With the completion of AEIs for Novotel Sydney Central, Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden London (post-AEI artist’s impression pictured) and The Cavendish London, the total property value of the three properties is expected to increase by S$385.5 million post-stabilisation. — Photo by The Ascott Limited
  • Proposed acquisition is 1.8% accretive to Distribution per Stapled Security (DPS)
  • Two existing CLAS properties in central Sydney and London to undergo asset enhancement initiatives (AEIs) with estimated yields on AEI cost of approximately 11%
  • Property value of the two existing properties and new acquisition in London expected to increase by S$385.5 million[1] after AEIs and stabilisation

Singapore– CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with its sponsor, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), for a proposed
DPS-accretive acquisition of three lodging assets in the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland and Indonesia at an agreed property value of S$530.8 million. The three assets are a hotel in London, The Cavendish London; a hotel in Dublin, Temple Bar Hotel; and a serviced residence in Jakarta, Ascott Kuningan Jakarta. The acquisition will enable CLAS to enhance its income streams and capitalise on the travel recovery and robust lodging demand.

Upon completion of the proposed acquisition, CLAS is expected to increase its total distribution by S$13.5 million and its DPS by 1.8% on a FY 2022 pro forma basis[2]. The earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) yield of the proposed acquisition is 6.2%[3] on a FY 2022 pro forma basis.

All three properties are in prime locations within key capital cities. The 230-unit The Cavendish London is well-located in the exclusive Mayfair high-end shopping district of central London and the 136-unit Temple Bar Hotel is in the Temple Bar district, both of which are high-traffic areas near iconic attractions. The 185-unit Ascott Kuningan Jakarta is in the capital city’s central business district, close to embassies and commercial offices. For more information on The Cavendish London, Temple Bar Hotel and Ascott Kuningan Jakarta, please see Annex A.

The Cavendish London presents an excellent value-add opportunity for CLAS. The property will be renovated and rebranded under The Crest Collection brand, a luxury collection brand managed by Ascott. The property’s valuation is expected to be GBP316.0 million (approximately S$547.2 million[4]) following the renovation and stabilisation of the property in 2027. This is an increase of approximately GBP101.0 million (S$174.9 million) from the as-is valuation of GBP215.0 million (approximately S$372.3 million) as at 30 June 2023. The property is expected to achieve an EBITDA yield[5] on total capitalised cost of approximately 6.5% at stabilisation. The renovation for The Cavendish London will be carried out in phases from 4Q 2024 to 4Q 2025. Temple Bar Hotel will also undergo renovation from 1Q 2024 to 4Q 2024.

Our accretive acquisition of the three prime lodging assets will enhance the quality and yield of CLAS’ portfolio. They are well-positioned to capture travel demand and the expected growth trajectory of these assets will continue to strengthen CLAS’ income streams. London has been one of our stronger performing markets and Jakarta has been a historically resilient market for us. Our entry to Ireland offers an additional boost to our revenue. Dublin is an attractive destination for leisure visitors, home to some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, and one of the IT hubs of Europe. In keeping with our focus to marry growth with stability, The Cavendish London and Temple Bar Hotel provide CLAS with upside as travel demand continues to recover and downside protection through minimum guaranteed income, while Ascott Kuningan Jakarta’s higher proportion of long-stay guests provides added income resilience. 

AEIs are also in place for two of our existing properties – Novotel Sydney Central and Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden London. Both properties are in prime, city-centre locations, and the AEIs are expected to enhance the assets' value and yield. Novotel Sydney Central’s AEI includes a significant brownfield initiative to increase room inventory by approximately 28%. Combined with the AEI of The Cavendish London, we expect a S$385.5 million increase in property value for the three properties upon completion and post-stabilisation. The proposed acquisition and AEIs are excellent opportunities to increase accretion and asset value. Ms Serena Teo, Chief Executive Officer of the Managers of CLAS

The market revenue per available unit (RevPAU) in London, Dublin and Jakarta have exceeded pre-pandemic levels of 2019. London’s market RevPAU for the first half of 2023 was 112% of the same period in 2019[6]. In the first half of 2023, Dublin’s market RevPAU was 110% of pre-COVID-19 levels over the same period6 and is poised to grow even stronger as international travel resumes[7]. In Indonesia, Jakarta’s market RevPAU in the first half of 2023 was 111% of the pre-COVID-19 levels over the same period.

With the acquisition of the three lodging assets, CLAS’ proportion of green certified properties (by gross floor area) is also expected to increase to approximately 39%, bringing CLAS closer to its target to green 50% of its global portfolio by 2025.

AEIs for two existing assets in Sydney and London expected to increase property values by S$210.6 million and provide yields on AEI cost of approximately 11%

Novotel Sydney Central in Australia and Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden London in the UK will remain operational during the AEIs.

Novotel Sydney Central will undergo extension and renovation, adding 72 rooms across eight more floors, an approximate 28% increase from the hotel’s current inventory. This brownfield initiative is expected to increase revenue for the property and expand its gross floor area by approximately 10%. Development approval has been obtained. A new retail space will be added on the ground floor; the hotel’s existing 255 rooms, lift lobbies, corridors and façade will also be refreshed. The AEI is expected to take place from 4Q 2024 to 1Q 2026. Post AEI and stabilisation, the property is expected to achieve a valuation of A$339.8 million (approximately S$312.6 million[8]) in 2028, an increase of approximately A$173.3 million (S$159.5 million) from the valuation as at 31 December 2022. Based on the valuation by Colliers, the incremental EBITDA on stabilisation is expected to amount to A$10.1 million (approximately S$9.3 million) which translates to a yield on AEI cost of approximately 11.3%[9].

Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden London is located at the heart of London’s historical and cultural precinct. The AEI for Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden London will take place from 3Q 2023 to 1Q 2024, refreshing the design of the serviced residence’s 192 units and façade. The property’s common areas and facilities such as the gym, meeting rooms and corridors will also be upgraded. The valuation is expected to be GBP125.3 million (approximately S$217.0 million) following the renovation and stabilisation of the property in 2025, which is approximately GBP29.5 million (S$51.1 million) higher than the valuation as at 31 December 2022. Based on the valuation by HVS, the incremental EBITDA is expected to amount to GBP1.2 million (approximately S$2.1 million) which translates to a yield on AEI cost of approximately 10.6%[10]. For more information on Novotel Sydney Central and Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden London, please see Annex B.

With the completion of AEIs for Novotel Sydney Central, Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden London and The Cavendish London, the total property value of the three properties is expected to increase by S$385.5 million post-stabilisation.

For Annex A & B click here.

[1] Based on independent valuations by Colliers International Consultancy & Valuation (Singapore) Pte Ltd (Colliers) and SG&R Valuation Services Company LLC (HVS London) (HVS).
[2] Part of the payment of the purchase consideration in relation to The Cavendish London and Temple Bar Hotel will be made upon substantial completion of the renovations of each of the properties (Milestone Payment). The Milestone Payment amounts for The Cavendish London and Temple Bar Hotel are GBP37.0 million (approximately S$64.1 million) and EUR20.6 million (approximately S$30.5 million) respectively. The effects of the renovations and the costs of financing the Milestone Payment are not taken into account in determining the pro forma financial effects, as the Milestone Payment will be made only upon substantial completion of the respective property renovations.
[3] The EBITDA yield of 6.2% is based on agreed property value of the properties excluding the Milestone Payment and before AEIs, if any. Including the Milestone Payment, the EBITDA yield is 5.1%.
[4] Based on the exchange rate of GBP1.00 to S$1.73159 unless stated otherwise.
[5] Based on stabilised EBITDA before Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) reserves in year 2027/28 over The Cavendish London’s agreed property value (GBP215.0 million (approximately S$372.3 million), estimated capitalised costs (GBP3.8 million (approximately S$6.6 million)), and estimated proportion of project cost attributable to CLAS (GBP 27.5 million (approximately S$47.6 million)), which is expected to be funded by bank borrowings. Such EBITDA figures are from the HVS valuation on a stabilised basis as commissioned by the Manager.
[6] Source: Extracted from STR database.
[7] Source: STR (November 2022) – “Ireland’s hotel industry is well-positioned heading into 2023”.
[8] Based on the exchange rate of A$1.00 to S$0.9201 unless stated otherwise.
[9] Based on stabilised EBITDA before FF&E reserves in 2028 versus EBITDA in 2019 over estimated project cost attributable to CLAS of A$90.0 million (approximately S$82.8 million).
[10] Based on stabilised EBITDA before FF&E reserves in 2025 versus EBITDA in 2019 over estimated project cost attributable to CLAS of GBP11.5 million (approximately S$19.9 million).

About The Ascott Limited

Since pioneering Asia Pacific's first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984, Ascott has grown to be a trusted hospitality company with more than 940 properties globally. Headquartered in Singapore, Ascott's presence extends across more than 220 cities in over 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA.

Ascott's diversified accommodation offerings span serviced residences, co-living properties, hotels and independent senior living apartments, as well as student accommodation and rental housing. Its award-winning hospitality brands include Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Quest, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Preference, Fox, Harris, POP!, Vertu and Yello; and it has a brand partnership with Domitys. Through Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott's loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and offers at participating properties.

A wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott is a leading vertically-integrated lodging operator. Harnessing its extensive network of third-party owners and in-market expertise, Ascott grows fee-related earnings through its hospitality management and investment management capabilities. Ascott also expands its funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.

For more information on Ascott's industry record of 40 years and its sustainability programme, please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

About CapitaLand Investment Limited

Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real estate investment manager (REIM) with a strong Asia foothold. As at 30 September 2023, CLI had S$133 billion of real estate assets under management, and S$90 billion of real estate funds under management (FUM) held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts, and more than 30 private vehicles across Asia Pacific, Europe and USA. Its diversified real estate asset classes cover retail, office, lodging, business parks, industrial, logistics and data centres.

CLI aims to scale its FUM and fee-related earnings through fund management, lodging management and its full stack of operating capabilities, and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand's development arm.

As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.

Visit http://www.capitalandinvest.com/ for more information.

Joan Tan
Assistant Vice President, Corporate Communications
+65 6713 2864
The Ascott Limited