$6.3 Billion into Singapore's Pocket; Indonesia Govt Weeps

Source: The Business Times, Thursday Oct 5, 2007

It can't be more clear. The Singapore Government has collected a princely $6.3b this time round, though supposedly overshadowed by the $14b from 1998 (which rock were you hiding under in 1999?). Are we seeing more handouts from Progress Packages on the radar come General Election?

On another note, I guess the Indonesian Government's have the right to get mad at us. We (used to) buy sand from them at dirt(!) cheap prices and their people buy it here marked up a gazillion times (minus Indonesian Sovereignty). Long Live the Free Market.

Cascadia Showroom Sneak Peak

I was just about my mid-days browsing when I came across these images of Cascadia's showroom even before it launches. Looks like plenty of effort was spent on making this mass market project look as up market as possible.


Image Source: http://www.livingpod.com

Ong Choon Fah on Enblocs pulling up HDB prices: 'Not such a bad thing. Everybody should feel a little richer'

Source: The Business Times

Trust the big cheese of one of Singapore's leading Real Estate Agencies, Ong Choon Fah, ECD, DTZ Debenham Tie Leung, to sympathize with heartlanders in these Only-the-Rich-Gets-Richer times. When quized about the latest price hike in property prices, he blabbered that it is 'not such a bad thing. Everybody should feel a little richer'.

While HDB flats and low/mid-end private housing have no doubt gained in capital appreciation with even HDB 4-roomers asking for up to 70k above valuation (what my agents tell me), these heartlanders will still have to find another place to live after cashing in; in my terms, the roof that covers your head is NOT an investment.

Oh well...but what is all that to Ong Choon Fah, my Condos and me. Time for a cuppa by my little patio with the morning paper.

Global Warming; Sentosa Residents Sell Property for Loss, then Flee in Terror

Image Source: http://www.whyfiles.org/

Well here's a cute little quote regarding the Turquoise at Sentosa from a forum that I often visit:

"What are the allowances for unusually high tides? Imagine seawater pouring into the swimming pool --- it only has to happen once, everyone will start screaming about global warming, and the values of all these places will sink like a stone in a rising ocean..."

Wow...talk about spooked investors...Oh...and Al Gore for President!

Bull on Redbull

Source: www.businesstimes.com.sg

The STI has outdone itself again with another all time record high. That with the Integrated Resorts, One Degree 15 (ala Big Boy's Boat Club off Sentosa) and F1 Racing will only add more octane into the already highly charged atmosphere...

The index closed 48.99 points higher at 3,755.22, erasing the previous mark of 3,714.77 set only last week, Thursday.

Me wonders if my kids will ever be able to afford a place for themselves on this soon-to-be rich man's island.

New Project Behind Shangri-La Launching?

Image Source: Shangri-La Singapore

Well that plot of land behind the ancient Shangri-La is finally being launched next week. What was once known as the Green Anderson

While not everyone can boast a Hotel Pool View(hopefully!), a visit to the Shangri-La not so long ago sure hinted that the entire place may all soon go...for better or worse.

Here are some details that my Super Secret Source has informed me with:

Freehold
10 Storeys
Around 34 units
3 and 4 bedrooms 2000-2200 Square Feet

Starts at $2800psf ~ anyone got $5.6m to spare?

STI All Time High: 3714.2 +64.1 at 2.30pm

STI has hit an all time high at 3714.2 +64.1 at 2.30pm.
Lets hope this rally sustains! Tis' can only be good for them property!

Could be a spillover effect from today's huge rosy picture painted by The Business Times today.

Like what one of my drinking buddies said: 'Singapore will never be the same again!'