http://www.straitstimes.com/archive/...-east-20130713

HOT SPOT

Interesting mix of history, industry in far east

Checking out the page views on the STProperty website gives an instant snapshot of what projects buyers are keen on. This week, we look at developments in districts 17 and 18 that have drawn the most attention.

Published on Jul 13, 2013

By Rachel Scully


MENTION the far east of Singapore and one may think of the area as being inaccessible.

But home buyers are drawn to the area for its interesting mix of history, industry and entertainment.

District 17 covers the Changi and Loyang areas where you can find industrial hubs and factories, World War II relics and good food places in Changi Village.

Changi Airport is in the district and is popular among residents as a place to unwind. The colonial bungalows in Changi, now serving as chalets, offer a getaway for those who like to venture off the beaten track.

Heading the list of top five private homes by page views on STProperty's website from July 1 to 7 was freehold Carissa Park Condominium.

The 528-unit project had an average asking price of $989 per sq ft (psf) during the week for its two- and more bedder units.

The project with the highest average asking price among the top five in District 17 was Ocean Front Suites at $1,396 psf.

Despite being a small development of only 58 units, the 946- year leasehold project offers a mix of one-, two-, three- and more bedder units.

It also had the highest average transacted price at $1,437 psf, according to Urban Redevelopment Authority data between January and last month.

The other three projects on the list were all freehold: Ferraria Park Condominium, Estella Gardens and Edelweiss Park.

Farther west lies District 18, which covers Pasir Ris, Simei and Tampines. Simei used to be a village by the sea, while Tampines was a former fishing village.

With modernisation and development, the district boasts a wide variety of entertainment and shopping options. These include Pasir Ris Park and malls such as Century Square and Tampines One.

The top five projects in the district that had the most page views on STProperty from July 1 to 7 were all 99-year leaseholds.

The 1,232-unit Melville Park trumped the rest with an average asking price of $847 psf for its two- and more bedder units.

Rounding out the list were NV Residences, Double Bay Residences, Stratum and D'Nest.

Home buyers living in both districts can hop onto the East-West MRT line to head to the city area and elsewhere.

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