Macly Group had wanted to buy all seven two-storey terraced homes in Geylang for the freehold project, but only managed to purchase five of the houses. Despite this, NoMa condo has sold 46 out of the 50 units as of 4 December. It is expected to be completed by 2023.
Macly Group is building NoMa condominium around two freehold terraced homes in Geylang after their owners refused to part with their properties, reported The Straits Times (ST).
One of the two homes will see the 50-unit development rise on its three sides, while the other will be sandwiched between NoMa and an existing development – LaBrisa along Lorong 28 Geylang.
According to ST, Macly Group had wanted to buy all seven two-storey terraced homes in Geylang for the freehold project.
However, it only managed to purchase five of the houses, reportedly for around $20.55 million. The five properties – 331, 333, 335 and 339 Guillemard Road as well as 56 Lorong 28 Geylang – have a combined land area of 12,839 sq ft.
The property developer had initially planned to build a slightly bigger project.
Hence, Macly Group had to drastically change the project’s design when the owners of 54 Lorong 28 Geylang and 337 Guillemard Road refused to sell.
Suggested read: NoMa Project Review: Is Geylang the new place to be?
The developer and the architects then came up with three distinct blocks – East, West and North – around the unusual site, with each block having their own gate access and lifts.
“This allowed us to turn something seemingly negative into a (unique selling proposition),” said Macly as quoted by ST.
Believing that the project’s unique design would appeal to buyers, Macly Group decided to go through with NoMa’s launch.
In fact, 46 out of the 50 units have been sold as of Friday (4 December) afternoon. Unit prices range from around $700,000 for a one-bedder to about $2 million for four-bedder.
Comprising two five-storey blocks and one eight-storey block, NoMa offers one-, two- and four-bedroom condominiums. It is expected to be completed by 2023.
Meanwhile, a caretaker of the Guillemard Road house, which is being used as a Buddhist prayer hall open only to family and friends of the owner, had told Shin Min Daily News that she is unsure why the owner refused to sell.
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The property now awkwardly stands in the middle of NoMa construction site with hoardings enveloping it on three sides.
A middle-aged man residing at the Lorong 28 Geylang property, on the other hand, revealed that he had previously refused to sell to the developer of LaBrisa condominium.
“If my neighbours want to sell their homes, that’s their decision,” he said as quoted by ST, adding that he had lived in the property for many years.
“Where can you get such a house in a good location?”
The rectangular piece of land in front of the home has been turned into a garden where he keeps fish and birds.
ST noted that the landed property could fetch at least $4 million.
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