All units in phase 1 of The Vision sold out

HONG Kong developer Cheung Kong has set record selling prices for residential projects in the West Coast area.

It managed to sell all 100 units released in the first phase of sale for the 99-year-leasehold The Vision yesterday. Of these, two penthouses went for $3.6 million each, which works out to around $1,332 per square foot (psf).

Buyers paid around $1,000-$1,200 psf for two, three and four-bedroom units, which start from 818 sq ft in size. Cheung Kong also sold several strata terrace units, and the highest price fetched was $3.2 million.

According to the developer’s sales manager Cannas Ho, upgraders made up more than 60 per cent of the buyers, and investors accounted for the remainder.

The Vision will have 281 apartments and 14 strata terrace units altogether. In view of the strong demand, the developer will release another 20 units of two to four-bedders for sale this weekend. Cheung Kong had planned to start the second phase of sale by Q4 this year. Whether it brings the release forward will depend on market response to the project, Ms Ho said.

Take-up so far surprised some market watchers, given that The Vision’s asking prices are higher than those of other developments nearby.

One of the newer launches in the area, City Developments’ Hundred Trees, achieved prices of above $1,100 psf in recent months. But those transactions involved mainly smaller units measuring 484 sq ft, and the project has a 956-year lease.

The robust take-up of units at The Vision ’shows the strong underlying demand for mass-market homes’, said Colliers International research and advisory director Tay Huey Ying. The prices achieved could raise the value of homes in the vicinity, and provide a guide for future launches, she added.

Cheung Kong’s Ms Ho attributed The Vision’s attractiveness to ‘good location and first-class amenities’. The site is across the road from West Coast Park and the sea.

Another developer felt that prices at The Vision are not that staggering, considering the attributes of the site, and that West Coast is home to several private housing estates. The market should not see the prices as signs of a bubble forming, he said.

Nevertheless, observers will be keeping watch on prices of upcoming launches nearby. Far East Organization’s Horizon Residences, a freehold 72-unit project in the Pasir Panjang area, could be previewed in the next few weeks.

Elsewhere, the buzz is starting for property agents promoting 76 Shenton Way. Some will be presenting information on the 99-year-leasehold 202-unit project to potential buyers today. Asking prices are said to range from $1,600 psf to above $2,000 psf, depending on the level of the units.

Agents are also gathering interest for Fragrance Group’s 161-unit Parc Elegance in Telok Kurau and Novelty Group’s Primo Residences near Kovan MRT station.

Source: Business Times, 13 Mar 2010