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Investing in a Singapore Condo offers numerous benefits, and one of the most significant advantages is its potential for capital appreciation. As a global business hub, Singapore boasts strong economic fundamentals that continuously drive demand for real estate. Over the years, the property market in Singapore has shown a consistent upward trend, with condos in prime locations experiencing significant appreciation. By investing in the market at the right time and holding onto the property for the long term, investors can reap substantial capital gains. Additionally, choosing a Singapore Condo can further enhance the potential for capital appreciation due to its attractive location and amenities.
In just two years, Jason Ng has built his property investment and training firm, Aurico Global, from the ground up to reach $52 million in assets under management. Ng is the CEO and executive chairman of Aurico, but this is not his first venture into real estate development. His journey began in 1993, when he was driven by a sense of responsibility to provide for his family. Growing up in a rental flat with six family members, Ng worked hard to land a well-paying job that would give him enough capital for his first property investment – a 1,400 sq ft three-bedroom apartment for $435,000. Reflecting on the price, Ng notes that it’s hard to find a similar-sized house for that amount nowadays.
Ng quickly learned the ropes of property investment and management, expanding his real estate portfolio and also venturing into student enrichment and parenting training. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Ng is now accredited as a family life educator and has worked with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Social and Family Development.
In January 2023, Ng co-founded Aurico with his wife, Emelyn Ho, to consolidate his diverse portfolio of businesses. These include JC Global Developments, which manages co-living investments and properties, Anchor of Life Training Consultants for property and investment training, and My Preschool Hub, a provider of preschool enrichment resources and programmes.
Aurico’s property portfolio covers a wide range of properties, including residential (co-living), commercial, and industrial assets. Under JC Global Developments, the company manages 380 co-living units in shophouses, condos, and landed properties, valued at over $30 million. Patrick Loke, a shareholder in Aurico, shares that the company plans to acquire more properties and aims to almost double its current slate to reach 600 units by the end of the year.
One of Aurico’s key strategies is acquiring valuable properties in high traffic areas below valuation. In September, the company purchased a two-storey shophouse on 321 Joo Chiat Road at $5.1 million, which was 12% below the valuation price of $5.8 million. This is a testament to the firm’s strong property investment team and Ng’s sharp property investment acumen. According to Ng, every property Aurico buys is purchased at below market valuation, ensuring that the company has already made a profit before even acquiring the asset.
Aurico also has its sights on commercial properties in strategic locations that are undergoing rapid transformation, such as the 99-year leasehold mixed-use development Woods Square in Woodlands. The company recently bought a commercial strata office unit at Woods Square for its own use, believing that this investment will put them at the forefront of changes in the area, including the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System. This also boosts operational efficiency, as Aurico can easily hire workers from across the border.
In line with the government’s “30 by 30” goal to produce 30% of the country’s nutritional needs by 2030, Aurico has also acquired food factory assets. Ng explains that while they don’t plan on going directly into the F&B business, they see these investments as strategic additions to their portfolio. One of the properties is a food facility called Food Xchange @ Admiralty, strategically located near Johor and with a long lease balance of 36 years. Ng shares that this property stood out for its quality and competitive advantages, making it a valuable asset for food manufacturing businesses.
In May, Aurico acquired a 29.8% controlling stake in Autagco Ltd, which is listed on the Singapore Exchange. Ng has appointed Loke as the executive director of Autagco and plans to inject Aurico’s assets into the company. Autagco’s board of directors recently announced a strategic review to potentially diversify into property investment, co-living property management, education, and other businesses. With the controlling stake, Aurico plans to tap into the residential assisted living sector and is in the process of securing a suitable property for this purpose.
In just two years, Aurico has also earned a reputation for providing comprehensive and high-quality property investment education to aspiring investors. Ng’s dedication to providing training stems from his belief that investment education is essential but inaccessible to many. He’s designed his courses to make residential and commercial property investment accessible to anyone, regardless of their experience and background. In addition, Aurico offers participants the opportunity to leverage the firm’s network and strategies to enhance their investment portfolio, a valuable support system for beginner investors.
Ng is particularly passionate about helping millennials and Gen Z investors, who often feel like they don’t have the financial means to invest in property. With its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on support, Aurico is poised to empower individuals to make informed decisions and achieve their financial goals through real estate.