Iconic Eu Yan Sang Building nestled within the heart of Chinatown launched for sale

Comprising 4 contiguous heritage shophouses, the property has a guide price of $62.5 million

July 09, 2019

SINGAPORE, 22 July 2019 – JLL, as the exclusive marketing agent, is pleased to present for sale 265 to 271 South Bridge Road – a row of four conservation shophouses nestled within the heart of Singapore’s historic Chinatown district.

Comprising four three-storey heritage shophouses with attic, 265 to 271 South Bridge Road occupies a combined land area of 6,262 sf and a gross floor area of 19,885 sf. The property has a large 2,562 sf open terrace on the fourth floor, which overlooks the entire Chinatown district. The vendor proposes to offer the shophouses with a leasehold land tenure of 199-years from the date of completion of the sale and purchase of the property. Under the 2019 Master Plan, the land is zoned “Commercial” and is located within the Telok Ayer Conservation Area. The row of four shophouses commands a prominent 23-metre wide frontage along South Bridge Road and commands excellent visibility. The property is currently tenanted by two hostels, a law firm and the Eu Yan Sang flagship store. The property features excellent specification such as a regular, column-free layout, concrete flooring and high ceiling height.

The shophouse is conveniently located close to the upcoming Maxwell MRT station which is part of the new Thomson-East Coast Line and is slated to open in 2021. Chinatown MRT station and Telok Ayer MRT station are within a short walk away. The property is readily accessible via public transportation along New Bridge Road and is also easily accessible to other parts of Singapore via the Central Expressway (CTE), Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) and Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE).

The Property is located within Chinatown, one of Singapore’s key historical districts which bustles year-round with visitors. The area houses a plethora of shops and stalls featuring restaurants and hawkers serving authentic Chinese cuisine; retail shops selling souvenirs, antiques, clothing, jewellery and cultural knick-knacks, as well as various accommodation options such as boutique hotels and backpacker hostels. Known for its rich heritage and culture, Chinatown boasts several places of interest, one of which is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, located directly across the property.

Mr Clemence Lee, Senior Director, Capital Markets, JLL, said: “Featuring a charming and elaborate architecture style, the Eu Yan Sang Building was designed by Alfred Bidwell from the firm Swan & Maclaren, the architect responsible for the design of the Raffles Hotel and Victoria Memorial Hall. It is an iconic landmark which is well recognised by Singaporeans.”

“This is a rare opportunity for an investor to acquire a row of 4 heritage shophouses nestled within the heart of the bustling Chinatown. The incoming owner has the flexibility to explore several value-add angles for the property, such as conducting minor refurbishment works as well as exploring change of use of the ground floor unit to food & beverage (F&B) use or converting the 2nd floor office to backpacker hostel use, subject to approval from relevant authorities. Alternatively, this is an excellent opportunity for owner-occupiers to acquire a beautiful flagship property with potential naming and signage rights in the CBD for their own operations” he added.

Recent freehold / 999-year transactions in the vicinity include 87 Club Street sold for $17.2 million ($3,300 psf approx) in January 2019, 21 Boon Tat Street which sold for $16.5 million ($4,259 psf) in September 2018 and 64 Club Street which sold for $21.8 million ($3,880 psf) in August 2018.

The guide price for 265 to 271 South Bridge Road is $62.5 million reflecting circa $3,150 psf on GFA and $2,785 psf on GFA including roof terrace.

As the property sits on land zoned for commercial use, foreigners are eligible to purchase the property. There is also no Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) or Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) imposed on the purchase of the property. 

The sale will be conducted through an Expression of Interest exercise which closes on Tuesday, 27th August 2019, at 3pm.

About JLL


JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. Our vision is to reimagine the world of real estate, creating rewarding opportunities and amazing spaces where people can achieve their ambitions. In doing so, we will build a better tomorrow for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $16.3 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of over 91,000 as of March 31, 2019. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.