The real estate market in 2013 as seen by foreign consultancy firms

MARKET - Foreign consultancy firms all believe that the real estate market would still be very difficult in 2013, while the prices would continue decreasing. However, they believe that there would be more successful transactions.

CBRE Vietnam believes that 2013 would be the time for a “revolution” in the real estate market. About the prices of the apartments in Hanoi, CBRE’s experts think that the prices would drop by another 10 percent after decreasing by 12 percent in 2012.

A report showed that Vietnam had 55,000 operational enterprises in the real estate sector in 2012. Of the enterprises, 17,000 took loss, while 2,637 got dissolved. Meanwhile, CBRE thinks that the number of real estate developers and the number of real estate investment funds would be halved in 2013 and then halved further in 2014 before bouncing back again later.

Also according to the real estate consultant, the biggest transactions in the office leasing market would take place in the B-class office market segment. The actual area of offices to be leased in 2013 is believed to increase slightly in 2012 because of the recovery of the Vietnam’s and the world’s economies.

Knight Frank also thinks that the real estate market would still keep gloomy in 2013 with the apartment sale prices to drop further in the first half of the year, if the government does not implement necessary measures to settle the problems of the market.

Most of the transactions would be seen in the low-cost or popular market segments – the segments which both the people with real demand for accommodations and investors are interested in.

With a series of shopping malls to be opened in the next two years, including Vincom Mega Mall, Trang Tien Plaza, Ciputra, Golden Palace and Lotte Center, this is expected to change the face of the Hanoi’s retail market, thus creating a strong competition among retail center developers.

The office market is believed to be stable in the first quarter of 2013 with few transactions to be made by domestic and foreign companies because of the long Tet holiday.

Savills Vietnam, while putting high hope on the measures taken by the government to stimulate the demand, believes that the measures would only show their effects by mid 2013.

Therefore, one should not expect too much on the recovery of the real estate market in 2013. If the apartment prices decrease further, the sales of low cost products, priced at less than 1-2 billion dong, would increase by 25 percent.

It is estimated that by 2015, about 860,000 square meters of office area would be available on the market to be sourced from 62 new office projects.

Meanwhile, Cushman & Wakefield believes that the measures suggested by the government and relevant ministries are not powerful enough to give strength to the real estate market which is in big difficulties.

It is expected that the new supplies would be available on the Hanoi market from 17 new projects. Since the supply far outstrips the demand, the price downward would continue in 2013, while the market would be the buyers’.

Colliers International does not put high hopes on the market growth in 2013, but it thinks the recovery can be seen in some market segments. The market would give the opportunities to the financially powerful investors who can take full advantage of the current price decreases to develop projects for profit later.

Source: DĐDN | VNN

Japanese corporation to build 100 hotels in Vietnam

VNRE - Japanese hotel chain, Toyoko Inn, introduced its ambitious plan to build 100 starred hotels in Vietnam at a seminar in Hanoi on February 22.

Tokyo Inn Nagasaki. Photo: Review My Life

Nishida Norimasa, President and also founder of Toyoko Inn, said he believes that the project would be successful as for the long term Vietnam’s economy will be surely better than at present.

Present at the event, Vice President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Doan Duy Khuong highly valued the corporation’s project, describing it a meaningful economic event in the context when the relations in trade, tourism and culture between Vietnam and Japan are growing positively.

Khuong expressed his hopes that the project, once completed, will contribute to boosting the two countries’ tourism and investment cooperation, promoting Vietnam ’s images to international friends and fostering tourism, investment and business activities in Vietnam .

Japan now ranks third among 84 countries and territories investing in Vietnam in terms of registered capital and first in terms of the amount of disbursed capital.

Source: VNA

The GEM on Fraser

VNRE - Located on Fraser Street at 18th Avenue, this new four story development in the heart of Vancouver boasts quick and easy access to all parts of Vancouver, including the downtown core.


With an abundance of amenities at your doorstep including a wide selection of elementary schools, Charles Tupper Secondary School, Mount St Josephs Hospital, Riley Park Community Centre, two libraries, parks, ample shopping, public transport including proximity to skytrain, this is truly a gem of a location! 14 affordable apartments offering spacious and convenient living to small families, couples and singles in a family orientated neighborhood yet with quick and easy access to all that Vancouver has to offer. So whether you are an executive working downtown, a busy couple employed in neighboring municipalities or a small family with children in all levels of the school system, the Gem has all your needs taken care off.


Amenities

A world of adventure at your doorstep in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. An abundance of schools, parks, cafes, restaurants and shops all within walking distance. This is a neighbourhood where family comes first and it is just five (5) minutes from the downtown core.

Floor plan and layouts

Floor plans for The Gem will range from one bedroom suites at around 574 sf ft to 810 sf ft and two bedroom suites between 852 sq ft. and 912 sq ft. The pricing is also very affordable and ranges from $348,888 to $488,888.

Floor level layouts: Download pdf file.

Features

Interiors:
- Choice of two contemporary colour schemes: Sunstone and Topaz
- 8'0" ceiling heights in most living areas
- Laminate wood flooring throughout living, dining, and bedrooms
- 2" horizontal blinds for shade and privacy
- Contemporary brushed nickel cabinet accessories.

Kitchen
- Contemporary wood veneer cabinetry with brushed nickel cabinet pull
- Engineered quartz countertops
- Elegant marble tile backsplash
- Top quality stainless steel appliances:
+ 30" bottom-freezer refrigerator (Energy Star)
+ 24" dishwasher (Energy Star)
+ 30" ceramic glass cooktop
+ 30" self-cleaning wall oven
+ Over-the-range integrated microwave/hood fan
+ Sleek stainless steel undermount sink
+ Modern faucets and fixtures by American Standard
+ Handy in-sink waste disposal system.

Bathrooms
- Contemporary wood veneer cabinetry with brushed nickel cabinet pull in all baths
- Engineered quartz countertops
- Stylish soaker tub and undermount counter sink
- Modern faucets and fixtures by American Standard
- Stylish rain shower head in all baths
- Dual flush toilets by American Standard
- Contemporary porcelain tile floor
- Sleek bath/shower surround with porcelain accent tile.

Laundry
- Matching full-size appliances by Frigidaire
- Front load washer (Energy Star)
- 7.0 cu.ft. capacity dryer.

Safety & Security
- Entrance video intercom
- Secured residential access to each floor
- Hardwired in-suite smoke detectors and sprinklers
- Common areas protected by priority lock system
- Gated underground parking accessed via remote.

Enquiries and register:

Sutton Group West Coast Realty
Presentation Centre: 3333 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC
Office: 604 257 8888 - Fax: 604 257 8889
Mobile: 604 728 7606 - Ms Neha Rani
Email: info@liveatthegem.com

Hanoi Museum world’s 4th most overlooked building

VNRE - The Hanoi Museum is in the "Top 10 Overlooked Stunning Buildings" put together by members and editors of travel website VirtualTourist.


“While most visitors to Vietnam focus on temples and colonial buildings, a new modern museum in the country's capital might change that tradition,” Reuters quoted the travel website as commenting on the museum.

The Hanoi Museum, designed by GMP Architekten of Germany, incorporates some common themes of museum construction with a new twist, literally. Photos of the museum's interior, with its white walls and large spiral ramp, somewhat resemble Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim Museum, except the exterior of the Hanoi Museum completely contrasts the former's exterior.

The Hanoi Museum resembles an inverted pyramid with four levels of descending squares, the bottom level significantly smaller than even the first floor. This significantly smaller bottom level means that the surrounding gardens and water features almost appear to begin beneath the building leading visitors from the outside in. This was also taken into account when planning the gardens and surrounding area of the museum.

Visitors encounter exhibits from the history of Hanoi and reconstructed traditional Vietnamese villages upon entering the museum landscape and then can enter the museum from any one of the four sides.



VirtualTourist provides insider travel tips, reviews and photos posted by real travelers on over 72,000 travel destinations around the world.

While most travelers know to visit the Musee d'Orsay while in Paris or the Guggenheim Museum when in New York City, there are hundreds of buildings that get overlooked, either because of their location or simply the number of sites in the city deemed worth seeing, Reuters said.

In late January, Hanoi was also ranked second in the list of 100 cities with the best hotel services, as conducted by France-based tourism website Trivago.

Below is the Top 10 Overlooked Stunning Buildings by VirtualTourist:

1. Military History Museum - Dresden, Germany
2. The Mezquita - Cordoba, Spain
3. The Jantar Mantar - Jaipur, India
4. The Hanoi Museum - Hanoi, Vietnam
5. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - Boston, Mass, USA
6. Horta Museum - Brussels, Belgium
7. Moulay Ismail Mausoleum - Meknes, Morocco
8. Selimiye Mosque, Edirne, Turkey
9. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth - Fort Worth, Texas
10. Rila Monastery - Rila, Bulgaria

Source: Reuters, Tuoitrenews

market based energy and water conservation legislation introduced in Texas

This week, legislation was introduced to the Texas Senate to enable financing of water and energy conservation improvements for building owners using property assessments. Programs of this sort are in place in many other states, and are called Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs. Essentially, this allows cities to offer building owners a long-term loan that can be paid back each year on the property tax bill. The cost of improvements are added to the property tax bill over the course of several years. Depending on the improvement project, the savings will be reflected in monthly water and energy bills. According to the PR Newswire, this funding mechanism will enable building owners to put improvements in place that would otherwise be cost prohibitive without the low-cost, long-term loans and repayment method this program puts in place. The program is voluntary, and each loan is attached to the property, not the property owner. Similar legislation is expected to be submitted to the Texas Congress soon.

For more information about PACE financing of conservation improvements, watch this video:


Fraser Suites Hanoi


VNRE - With its strategic location in Syrena Tower on Xuan Dieu Street, Fraser Suites Hanoi is a prime address for expatriates who desire a home close to the place of business, and yet offers a tranquil repose from the bustle of the city. The well-appointed Gold-Standard serviced residence is in the scenic Westlake district, the residential enclave preferred by foreign executives and their families.


Embraced as the newest and most modern addition to the serviced residence segment, it is already setting a new benchmark in concept, product and service delivery. Ultra-chic, it is designed to meet the refined taste and expectations of discerning corporate travellers – with sophisticated amenities and equipment such as large screen LCD TV, entertainment system, as well as exclusive keycard elevator access.

Leisure options are important when searching for a home. Amidst the sweeping gardens with unobstructed lake view are a well-equipped gymnasium, restaurant, and children’s playroom, with even more facilities at the inter-connected Syrena Shopping Centre.

Great location, superb service and seamless access to everything you need – they’re right here at Fraser Suites Hanoi.

Accommodation & Features



The tallest building in Tay Ho district, each of the residences offers a magnificent unobstructed view of Westlake, Red River and its scenic surrounds.

Every one of the 186 residences offers innovative concepts seldom seen in Vietnam – such as the state-of-the-art home theatre system, extensive use of technology and modern interpretation of locally-inspired motifs and finishing. Elegant and stylish, it is a home designed to fulfil the needs of seasoned travellers.

A resort-style swimming pool, well-equipped 24-hour gymnasium, café and children’s outdoor and indoor play areas are located within the complex, complemented by a large shopping centre connected to the residence. Everything you will ever need is within easy access.

We offer various layouts to suit your lifestyle needs:

- Studio
- One Bedroom Deluxe
- Two Bedroom Deluxe
- Three Bedroom Deluxe
- Three Bedroom Executive
- Three + One Bedroom Deluxe Duplex
- Three + One Bedroom Executive Duplex
- Penthouse

Each apartment at Fraser Suites Hanoi comes with separate living, dining, kitchen and bedroom areas, and is decked out in ultra-chic designs complemented by top-notch interiors, fittings and entertainment system.

The features include:

- Air-conditioning with individually-controlled thermostats
- Exclusive elevator access to apartments with security keycard system
- Modern and well-equipped kitchen
+ Gas/Electric Hob and Electric hood
+ Refrigerator
+ Microwave oven and Built-in Oven
+ Electric rice cooker
+ Electric kettle
- Comprehensive home entertainment system:
+ LCD TV
+ Satellite, cable network – local and international TV channels
+ DVD player
+ Audio system
- Wireless and Broadband internet access*
- Direct-dial telephone with voicemail
- Cordless phone
- In-room personal safe
- Bathroom amenities
- Steam iron and ironing board
- Washing machine and dryer
- Welcome amenities
- An optional selection of lifestyle packages*

* Additional charges







Facilities & Services

From recreation to relaxation, your lifestyle needs can be met without setting foot outside the serviced residence complex. But if you prefer to go shopping or sightseeing, there is the inter-connected Syrena Shopping Centre, banking facilities and free shuttle services to other parts of the city.

Services & offerings

- 24-hour reception
- 24-hour maintenance
- 24-hour security & TV surveillance
- Concierge services
- Money changer
- Transportation services*
- Daily housekeeping service (except Sundays & Public Holidays)
- Laundry and Dry Cleaning service *
- Car Park *
- Babysitting services (upon request only)*
- Complimentary daily scheduled bus shuttle to commercial districts and shopping centres
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Complimentary daily local newspaper
- Restaurant & Cafe *
- Room service*

Leisure amenities

- Outdoor resort-style swimming pool & Jacuzzi
- Outdoor Children’s wading pool
- Children outdoor playground and indoor playroom
- Fully equipped 24 hour gymnasium, steam bath facilities
- Library Lounge

Business complements

- The Retreat – an award-winning business meeting facility infusing business with pleasure*
- Business and Secretarial services *
- Conference room *
- Broadband or Wireless internet access *

* Additional charges apply.

Reservations:
Add: 51 Xuan Dieu Street, Quang An, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: 84.4.37198877 - Fax: 84.4.37198811
Email: sales.hanoi@frasershospitality.com

Capri by Fraser, Ho Chi Minh City


VNRE - With its extensive range of facilities and amenities, Capri by Fraser, Ho Chi Minh City is a new serviced residence brand designed to meet the work balance needs for today’s ‘always on’ lifestyle. Enjoy all day dining at Caprilicious. Work out 24/7 in the Gym. Grab a bite from Delite. Chill out at Drinx. Go for a Sauna.

Spaces and facilities

Complete with three whole floors of in-property leisure and business facilities, residents will find themselves living in one of the city's premiere standard of service and comfort. Capri By Fraser, Ho Chi Minh City’s attractive location in Phu My Hung allows easy access not just to business locales but also to useful facilities such as shopping malls, international schools and a wide range of dining options serving up delectable cuisine in the vicinity.

- 126 spacious units comprising of Studio, One Bedroom and Two Bedroom with kitchenettes
- Fully-equipped gym
- Steam Room & Sauna
- Laundrettes
- All-day dining restaurant.








Reservations:
Capri By Fraser, Lot C6B02-2,
Add: New South Urban City, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: 84.8.5411 0800
Email: reservations.hochiminh@capribyfraser.com

Dubai development company plans $30bn Vietnam project

VNRE - A Dubai-based development company has launched a major project in Vietnam’s capital city which will cost US$30bn (AED110bn) and take 17 years to complete, reported Trade Arabia.



Global Sphere’s project dubbed ‘Hanoi Wall Street’ will feature complete city services over an area of 35 sqkm and represents the largest Vietnamese venture by a company from the UAE.

Chairman of Global Sphere, Dr Abdullah Al Sayegh, said the project will be an integrated community, with the first phase expected to be finished by 2020, at a cost of US$10bn (AED36.7bn). The full project is expected to end in 2030.

Al Sayegh said the project will have about 70 residential towers which will “accommodate between 300,000 and 400,00 people” and that the “engineering plan for the project resembles Downtown Dubai”.

Global Sphere arranges funds for large projects on behalf of commercial companies or governments, and Al Sayegh claims that with this project the company is serving as a port for the entry of many UAE companies to the Vietnamese market.

He added that the project is the first of the company’s business in Vietnam, and that it involves a number of contracts for other projects, including the production of solar energy, in partnership with Worldtech Corporation. Other projects would be carried out by companies from Vietnam.

Via Arabian Business