<p><img alt="Singapore home prices were at their slowest pace of growth in Q3. zhu difeng/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_1007676004-compressor.jpg/a30d861c-a13d-4e12-ae98-4f4f547a8acb?t=1539668637791" style="width: 1000px; height: 667px;" />Sales of private homes in Singapore soared 42 percent year-on-year in September, data from the Urban Redevelopment Authority showed Monday.</p> <p>Developers in the city-state sold 932 units in private homes last month, up from 657 units in September 2017.</p> <p>Private home sales also surged 51 percent month-on-month from 617 units in August.</p> <p>Despite cooling measures introduced in July, market confidence seems to have improved in the city-state, analysts told <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-15/singapore-home-sales-rebound-as-buyers-move-past-latest-curbs" target="_blank">Bloomberg</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/cooling-measures-in-hong-kong-and-singapore-what-works-what-doesn-6" target="_blank"><strong>More: What cooling measures in Hong Kong and Singapore work?</strong></a></p> <p>“While it is early days to make a pronouncement of the full effects of the cooling measures, it would appear that while demand has slowed, many buyers are still on the market and are prepared to purchase at prices which they deem as reasonable,” said Ong Teck Hui, national director of research &amp; consultancy at JLL, adding that seven&nbsp;private&nbsp;residential&nbsp;projects&nbsp;were launched&nbsp;last month.</p> <p>A index tracking prices of private homes in Singapore rose 0.5 percent in the third quarter of 2018, the slowest growth in five quarters and down from a positive change of 3.4 percent in the second quarter.</p> <p>However, Morgan Stanley predicted that home prices in Singapore could <a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/despite-property-curbs-singapore-home-prices-to-rise-1-5" target="_blank">increase by up to 10 percent</a> by the end of 2019 and double by 2030 due to fast income growth.</p>

<p><img alt="Tolerance and acceptance toward gay rights grows in Southeast Asia. lazyllama/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_1089826724-compressor.jpg/6d576ba9-a985-4b2e-8e45-279879429fe3?t=1535446653641" style="width: 1000px; height: 666px;" />The power of pink money cannot be denied. With tolerance, diversity and acceptance winning important battles in the culture wars, targeting property marketing efforts toward people who identify as LGBTQIA+ is paramount.</p> <p>Being sensitive to property buyers across the full spectrum of sexual orientation&nbsp;is even more exigent in Asia where 90 million LGBT consumers⁠ reside in China alone, making it the world’s third-largest pink economy&nbsp;after Europe and the US. LGBT Chinese commanded an annual purchasing power of USD938 billion last year, their household savings hovering at USD1.5 trillion. Despite such massive disposable incomes and wealth, LGBT property hunters are still ignored by marketers in popular investment destinations.</p> <p>Southeast Asia is becoming more tolerant, if not welcoming, on this front. Increasingly inclusive attitudes, combined with a cavalcade of residential properties at low initial purchase prices, position several cities in the region as sanctuaries for LGBT property seekers:&nbsp;offering them an escape from less accepting locales.</p> <p>We count down to some of the gay-friendliest property markets in Asia, as determined by leading Chinese property portal <a href="http://www.juwai.com/" target="_blank">Juwai.com</a>. These cities better <em>slay</em>:</p> <h3>5. Ho Chi Minh City</h3> <p><img alt="HCMC, Vietnam. saiko3p/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_1098284417-compressor.jpg/339f787a-a4dc-4a21-987d-10247b7c8185?t=1535448871784" /></p> <p>In 2015, the Law on Marriage and Family was implemented, effectively decriminalising same-sex weddings in Vietnam. Although it technically does not offer legal protections to the unions, the measure foreshadows a mellowing in Vietnamese attitudes toward the LGBT community, many of whom have found sanctuary in Ho Chi Minh City. Chinese LGBT buyers, for one, believe investment prospects in Ho Chi Minh City are good; yields reach up to six percent through eight percent, according to Juwai.com. Foreigners can acquire up to 30 percent of new condominium projects in Vietnam’s largest city.</p> <p>Like pre-boom Shanghai, HCMC is undergoing a wave of infrastructure projects set to give land values a windfall. Yet premium home prices in HCMC are still about half the value of similar properties in the number one city on this list, Juwai.com reported.&nbsp;Competitively priced premium units begin at less than USD150,000.</p> <h3>4. Phnom Penh</h3> <p><img alt="Phnom Penh-based NGOs have pioneered LGBT-friendly initiatives. khlungcenter/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_715830691-compressor.jpg/f38f4609-2a60-4e8c-9e98-22d37e6b17d6?t=1535448610879" /></p> <p>In 2004, King Norodom Sihanouk made public statements in support of laws extending marriage rights to same-sex couples. Cambodia, especially its capital, has since become one of the more progressive safe spaces for LGBT Asians. A nongovernmental organisation, Rainbow Community Kampuchea (RoCK), introduced the Declaration of Family Relationship (DoFR) initiative, allowing for civil contracts between people of the same sex to share family responsibilities,&nbsp;even own joint assets.</p> <p>“When I read about that, I thought, 'Wow, this is so compelling,'” recounted Janet Minard, founder and president of Canadian firm&nbsp;<a href="http://www.torontohomerealty.com/" target="_blank">Toronto Home Realty</a> which is developing an 843,000-square-foot (78,317 square metres) site in Phnom Penh. "It's a young nation [that] basically is slowly adopting what the western society has had to fight so hard for.</p> <p>“Here's a country doing things that are right rather than dealing with mistakes that perhaps the first-world nations have made to get to the point of acceptance and tolerance.”</p> <p>Phnom Penh today is a far cry from the war-torn city that the Cambodian-born Minard left when she was all but 21 days old. The Khmer metropolis currently has 8,942 luxury apartments, expected to number around 22,828 units by the end of 2018, Juwai.com reported, citing industry sources.⁠</p> <h3>3. Manila</h3> <p><img alt="View of the skyline of Makati, Metro Manila. Jon Bilous/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_382605847-compressor.jpg/e190f6d5-ae1d-479a-b2a4-8baa8a17ebbb?t=1535448207443" /></p> <p>While Catholic conservatism reigns in the Philippines, many denizens in the capital have overcome&nbsp;religious beliefs enough to accommodate the fast-changing milieu. Marriage equality is still not legal in the Philippines, but Manila made history in 1994 for hosting Asia’s first gay pride parade. More recently, firebrand President Rodrigo Duterte has made some of the strongest pronouncements by an incumbent leader in favour of same-sex marriage.</p> <p>Prime homes in Manila have seen prices rising in each of the past three years, with rents growing by five percent to 10 percent per annum, Juwai.com reported. Starting prices are still low, at least by LGBT Chinese standards. A one-bedroom apartment listed on Juwai.com in Quezon City has an entry price of about USD62,000. Chinese buying inquiries about Manila properties on the site were up 122 percent quarter-on-quarter in the first three months of 2018.</p> <h3>2. Phuket</h3> <p><img alt="Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market. BREEZY STOCK/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_1012024294-2-compressor.jpg/8973cfa0-1d3f-40ae-84d0-9208127d7b4f?t=1535447795324" /></p> <p>For LGBT buyers seeking sand and surf more than skyscrapers, Phuket is one of the better locations in the world to purchase great holiday homes. Members of the LGBT community seeking to fulfill both lifestyle and investment goals are well-served in the city and island of the same name.</p> <p>Dozens of LGBT-oriented venues dot Phuket, especially in the Patong resort area. Every April, tourists flock to the island for a weeklong Pride festival. LGBT buyers most commonly purchase new properties, with developers dangling rental guarantees; many home owners go on to rent out the&nbsp;units when they are out of Phuket. A fewer others come to live full time, enjoying boltholes far removed from the noise of the intolerant crowd.&nbsp;</p> <h3>1. Bangkok</h3> <p><img alt="Rainbow over Sao Ching Cha (Giant Swing) and Wat Suthat in Bangkok, Thailand. Natapat2521/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_514854469-compressor.jpg/2cb19fa6-3647-453e-8c86-46c97f4b835c?t=1535447299820" /></p> <p>While Thailand currently does not recognise same-sex marriages, it is the de facto gay capital of Asia. Same-sex intercourse is not punishable by law in the kingdom, unlike certain Asian countries; Buddhist monks even officiate same-sex weddings. Many nightspots and hospitality businesses are unabashedly geared toward gay visitors.</p> <p>It is little wonder then that many LGBT Chinese would love to call Bangkok home. According to Juwai.com, 45 percent of buyer inquiries from LGBT Chinese for Bangkok properties are for the purchasers’ own use.</p> <p>For gay people escaping parochial attitudes in their home&nbsp;countries, Bangkok property is relatively within reach. At USD4,500 per square metre, the typical new luxury condominium in Bangkok sells for one-sixth the price of similar homes in Hong Kong, according to Juwai.com estimates. More affordable luxury condominiums start from USD130,000 — low for a major Asian metropolis. Keen on investing? Land values have <a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/30-years-of-bangkok-real-estate-land-prices-skyrocket-100-4" target="_blank">climbed 1,000 percent over the past 30 years</a>, while centrally located condominiums have doubled in the last five years.</p>

<p><img alt="jamesteohart/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_1021433272-compressor.jpg/9bb1c476-2328-45c5-aed6-a0e9629f9bf8?t=1535367343258" style="width: 1000px; height: 666px;" />Spending on technologies that enable smart city&nbsp;initiatives in Asia Pacific will reach USD30 billion this year, according to the latest Worldwide Semiannual Smart Cities Spending Guide by IT market intelligence firm IDC.</p> <p>The study, which excludes Japan, further found that spending in the region will accelerate in the next few years, reaching USD54.4 billion in 2022.</p> <p>"Cities in the Asia Pacific are challenged to continually deliver smart, livable, and sustainable urban ecosystems by harnessing technology innovations and widespread collaborations,” said Gerald Wang, head of public sector at IDC Asia/Pacific, in a statement.</p> <p>"This also requires clarity around implementation policies that are focused on the building and financing of city infrastructures as well as new city digital services in the long-term," he added.</p> <p>Tech related to fixed usual surveillance, advanced public transit, intelligent traffic management and smart outdoor lighting will mark more than 35 percent&nbsp;share of the overall spending in 2018.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/5-key-things-to-learn-about-smart-city-cybersecurity-following-singapore-s-data-bre-16" target="_blank"><strong>More:&nbsp;5 key things to learn about smart city cybersecurity following Singapore's data breach</strong></a></p> <p>In China alone, the use of fixed visual surveillance will account for 17.3 percent of spending this year. A need to track down the movement of citizens is fuelling the demand for video information sources in the mainland.</p> <p>Around 20 million security cameras, facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, have been deployed to locate and track criminals across China.</p> <p>"City governments need to continually analyse the impact of rapid advances in technologies on city transformation goals and create outcome-based metrics for future smart city investments. This approach requires a rethink of the way governments traditionally procure for technologies and innovative solutions," Wang added.</p> <p>Data-driven public safety and intelligent transportation&nbsp;are the two priority investments in the region due to its growing urban population, reported Malini Swamy, market analyst at IDC Asia/Pacific. “However, we are also finding significant spending and growth in platform related and smart lighting related use cases, which are less often publicised but increasingly happening in cities around the region.”</p>

<p><img alt="Luxury homes set the scene throughout Crazy Rich Asians, the film based on the Kevin Kwan novel of the same name, which hit cinemas this week. Image: Warner Bros. Pictures" src="/documents/10204/0/Crazy-Rich-Asians-lead-compressor+2.jpg/9429920f-1a1d-48c4-86a9-f7b3efbf6b67?t=1535094559006" style="width: 1054px; height: 667px;" />If you had infinite funds, which slice of Singaporean real estate paradise would you choose to call home?</p> <p>This week sees the release of the highly anticipated movie Crazy Rich Asians, set in Singapore, and&nbsp;as you would expect, a number of luxurious homes form the backdrop for many scenes.&nbsp;</p> <p>Off screen, all that glitters is not necessarily gold, and Singapore’s luxury <a href="https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/singapore-property-resources/singapore-buy-property-guides/step-by-step-guide-to-buying-a-condo">residential market</a> has had a blow this year in the form of government-introduced cooling measures.</p> <p>“The stamp duty imposed on foreign buyers of 15 to 20 percent is certainly being felt at the upper end of the market,” Dave Loo of <a href="https://www.christiesrealestate.com/eng/office/170-b-78517-br65980/singapore-christies-international-real-estate-residential-pte-ltd">Christies International Real Estate </a>in Singapore told Property Report. “However, we’re still experiencing interest from UHNWIs from around the world, proving that Singapore is still very much a key destination for luxury property seekers.”&nbsp;</p> <p>We’re guessing that if you’re "crazy rich", piffling concerns such as a bit of extra tax will be batted away with a perfectly manicured hand.&nbsp;</p> <p>Here are five properties where you can drop some serious SGD:</p> <p><strong>1. Oceans Drive, Sentosa</strong></p> <p><strong><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Crazy+Rich+Asians+list+Oceans+Drive.jpg.JPG/a3c082dd-37bf-4504-acbf-a3683b366b3a?t=1535098329676" /></strong></p> <p>Sitting on a unique 23-acre seafront plot in the popular Sentosa beach area, this masterpiece from architect Chan Wai Kin of Timur Design has everything a Crazy Rich Asian&nbsp;could wish for. With five generous bedrooms, the property also features a spa, library, boat facilities, and not to mention that glorious pool.</p> <p><strong>Price tag</strong>: SGD36 million&nbsp;(USD26.3 million)&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>2. Marina Bay Residences</strong></p> <p><strong><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Crazy+Rich+Asians+list+1.jpg/c08989c8-8f82-4922-954b-d72e464e56bd?t=1535095381624" /></strong></p> <p>If a fabulous city skyline and central location is what you’re after, then look no further than this luxury four-bedroom penthouse with unobstructed views of the world-famous Marina Bay. Designed by one of the world’s leading architects, Gene Kohn of Kohn Pedersen Fox, Marina Bay Residences offers the ultimate waterfront city living.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Price tag:</strong> SGD15.8 million (USD11.6 million)&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>3. One Shenton</strong></p> <p><strong><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Crazy+Rich+Asians+list+One+Shenton.jpg/1e524f90-bc2f-44f4-8051-c1a00b5df4cb?t=1535095353524" /></strong></p> <p>The&nbsp;striking gold façade of One Shenton cuts a dashing figure against the Singapore skyline. Situated in the heart of the new city centre on the edge of Marina Bay, this five-bedroom home lets the lucky owner enjoy close proximity to landmarks such as the Integrated Resorts Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.</p> <p><strong>Price tag:</strong> SGD25 million (USD18.3 million)</p> <p><strong>4. Bishopsgate Residences</strong></p> <p><strong><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Crazy+Rich+Asians+list+Bishopsgate.jpg/30a10514-61d8-4b64-8d72-4f959da0494b?t=1535095325572" /></strong></p> <p>What could be grander than the prestigious and highly coveted District 10, surrounded by embassies of the United Kingdom, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei?&nbsp;As the only condominium project in a Good Class Bungalow area, this is a perfect place for "crazy&nbsp;rich" expats to snap up a slice of the action.</p> <p><em>Price upon request</em></p> <p><strong>5. Copper House&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><img alt="" src="/documents/10204/0/Crazy+Rich+Asians+list+Copper+House.jpg/b8898eef-3d75-41f0-999d-54902978fb27?t=1535095296266" /></strong></p> <p>This six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home on Sentosa Island is surely one of the most extravagant homes on the market right now in Singapore. So named due to the unusual <a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/5-of-the-quirkiest-luxury-homes-you-can-own-right-n-8">copper façade</a>, this property offers&nbsp;9,500 square feet of fabulousness, with honey and white onyx flooring and a 2,000-bottle wine cellar.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Price tag:</strong> SGD48 million (USD36 million)</p> <p><em>Photos courtesy of <a href="https://www.christiesrealestate.com/eng/office/170-b-78517-br65980/singapore-christies-international-real-estate-residential-pte-ltd">Christies International Real Estate</a></em></p>

<p><img alt="Revolution Precrafted had been hoping to break into the North American market. Chones/Shutterstock" src="/documents/10204/0/shutterstock_633629336-compressor.jpg/36ba8204-3554-4136-843a-4d8b3d0ad815?t=1535021931277" style="width: 1000px; height: 666px;" />Filipino prefab home supplier Revolution Precrafted has struck a USD210-million deal with American developer Imperial Heights LLC to assemble lavish luxury villas in California.</p> <p>Sixty villas, valued at USD3.5 million each with a minimum size of 450 square metres, will be built on a 24-acre property within the gated development Imperial Heights Estates in San Bernardino County, Revolution Precrafted announced yesterday.</p> <p>The contract marks the first stateside project for the Manila-based company, valued at over USD1 billion in 2017, making it one of the region's first&nbsp;unicorns.</p> <p>“We are proud that through our extensive partners network, we have finally broken through the United States, which is one of our primary target countries,” said Revolution Precrafted CEO and founder <a href="http://www.property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/robbie-antonio-bags-2018-philippines-real-estate-personality-of-the-year-awa-3" target="_blank">Robbie Antonio</a>, who won this year's prize for Real Estate Personality of the Year at the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.</p> <p><a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/a-philippine-startup-is-making-incredible-prefab-homes-from-your-favourite-architects" target="_blank"><strong>More: See some of Revolution Precrafted's designs here</strong></a></p> <p>“This is one of the most premium developments we have,” he added.</p> <p>Designs for the villas will be finalised in time for start of development by the first quarter of 2019.</p> <p>Imperial Heights LLC will oversee both land and site development. “We are confident that they will deliver the design and quality we want in order to attract the more affluent homebuyers from California,” CEO Tru Lee said, calling Revolution Crafted “one of the best real estate companies in the world.”</p> <p>Launched in 2015, Revolution Precrafted has been rapidly expanding, gaining lucrative partnerships over the last year including <a href="http://property-report.com/detail/-/blogs/a-philippine-unicorn-is-building-prefab-homes-in-dubai-s-world-islan-4" target="_blank">a USD3.2-billion deal for The World Islands</a> in Dubai.</p> <p><img alt="Revolution Precrafted's Robbie Antonio accepting the award for Real Estate Personality of the Year at the 2018 PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards" src="/documents/10204/0/Revolution-Precrafted-lead-compressor.jpg/cb96067f-4c4c-43ab-9413-d1da90e2a817?t=1535014105130" /></p>