DBSS site at Clementi launched for sale

By UMA SHANKARI

THE Housing and Development Board (HDB) has launched a site at Clementi Avenue 4 for sale under its design, build and sell scheme (DBSS).

An estimated 770 flats can be built on the plot, which has a site area of 235,800 square feet and a maximum allowable gross floor area of 825,300 sq ft. The site carries a lease term of 103 years (including a four-year construction period).

Analysts expect a top bid in the range of $200-$250 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr) for the plot. This translates to an overall land cost of $165 million to $206 million.

'This is one of the more attractive sites offered under the DBSS scheme,' said Nicholas Mak, head of research at SLP International. 'It is close to Clementi MRT station. Clementi New Town is also becoming more vibrant, with new projects such as The Clementi Mall.'

While buying sentiment has significantly moderated in both the public and private housing sectors, participation from developers for this site is likely to be motivated by the project's physical strengths and opportunities, said Ong Kah Seng, Cushman & Wakefield senior manager of Asia-Pacific research.

'This site is likely to see moderate interest from developers, who are still interested in providing homes for this specific segment although generally, home-buying sentiments are expected to remain cautious in the months ahead,' Mr Ong said.

The last site offered for sale under the DBSS scheme, at Yuan Ching Road in Jurong, drew a top bid of $192 psf ppr. Six bids were submitted for the site.

The tender for this site will close at noon on March 8, 2011.

Last year, HDB sold five land parcels for DBSS development in Yishun, Bedok, Tampines, Hougang and Jurong West. These five land parcels will yield about 3,000 DBSS flats, and this pipeline supply will come on-stream progressively in 2011.

Another DBSS site at Pasir Ris Central, with an estimated yield of 460 units, will be launched for tender in March. More sites for DBSS development will be made available if there is sustained demand, HDB added.

Flats sold under DBSS are offered to buyers under HDB's eligibility conditions. But the developers who buy such sites have some flexibility in designing, pricing and selling the flats.


Source; www.businesstimes.com.sg