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Brownstone EC | Canberra EC

New Executive Condominium @ Canberra MRT Station . Canberra EC by CDL

The Brownstone EC is a new Executive Condominium that launched for booking recently. This Canberra EC is well sought after, as it is less than 3 minutes walk from the upcoming Canberra MRT station, to be ready just a year after the Brownstone EC completes, and is by a brand name developer, City Developments. In fact, it is the best selling of all the ECs currently.

The Brownstone EC Pool & ClubhouseThe Brownstone EC :: New Canberra EC by CDL

The Brownstone EC is located at the corner of Canberra Drive, Canberra Lane, and Canberra Link, next to the future Canberra MRT station.

For an EC to be within 3 minutes walk of an MRT station is very rare. In fact only one other EC out of all the launches in the last 5 years has that distinction, The Esparina at Sengkang, that launched in 2010. There has been none so close since then.

In the private condominium market, the pricing between a condo within 5 minutes walk of an MRT station, and those further out, is about 25%. Take for example, North Park Residences just one train stop down, at Yishun MRT station. It is selling at around $1,350 PSF. Symphony Suites just 1km away, is averaging $1,050 PSF.

North Park Residences at Yishun MRT station averaging $1,350 PSF

North Park Residences at Yishun MRT station averaging $1,350 PSF

There won’t be such a big difference between the Brownstone EC and other new executive condominium prices. Which means that the upside potential when it completes its MOP and can be resold, could be greater.

Please register here to get a copy of the Brownstone EC Brochure, Floor Plans, Pricing and Latest Updates as soon as available.

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The Brownstone EC :: Canberra MRT Station Location

Canberra EC . The Brownstone EC . Canberra MRT Station Location

The Brownstone EC . Canberra EC Location

  1. This Canberra EC lies within a mainly residential neighbourhood that, to date, is mainly private housing. The nearest condominiums include the low-rise Canberra Residences and The Nautical, and the landed residential Sembawang Springs Estate at Jalan Sendudok.
  2. One train stop up is Sun Plaza shopping centre at Sembawang MRT station. One stop down, will be North Point City, the biggest shopping mall in the North, which incorporates a community club, library, supermarket, banks, and huge range of shops & F&B outlets.
  3. Just 2km down Sembawang Road, within easy cycling distance, is the quiet, rustic, breezy charm of Sembawang Park and the beach.
  4. And yet, from Canberra MRT station to Orchard Road, is just a 27 minute train ride.

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The Brownstone EC Kids Splash Pool and ClubhouseArtist’s Impression :: The Brown Stone EC Kid’s Splash Pool with Clubhouse :: CLICK TO ENLARGE

Why The Brownstone EC is a Good Investment

  1. 15 to 20% (ie. around $200K to $300K) cheaper than similar new private condominiums.
  2. First time buyers are eligible for up to $30,000 CPF housing grant.
  3. You do not pay any agent’s fee or commission.
  4. Historically of all residential property types, executive condos have achieved the most capital appreciation. Not only do they move in line with the general market, they also enjoy greater gain as they bridge the gap with prices of private condos from the 5th year onwards after the MOP (Minimum Occupation Period before you can sell or rent out).
  5. North Park Residences, one train stop down and also around 3 minutes walk from Yishun MRT station (albeit sheltered walking) launched to overwhelming response recently, at around $1350 PSF. Within a couple of weeks of the launch, it had already sold 50% of its 920 units. The Brownstone EC is priced at around $820 PSF. That’s a whopping $450 PSF discount at least.
  6. If you are one of the fortunate ones who qualify to buy an EC now, this Canberra EC makes a lot of sense. Just drop us a note below if you would like to know more, or to be kept updated.

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SHOWFLAT VIEWING · E-APPLICATION

If you would like to be kept posted on all the Brownstone EC updates or register for showflat viewing, please email us here.

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THE BLOSSOMS CONDO SHOWFLAT LAUNCH

The most affordable city fringe launch has to be the Blossoms condo in the one-North neighbourhood. This project is beautifully designed, with lots of greenery complementing the surrounding greenery, and bordered by the one-North Park on its north.

The Blossoms at one-North is located at the corner of Slim Barracks Rise and North Buona Vista Road. It is hence diagonally opposite, and within 5 minutes walk from Buona Vista MRT station, which is an interchange station between the East-West and Circle lines.

The site itself is on elevated land. Hence units facing north will have an unblocked view over the park to Holland village. The Blossoms condominium and its facilities will sit on a podium block, with commercial retail shops at ground level.

This mixed-use project is being developed by EL Development, and the showflat launch is likely to be towards the end of 2022 or early 2023. Viewings for the Blossoms showflat launch will be by advance appointment. Do please drop us a note if you would like to register for the viewing, or for updates and the floor plans to be sent to you once available.

Brownstone Showflat Viewing Response

The Brownstone Showflat Opening :: News Report on Response

Channel News Asia reported that CITY Developments received a relatively strong response to its Brownstone showflat opening weekend.

The Brownstone executive condominium received a healthy number of over 300 e-applications at its launch weekend of 10 to 12 July 2015. Some 2,000 visitors thronged its sales gallery.

The Brownstone Showflat Opening Launch Weekend ResponseThe Brownstone Showflat Viewing :: Brownstone EC Model

This was despite a highly competitive market with a number of new EC launches in recent months.

One factor in favour of the project in Canberra Drive is that it is the only new EC directly next to an MRT station. The upcoming Canberra MRT station should be ready the same year that the Brownstone EC is completed.

The project’s pricing may be another factor supporting demand. Indications put the pricing at $599,000 to $680,000 for a 2-bedroom flat, $699,000 to $820,000 for a 3-bedder, $869,000 to $990,000 for a 4-bedder and $1.318 million to $1.38 million for a 5-bedroom penthouse.

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Mr Chia Ngiang Hong, CDL’s group general manager said: “In a highly competitive market, homebuyers have a wide range of new EC projects to select from. The strong response to The Brownstone shows that there is inherent demand for a well-located EC with strong potential appreciation. The north of Singapore is a new growth area, poised for transformation into a lifestyle and commercial hub.”

The Brownstone is CDL’s 7th EC project. CDL is developing it together with a related subsidiary company TID, a joint venture between Hong Leong Group and Mitsui Fudosan.

The 638-unit Brownstone EC will have a textured, brown sandstone-like facade with unique jetty balconies.

Applications for eligible EC buyers can be made from July 10-20 and bookings will be conducted on Saturday, July 25.

Actual pricing will be released closer to the booking date.

As reported by The Straits Times on 12 July 2015. (Opens in new window.)

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THE BROWNSTONE SHOWFLAT VIEWING

For details or Brownstone showflat viewing, please email us here.

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You want to Request Brochure / Floor Plans
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The Brown Stone EC | Buying Guide

The Brown Stone EC FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

When is the Brown Stone EC open for booking?

TARGET PREVIEW DATES (Exact dates to be finalised)
Showflat Viewing: 10 – 20 July 2015
E-Application: Closes 20 July 2015
Price Release: 23 July 2015
Balloting & Booking: 25 July 2015

To register for the showflat viewing, or to do the e-application to register interest, just drop your contact details here.

The Brownstone EC | Brown Stone ECThe Brown Stone EC by CDL

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What must I do to book a unit at the Brown Stone EC?

You must fill in an application form and submit the relevant documents. If you drop us your contact details here, we will help you check your eligibility and arrange for your application.

All applications must be registered at the showflat computers (the only official e-application system), that are linked to the HDB system.

Note: Applications cannot be done via HDB website. Websites with online e-application forms are NOT linked to the HDB system either.

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Am I eligible to buy a unit at the Brown Stone EC?

You are if:
. You are a Singapore citizen and your partner is a Singapore citizen or PR.
. At least 21 years old.
. Your total household monthly income does not exceed $14,000.
. You form an essential family nucleus as defined by HDB.
. You & your partner have not bought a flat direct from HDB or with a grant more than once.
. None of your family nucleus has owned private property within the last 30 months.

That was the short answer; for detailed criteria including definition of a family nucleus, see The Brown Stone EC Eligibility.

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Can I buy the Brown Stone EC if I currently own a HDB flat?

Yes, if you
. Have not bought a flat direct from HDB or with a grant more than once.
. Have already stayed in your HDB flat at least 5 years if bought direct from HDB or with a grant.
. If your resale flat was bought without a grant, you must fulfil your MOP before the Tenet EC gets TOP.

You must also sell off your current HDB flat within 6 months of TOP of the Brown Stone EC.

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When can I sell or rent out my Tenet EC unit?

. Can be sold to Singapore citizens or PRs after 5 years.
. Can also be rented out to anyone after 5 years.
. Fully privatized after 10 years. Can then be sold to anyone, including foreigners or developers.
. Can also do decoupling after 5 years, if wish to buy new private condo, like the upcoming Liv @ MB.

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What benefits do 1st Timer Buyers get?

. May be eligible for the CPF housing grant, up to $30,000 to help pay the 15% downpayment.
. Priority in selecting a unit (70% of the units are reserved for 1st timers in the 1st month).

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Can 1st Timer Buyers ‘keep’ the Housing Grant for use in the next BTO / EC purchase instead?

  • No. The CPF Housing Grant cannot be kept for the next BTO / EC purchase.
  • Furthermore, even if you don’t take the grant to buy your Tenet EC unit, you will still be subject to the resale levy if you buy a new BTO / another new EC in future.
  • So if you are eligible, it is best to avail yourself of the CPF Housing Grant now.

See details on the amount of CPF Housing Grant, and eligibility, at this link (opens in new window).

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What benefits do 2nd Timer Buyers get when buying the Brown Stone EC?

  • Buyers with existing housing loan may still get up to 80% loan even if you have an existing housing loan (unlike for private condos).
  • Not affected by the CPF Minimum Sum rule when using your CPF funds.

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What’s the payment schedule like for the Brown Stone EC?

If you opt for Normal Payment Scheme (NPS):

  • First 5% cash (via a cheque) at the time of booking a unit.
  • Next 15% within 9 weeks (typically) of booking a unit at the Tenet EC. This 15% can be from the CPF Housing Grant, or from your CPF funds, or from your savings.
  • The remaining 80% can be from CPF funds, bank loan, or cash. This is payable progressively, which means you (or the bank from which you take the loan) disburses the money as and when construction work reaches certain stages. If you take a loan, your monthly instalments start relatively small and gradually increase.

If you opt for Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS) (purchase price is around 2 to 3% higher):

  • First 5% cash (via a cheque) at the time of booking a unit.
  • Next 15% within 9 weeks (typically) of booking a unit. This 15% may be from the CPF Housing Grant, or from your CPF funds, or from cash.
  • Neither you nor the bank (if you are taking a loan) pays anything till the project completes. At that point, upon TOP, you / your bank will need to pay another 65% of the purchase price. So your mortgage repayments start at this point, based on whatever the bank disburses.

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Do I have to pay any admin charges or commissions or agent fees?

No, there is no charge at all. We provide you all the information, and help you book your unit directly from the Tenet EC developer, at no charge. No obligation either.

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THE BROWN STONE EC . E-APPLICATION

For queries on the above, or to register for updates / e-application, or for a showflat viewing, please email us here.

(Fields marked with * need to be filled in. We respect your privacy and will not spam you.)

Name *
Email *
Phone *
Application Status *
You want to Request Brochure / Floor Plans
View showflat
Register e-Application
Get More Information
Be kept posted on other new launches too
Message
After clicking, pls see status below


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OTHER DEVELOPER LAUNCHES

Stirling Residences condominium at Queenstown . Within 10 minutes drive from Orchard Road and 15 minutes from the Central Business District . Being developed by Logan Property . 3 mins walk to Commonwealth MRT Station

Paya Lebar Quarter Mixed Development by Lendlease & Abu Dhabi Investment Authority . Comprising 3 blocks Offices, 1 block Retail & 3 blocks Residential . Residential condominium will be Park Place Residences . Expected completion 2019

New Canberra MRT Station

Work Starts on New Canberra EC MRT Station

News Releases . 27 April 2015

  1. Work on the new Canberra EC MRT station (NS12), that will be located along Canberra Link, will start in mid-2015, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has said.
  2.  

  3. The LTA has awarded the contract to construct this new station on the North – South Line to China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd (Singapore), at a contract amount of $90 million.
  4.  
    New Canberra EC MRT Station Location

  5. China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd (Singapore) was established in 1992. It is currently working on construction of the Downtown Line 3 Kaki Bukit and Geylang Bahru MRT stations.
  6.  

  7. The new Canberra MRT station will be the 2nd station to be built on an existing MRT line. (The first was Dover station, that opened in 2001, in the vicinity of which we have projects such as One Holland Village and Hyll on Holland.) 
     
    Located between Sembawang and Yishun stations along Canberra Link, the new Canberra EC MRT station will serve residents in the nearby Sembawang Springs and Montreal estates, as well as the many upcoming public and private residential developments in the vicinity.
  8.  

  9. This station is slated to open in 2019. Commuters will no longer need to take a bus to Sembawang or Yishun MRT stations, which will save up to 10 minutes travel time.
  10.  
    New Canberra EC MRT Station Link BridgeElevated link bridge across Canberra Link

  11. The station will be well-connected to existing and future developments around the station, with covered linkways, cycling tracks, bus stops and taxi stands located at street level. It will have 5 entrances linking it to the surrounding estates, including the new Canberra EC.
  12.  

  13. One of the station’s entrances will be integrated with a future development across the road, connecting commuters to the station via an overhead link bridge across Canberra Link. The elevated bridge will also allow commuters to bypass the station’s concourse level, so as to directly access the city-bound train platform.

 
 
The new Canberra Station is designed by DP Architects (opens in new window).

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NEW DEVELOPER LAUNCHES

Forestwood Residences condominium . Launch 2016 by City Developments CDL & Hong Leong . 3 mins walk to Serangoon MRT Station . Register for Forest Woods Showflat Viewing

Eligibility for Brownstone EC Launch

HDB Eligibility Guide for the Brownstone EC Launch

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As The Brownstone is an executive condominium, you must meet HDB’s eligibility criteria to book a unit at this Canberra EC launch. If you need help to assess your eligibility, just send your query via the Contact Form.

Source: HDB web site (www.hdb.gov.sg)

Citizenship
  • Main applicant must be a Singapore Citizen
  • Application must include at least one other Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Age
  • All applicants must be at least 21 years old at time of application of the Copen Grand EC launch
  • If applying under the Joint Singles Scheme, both must be at least 35 years old
Family Nucleus

You must form a family nucleus under one of the schemes listed here:

  • Public Scheme
    You (the applicant) and;
    * Your spouse, and children (if any)
    * Your parents, and siblings (if any)
    * Your children under your legal custody (if you are widowed or divorced)
  • Fiance/Fiancee Scheme
    You (the applicant) and your fiancee/fiance
  • Orphan Scheme
    You (the applicant) and;
    * Your unmarried brothers/sisters, or
    * Another unrelated single orphan
  • Joint Singles Scheme
    You (the applicant) and another single person
Income Ceiling
  • Your total monthly household income must not exceed SGD$14,000

 

Special Requirement for Undischarged Bankrupts

Undischarged bankrupts must seek the Official Assignee (OA)’s consent to apply for the Copen Grand Tengah EC launch. However, they do not need to seek the OA’s approval to be listed as an occupier.
 

Ownership of Private Property

You, your spouse, & any occupiers in this application, and their spouses, must not own or have disposed of, or have any part or share in any other private flat, house, building or land.
* Within 30 months before the date of application, and
* Between the application date and the date of taking possession of this Copen Grand EC.
 

Owners/Ex-owners of HDB flats / DBSS flats / EC units

Each Singaporean household is allowed to buy the following housing types only twice:
* a flat directly from HDB;
* a resale flat with the CPF Housing Grant (only applicable to 1st timers);
* a DBSS flat from a developer;
* an EC apartment from a developer.

If you’ve already bought two such apartments, you cannot apply for, or be listed as an essential occupier in an application to buy a unit at the Copen Grand EC launch.
 

Definition of First-timer Applicants

You and any essential family members listed in your application for the Copen Grand EC launch, have NEVER:
* Bought a flat directly from HDB, or a DBSS flat or Executive Condo from developer
* Sold a flat bought directly from HDB, or DBSS flat or EC bought from developer
* Received the CPF Housing Grant for the purchase of an HDB resale flat
* Enjoyed other forms of housing subsidy (eg. SERS, privatisation of HUDC estate, etc)

70% of units will be set aside for first-timers during the initial period of the Copen Grand Tengah EC launch.
 

Definition of Second-timer Applicants

You or the essential family members in your application have owned/sold or are currently owners of:
* Any HDB flat that was bought from HDB, or
* Any resale flat that was bought under the CPF Housing Grant Scheme, or
* A DBSS flat or an EC bought from the developer, or
* Have enjoyed other forms of housing subsidy (eg. SERS, privatisation of HUDC estate etc.)

Second-timers buying at the Brownstone EC launch are required to pay a Resale Levy. For resale levy details, see this page (opens in new window).
 

Existing Owner or Ex-Owner Of

* Flat bought directly from HDB
* DBSS flat bought from developer
* Resale flat bought under the CPF Housing Grant Scheme

If you belong to any of the above categories, you may apply to buy a unit at the Copen Grand EC launch on condition that a 5-year period (excluding any period of subletting of the whole flat) has lapsed from the #date of taking possession of the previous flat to date of application for the new EC.

# The date of taking possession refers to following dates:
* Date of key collection, for flats that are bought direct from HDB
* Date of resale completion, for resale flats bought from open market with CPF Housing Grant
* Date of transfer at market value of the flat bought with CPF Housing Grant
* Date of key collection for EC/DBSS flats bought from the developer
 

Ex-owners of an EC

Are you, your spouse or any of the essential occupiers listed in the application an ex-owner of an Executive Condominium bought directly from the developer? If yes, you would need to wait at least 5 years from the date of taking possession of the earlier Executive Condominium before applying for the new EC.

30-Month Period
In addition, you need to wait out a 30-month period from the effective date of disposal (i.e., date of legal completion of the sale of your Executive Condominium, evidenced by the Notice of Transfer or such other documentary evidence as HDB may require) of the EC before you can apply to buy a unit at the Copen Grand Tengah EC launch.
 

Essential Occupiers

Any person applying to buy at the Brownstone EC launch or be listed as an occupier must not currently be listed as an essential occupier of:
* An existing HDB flat bought directly from HDB,
* A DBSS flat bought under the CPF Housing Grant Scheme, or,
* A resale flat bought under the CPF Housing Grant Scheme

However, you may be eligible if you have stayed in the existing flat for at least 5 years from the #date of taking possession of the existing flat to the date of application for the Copen Grand EC launch.
 

Cancellation of Application After Booking a Flat

If you book a flat from the March 2012 BTO and Sale of Balance Flats exercises onwards, and subsequently cancel the flat booking, you will have to wait 1 year from the date of cancellation before you can apply or be included as an essential occupier in the Brownstone EC launch application.
 

Divorcees

Within 3 years from the date of a divorce, only one party in the divorce can own one of the following housing units:

  • Flat bought directly from the HDB
  • DBSS flat / EC bought directly from a private developer
  • Resale flat bought from open market under the CPF Housing Grant Scheme

If there is an existing matrimonial home which is one of the above, and that home is retained by your ex-spouse, you may apply to buy or be listed as an essential occupier in the Copen Grand Tengah EC launch only 3 years after your date of divorce.

However, this 3-year wait out period will not apply if you are buying this new EC with your parents or a new spouse.

If there is no matrimonial home or the matrimonial home was bought from the open market without any CPF Housing Grant, you may apply for the Tengah EC launch after you obtain your ex-spouse’s consent not to own or be listed as an essential occupier in any of the above housing types within the 3-year period from the date of divorce.

The requirement for ex-spouse’s consent is waived if you are buying the EC with your parents or a new spouse or if you are buying a resale flat from the open market without the CPF Housing Grant.

The requirement to seek ex-spouse’s consent during the 3-year period from the date of divorce is also waived if you meet the following conditions:

  • All your children are below 18 years old at the date of divorce; and
  • You have the legal custody of all your children and are also the only parent with the care and control of all your children

 

Person Who Has Bought an EC/DBSS Flat with CPF Housing Grant

A person who bought an EC or DBSS flat with CPF Housing Grant but terminated the Sale & Purchase Agreement may apply to buy a unit at the Brownstone EC launch.

However, this is allowed on the condition that a 5-year period has lapsed from the termination date of the Sale & Purchase Agreement of their earlier EC or DBSS flat purchase, to the date of application for this new EC.

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Source: HDB

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THE OLA EC LAUNCH . NEW SENGKANG EC

There has been a dearth of new executive condominium launches in the last three years, ever since Brownstone sold out. After that the only condominium launches were Inz at Choa Chu Kang, Hundred Palms at Yio Chu Kang, and Rivercove at Sengkang. Now another new Sengkang EC will be launching, to be called the Ola EC, or Ola executive condo.

This new Sengkang EC will be located at Anchorvale Crescent, in the angle between Vales and Treasure Crest, both of which are also executive condominiums. Vales EC is probably the only one of the three that is within reasonable walking distance from Sengkang MRT station and town centre. For Ola EC and Treasure Crest, it would be easier to just hop onto the LRT train that is one stop from the town centre.

Both the Ola executive condo and Vales are directly opposite and facing Sengkang General Hospital. That has its pros and cons. Some people may not feel very comfortable about the proximity of the hospital. On the other hand, it is a potential tenant pool, in case you are thinking of renting out.