Thought Leadership

On 13^th September 2021, the Ministry of Law unveiled the Rental Waiver Framework (RWF) under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Amendment No 4) Bill. The RWF is expected to commence in October 2021.

During the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) (P2HA) periods between (1) 16 May to 13 June 2021, and (2) 22 July to 18 August 2021, some businesses were disrupted by the safe management measures imposed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Under the Rental Support Scheme (RSS) announced in May 2021, the government introduced support measures to alleviate the economic impact on both small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as eligible non-profit organisations (NPOs). The support measures included two cash payouts - the first pay-out was to be disbursed starting from 6 August 2021, while the second payout will be disbursed in October 2021.

A keen understanding of the nature of real estate and the legal and regulatory issues related to this asset class is critical to working out the basic features of any real estate deal. The Rajah & Tann Asia’s “Guide to the Real Estate Industry in Asia” gives you a brief overview of certain key insights to the real estate industry in the ten jurisdictions across Rajah & Tann Asia’s geographical footprint, namely, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Topics covered in the Guide include the legal framework, types of real estate, ownership and tenure, taxes as well as important issues that an investor of real estate in the region should take note of.

In its second edition, we hope that this Guide will be a useful aid to investors who are navigating or looking to navigate this part of the world for their real estate investments.

A key pillar of our strength is our Rajah & Tann Asia network with offices in these ten jurisdictions, as well as dedicated desks focusing on Japan and South Asia. With the most extensive legal network in Asia, our lawyers have a tight grasp of the local culture, business practices, and language not just within their own home countries, but in the other markets in which they frequently conduct cross-border deals as well. Our depth of transactional and regulatory experience allows us to advise clients strategically and creatively, from structuring to eventual execution and implementation of the transaction.

This gives us an unparalleled edge over our competitors in presenting and pursuing solutions that are both practical and cost-effective. It provides our clients with the "home advantage" in any corporate real estate matters.

This article was originally published in https://www.rajahtannasia.com/

• The total strata office transaction volume climbed steadily to 162 units in the first half of 2021, up from 134 in H2 2020 and 79 in H1 2020. Cautious optimism on Singapore’s growth outlook, as well as investor interest in possible strata office buildings collective sales and from owner-occupiers, boosted sales volume.
• While the number of strata offices sold in H1 2021 jumped by a noteworthy 20.9% on a half-yearly basis, total transaction values increased 106.6% in the same period to S$691.5 million (excluding the collective sale of Maxwell House). This surpassed all previous half-yearly transaction values that hovered below S$600.0 million since H1 2015.

To know more about the report, download it below.

This article was originally published in https://www.knightfrank.com/

COVID-19 induced lockdowns have exposed the weaknesses of income-producing properties around the world. As a result, two-tiered markets have formed, with more resilient prime assets continuing to hold their values, while non-prime assets are seeing their values deteriorate. In response to this, we are witnessing massive moves to repurpose assets and bring them to relevance in the evolving landscape across the region.

There are five demand drivers consisting of both the pull and push factors influencing the Great Asset Repurposing of the Decade.

This article was originally published in https://www.knightfrank.com/