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Top 5 best properties you can buy around the world for S$1 million. (And one of them will surprise you!)

S$1 million in Singapore may not be able to get you very far when buying property. In fact, one of the most expensive HDBs in Singapore sold for a whopping S$1.12 million. But many Singaporeans have taken their money beyond the Garden City and into, most popularly, Malaysia and other countries.

Some of the notable overseas hotspots for property investments include major cities in Australia, the UK, Japan and even as far as America. Singapore’s currency, as strong as it is, when brought overseas tends to stretch a lot further.

Firstly, property prices in certain cities have not skyrocketed to Singapore levels. You would not find many government housing that would sell for a value equivalent to S$1 million overseas.

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So if you happen to have S$1 million and want to invest in properties, you don’t have to buy a HDB in Singapore. And since the luxury homes in Sentosa Cove cost at least 10 times more than that… here are the top 5 best properties you can buy around the world for S$1 million:

 

5. Glass House in the mountains of Queensland (S$967,000)



Source: Domain Australia


Source: Domain Australia


Source: Domain Australia

Thankfully with the Australian dollar almost on par with the Singapore dollar, many property options have become incredibly affordable for Singaporeans. However, don’t expect to get huge, sprawling Australian properties for the budget. If you’re looking to live in Melbourne, a flat in the CBD can set you back at least S$800,000.

If you’re willing to live far off from the city (and we’re talking about way out in the countryside) an option you can consider is the glass house in the mountains of Queensland. This dynamic structure offers panoramic views that are unparalleled and you will get to wake up in the tranquility of nature every morning. It is also a great holiday home option as it offers a change of pace and scenery from the usual hustle and bustle of the city life. But you probably will face issues getting groceries delivered…
 

4. A whole CASTLE in Lavaur, France (S$615,000)


Source: Curbed


 

Again, you won’t be waking up to views of the Eiffel Tower or the famous avenue of Champs-Elysees in Paris if you decide to buy in France… But it is time to break out the tiara and make all your royal dreams come true in the beautiful countryside of Lavaur.

Though you won’t actually be crowned prince or princess, but you’ll certainly reign over your household like a king. You can get a whole castle in Lavaur, France and still have plenty leftover from the S$1 million budget to splurge on redecorating the place to your liking. The great thing about owning a castle is that you will have plenty of reasons to host grand balls with the rest of the castle owners nearby.
 

3. A Sea View Apartment in Cape Town, South Africa (S$952,000)


It is a little far out and you probably won’t have a lot of family members come a-knockin’ but you will get a stunning view of the ocean every morning if you lived along the coastline in Cape Town. This two-bedroom apartment is great if you like cosy spaces by the beach.

For bigger properties in South Africa, you will have to go further out from the major cities to find your dream home within the same budget. Who knew property in South Africa could be quite as expensive?
 

2. Trump Palace, Upper East Side New York (S$1 million)


Source: Luxury New York Condominium


Source: New Construction Manhattan

It may not be a real palace (or that cool castle in France) and you may not agree with the new President of the United States. But you can agree that owning an apartment in swanky Upper East Side of New York makes for a far better address than one in say… Novena.

For this price, you can get a small studio apartment in Trump Palace, an address that will be the envy of many – but perhaps not a place you can host huge Gatsby-esque parties.

But who cares when you will probably wake up every morning, facing the famous Central Park with Alicia Key’s Empire State of Mind playing in the background while you wonder which bagel shop you should stop by for breakfast on the way out. How lovely does that sound?
 

1. Sakura Residence by Daiwa House, Iskandar Malaysia (from S$770,000 onwards)


Source: Daiwa House

This development in Malaysia may come as a surprise, because it is not only affordable and close to Singapore, it is also safe, luxurious, and perfect for the Japanese aficionados. And since you’d probably be more familiar with our neighbouring country than any other exotic country in the world, you’d also be more likely to buy this one.

Sunway Iskandar in Iskandar Malaysia – where Sakura Residence is located – is yet another masterpiece project by Sunway Property.

Known as Nature’s Capital City, the project is crafted by integrating the sophistication of urban living and the beauty of nature along with community interests and needs in mind thereby reflecting Sunway’s mission as Master Community Developer. The 1,800-acre development site lies on the riverine of the Pendas River and overlooks the Straits of Johor. The natural setting of a magnificent landscape featuring lush forests, 700-acres of reserved green spaces and the tranquil of Emerald Lake inspires the conceptualization of the name ‘Nature’s Capital City.

 


Source: Daiwa House

Strategically located in the heart of Medini. Sunway Iskandar boasts excellent accessibility and connectivity via Coastal Highway Southern Link (CHSL) and is 5 minutes away from the Singapore Second Link.


Source: Daiwa House

If it has always been a dream of yours to live in Japan, the good news is that you won’t actually have to move to Japan to fulfill your dreams. Developed by Japan's top property developer Daiwa House, Sakura Residence will give you everything you’re looking for in a Japanese home — the zen experience, the best quality and technology from Japan – all in a luxury gated development.


Source: Daiwa House

Sakura Residence is the first and only residential development in the country that makes use of Daiwa House’s Japanese prefabricated construction technology, ensuring that each and every home is built under the strictest quality controls.

The technology was adopted from Japan for its hot summers, and it means these homes boast of the best in sound insulation for privacy, and heat insulation to counter Malaysia’s scorching heat all year round.

Daiwa House’s attention to detail also ensures the property is built with minimal defects and in the most efficient duration.


Source: Daiwa House

Beyond providing necessary security features, a lot of thought goes into providing a safe environment for the young and old, including the finger safe doors (pictured above) and insect screens to ward off pesky mosquitos and prevent dengue and Zika.


Source: Daiwa House

Let’s not forget about the Japanese keen eye for aesthetics and beauty. Starting from the project’s Torii gate inspired Grand Entrance, to the gorgeous four season landscaping along its running trails, down to the Japanese designed community centre and facilities. You would probably be drawn to spend more time outside your home than ever.

The Daiwa House development is focused on providing only the best security to all its residents with its gated and guarded compound, so all its residents can feel safe and at home here.

Space is also a bonus. For just over S$1 million, you will get a whole landed bungalow on a 4,293 sq ft land plot – something you can only dream of in Singapore.


Source: Daiwa House

And the best part of all of this is, it’s only across the border from Singapore.

So, while the exotic locales of South Africa and the tranquility of Australia and France may be inviting, and New York may be really exciting, we at ZUU Online think practicality and safety, coupled with the luxury, quality and beauty from Sakura Residence wins it all hands down. All at the same price point.

(By Sarah Voon)

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