Issue #56: What’s Happening This Week? $8.28M Freehold Homes, Real Estate Pay Jumps, Lady M Exits, and More

Would you pay $8.28 million for a 4-bedroom apartment? What if I told you it was freehold and in the heart of Singapore? With property prices soaring, maybe that kind of price tag makes more sense than we’d like—after all, we can’t have our cake and eat it too.

Speaking of cake, fans of Lady M might notice something missing from the local dessert scene this week. Beyond property and patisserie shake-ups, we’re looking at big pay rises in real estate, a clever new way to save on holidays, and a community drive to keep seniors safe at home.

Welcome to our weekly round-up of the biggest finance news in Singapore—here’s what’s happening this week.

Psst, missed last week’s issue? View all past editions of What’s Happening This Week? to catch up.

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Newport Residences launches with prime freehold units on Anson Road

Image: CDL

The latest buzz in Singapore’s property scene is the launch of Newport Residences, a freehold project by City Developments Ltd (CDL) at Anson Road, District 2. This long-awaited downtown development offers 246 residential units, starting from the 23rd floor of the new mixed-use Newport Plaza.

Quick facts at a glance:

• Location: Anson Road (former Fuji Xerox Towers)
• Total units: 246
• Freehold tenure
  

Prices:

• Public previews begin this Friday
• Sales bookings open on 31 Jan 2026
• Expected completion: Mar 2030

With recent launches in the area going for similar prices, Newport Residences stands out as a rare freehold option in the CBD, offering both prime location and lasting value. Prices are steep, but we’re positive this project is going to come in hot regardless.

ALSO READ: Downpayment for Condo: How Much Do First-Timers Need in Singapore?

Macdonald & Company report: Singapore real estate salaries jump 14%, outpacing the West

Singapore’s real estate sector continues to shine, with professionals seeing an average salary increase of 14% in 2025—beating the US, UK, and Europe. According to Macdonald & Company’s annual salary report, those who switched employers enjoyed the biggest pay jump, while promotions also brought significant boosts.

Key findings:

• 72% of Singapore real estate professionals received a pay rise
• Salary gains in Singapore: 14% (vs 12% in US/Europe, 10% in UK)
• Changing jobs nets a 32% salary increase (vs 7% for staying put)
• Median salary in Singapore: $158,400 (third highest globally)
• Roles in data centres, industrial/logistics, and alternative residential assets pay the most in Asia-Pacific

Pay rise breakdown

Other insights:

• Only 14% switched roles for better pay, but nearly 1 in 4 are likely to move in 2026
• Recognition and good relationships with managers matter more than money for most
• Most work an average of 3.2 days in the office per week (higher than global average)
• 66% use AI in their jobs, and 84% expect it to impact them within five years

Singapore’s real estate talent market remains dynamic, with strong pay growth and employers facing the challenge of retaining their best people.

Skyscanner study: New holiday planner tool and 2026’s cheapest getaways

Image: Skyscanner

Holiday plans in a rut? Skyscanner’s new research shows 91% of Singaporeans want to travel in 2026, but many are overwhelmed by the planning and costs. To make life easier, Skyscanner has launched the “Cheapest Destination Planner”—an online tool that shows the lowest fares and best travel days every month, plus a list of the 10 cheapest destinations (all under 10 hours from Singapore).

Quick highlights:

• 72% want a relaxing holiday, but only 60% have booked flights
• Top barriers: Deciding on a destination and finding good deals
• The new tool helps you spot bargains and plan spontaneous escapes
• Singaporeans spend an average of 134 hours a year planning holidays
  

Top 10 cheapest destinations in 2026(average return flight price)

Pro tips:

• Sunday is often the cheapest day to fly, but check per route
• Use Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search and “Drops” feature for surprise deals
• Mix and match flights or add multi-city legs to save more

ALSO READ: Singaporeans Are Prioritising Travel Over Saving for Retirement—Can We Really Blame Them?

Lady M closes outlets but hints at a fresh return to Singapore

Image: Lady M

Fans of Lady M’s famous mille crepe cakes may have noticed something amiss—every Lady M outlet in Singapore has closed its doors. But the story doesn’t end here. The US-based patisserie brand says it’s planning a “new Lady M experience” and intends to play a more direct role in the Singapore market.

Key details:

• All Singapore stores (Orchard Central, Ion Orchard, Westgate, South Beach, and Jewel Changi Airport) are now closed.
• Lady M’s Singapore website teases a comeback: “A new Lady M experience is taking shape.”
• The licensing partnership with local operator Caerus Holding ended on 11 Dec 2025.

What’s next?

• Lady M says it wants to enhance quality and consistency by managing things directly.
• The brand is still legally present in Singapore and active on social media.
• No clear timeline yet for the reopening or launch of the new concept.

Lady M first opened in Singapore in 2013, its first international outpost outside the US. We might see it return, but for now, nothing solid is confirmed. So if you love mille crepes, it looks like you’ll need to wait a little longer for your next slice.

Etiqa Insurance launches fire safety drive for Toa Payoh seniors

With home fire risks on the rise, Etiqa Insurance Singapore—the appointed Fire Insurer for HDB—has teamed up with Care Corner Senior Services to launch a fire safety drive for seniors in Toa Payoh. This community effort aims to equip 500 senior households, many with residents living alone, with fire safety kits and practical knowledge to help prevent household fires.

Key details:

• Why now? Toa Payoh saw more household fires in 2025, especially among seniors.
• Who’s involved? Etiqa Insurance, Care Corner Senior Services, and fire protection experts Fire Armour.
• What’s happening?
  • 500 senior households will receive fire safety education and a lightweight fire extinguisher.
  • Sessions address risks such as unattended cooking and overloaded sockets.
  • Volunteers help deliver extinguishers to seniors who need assistance.

Initiative highlights

Etiqa’s CEO, Raymond Ong, said the goal is to help people feel ready for everyday risks—not just recover from them. The  initiative also reflects a broader effort to address the specific risks faced by older residents in the estate, focusing on education and practical support to help seniors manage safety at home.

ALSO READ: HDB Fire Insurance vs Home Insurance: What’s the Difference?

That’s it for this week! Stay tuned for next week’s What’s Happening This Week to keep up with the latest in finance, business, and beyond. 

This article was first drafted with the help of AI and later reviewed and refined by the author.