Shophouse investment interest remained brisk in 3Q2024 despite fewer caveated deals: PropNex
The third quarter of 2024 saw 16 caveated shophouse transactions — a 20% q-o-q decline from the 20 deals recorded in 2Q2024. On a yearly basis, sales volume fell by 56% from the 36 deals recorded in 3Q2023, notes PropNex Research in an Oct 28 report.
The 16 deals conducted in 3Q2024 translated to $121.6 million in sales value, marking a 35.5% q-o-q drop in sales value from 2Q2024 and a 56.4% y-o-y fall from the $278.6 million recorded in 3Q2023.
Despite the lower number and value of caveated sales transactions, PropNex views they may not be an accurate reflection of the market. Citing deals reported by the media and real estate salespersons, the agency says that investment interest in shophouses “remained brisk” as buyers were encouraged to enter the market due to easing interest rates and realistic shophouse prices.
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PropNex adds that some shophouse deals last quarter were not reflected in URA data, possibly due to buyers choosing not to file caveats or because some transactions were conducted through the sale of shares in special-purpose vehicles. As a result, the actual 3Q2024 shophouse sales figure is likely higher.
Based on URA caveats, the highest value shophouse transaction for 3Q2024 was the sale of Atland House, a five-storey freehold shophouse on Bukit Timah Road for $17 million.
However, the media reported several higher valued shophouse deals that were not reflected in URA records, notes PropNex. They include the sale of a four-storey, 999-year leasehold conservation shophouse on North Bridge Road that sold in September for $42 million. In October, a trio of adjoining 999-year leasehold shophouses, also on North Bridge Road, was reportedly sold for $72 million.
PropNex’s report also highlights a softening of shophouse prices in prime districts compared to the previous year. The land rate for freehold and 999-year leasehold shophouses in Districts 1 and 2 fell by 22% y-o-y, while prices in Districts 7 and 8 dropped by 13% y-o-y. Shophouses in the rest of Singapore fared slightly better, recording a 12% dip in psf prices based on land area.
Prices for 99-year leasehold shophouses mirrored that of freehold and 999-year leasehold shophouses, recording a similar 22% y-o-y drop.
However, PropNex observes that only two 99-year leasehold shophouse transactions were recorded last quarter. As a result, these deals may not accurately represent the sector's capital values.