Mansion Global Daily: Singapore’s Super

A Low-Key Stretch of European Coastline Has Become a Wealthy Haven, Singapore's Super-Prime Home Sales Have Rebounded, and More

Mansion Global's daily round-up of the latest luxury real estate news from around the worldOriginally Published June 5, 2023

Photo: Coleen Rivas / Unsplash

Photo: Coleen Rivas / Unsplash

Take a morning stroll down Portugal's sandy Comporta Coast, which stretches roughly from the Sado estuary down to the Beja region along the Atlantic Ocean, and there might not be another soul in sight for miles. The presence of quiet dunes in lieu of mansions hovering over private beaches instills a sense of calm.

Just 75 minutes south of Lisbon, Comporta and its neighboring villages in the Alentejo region have been quietly drawing high-end homeowners for years, including the likes of designer Christian Louboutin, architect Philippe Starck and actress Sharon Stone. Though growing interest is igniting an increase in development, certain laws are aimed at preserving the organic Hamptons-esque tranquility, making this an ideal time to tap into the market and claim a piece of pristine paradise.

Photo: Engel & Volkers Comporta

From locally owned surf shops and boutiques to shiplap-laden restaurants and cafes reminiscent of fishing villages, Comporta's vibe is bohemian to the core. Don't expect to find a Prada or Longchamps store here. Instead, browse through casual clothing and housewares at Lavanda. Dine on seafood and local specialties at the rustic Cervejaria Marisqueira da Comporta. Sample a glass of red Alicante Bouchet or white Antao Vaz at a wine tasting at Herdade da Comporta. It's all about simplicity and relaxation in this region...Read More

Photo: Engel & Volkers Comporta

Photo: Engel & Volkers Comporta

This Saugatuck Island Home in Connecticut Has Hosted Celebrities and Political FundraisersAmenities include direct waterfront with a deep-water dock and a large patio on Long Island Sound that's ideal for entertaining. Read More

Good Design ‘Comes From the Gut,’ Says Brad RamseyThe songwriter turned designer talks about the secrets to unlocking creativity, what makes a meaningful space and the never-ending debate about open versus closed kitchens. Read More

The Cost of Remortgaging Your Home Has Increased 38% in the U.K.

U.K. homeowners that don't need to remortgage their property probably shouldn't. According to a study commissioned by the Liberal Democrats political party, the cost of remortgaging your home in the U.K. has gone up 38% since the 2019 general election. Research by the House of Commons library found that owners who remortgage in March will be paying on average £1,305 (US$1,619) a month, up £350 compared to December 2019. The jump is even harsher for London homeowners, where those who remortgaged in March would be paying £2,187 a month, up £615 since December 2019. PropertyWire

One-Third of Australian Renters Have Asked Friends or Family for a Place to Stay

It's a tough time for would-be renters Down Under. Nearly one-third of rental seekers have asked friends or family for help securing a place to live, according to research by personal finance comparison site Finder. The study found that 16% of tenants have rented a home owned by a friend or family member, while a further 12% were only able to secure a lease because they knew the property's landlord. According to the latest Proptrack Market Insight Report, the national vacancy rate in Australia stood at 1.5% in March, down from 1.8% the previous year. realestate.com.au

Demand for New Homes up 114% in Ireland

Irish eyes are on newly built properties. A survey from Irish property portal Daft.ie has found that demand for all homes is up 17% year-over-year in the nation—but demand for new homes specifically? That is up an eye-watering 114%. The demand discrepancy is also seen at the regional level. In Dublin, home demand is up 34% year over year, while new-home demand is up 99% for the same timeframe. World Property Journal

Singapore's Super-Prime Home Sales Have Rebounded (But Don't Expect It to Last)

There was something of a return to form for luxury home sales in Singapore in the first quarter of 2023. According to global property consultancy Knight Frank, the city-state notched 37 super-prime home sales—homes valued at US$10 million and above—during the time period, up from 23 super-prime sales in the fourth quarter of 2022. Despite the renewed sales, the average sale price for the super-prime transactions was down 12.4% from the fourth quarter of 2022—and 15.2% from the first quarter of 2022. Knight Frank is also cautioning against a sustained uptick in sales, as the hike of the Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) to 60% will dampen the enthusiasm of certain foreign buyers. The Business Times

The Wes Anderson aesthetic is taking the internet by storm but these architects are way ahead of the curve with these inspirational projects. https://t.co/SaJfefzl75

Sure, It's Stylish. But This Pool House Was Built to Withstand a Hurricane [The Wall Street Journal]

These 7 Instagram Container Gardens Are All the Inspiration You Need to Green up Your Summer [Realtor.com]

Renovating a Property in Europe? Here's What You Need to Know [The Times of London]

Answer to Australia's Housing Crisis Could Be Prefabricated Homes [news.com.au]