Development</strong> <ul> <li>ArthaLand</li> <br /> <li>Robinsons Land Corporation</li> <br /> </ul> <strong><u>DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES (RESIDENTIAL)</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Luxury Condo Development (Metro Manila)</strong> <ul> <li>Livingstone by Century Properties Group Inc</li> <br /> <li>Moritz Private Estates by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>The Florence by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>The Royalton by Ortigas & Company</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best High End Condo Development (Metro Manila)</strong> <ul> <li>27 Annapolis by Bayswater Realty</li> <br /> <li>8 Forbes Town Road by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>One Eastwood Avenue by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>Solstice by Alveo Land Corporation</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Affordable Condo Development (Metro Manila)</strong> <ul> <li>Casa de Sequioa by Keyland</li> <br /> <li>Vista Taft by Vista Residences, Inc. (Vista Land Group)</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Urban Condo Development</strong> <ul> <li>Urban Deca Tower Edsa by 8990 Holdings, Inc.</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Condo Development (Cebu)</strong> <ul> <li>AppleOne Banawa Heights by AppleOne Properties Inc</li> <br /> <li>One Pacific Residence by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Residential Development (Davao)</strong> <ul> <li>Damosa Fairlane by Damosa Land</li> <br /> <li>Seawind by Damosa Land</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Residential Development (Resort)</strong> <ul> <li>Tagaytay Highlands (Woodridge Place) by Highlands Prime, Inc. (SM Group)</li> <br /> </ul> <strong><u>DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES (COMMERCIAL)</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Office Development</strong> <ul> <li>Alliance Global Tower by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>ArthaLand Century Pacific Tower by ArthaLand</li> <br /> <li>Philam Life Center Cebu by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life)</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best BPO Office Development</strong> <ul> <li>Philam Life Center Cebu by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life)</li> <br /> <li>Scape by Asya Design</li> <br /> <li>Southkey Hub by Keyland</li> <br /> <li>Tower One Plaza Magellan by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Retail Development</strong> <ul> <li>Robinsons Galleria Cebu by Robinsons Land Corporation</li> <br /> <li>Uptown Mall by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>Venice Grand Canal Mall by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Mixed Use Development</strong> <ul> <li>8 Forbes Town Road by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>Base Line Center by Cebu Landmasters, Inc.</li> <br /> <li>Grand Tower Cebu by Grand Land Inc.</li> <br /> </ul> <strong><u>DESIGN CATEGORIES</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Best Residential Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>One Eastwood Avenue by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>One Pacific Residence by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>One Uptown Residence by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>The Radiance Manila Bay by Robinsons Land Corporation</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Residential Interior Design</strong> <ul> <li>Moritz Private Estates by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>The Sapphire Bloc by Robinsons Land Corporation</li> <br /> <li>Three Central by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Retail Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>Uptown Mall by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>Venice Grand Canal Mall by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Office Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>Alliance Global Tower by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>ArthaLand Century Pacific Tower by ArthaLand</li> <br /> <li>Philam Life Center Cebu by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life)</li> <br /> <li>Scape by Asya Design</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Residential Landscape Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>Damosa Fairlane by Damosa Land</li> <br /> <li>One Pacific Residence by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>One Uptown Residence by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>The Florence by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Office Landscape Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>Alliance Global Tower by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> <li>Philam Life Center Cebu by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life)</li> <br /> <li>Scape by Asya Design</li> <br /> </ul> <strong>Best Retail Landscape Architectural Design</strong> <ul> <li>Uptown Mall by Megaworld Corporation</li> <br /> </ul> <strong><u>PUBLISHER’S CHOICE</u></strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Real Estate Personality of the Year</strong> <ul> <li>Frederick D. Go, President, Robinsons Land Corporation</li> <br /> </ul> <a href="http://www.property-report.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Philippines-Property-Awards-2017_6.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-62355" height="491" src="http://207.182.133.82/documents/10184/10911/-4893942464347517953Philippines-Property-Awards-2017_6-1024x680.png/b27ec789-439d-464a-b1f9-8cf34f0d2f09?t=1499855297204" width="740" /></a><br /> <br /> PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2017 gala dinner is supported by title sponsor Kohler, co-sponsors JLL Philippines and Regus Philippines, official broadcaster The ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), official newspaper The Philippine STAR, official property portal Zipmatch.com, official charity CARE International, official supplier Titania Wine Cellar Inc, media partners Inquirer.net, Oxford Business Group, HGTV Asia and PropertyGuru Property Report magazine, supporting associations British Chamber of Commerce Philippines and European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and official judging supervisor BDO, the world’s fifth largest auditing and accountancy firm led by co-managing partner Paul Ashburn.<br /> <br /> For tickets or more information about the fifth annual PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, email <u>[email protected]</u> or visit the official website: <a href="http://www.asiapropertyawards.com/philippines-property-awards/" target="_blank">AsiaPropertyAwards.com/philippines-property-awards/</a>
<p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464115340_1054">Nearly 20 companies are in contention for the archipelago’s most prestigious industry awards for real estate excellence, including last year’s top winners</p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464115340_1090"><img alt="" id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464115340_1089" src="/documents/10197/125417/Philippines+Property+Awards.png/0c9d1e9f-335c-49ad-9563-ba3211968173?t=1491462605771" style="width: 1099px; height: 730px;" /></p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491540914247_997"><strong>Megaworld Corporation roars to the top of the race with 25 appearances in the final shortlist</strong></p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491540914247_1256">The complete 2017 shortlist for the fifth annual PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards has been announced, featuring previous winners and up-and-coming developers from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.</p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1901">Spanning the residential, commercial and design sectors, the final shortlist is led by 2016 Best Developer winner Megaworld Corporation, which is known for pioneering the integrated urban township concept in the country.</p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491540914247_849">Presented by title sponsor Kohler, this year’s competition could become another landmark event for the celebrated developer as it collects a total of 25 official nominations, more than any other company.</p> <p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Megaworld projects are competing against each other in various categories, including Best Luxury Condo Development and Best High End Condo Development for Metro Manila, Best Retail Development, and Best Residential Architectural Design.</span></p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_2008">Developers Robinsons Land Corporation and ArthaLand are joined by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life) in second place with five nods each. Philam Life, currently the largest insurance firm in the country, made the cut after entering its long-awaited office building located in Cebu Business Park.</p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464115340_990"><img alt="" id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464115340_989" src="/documents/10197/125417/Philippines+Property+Awards+2017_2.png/ec731e29-3c07-4c3a-b7c8-595c8e4ceac4?t=1491462682278" style="width: 1098px; height: 729px;" /></p> <p>When the company launched its project more than three years ago, they said it would be one of the tallest towers in Metro Cebu. The company plans to make the office building, which has been nominated for Best BPO Office Development, its headquarters in central Philippines.</p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464191809_1238">With a very strong business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, modern office buildings are in high demand not just in Metro Manila. Lindsay J. Orr, chairman of JLL Philippines and head judge of the Philippines Property Awards, believes that the sector will continue to flourish despite recent plans to levy exorbitant taxes on US-based outsourcing firms that conduct business in the country.</p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464191809_1311"><strong id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464191809_1348">Opening new doors</strong></p> <p>“My take on it is that those BPO contracts with the US will still be honoured. Doors are also opening to China and Russia. I look at it more as an opening up of a relationship to other countries,” he said.</p> <p>The fifth edition of Awards is also opening doors to new categories in the expanded 2017 programme. For the first time, the panel of judges will honour developments that incorporate universal design elements.</p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464115340_939"><img alt="" id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464115340_938" src="/documents/10197/125417/Philippines+Property+Awards+2017_1.png/c4004495-3031-4453-94ce-59b3139021ed?t=1491462662751" style="width: 1096px; height: 730px;" /><br /> <br /> “Universal Design is the design of a built environment that can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability,” explained Terry Blackburn, founder and managing director of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards. <span style="background-color: transparent;">“We are proud to recognise it alongside longstanding awards for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development as part of PropertyGuru Group’s own CSR mission.”</span></p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464191809_1390">“With the commercial real estate and condominium segments in the Philippines flourishing, we believe it’s time to reward the developers who put consumers first,” he added. “Their projects exhibit dedication and excellence in real estate for which the Awards stand.”</p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464191809_1506"><strong>Rapidly-growing real estate market</strong></p> <p>A total of 89 entries were received this year, following a six-month nomination and judging process supervised by BDO, one of the world’s largest accountancy and auditing firms.</p> <p>Winners will be revealed at a black-tie gala dinner and awards presentation ceremony on Thursday, 4 May 2017, at the Fairmont Makati, were about 300 of the country’s top industry executives will be in attendance, including the evening’s guest of honour, Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo, who will be giving the opening keynote address and discuss the impact of the country’s tourism sector on the rapidly-growing real estate market.</p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464115340_887"><img alt="" id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464115340_886" src="/documents/10197/125417/Philippines+Property+Awards+2017_4.png/1039fd2a-80f7-4218-bbdc-4e7c0fab9465?t=1491462713079" style="width: 1100px; height: 729px;" /></p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464191809_1593">During the gala dinner, a special award will be also be presented to Robinsons Land Corporation president Frederick D. Go, who has been chosen by the editors of Property Report magazine as the 2017 Philippines Real Estate Personality of the Year for “leading the company that transforms people's dreams into reality through real estate projects that last generations.”</p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464191809_1718"><strong>Building dreams</strong><br /> <br /> “We want to leave a legacy of having improved the quality of life of everyone we have touched in our businesses, whether they are a mall customer or partner, an occupant in our office buildings, a hotel guest or a homeowner,” Go said on behalf of his firm. “We are building the business of building dreams and making life better.”</p> <p>Main competition category country winners in the Philippines will advance to the two-day PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards grand finale this November at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Singapore to compete for more regional accolades and to be crowned "the best in Asia”.</p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464115340_724"><img alt="" id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464115340_723" src="/documents/10197/125417/Philippines+Property+Awards+2017_6.png/a7a816e8-6d21-40b3-8ab1-016c5f62b318?t=1491462773838" style="width: 1099px; height: 730px;" /></p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464191809_1754">Hari V. Krishnan, CEO of PropertyGuru Group, said: “Congratulations to the developers who made the shortlist of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards. We’re excited to learn about the impressive projects across different segments, including the rapidly-growing office sector. This generation of young and tech-savvy real estate consumers, many of whom are thinking of buying or renting their first property in the Philippines, will be more equipped to make confident and informed property decisions based on the results of this year’s competition.”</p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_2159">PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2017 gala dinner is supported by title sponsor Kohler, co-sponsors JLL Philippines and Regus Philippines, official broadcaster The ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), official newspaper The Philippine STAR, official property portal Zipmatch.com, official charity CARE International, official supplier Titania Wine Cellar Inc, media partners Inquirer.net, Oxford Business Group, HGTV Asia and PropertyGuru Property Report magazine, supporting associations British Chamber of Commerce Philippines and European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and official judging supervisor BDO, the world’s fifth largest auditing and accountancy firm led by co-managing partner Paul Ashburn.</p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464115340_1179"><img alt="" id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464115340_1178" src="/documents/10197/125417/Philippines+Property+Awards+2017_3.png/44ad5f0d-70d4-4baf-838e-1b0de53d23d2?t=1491462696569" style="width: 888px; height: 622px;" /></p> <p><strong>Below is the shortlist of the </strong><strong>PropertyGuru</strong> <strong>Philippines Property Awards 2017:</strong></p> <p><strong><u>DEVELOPER</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Best Developer</strong></p> <ul> <li>WINNER to be revealed on 4 May 2017</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Boutique Developer</strong></p> <ul> <li>AppleOne Properties Inc</li> <li>Keyland</li> </ul> <p><strong><u>BEST OF THE BEST</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Best Green Development</strong></p> <ul> <li>ArthaLand Century Pacific Tower by ArthaLand</li> <li>Philam Life Center Cebu by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Universal Design Development</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_972"> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_971">St. Moritz Private Estates by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li>Vista Taft by Vista Residences, Inc. (Vista Land Group)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Condo Development (Philippines)</strong></p> <ul> <li>WINNER to be revealed on 4 May 2017</li> </ul> <p><strong><u>SPECIAL AWARDS</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Special Recognition in CSR</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1077"> <li>ArthaLand</li> <li>Century Properties Group Inc</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1076">Megaworld Corporation</li> <li>Robinsons Land Corporation</li> </ul> <p><strong>Special Recognition in Sustainable Development</strong></p> <ul> <li>ArthaLand</li> <li>Robinsons Land Corporation</li> </ul> <p><strong><u>DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES (RESIDENTIAL)</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Best Luxury Condo Development (Metro Manila)</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1109"> <li>Livingstone by Century Properties Group Inc</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1120">St. Moritz Private Estates by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1108">The Florence by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li>The Royalton by Ortigas & Company</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best High End Condo Development (Metro Manila)</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1150"> <li>27 Annapolis by Bayswater Realty</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1149">8 Forbes Town Road by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1161">One Eastwood Avenue by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li>Solstice by Alveo Land Corporation</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Affordable Condo Development (Metro Manila)</strong></p> <ul> <li>Casa de Sequioa by Keyland</li> <li>Vista Taft by Vista Residences, Inc. (Vista Land Group)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Urban Condo Development</strong></p> <ul> <li>Urban Deca Tower Edsa by 8990 Holdings, Inc.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Condo Development (Cebu)</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1201"> <li>AppleOne Banawa Heights by AppleOne Properties Inc</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1200">One Pacific Residence by Megaworld Corporation</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Residential Development (Davao)</strong></p> <ul> <li>Damosa Fairlane by Damosa Land</li> <li>Seawind by Damosa Land</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Residential Development (Resort)</strong></p> <ul> <li>Tagaytay Highlands (Woodridge Place) by Highlands Prime, Inc. (SM Group)</li> </ul> <p><strong><u>DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES (COMMERCIAL)</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Best Office Development</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1238"> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1237">Alliance Global Tower by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li>ArthaLand Century Pacific Tower by ArthaLand</li> <li>Philam Life Center Cebu by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best BPO Office Development</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1270"> <li>Philam Life Center Cebu by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life)</li> <li>Scape by Asya Design</li> <li>Southkey Hub by Keyland</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1269">Tower One Plaza Magellan by Megaworld Corporation</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Retail Development</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1285"> <li>Robinsons Galleria Cebu by Robinsons Land Corporation</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1284">Uptown Mall by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1292">Venice Grand Canal Mall by Megaworld Corporation</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Mixed Use Development</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1328"> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1327">8 Forbes Town Road by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li>Base Line Center by Cebu Landmasters, Inc.</li> <li>Grand Tower Cebu by Grand Land Inc.</li> </ul> <p><strong><u>DESIGN CATEGORIES</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Best Residential Architectural Design</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1338"> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1337">One Eastwood Avenue by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1346">One Pacific Residence by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1375">One Uptown Residence by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li>The Radiance Manila Bay by Robinsons Land Corporation</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Residential Interior Design</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1383"> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1382">St. Moritz Private Estates by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li>The Sapphire Bloc by Robinsons Land Corporation</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1397">Three Central by Megaworld Corporation</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Retail Architectural Design</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1433"> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1432">Uptown Mall by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1440">Venice Grand Canal Mall by Megaworld Corporation</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Office Architectural Design</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1448"> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1447">Alliance Global Tower by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li>ArthaLand Century Pacific Tower by ArthaLand</li> <li>Philam Life Center Cebu by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life)</li> <li>Scape by Asya Design</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Residential Landscape Architectural Design</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1484"> <li>Damosa Fairlane by Damosa Land</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1483">One Pacific Residence by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1492">One Uptown Residence by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1499">The Florence by Megaworld Corporation</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Office Landscape Architectural Design</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1533"> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1532">Alliance Global Tower by Megaworld Corporation</li> <li>Philam Life Center Cebu by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life)</li> <li>Scape by Asya Design</li> </ul> <p><strong>Best Retail Landscape Architectural Design</strong></p> <ul id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1542"> <li id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491464415488_1541">Uptown Mall by Megaworld Corporation</li> </ul> <p><strong><u>PUBLISHER’S CHOICE</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Real Estate Personality of the Year</strong></p> <ul> <li>Frederick D. Go, President, Robinsons Land Corporation</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p id="yui_patched_v3_11_0_1_1491540914247_1484">For tickets or more information about the fifth annual PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, email <u>[email protected]</u> or visit the official website: <a href="http://www.asiapropertyawards.com/philippines-property-awards/">AsiaPropertyAwards.com/philippines-property-awards/</a></p>