PropertyBT: Stability and growth in Singapore's dynamic property market
In the latest episode of PropertyBT, a podcast of BT Correspondents by The Business Times, senior correspondent Leslie Yee speaks with Wong Xian Yang, head of research for Singapore and South-east Asia at Cushman & Wakefield to gain insight into current real estate trends in Singapore.
They discuss how the GE2025 results could impact the local economy and property sector, making this episode a must-listen for investors and property enthusiasts.
Setting the stage
Yee begins the episode with the socio-political context of Singapore, post-GE2025. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong led the People's Action Party (PAP) to a decisive victory and he is now looking at how this political stability can bolster business confidence.
Wong then provides an optimistic yet cautious outlook on Singapore's economy amidst global trade uncertainties, posing critical questions: Can office and industrial properties in Singapore remain resilient? What are the implications of the intense US-China trade rivalry? These compelling questions in the podcast, provide informative and highly relevant answers for understanding the evolving landscape.
Assess different property sectors
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Tuesday, 12 pm Property Insights
Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond.
Sign Up
Sign Up
Learn about the varying impacts on the commercial, industrial, and logistics sectors. During economic downturns, why do some sectors perform better? Wong shares crucial insights from past crises, revealing trends that can guide your investment decisions. He points out that Singapore's competitive edge remains a key focus.
Despite regional and global challenges, Wong argues that Singapore continues to attract businesses due to its strategic location, robust infrastructure, skilled labour pool, and extensive free trade agreements.
Singapore's office market
Wong's comprehensive perspective can help property stakeholders make informed decisions about setting up or expanding their operations in Singapore.
What does the future hold for Singapore's office market? In the podcast Wong talks about the current leasing momentum and market resilience. The pair then discuss both the opportunities and challenges, offering a nuanced view that highlights the resilient demand and limited new supply, especially in CBD Grade-A office spaces.
Regional investment
Wong provides insights into potential benefits and risks, helping listeners grasp the complexities of regional economic ties. The podcast also delves into the critical topic of industrial and logistics properties facing trade tariff impacts. Commenting on rental performance, leasing activities, and supply chain diversification, Wong then offers a data-driven look into what lies ahead for these asset classes.
Listen now to gain insight into Wong Xian Yang's assessment which reveals why Singapore remains a safe haven for investments.
PropertyBT is a podcast of BT Correspondents. Look out for the next episode featuring senior correspondent Ben Paul. And if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out to us at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.
---
Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee (lyee@sph.com.sg)
With Wong Xian Yang, head of research Singapore and South-east Asia, Cushman & Wakefield
Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro
Produced by: Leslie Yee, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh
A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media
---
Follow BT Correspondents:
Channel: bt.sg/btcobt
Amazon: bt.sg/btcoam
Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/btcoap
Spotify: bt.sg/btcosp
YouTube Music: bt.sg/btcoyt
Website: bt.sg/btcorresp
Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.
---
Discover more BT podcast series:
BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks
BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM
BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus
BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod
BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Times
35 minutes ago
- Business Times
Investor rush for India exposure revs up block deals, IPOs
[NEW DELHI] India's market for share sales is warming up after several dull months, as companies and shareholders cash in on a buoyant stock market. The South Asian nation saw US$6.4 billion raised through share sales in May, the highest monthly total since December 2024, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Block trades worth US$5 billion were the biggest contributors, marking the busiest month for such deals since March last year. The momentum has carried into June, with at least 10 blocks raising US$1.2 billion in the first week alone. Indian stocks are now positioned for more gains after the central bank on Friday delivered a bigger-than-expected interest rate cut and injected further liquidity into the banking system. This has supported a rally that's already underway, with the benchmark NSE Nifty 50 Index rebounding from its April lows, which were triggered by concerns over US President Donald Trump's broad tariffs. 'Right now, investors are saying, 'I need exposure to India – and I need it fast,'' said Sunil Khaitan, a managing director leading financing in India at Goldman Sachs Group. 'Block trades remain the quickest and most efficient way to get that exposure.' The recent torrent of deals stands in contrast to the lull earlier in 2025, when local deals cooled off after a record-breaking year. India even ceded its position to Hong Kong as the world's second-largest market for share sales in the first three months of the year, weighed down by an unexpected slowdown in economic growth and cautious corporate earnings forecasts. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Some of the largest recent block trades include British American Tobacco's US$1.5 billion sale of tobacco manufacturer ITC's shares, Singapore Telecommunications' US$1.5 billion selldown of wireless carrier Bharti Airtel's stock and billionaire Rakesh Gangwal's US$1.4 billion disposal of shares in IndiGo's parent company. Private equity firm Carlyle Group and South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor were also among those paring their India holdings. The flurry of activity with blocks appears to be spilling over to IPOs. HDB Financial Services recently secured a nod from the securities regulator for a first-time sale that could raise US$1.5 billion. Prudential's Indian asset management venture is also nearing a filing for a listing expected to fetch as much as US$1.2 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. Better-than-expected corporate earnings and decent economic growth provide a robust backdrop for deals, which could include billion-dollar IPOs later this year, said Samarth Jagnani, Morgan Stanley's head of global capital markets for India and South-east Asia. 'The second half will be better,' he said. Despite the recovery, Indian deals remain well below last year's US$66 billion record. Total share sales – including IPOs, placements and blocks – have raised US$15.5 billion so far this year, 29% lower from the year-ago period, according to Bloomberg-compiled data. Some IPOs are also moving ahead with tamer valuations: Solar-pump maker Oswal Pumps this week said its IPO was looking to raise US$162 million, lower than what it targeted last year. 'In the last six months, we have passed on several IPOs largely on valuation grounds, even though we liked the businesses,' said Vikas Pershad, Asian equities portfolio manager at London-based asset manager M&G Investments. 'On balance, our patience has helped and in some instances, we've eventually become shareholders in names we initially passed over – and at better levels.' Still, India's share-sale proceeds this year are likely to surpass last year's levels at the current pace, according to Goldman's Khaitan. The pipeline is particularly strong in consumer technology and financial services, where 'growth stories are resonating with both domestic and global institutional investors,' he said. BLOOMBERG
Business Times
an hour ago
- Business Times
Singapore shares rise as trade tensions between China and US ease; STI up 0.1%
[SINGAPORE] Singapore stocks rose on Thursday (Jun 12), amid the world's two largest economies agreeing to de-escalate trade tensions. The blue-chip Straits Times Index (STI) closed 0.1 per cent or 3.15 points higher at 3,922.2. Across the broader market, gainers beat decliners 252 to 236 as 1.3 billion securities worth S$1.2 billion changed hands. The top gainer on the STI was Jardine Matheson , which advanced 1.9 per cent or US$0.85 to US$44.64. The trio of local banks ended the day lower. DBS was down 0.4 per cent or S$0.20 at S$44.67, UOB fell 0.1 per cent or S$0.03 to S$35.09, and OCBC shed 0.1 per cent or S$0.02 to end at S$16.14. The biggest loser on the index was inflight caterer Sats , which lost 1.3 per cent or S$0.04 to finish at S$3.11. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Across Asia, major indices were mixed. South Korea's Kospi rose 0.5 per cent and the Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index gained 0.2 per cent. Meanwhile, Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.7 per cent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index lost 1.4 per cent. Jose Torres, a senior economist at Interactive Brokers, said: 'Markets are soaring following a lighter-than-anticipated consumer price index report that is quelling fears about tariff-related inflation and boosting enthusiasm that the (US Federal Reserve) will cut rates in the next two or three meetings.' He added that bulls are energised by a de-escalation in trade tensions between Beijing and Washington, with American President Donald Trump remarking on Wednesday morning that the relationship between the two economies is 'excellent'.
Business Times
an hour ago
- Business Times
Market Focus Daily: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Asian shares stumble after Trump's latest trade threat; Dollar falls to seven-week lows on rate cut outlook; Singapore retail vacancy creeping up with more tenants looking to exit. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day's market movements and news from Singapore and the region. Written and hosted by: Emily Liu (emilyliu@ Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Follow BT Market Focus and rate us on: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: Feedback to: btpodcasts@ Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: BT Correspondents: BT Podcasts: BT Branded Podcasts: BT Lens On:
