SEA airports as destinations that tell the city’s brand story, and more headlines

For PropertyGuru’s news roundup, airports in metropolitan cities in Southeast Asia are revising themselves as attractions that compete with city landmarks for the attention of leisure travellers. In other news, there is an upward trend of Singaporeans buying old HDB flats, particularly those made in the 1990s to early 2010s. Lastly, growing Malaysian families considering moving out of a condo and into a landed house should check out the following areas.

Airports as destinations: Branding cities in East and Southeast Asia

Air travel has opened up multiple avenues for travel experiences. Lately, these transitional spaces have become destinations themselves, with airports like the Hong Kong International Airport and Incheon International Airport commanding over 60 million visitors per year. Airports are often the first and last impression of a city, and designers and city planners are recognizing their role in telling a place’s brand story. As hubs of both travel and tourism, these airports aim to blend functionality with cultural engagement, offering passengers a taste of the local flavour before they even leave the terminal.

Packed with a golf course, ice skating rink, and even a Museum of Korean Culture, Seoul’s Incheon International Airport offers amenities that provide entertainment for long layovers and attract even casual visitors. The Hong Kong Airport is another one of the growing number of airports enticing passengers with exciting forms of entertainment. The airport hosts a four-month cultural festival of music and art and also boasts a workshop where passengers can make personalized gifts and enjoy VR experiences.

According to ArchDaily, airports in metropolitan cities are revising themselves as attractions that compete with city landmarks for the attention of leisure travellers. New amenities and experiences have shifted the meaning of air travel. Singapore’s Changi Airport is the best example of this trend. Its newest addition, the Jewel Changi Airport designed by Safdie Architects, features the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, a canopy park, and a multi-story indoor garden. The attractions serve transit passengers while also drawing in residents and tourists, effectively turning the airport into a destination itself. “Jewel weaves together an experience of nature and the marketplace, dramatically asserting the idea of the airport as an uplifting and vibrant urban centre,” shares Moshe Safdie whose firm designed the airport.

5 Top reasons why more Singaporeans are buying older HDB resale flats in 2024

Old flats in Singapore are trending again. You would think “newer is better” when it comes to buying a resale flat. But there is an upward trend of Singaporeans buying old flats in Singapore, particularly those made in the 1990s to early 2010s.

In the first half of 2024, older HDB flats saw record sales with price growth outpacing younger flats. A record 3,042 transactions for older resale flats were made, as compared to the 2,412 units sold in the same period last year.

If there are some concerns about old HDB flats losing value, why are buyers still going for old flats in Singapore? PropertyGuru Singapore explores why they’re doing so and if you should consider buying an older flat too.

Plan to upgrade from high-rise to landed house? Consider these areas for your growing Malaysian family

Q: We’re a family of five, including my spouse and our three kids, currently residing in a condo. As our family continues to grow, we’ve decided it’s time to move to a landed house that better accommodates our needs. A key priority for us is finding a good location with excellent schools for our children, as well as a safe and friendly environment where they can thrive.

We both work in Kuala Lumpur and are open to travel, so we’re considering suburban areas like Nilai, Semenyih, and Shah Alam. Our financial situation is stable, and we have a budget of up to MYR1.5 million – MYR1.8 million for a new home. We’re particularly interested in a two-story house or a bungalow.

Given these factors, what should we focus on during our home search to ensure we find the best fit for our family?

A: Congratulations on taking the exciting step toward upgrading your home to suit your growing family better. Moving from a condo to a landed house becomes increasingly appealing as your family expands.

More space, enhanced privacy, and the flexibility to customise your home are just a few of the many benefits that await. However, selecting the right area is key to ensuring your new home meets your family’s evolving needs.

iProperty reports on what makes this upgrade truly worthwhile, and how to find the perfect location.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].