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Independent Singapore
35 minutes ago
- Independent Singapore
‘We're fast becoming like Hong Kong now': Wing Tai Holdings' 88% sold River Green condo draws flak over ‘very small' 980 sq ft four-bedders
SINGAPORE: Property developer Wing Tai Holdings' River Green residential project launch saw brisk take-up, with 88% of its units gone the day after it launched on Saturday (Aug 2). However, the project has since drawn flak over its 'very small' 980 sq ft four-bedroom units. By 6 p.m. on Sunday (Aug 3), buyers had taken up 460 units of the 524-unit development in District 9, making it the best-selling project in the Core Central Region (CCR) so far this year, according to Huttons Asia CEO Mark Yip, as reported by EdgeProp Singapore . Units were sold at an average price of S$3,130 per square foot (psf), with 98% of buyers being Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs), and the rest foreigners. 'All units were well received,' the developer added. PropNex CEO Kelvin Fong said more than 90% of the two-, three-, and four-bedroom units were taken up at the launch. Mr Yip added that the larger units were especially popular, with only seven of the 104 three-bedroom units and two of the 35 four-bedroom units left. According to EdgeProp Singapore's report in early July, 53% of the development was made up of two-bedroom units, which range from 527 sq ft for typical layouts to 657 sq ft for two-bedroom plus study units. Three-bedroom units, as well as one-bedroom and one-bedroom plus study units, each made up 20% of the development—three-bedders ranged from 786 to 883 sq ft, while the one-bedroom and one-bedroom plus study units have 420 sq ft and 452 sq ft, respectively. The remaining 7% were four-bedroom units at 980 sq ft. While nearly sold and 'well received' by buyers, netizens online were surprised by the 'very small' sizes of the units. One commenter wrote, 'Four bedders at 980 sq ft? That's just 91 sq m! One of those bedrooms can only fit a single bed, maybe squeeze in a wardrobe…Some two-bedders that are 527 sq ft; that's just 49 sq m!' 'This is very small. Even for a three-bedder, it's just barely enough,' said another commenter. Others compared the sizes with older condos, saying even their two-bedroom homes were larger. One commenter noted that their own two-bedroom unit is 1,200 sq ft and already feels cramped, questioning how four bedrooms could fit into something smaller. 'Can all four of those bedrooms even accommodate a wardrobe and a bed? ' he added. A few compared the situation to Hong Kong, with one saying, 'We're fast becoming like Hong Kong now,' with another adding, 'We definitely don't want to head in that direction.' Others, however, were not surprised. One user pointed out that the pricing is cheap when looked at as a whole because the four-bedroom units are only 980 sq ft. However, he warned that while this might sound good for investors, it could be 'bad for the country' if the trend goes on. 'Can you imagine a day where all of the new four-bedroom condos and five-room flats are as small as 900+ sq ft? Can you imagine a whole family of six in such a small space?' he said. Singapore's property 'shrinkflation' has been happening since 2010, a trend analysts link to developers adjusting to loan restrictions, property cooling measures, and changing buyer demands. According to Cushman & Wakefield, the median size of new non-landed homes in Singapore fell by 10.6%, from 1,012 sq ft in 2010 to 904 sq ft in 2024. The decline was even steeper in prime areas, where average unit sizes shrank by 20.6% to 829 sq ft. /TISG Read also: Is Sheng Siong's upcoming Orchard Road outlet at The Cathay a shift from its 'core identity' of serving heartland communities?
Independent Singapore
35 minutes ago
- Independent Singapore
Singapore to review Malaysia's request to start cross-border buses earlier
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed on Aug 3 that it is evaluating a proposal from Malaysia to move the start time of cross-border bus services from Johor Bahru to 4 a.m., which is one hour earlier than the current schedule. 'We are working with our bus operators to review the request,' said the LTA, The Sunday Times was quoted as saying by Malay Mail. The request, submitted by Malaysia's Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) on Jun 17, is currently under consideration. LTA stated it is collaborating with both public and private bus operators to assess the feasibility of the proposal. Addressing early-morning bottlenecks The move is part of wider efforts to tackle congestion during peak morning hours at the Johor-Singapore Causeway. Johor Works, Transportation, Infrastructure and Communication Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the proposal was aimed at reducing bottlenecks that regularly occur in the early hours, as reported by The Star and quoted by Malay Mail. These bottlenecks usually arise when traffic volume exceeds the road's capacity, especially at checkpoints where all vehicles must slow down for clearance. Merging lanes, unpredictable driver behaviour, such as abrupt lane changes or braking, and limited processing counters can all contribute to worsening traffic. In the case of the Causeway, the density of commuters during early hours and the limited transit options often result in this traffic. This proposal aims to start the bus services earlier so that it could help distribute traffic more evenly across time periods. This can help relieve pressure on immigration facilities, thereby improving the overall flow. Read related: ETS expansion to Johor Bahru strengthens Malaysia–Singapore rail linksETS expansion to Johor Bahru strengthens Malaysia–Singapore rail links Current cross-border bus operations At present, public buses that travel between Johor Bahru and Singapore typically start service around 5 a.m. or later. For instance, SBS Transit's service 160 departs the checkpoint at 5 a.m. on weekdays, and at 5:50 a.m. on weekends and public holidays. Service 170, which runs from Larkin Terminal in Johor to Queen Street Terminal in Singapore, begins at 5:20 a.m. on weekdays and 5:30 a.m. on weekends or holidays. See also LTA backtracks on 167 bus route cancellation following complaints The services involved in the review include those run by SBS Transit and SMRT, as well as several private operators. Potential benefits for Singapore commuters An earlier start could offer more flexibility for early-morning travellers, especially for Malaysian workers commuting to Singapore. It may also help alleviate the worsening pressure on immigration facilities during peak periods by spreading traffic more evenly. This proposal highlights ongoing efforts by both Malaysia and Singapore to improve cross-border transport links and the commuter experience. With the RTS Link slated to begin operations in 2027, earlier bus services could act as a short-term measure to relieve congestion while the larger rail project is completed. Read also: 'We admire Singapore deeply': Johor calls for end to rivalry, urges deeper regional partnership Featured image by Freepik
Independent Singapore
36 minutes ago
- Independent Singapore
Johor and Singapore explore cross-border e-hailing to ease congestion
Photo: Facebook / Onn Hafiz Ghazi MALAYSIA: A new proposal to introduce cross-border e-hailing services between Johor and Singapore could mark a significant step in expanding transport options for travellers navigating the busy route between the two neighbours. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi shared that the idea was among the topics brought up in a recent meeting with Singapore's Acting Transport Minister, Jeffrey Siow, as reported by Malay Mail. 'This service not only offers more flexible, on-demand mobility options for users but also has the potential to ease congestion on major routes and create income opportunities for local drivers,' he stated. Enhancing connectivity and commuter experience The initiative is seen as part of broader efforts to improve the existing transport systems and commuter convenience across the border. Onn Hafiz also pointed out that such a service could contribute to shaping a safer and more efficient mobility ecosystem while also aligning public transport systems between Johor and Singapore more closely. See also Truck ploughs through cars in traffic jam, causing 12-car pile-up 'It could also serve as a catalyst for a more user-friendly, safe, and competitive transport system, while strengthening integration between both countries' public transport networks,' he was quoted as saying by Malay Mail . The meeting also touched on the ongoing development of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is expected to begin operating in January 2027. 'This includes the physical development of the project, coordination of operating schedules, determination of fare structures, and integration of public transport systems between Johor and Singapore,' he added. Expanding public transport options Discussions went further to include operational improvements for existing bus services. Proposals were made to extend service hours and increase the number of buses operating across the Causeway, including the possibility of starting service earlier than the current 5 a.m. schedule. These proposed improvements, aimed at easing congestion and ensuring smoother traffic movement through border checkpoints, are expected to improve seamless transit between both regions. How it may impact Singaporeans This proposal may benefit Singaporeans who are interested in crossing the Causeway. E-hailing services operating across the border may help distribute commuter traffic more evenly, reduce peak-hour strain, and offer greater flexibility for those commuting for work or leisure. A better transport network with Johor could also enhance cross-border mobility and boost tourism and labour movement. This, in turn, may potentially open up more avenues for collaboration between the two nations on practical, commuter-friendly solutions. Read also: 'We admire Singapore deeply': Johor calls for end to rivalry, urges deeper regional partnership () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
