Singapore's largest real estate agency PropNex has reported earnings of $21.9 million for its 2HFY2024 ended Dec 31, 2024, down 14.9% y-o-y. This brings its full-year earnings to $40.9 million, 14.4% lower compared to the preceding FY2023.
Revenue dipped 6.6% in FY2024 over FY2023, due to the "relatively subdued property market".
Nonetheless, to mark its 25th anniversary, PropNex plans to pay a special dividend of 2.5 cents per share, on top of a final dividend of 3 cents. This will bring its total dividend payout for FY2024 to a record of 7.75 cents, representing a payout ratio of 140.1% and a yield of 8.2%.
Despite the lower earnings for the year, PropNex has observed a pick up in activities in the last quarter of 2024, led by a surge in new private home units which it helped to sell.
The company explains that the financial effects of these sales will only be booked three to four months later, suggesting a significant pick-up when it reports its current 1HFY2025 numbers.
"In view of this, and expectations of a favourable property market outlook in 2025, the group is confident of a strong performance in FY2025, barring unforeseen events," states PropNex.
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Executive chairman and CEO Ismail Gafoor says the surge in new project launches made 4Q2024 an exceptionally strong quarter for PropNex.
"As Singapore’s largest real estate agency, we capitalised on this momentum, with nearly half of our total private new home transactions for 2024 occurring in this period," he says.
PropNex is expecting an overall increase of 3% to 4% for private home prices this year, with new private home sales seen at 8,000 to 9,000 units (excluding ECs).
This is underpinned by an estimated 13,000 new unit launches (including ECs) — almost double the supply recorded in 2024.
The private resale market, on the other hand, is set to remain active, with transaction volumes anticipated to range between 14,000 and 15,000 units.
"Demand will be fuelled by the persistent price gap between new and non-landed resale properties, a preference for larger, move-in-ready homes and the impact of fewer new supply completions," says PropNex.
HDB resale, the other key market, will likely see price growth of 5% to 7%, with volumes reaching 29,000 to 30,000 units.
"Fewer five-year minimum occupation period flats entering the market, coupled with sustained demand from urgent homebuyers, unsuccessful Build-To-Order applicants, and budget-conscious families, will continue to support this segment," says PropNex.
Ismail observes that newly-launched projects such as The Orie, Bagnall Haus, Parktown Residence and ELTA have generated strong market interest.
"We anticipate a positive demand for developers’ sales in 2025, featuring a compelling line-up of projects. Additionally, a positive economic outlook and lower mortgage rates could further bolster market confidence, creating opportunities for both homebuyers and investors," he adds.
PropNex shares closed at $1.13 on Feb 24, unchanged for the day but up 28.41% in the past year.
