The current good property sales trend is expected to continue for at least the next 12 months in spite of concerns over the potential of further hikes in the overnight policy rate (OPR), ECM Libra Capital Sdn Bhd head of research Bernard Ching said at The Edge Investment Forum on Real Estate 2010.This, he added, is because of the attractive mortgage schemes offered by banks and the upfront cost

Regional real estate funds have been very quiet in Asia since mid-2008 — cautious about the impact of the US’ economic woes, besides the slowdown in the Singapore and Hong Kong markets then.However, the middle of last year saw the mood change. Funds started buying into strategic real estate investments in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and China.

Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd may be a relatively new property brand in Peninsular Malaysia, but the company has built more than 10,000 homes in the past two decades in Sabah, in towns such as Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Kota Kinabalu.In 2004, the company decided to establish a presence in Peninsular Malaysia.

Residential property transactions in Singapore have been hogging the headlines, of late. However, in 1Q2010, investment sales of industrial properties here actually accounted for a higher quantum than residential sales, according to DTZ Research.Investments in the industrial segment for the quarter was S$1.02 billion (about RM2.37 billion), or 38.5% of the total transacted value.

Listed giant property developer City Developments Ltd (CDL) is said to have sold 19 of the 56 units released in the first phase of its 228-unit The Residences at W Singapore, Sentosa Cove, as at April 5.

KYM plans foray into KL property marketBudding property developer KYM Holdings Bhd is seeking fo expand the firm’s real estate income contribution to 30% of revenue within two years.KYM managing director Datuk Raymond Chong Thin Choy says the company, a packaging-products manufacturer, is scouting for more land in Kuala Lumpur where it intends to develop high-end residential an

SHL set to secure ownership of Wisma Sin Heap Lee SHL Consolidated Bhd is set to secure majority ownership of Wisma Sin Heap Lee, a prime commercial property near the Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Ampang intersection in Kuala Lumpur. This will follow SHL’s acquisition of a 60% stake in Goodstock Land Sdn Bhd for RM25.56 million.

Hap Seng’s debut housing development in Peninsular Malaysia — D’Alpinia in Puchong — is a 90-acre project with a gross development value of RM420 million.“We want this to be a development that caters for a range of residents.

SunCity to develop Sunway Parking tractSunway City Bhd (SunCity) has acquired the entire stake in Sunway Parking Management Sdn Bhd for RM12.6 million from its 52%-owned subsidiary Sunway Pyramid Sdn Bhd.

E & O records robust earnings Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) achieved a net profit of RM75 million and recorded strong income growth of 67% for FY2010 ended March 31.“The group’s improved position is attributable to its well-timed and successful launch of the St Mary Residences condominiums in Kuala Lumpur and Quayside Seafront Resort Condominiums in Penang,” E &