A couple of readers have expressed their interest in the two new residential projects: The Arte and Vista Residences. To kill two birds with one stone, I decide to do a write up on these project since they are pretty similar in nature. The Arte and Vista Residences are both located at the Jalan Dusun; both developed by big property player; they are of 2 residential towers of 35/36 storeys, and they both boast unit views towards MacRitchie Reservoir and city views.

The Arte by CDL

Vista Residences by Far East Organization
The Arte by …

We bypassed the Zhong Shan Park site, and found that the construction works is getting started. Looking at the scale of the development, I could imagine that the residents around may be concerned of the noise it could generate during the construction period. However it is the sacrifice to be made for the better amenities and convenience they are getting in future.

Would like to have a quizz with the keithyip.com readers. There have been so many construction sites around us. Have you ever wonder what is the nature of works …

Remember I mentioned that the distance between Balestier and Toa Payoh in my earlier article is actually pretty short, if you are using the overhead bridge linking up the two areas.
Currently there is A&A works being carried out at the area. It seems that there is some upgrading works to the existing overhead bridge as well as the park area over Jalan Rajah. Barrier free ramps are being built at the 2 ends of the overhead bridge, while there is landscaping design works at the park over Whampoa area. All these works …

Complaining of NO LIBRARY in Balestier area for our kids? Though Whampoa area has many HDB flats, Balestier still lags behind HDB towns like Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio and Pasir Ris in terms of communal facilities like library and community centre.
Fear not! National Library Board’s (NLB) mobile library Molly is coming to Jalan Rajah Blk 105, from 3pm to 6pm, Sunday, 14th Mar 2010. Feel privileged for Balestier Residents, since it is the first service they provide to HDB areas.
This mobile library is a donated bus that was retrofitted …

This Saturday Straits Times covered quite a thorough detailed report on the property sector, its roller coaster rides over these past 2 years. It has somehow prompted me to review several property projects in retrospect.
Still remember the small player, Bravo Building construction turned developer? It defaulted its collective sale deals in $516 million Tulip Garden in Holland Road, by forfeiting its $25.8 million deposit in April 2008. During the turbulent period, many developers suffered under the hand of the financial crisis. And it has been more unforgiving to the small …

We came to Whampoa Drive Food Centre Blk 91 for breakfast. It was as packed as it was public holiday. It seemed that everybody are still in the Chinese New Year mood.

Keat Lim Vegetarian Food Stall in Whampoa Food Centre
  

Fried Bee Hoon and my favourite Mock Goose
Having few days’ CYN feasts, we decided to settle for something ‘less sinful’. We ordered two plates of vegetarian bee hoon from Keat Lim Vegerian, #01-47/48 after 15 mins queuing. They tasted pretty good, especially the mock goose (which is a must for vegetarian …

The Government has released 2 anti-speculative property measures today following Sep 2009 measures to further cool the exuberance in the private market. These measures will be effective from tomorrow onwards.
1. A seller’s stamp duty will be imposed on all residential properties sold within one year from the date of purchase
2. Loan to Value (LTV) limit to 80% will be imposed on all housing loans
I personally think the measures have come on time due to the speculation we could see in the private market together with the housing spikes over the few months. …

I have been away relaxing myself in the Chinese New Year season. Sorry if you have been checking out my blog yet have not been seeing my “presence”!!
Here I am continuing my study on Cube 8 from my previous article:

Cube 8 is a freehold condominium development located at 376 Thomson Road, Singapore 298130, in District 11, minutes’ walk to Novena MRT Station. With an expected completion in 2017, it comprises of 177 units in a 36 storey tower. Cube 8 is close to MacRitchie Reservoir Park and Novena Square Shopping …

 
Cube 8 artist impression
 

View of The Albany, Thomson Mansion & the Arte from PIE flyover
 This is the site that the new Cube 8 by CDL will be located. Currently it is sitting the old development of the Albany & Thomson Mansion. They were acquired by CDL in 2006 & 2007. The Albany was acquired for $65mil with a plot ratio of 2.8, with an additional of development charge of $174,000 (which is insignificant to the developer).

View towards The Albany & Thomson Mansion from Thomson Road, Google streetview
Not sure if you …

Diamond tower, Goodwill mansion and Waldorf mansion will be the 3 residential developments going for enbloc launch this year. Other than Goodwill Mansion which is of 3 plot ratio, the rest of 2 are of 2.8 plot ratio. These 3 developments are relatively old, and appear pretty run down. They are located at quite strategic places, especially for Diamond Tower sitting next to the up and coming Zhong Shan Park.
With the current launching price of more than $1000 in the same region, I expect the residents will be expecting selling …