Latest news with #Balance
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kick in
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Flats in Standard projects will not have a subsidy recovery clause when they are sold, and come with a five-year minimum occupation period (MOP). SINGAPORE - The Housing Board launched 5,547 Build-To-Order (BTO) flats on July 23 for sale across eight projects in Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Clementi, Sembawang, Tampines, Toa Payoh and Woodlands, including the first units in the new estate of Sembawang North. Another 4,662 balance flats have also been put on offer, including 1,733 Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) units that are completed and ready for home buyers to move into. The bulk of the balance flats are in Kallang/Whampoa, Tengah and Geylang. A slew of policy changes that benefit singles and families looking to upgrade or right-size their homes will also take effect from this sales exercise. HDB announced it would increase the subsidies for four Prime projects in Bukit Merah, Toa Payoh and Clementi to keep the flats affordable for more Singaporeans. It did not specify the extent of this increase. Owners of these flats will be subject to a higher subsidy clawback upon the resale of their flats. The clawback is set at 11 per cent for Toa Payoh Ascent, and Alexandra Peaks and Alexandra Vista in Bukit Merah. At Clementi Emerald, it is 12 per cent. These correspond to the extent of the extra subsidies offered, said HDB. There is also a 10-year minimum occupation period (MOP) for these flats. The clawback for Prime flats was 9 per cent in the past two sales exercises. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore S'pore's domestic recycling rate drops to all time low of 11% Business Singapore's digital banks finding their niche in areas like SMEs as they narrow losses in 2024 Asia Japan Prime Minister Ishiba to resign by August, Mainichi newspaper reports World Trump says US will charge 19% tariff on goods from Philippines, down from 20% Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore 2 foreigners arrested for shop theft at Changi Airport Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving The remaining four projects fall under the Standard classification. Sembawang Beacon, the first project in the new Sembawang North neighbourhood, comprises 775 two-room flexi and three-, four- and five-room flats, as well as three-generation units, on a site bounded by Admiralty Link, Admiralty Lane and Canberra Road. The project, which has a wait of three years, will be near amenities such as a neighbourhood park and Sembawang MRT station. Flats in Standard projects will not have a subsidy recovery clause when they are sold, and come with a five-year MOP. Prices (without grants) range from $148,000 to $207,000 for a two-room flexi flat, $267,000 to $323,000 for a three-room flat, $328,000 to 413,000 for a four-room flat, $487,000 to $586,000 for a five-room flat, and $497,000 to $585,000 for a three-generation unit. A Standard project in Simei – which HDB classifies as part of Tampines – will have 380 units of two-room flexi, four- and five-room flats on a plot bounded by Simei Road and Upper Changi Road East. They are the first public housing flats in Simei in more than a decade. Toa Payoh Ascent, a Prime project, will house 741 two-room flexi, three- and four-room flats on a site bounded by Toa Payoh Rise and Braddell Rise. It is about a five-minute walk to Caldecott MRT station. Prices (without grants) range from $212,000 to $354,000 for a two-room flexi flat, $406,000 to $514,000 for a three-room unit, and $583,000 to $777,000 for a four-room flat. For comparison, three-room resale flats in Toa Payoh transacted at between $780,000 - $830,000, and four-room resale flats at between $1.07 million and $1.17 million, said HDB. From July's BTO exercise, the new Family Care Scheme comes into effect. Under the scheme, first-timer singles will be granted priority access within the existing quota for single buyers when they buy a two-room flexi flat near or with their parents. A second component of the scheme, which grants singles priority if they jointly apply for two units in the same BTO project with their parents, will kick in from the October sales exercise. There will be no change to the existing priority access for married couples and seniors - up to 30 per cent of flat supply in a BTO launch is allocated to first-timer families, while at least 40 per cent of two-room flexi flats are set aside for seniors. Another change that takes place from this sales exercise is a larger allocation quota for second-time home buyers applying for three-room and larger flats. Up to 20 per cent of three-room Standard flats and up to 10 per cent of three-room Plus and Prime flats and four-room and larger flats would be set aside for second-timer families. First-timer families would still have at least 80 per cent to 90 per cent of three-room and larger flats set aside for them. The deferred income assessment criteria was also relaxed from this sales exercise, allowing couples the option to delay their income assessment for a housing loan until just before they collect the keys to their flat, as long as one party is a full-time student or national serviceman. Previously, both parties needed to meet this requirement. Lastly, the Fresh Start Housing Grant was increased from $50,000 to $75,000 for eligible families who are second-time home buyers currently living in public rental flats. The grant will help them to buy a new two-room flexi or three-room standard BTO or balance flat on a shorter lease. HDB said applicants who wish to improve their chances of securing a flat are encouraged to apply for Standard flats, where at least 90 per cent of the four-room and larger flats are set aside for first-timer families. Flat applications will close at 11.59pm on July 30 on the HDB Flat Portal. In the next BTO exercise in October, HDB will offer about 9,100 flats in Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Bishan, Bukit Merah, Jurong East, Sengkang, Toa Payoh and Yishun. A fifth assisted living project in Sengkang will also be on offer.
Hypebeast
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Bad Bunny's adidas Gazelle Indoor Escapes to Cabo Rojo in This Week's Best Footwear Drops
Summer is still going strong and footwear brands are making the most of it by dropping seasonal looks. This week we seeNike,New Balance,Crocs,Jordan Brand,ASICS, andadidasall offering notable sneakers. Before we work our way through all 10 drops, let's look back at the key storylines that emerged last week. Our latest feature for the footwear space covers the10 new lifestyle sneakers that are defining 2025, from low-profile pairs to sneaker loafers. As for the typical news slate, Tom Sachs'NikeCraft Mars Yard 3.0made headlines again with the launch of the I.S.R.U. app and official images of the kicks. We also shared a complete preview of what to expect from theNike SB Air Max 95'Cactus Flower.' Meanwhile, an'Autumn Leaves'version of the Air Force 1 Low went viral as well. For Jordan Brand, Hiroshi Fujiwara revealed afragment design x Union LAx Air Jordan 1 High OG 'Sport Royal' andNigel Sylvester'sAir Jordan 4 'Sail/Cinnabar' is now expected to drop next year. Elsewhere in the sneaker space, a complete preview of theSalehe Bemburyx New Balance 1000 'Fog Be The Cloud' surfaced andAimé Leon Doredropped another New Balance 860v2 trio. The American sportswear brand also announced that the204L sneaker, hot off of its Kith collaboration, has its in-line debut taking place later this more noise in the space, teasing its second Salomon collaboration, which involves the XT-6 this time. For adidas, it delivered theMegaride S2while a first look at a floral Stan Smith byatmos pinkhit the net. With all of last week's major headlines revisited, let's dive into this week's top drops, starting with the latest entry in Nike's 'NY vs. NY' series. Afterwards,slide by HBX to shop sneakers that are available now. Release Date:July 22Release Price:$130 USDWhere to Buy:SNKRSWhy You Should Cop:When it comes to summer streetball, New York City is the place to be. Its NYvsNY tournament unites the best young hoopers and is often paid homage to with thematic sneakers from Nike, which hosts the event. This year's pair features the Air Force 1 Low in white with lenticular Swooshes, lateral NYvsNY heel branding, and a semi-translucent mint outsole. Release Date:July 22Release Price:$135 USD to $140 USDWhere to Buy:SNKRSWhy You Should Cop:In case you missed out last week, Arts-Rec's two-shoe collaboration with Nike SB is back for a second drop. Both its SB Dunk Low and SB Air Trainer 1, the latter of which is back for the first time in years, feature animal print-inspired overlays. The SB Dunk Low's mixed material build also carries notes of orange, green, and pink while the SB Air Trainer 1 combines pink with maroon and rust orange. Release Date:July 23Release Price:$160 USDWhere to Buy:New BalanceWhy You Should Cop:It's been less than three months since New Balance introduced the ABZORB 2010 sneaker to the market and the model's already made its mark on 2025. On top of a high-powered list of collaborators, from Ronnie Fieg to Comme des Garçons HOMME, the brand has been assembling rich color compositions, which is set to expand this week with the introduction of the 'Linen' colorway. This pair sees its pigskin suede, leather, and mesh upper adorned with various brown hues while yellow strikes the midsole. Release Date:July 24Release Price:$135 USDWhere to Buy:SNKRSWhy You Should Cop:With the WNBA's All-Star festivities now in the rearview mirror, it's time for the rest of the season to unravel. For Sabrina Ionescu, her prowess on the court continues to be amplified by her newest signature shoe, the Nike Sabrina 3. Introduced just a week ago for the All-Star break, it's back for the launch of its lead 'Blueprint' look. The court-ready sneaker is highlighted in 'Glacier Blue,' combining with 'Metallic Gold' Swooshes and an icy translucent outsole. Release Date:July 24Release Price:$140 USDWhere to Buy:BeASpungeWhy You Should Cop:Salehe Bembury surprised sneakerheads when he announced that his rare 'F&F Tree Camo' colorway of the Crocs Pollex Clog would be releasing to the public, nearly three years after revealing the design and calling it an F&F-exclusive. This prompted fans to consider if the Crocs Pollex Juniper 'F&F Tree Camo' would see a similar treatment after being unveiled in 2024. Now, a similar fate will be met after all as the camo-equipped sneaker is set to drop this week with a gum sole backing its outdoor-ready upper. Release Date:July 25Release Price:$225 USDWhere to Buy:A Ma ManiéreWhy You Should Cop:A Ma Maniére made history as one of two collaborators to work with Converse, Jordan Brand, and Nike for one sneaker campaign last year. Since then, it's continued to work closely with the Swoosh, dropping additional takes on the Air Force 1 Low and Air Max 95 last month. Now, it's back with another version of the Air Jordan 5, producing a 'Black Collective' colorway that combines black and white with 'Burgundy Crush' and 'Violet Ore' detailing. Subtle co-branding is scattered throughout the sneaker and its special packaging. Release Date:July 25Release Price:$210 USDWhere to Buy:ASICSWhy You Should Cop:Another curated style by Kiko Kostadinov Studio and the ASICS SportStyle development team is here: introducing the US6-S GEL-KINETIC FLUENT. Key changes to the lifestyle sneaker include a leather toe panel, a familiar pull tab loop at the tongue, and two-tone mesh. Three colorways of 'Black/Vanilla,' 'Glacier Grey/Soft Sky,' and 'Cayenne/Copperhead' offer distinct looks for the reworked sneaker. Release Date:July 26Release Price:$140 USDWhere to Buy:adidasWhy You Should Cop:Bad Bunny and adidas came together to celebrate Puerto Rico, where Benito is performing a 30-show residency, by assembling three colorways dedicated to three different parts of the Caribbean island. Now, the duo's pink 'Cabo Rojo' pair is set to receive a global launch, paying homage to the town's salt flats and rare pink water. His reinterpretation of the Gazelle Indoor, one that combines a puffed layered tongue, size tag at the heel, and altered toe layout, hosts this summer-ready rendition of the shoe. Release Date:July 26Release Price:$320 AUD (approx. $209 USD)Where to Buy:Above The CloudsWhy You Should Cop:Australia's Above The Clouds has worked closely with ASICS in recent years, most recently producing a wide variety of GT-2160s. Now, the duo is ready to drop two takes on the GEL-QUANTUM 360 I. The agile sneaker merges the worlds of performance and style with an extended lacing system combining with a reinforced toe cap in silver, as well as a bonded mesh layering structure. Its two 'Soft Yellow' colorways combine with red and black respectively. Release Date:July 26Release Price:$220 USDWhere to Buy:SNKRSWhy You Should Cop:Jordan Brand kicked off its new 'Rare Air' series with two takes on the Air Jordan 1 High OG and, later, a special Air Jordan 3. The theme, which draws inspiration from early sample pairs with unique branding elements, is now being imagined through the lens of the Air Jordan 4. Removable tongue patches reveal 'JORDAN RARE AIR' text, which is present in either white or a limited edition gold.
Hypebeast
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
JJJJound Teases Salomon XT-6 Collaboration
Summary When it comes to footwear collaborations, few can compare toJJJJound, especially when considering quantity and diversity. The Montréal-based label has already worked withNew Balance,adidas,Plasticana,Padmore & Barnes,OTW by Vans,ASICS, andPUMAthis year. Adding to its output, JJJJound has just teased a new project withSalomon. It's been over two years since JJJJound first worked with Salomon, presenting a white and blue take on theXT-Wings 2. Now, the duo has reunited for a second project, teasing a collaborative colorway of theXT-6. The model, which dominated for Salomon at the start of the decade, has been prepared in gray, black, and red. Its quicklace system is present and has been placed atop a co-branded tongue. Another nod to JJJJound comes courtesy of the heel, which features the wordmarks of each brand in red. At the time of writing, neither JJJJound nor Salomon have shared when their collaborative take on the XT-6 will be releasing. Stay tuned for updates, including a complete look at this black and gray colorway from the duo, as the shoe is confirmed to be dropping this year based on JJJJound's 'JJJJ SALOMON 2025' caption. It will likely be initially made available viaJJJJoundwithSalomonand select retailers such asHBXstocking the shoe later on.
Hypebeast
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
New Balance Gets "Dirty" on Pre-Distressed 1000
Name:New Balance 1000 'Dirty'Colorway:Silver MetallicSKU:M1000GMSRP:$150 USDRelease Date:August 1, 2025Where to Buy:New Balance Gone are the days of crispy, clean sneakers. The forerunners of the sneaker world are leaning into a lived-in feel through recent pre-distressed silhouettes fromNike' AF1 'Dirty TripleWhite,'A$AP RockyxPUMAInhale OG, and now the recently unveiledNew Balance's 'Dirty'1000. For their interpretation of the trend, New Balance uses one of its retro runners as the canvas and goes for its recognizable silver palette. Reissued in 2024, the latest model draws from the original 1999 design in intricate technical overlays and a prominent Y2K sensibility. Along with mesh uppers and leather overlays, a chunky segmented sole unit boasts ABZORB cushioning. To give the model a used look, dirt-like smears and abrasions are applied throughout the body. A realistic smokey stain appears on the white mesh, while the leather overlays show an aged finish. Elsewhere, dirty midsoles emphasize the sculptural shape of the cushioning, and black outsoles serve as the foundation for black branding on the upper panels. Though less apparent, the recently unveiledNew Balance 1000 'Grey Metallic'shows similar distressing across the monochromatic dark gray body. For any other sneaker purveyor, two gray colorways may feel redundant, but at New Balance, the choice is rooted in tradition. In May the label launched its 'Grey Days' event championing its signature color every May by sharing special product launches, events, and stories. The New Balance 1000 'Dirt' hits the brand's web store on August 1, 2025. See the gallery above for a closer look at the model.
Hypebeast
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
10 New Lifestyle Sneakers Defining 2025
We began the year by previewing25 sneaker releases to look forward to in 2025. Then, we curated a roundup of10 models to watch out for from 10 different brands. Now that we've made it over halfway through the year, there's a new query at the top of our minds: which new designs are driving the conversation forwardand ultimately defining this year in footwear? There's been no shortage of familiarity in footwear this year. From the umpteenth Air Jordan 1 anniversary launch to more adidas Gazelles than you can count. While the availability of these classics is appreciated, it's the new models that keep things fresh. For our latest snapshot of the sneaker space, we've compiled a list of 10 lifestyle sneakers that are making waves and have recently entered the market this year. Sportswear brands have a known strategy of 'pre-heating' a model before making it widely available. This process often involves high-profile collaborations and limited drops that generate excitement for a shoe before unleashing a salvo of general releases. AtNew Balance, the deconstructed'super light'versions of the 530, featuring Miu Miu, have repelled price-conscious consumers for years. The204L'showever, is exciting for those with a smaller budget, as it boasts a similar slim style (albeit without the luxury stamp of approval and its thousand-dollar price tag). Its low-profile structure is informed by retro runners and its lead 'Mushroom' look borrows from Miu Miu's playbook with a suede upper in light case that wasn't enough to entice its audience, the American sportswear brand has already revealed collaborations withKith,AURALEE, andBasketcasefeaturing the model before its global debut. When Junya Watanabe unveiled the New Balance 1906L, the concept of a sneaker loafer was met with polarizing reactions. While we're exposed to countless flash-in-the-pan trends each month, this one continues to excite (or anger) sneakerheads as more models, such asHOKA's Speed Loafer, come out. This particular iteration of the trend combines a rugged, oversized Vibram sole with a classic loafer upper. As is the case with many of its contentious contemporaries, obtaining a pair is easier said than done, and its debut all-black look easily fetches several times its retail price on the second-hand market. Of course, no trend is safe from the behemoth that isNike, which has also decided to join the sneaker loafer action. Teaming up with theSerena Williams Design Crew, theAir Max Phenomenawas born. Nike built the shoe atop the Air Max Sunder's tooling and mudguard, pairing it with a pebbled leather, loafer-shaped upper. This casual-leaning option is more sneaker than loafer, however, with a reflective mudguard, minor branding on the strap and heel tab, and a visible Air unit. The shoe debuted this month, and only two colorways have surfaced to date. However, based on the apparent sales success of its lead all-black version, there's sure to be more on the way. Paris Fashion Week never fails to deliver exciting footwear previews alongside its high-octane ready-to-wear spectacles. Takeadidas, for instance: the brand capitalized on the moment twice this year, starting with a new design made in collaboration withPharrell. While the multi-hyphenate's attention has largely shifted from the Three Stripes to other ventures, notably his role as creative director for Louis Vuitton menswear, the impact of his touch remains as potent as ever. He's now brought his revered eye for design back to adidas to create theJellyfishsneaker. This bold design reinterprets the Adistar Cushion, enlarging it with prominent dimensions thanks to the oversized linework and a premium synthetic composition give the shoe a futuristic finish,all the while connecting to a new branding identity that nods to Pharrell's home state of Virginia. While an adidas x Louis Vuitton collaboration may never happen, Pharrell closing his runway shows with new colorways of the Jellyfish sneaker might be the next best thing. When thinking of New Balance's lifestyle footwear, the first things that come to mind are old-school runners with a mixed material upper. Whether it be the classic 990v4 or 1999's sleek 1000 sneaker, the American sportswear brand has established itself as a go-to for these types of looks. However, the brand has now taken a new direction with the introduction of theABZORB 2000. The shoe features a contemporary look, with wavy overlays on the streamlined upper that showcase a midfoot 'N' logo on the lateral side only. What sets the shoe apart most is its sole unit, which leverages a five-pod ABZORB cushioning system. This eye-catching component replaces the brand's old-school aesthetics with a modern style more commonly found among its contemporaries. Bulky footwear may have led the charge for a few years, but slim sneakers are making a comeback. Acknowledging this,PUMAhas backed several slender silhouettes this year, including a reinterpretation of the Speedcat racing shoe, theSpeedcat Ballet. The Speedcat made a comeback last year and is now daintier than ever before. Its graceful shape maintains the lateral Formstrip while gently applying an elastic band system to the forefoot as well. With a co-sign from Dua Lipa and an accessible $80 USD price point, it's no wonder that this flat has captured the attention of the masses. ASICScan thank Kiko Kostadinov for paving the way for the brand's reinstated relevance. However, the Bulgarian designer is not the only partner who has contributed to the footwear brand's meteoric tastemakers at JJJJound have long created colorway recipes that boost sales, with not only their collaborations flying off the shelvesbut also galvanizingderivative looks. Recognizing this success, ASICS opted to give the Montréal-based label the first opportunity to showcase its newest model, theGEL-QUANTUM 360 I AMP. Designed in celebration of the GEL-QUANTUM franchise's 10th anniversary, which introduced 360 degrees of GEL technology in the midsole, the minimalist sneaker aligns perfectly with the soft-spoken brand. While the sneaker remains readily available, even in its collaborative white colorway, it's playing a significant role in shifting the brand away from its tried-and-true looks into a new chapter. New Balance stirred the pot with the 1906L last year, and it has made it clear that it isn't afraid to step outside the box even further. During Paris Fashion Week last month, the label teased another hybrid sneaker: theNew Balance 1890. In terms of design, the silhouette boasts a familiar black ABZORB-based sole unit and a butter yellow upper donning a Clarks Wallabee-esque shape. Not only is this wild pairing a head-turner, but its snakeskin-inspired overlays also bring added contrast. While this is the model we know the least about on the list, it's only a matter of time until it claims center stage. Nike is determined to make the Shox franchise a staple this season. We've seen countless iterations of the Shox TL, Shox Ride 2, and Shox R4 hit the market in 2025, but the brand has yet to excite a true resurgence. Perhaps, the newest model to make our list could be the final ingredient required. TheNike Shox Zis a silhouette that builds atop decades of history with a contemporary twist. Its sleek structure is inspired by kitten heels, offering a slight lift to the heel thanks to its small Shox unit. Meanwhile, a sculpted upper gives it a luxe touch without overstating its presence. Its lead black and red colorway is a fitting successor toMartine Rose'sbeloved Shox MR4 that first disrupted the scene in 2022. It's far too early to call the shoe a success, but it's sure to be a model to watch as the year progresses. Hybrid sneakers and slim silhouettes are surging in popularity, yet adidas is proving that bulky sneakers still have life left in them. Theadidas Megaride AGis another chunky model poised to carve out its niche in the sneaker market this year. Building on the resurgence of the Megaride franchise,the designfeatures the signature tunnels of the midsole, which combine to form a large cushioning structure. A mesh upper hosts intricate linework that keeps the sneaker fluid in motion despite its commanding stature. The Three Stripes ensured the shoe ended up on everyone's radar during Paris Fashion Week last month, offering one of its hottest partners,Willy Chavarria, the opportunity to emphasize the sneaker's boldness by drenching it in vibrant colorways of blue and pink.
