This post documents the review of the
Cashew Heights :
Investment
Living Layout etc
Transport / Amenities
Overall
Cashew Heights is a 500+ condo unit with all big sizes ranging from 1200 - 1600+ sqft. The estate is huge with sheltered carparks etc.
Investment quality :
Rental : Cashew heights is much sought after by expats and locals due to its unique offering of huge space and compound. Rental price is weak, less than 2% yield and the units are old to hold up the price. Competing with Dairy Farm and other alternatives in the region is a challenge. The opening of German European School nearby could improve the market.
Capital growth : Cashew heights was built in 1986 and as its a 999 leasehold, there was no issue of depreciated assets. Cashew MRT opened nearby and there are new developments in the school, a potential town centre at Dairy Farm / Petir Road. Things are looking good. The estate's plot ratio is 2.1 and is looking towards URA revising the plot ratio.
Living Layout :
Conversion quality :Some of the owners converted the split level living room to a office and the rooms and rent other areas out. The maid's room can be rented as a studio. The conversion quality to improve yield is not great. The giantic living / dining area are sufficient.
Living : With the abundance of windows, laying out furnishing is a challenge. The living layout sucks.
Transport and Amenities :
The location is 500m from Cashew MRT and a 1 stop to Bukit Panjang MRT. Transport is not great. Food and other amenities are ok. Schools around here are Bukit Panjang Pri, CHIJ. If you have a baby girl, there is no need to get this address for entry to CHIJ. For Bukit Panjang, its a gamble as its a popular school.
Overall :
Price is running too far from yield. Buy for own stay only if Rent < Interest and Maintenance. Use the money to invest in other higher growth / yielding assets.
