Macpherson Industrial Complex Sold En Bloc For S$103.9 Million

Macpherson Industrial Complex Sold En Bloc For S$103.9 Million

Strong Investor Appetite Drives Sale 17% Above Asking Price, Signaling Robust Confidence in Singapore’s Industrial Property Market

Singapore’s industrial property landscape is buzzing following the impressive collective sale of Macpherson Industrial Complex for a remarkable S$103.888 million.

This significant transaction, finalized on May 22, 2025, not only exceeded its initial guide price by a striking 17% but also underscores a robust and growing investor confidence in prime, freehold industrial assets across the city-state.

The Deal Details: Breaking Down the Sale

The Macpherson Industrial Complex, an eight-storey freehold industrial property located at 5 Lorong Bakar Batu, was successfully sold on its very first collective sales attempt. ETC (宜迪产业咨询公司), the sole marketing agent, facilitated this highly competitive sale.

Key figures from the transaction include:

  • Sale Price: S$103.888 million (Asking Price: S$88.8 million)

  • Land Rate: S$831 per sq ft per plot ratio (ppr)

  • Premium: 17% higher than its initial guide price of S$710 psf ppr

The property sits on a regular-shaped land parcel spanning approximately 49,410 sq ft (4,590.3 sq m) and boasts an existing gross floor area of about 125,002 sq ft.

Zoned “Business 1” (B1) under the 2019 URA Master Plan with a plot ratio of 2.5, its 98-metre wide frontage along Lorong Bakar Batu offers excellent road visibility and convenient vehicular access.

Why the “Overwhelming Response”? Factors Driving the High Bid

The sale drew an “overwhelming response,” attracting a total of 12 competitive tender submissions.

This exceptional interest can be attributed to several strategic attributes of the Macpherson Industrial Complex:

  • Strategic City-Fringe Location: Nestled within the well-established MacPherson industrial estate, the complex benefits from its desirable city-fringe location.

  • Exceptional Connectivity: It offers seamless connectivity to various parts of Singapore via major expressways, including the Central Expressway (CTE), Pan-Island Expressway (PIE), and Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE).

  • Proximity to Public Transport: The site is conveniently located approximately 600 metres from Potong Pasir MRT Station on the North-East Line, making it highly accessible for staff and logistics.

  • Freehold Status: The rarity and long-term value inherent in freehold industrial assets in Singapore are significant drawcards for investors seeking enduring value.

  • Business 1″ Zoning: This zoning offers flexibility for a diverse range of industrial uses, appealing to a broad spectrum of potential end-users and developers.

  • Redevelopment Potential: The regular land shape and prominent frontage make it ideal for future redevelopment, allowing for maximization of Gross Floor Area (GFA) and the creation of modern, efficient industrial facilities.

  • Surrounding Amenities: The area is well-served by lifestyle and dining options along MacPherson Road and Tai Thong Crescent, and is near retail offerings such as The Venue Shoppes, Poiz Centre, and Grantral Mall.

Ms Swee Shou Fern, Head of Investment Advisory at ETC, remarked, “The exceptionally strong interest reflects not only the strategic attributes of the MacPherson Industrial Complex, but also continued investor confidence in Singapore’s industrial real estate — especially freehold assets in prime city-fringe locations. We’re proud to have delivered yet another successful outcome in this space.”

Implications for Singapore’s Industrial Property Market

The successful en bloc sale of Macpherson Industrial Complex at a significant premium sends a clear signal about the health and direction of Singapore’s industrial property market.

  • Setting a New Benchmark: This transaction is poised to become a new benchmark for similar freehold Business 1 industrial properties in city-fringe locations, potentially influencing future valuations.

  • Increased En Bloc Activity: The overwhelming success on its first attempt may well encourage other owners of older industrial buildings to consider collective sales, seeking to unlock higher value for their assets.

  • Strong Demand for Freehold Assets: The sale further solidifies the premium placed on freehold industrial properties, indicating that investors are willing to pay more for long-term ownership and stability.

  • Resilience of the Industrial Sector: Despite global economic uncertainties, Singapore’s industrial market continues to demonstrate resilience and attractiveness, particularly for well-located assets that offer redevelopment potential.

  • Impact on Rental Rates and Supply: While immediate impacts on rental rates and supply remain to be seen, a renewed interest in redevelopment could eventually lead to the introduction of more modern, higher-spec industrial spaces.

What’s Next for the Macpherson Industrial Complex Site?

Given the site’s “Business 1” zoning and advantageous plot ratio, the buyer is likely to undertake a redevelopment project. This could involve transforming the site into:

  • A modern, multi-user industrial facility

  • A high-tech logistics or distribution centre

  • Specialized industrial spaces, such as a food production facility or data centre (subject to regulatory approvals)

The redevelopment will aim to capitalize on the site’s strategic location and connectivity, meeting the evolving demands for high-quality, future-ready industrial spaces in Singapore.

Key Takeaways & Future Outlook

The en bloc sale of Macpherson Industrial Complex for $103.9 million is more than just a transaction; it’s a testament to the robust investor confidence in Singapore’s industrial real estate sector.

The confluence of strategic location, freehold tenure, flexible zoning, and excellent connectivity created a highly desirable asset, leading to a fiercely competitive bidding process.

This sale highlights a continued appetite for quality industrial assets, particularly those in prime city-fringe areas.

As Singapore continues to evolve as a global business hub, the demand for modern, efficient industrial spaces is expected to remain strong, paving the way for more exciting developments in the market.

MacPherson Industrial Complex En Bloc SOLD All Details
  • Status: Sold

  • Sale Price: S$103.9 Million

  • Asking Price: S$88.8 million

  • Date of Sale: May 2025

  • Tenure: Freehold

  • Land Size: 49,410 sq ft

  • Plot Ratio: 2.5

  • Gross Floor Area: 125,002 sq ft

  • Address: 5 Lor Bakar Batu

  • Nearby MRT: MacPherson (Circle Line & Downtown Line)

  • District: 13

  • Marketing Agent: Edmund Tie

  • New Development: TBA