Schroders seeks to sell Wisteria Mall in Yishun in bid to offload Singapore properties

Schroders, a London-based asset manager, is contemplating the sale of some of its real estate properties in Singapore. The firm has enlisted the help of brokers Knight Frank and Savills to facilitate the sale of a mall, aiming to generate around $220 million from the transaction, according to sources familiar with the matter. The property in question is Wisteria Mall, a suburban two-story retail asset situated in northern Singapore.

The asset was acquired by Schroders' Pamfleet Real Estate Fund III for $208 million in 2022 and currently boasts an occupancy rate of 93%. The expression of interest period for the sale is set to conclude at the end of November.

This move aligns with Schroders' strategy of periodically reviewing its real estate portfolio and exploring potential opportunities that benefit its investors. In a similar vein, the firm co-owned and attempted to sell a hotel in Singapore via Jones Lang LaSalle in 2024 for $320 million, although the deal has not been finalized. Schroders Capital, the private markets investment arm of the company, stated that they routinely evaluate their real estate holdings to maximize value for their investors.

Commercial property sales in Singapore have witnessed a significant surge this year, with total transactions amounting to approximately US$20 billion in the first three quarters, tripling compared to the previous year. This growth can be attributed to softer pricing expectations as property owners seek to divest assets, particularly as funds begin to mature.