Amid Phase 2 Heightened Alert restrictions, slow economic growth and the Hungry Ghost Festival – which traditionally deters buyers as it’s considered inauspicious – demand for residential property is still sky-high.
According to PropertyGuru’s Singapore Property Market Index Q4 2021, property prices rose for the sixth consecutive quarter, sending prices soaring by 3.88%.
Our report also showed that property buyers continue to go for condos Outside Central Region (OCR), a trend likely due to increased demand for larger, more affordable properties.
Let’s take a look at which condos did well in Q3 2021.
10 Best-selling Projects in Q3 2021
1. Pasir Ris 8: Right in the Heart of Pasir Ris
Launched this year, the 99-year leasehold property in District 18 has sold 425 units out of 487 units so far. In its launch weekend, Pasir Ris 8 sold 85% of its units at up to $2,000 psf. Slated for Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) in June 2026 and completion in 2027, the development comprises one- to four-bedroom units, making it a viable choice for all singles, couples and families alike.
Given the property being a five-minute walk to Pasir Ris MRT station, its surrounding shopping malls, a newly upgraded bus interchange, and a variety of primary and secondary schools in the vicinity, it’s no surprise why Pasir Ris 8 saw keen interest.
Pasir Ris is also undergoing a major overhaul with the Cross Island Line and extension to Punggol, a new integrated transport hub, polyclinic and town plaza with heritage garden, so future residents will have much to look forward to.
Browse all Pasir Ris 8 units for sale on PropertyGuru.
2. Parc Greenwich: Designed for Wellness Living
Branded as a wellness-inspired executive condominium (EC), Parc Greenwich will come complete with eight recreational zones and two clubhouses, including a three-storey Wellness Club. That’s not all. All units will come equipped with a smart home system, and buyers can choose to add more smart home appliances.
Related article: Transforming A Plain 5-Room Flat to A Cool Smart Home: An Engineer’s Home Story
Located opposite the Seletar Hills estate, the EC in District 28 has nine 14-storey blocks. Living spaces range from two- to five-bedroom units from 786 sq ft and 1,464 sq ft, and penthouses from 990 sq ft two-bedroom units to 1,679 sq ft five-bedders.
The project is also near the future Punggol Digital District, a feasible option for those looking to work in the field.
Browse all Parc Greenwich units for sale on PropertyGuru.
3. Normanton Park: Excellent City-fringe Location
One of the hottest projects introduced in 2021, Normanton Park in District 5 sold 600 units on the first day of sales. The massive 99-year leasehold project offers 1,840 units, 22 strata terrace houses and eight commercial units.
Located in the Rest of Central Region (RCR), it offers easy access to the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) and is 1.2km away from Kent Ridge MRT. Moreover, it’s one of the few residential properties in the area and close to the science and tech hubs of Science Park 1 and 2 and one-north.
The condo design itself is worth mentioning as the buildings are arranged in a U-shape to face the surrounding greenery, allowing almost every unit to enjoy unblocked views.
Browse all Normanton Park units for sale on PropertyGuru.
4. The Watergardens at Canberra: Rare Find in the North
The Watergardens at Canberra saw 60% of its 448 units sold during its launch weekend, despite being launched smack in the middle of the Hungry Ghost Festival. The 99-year leasehold property in District 27 is expected to TOP in 2026 and comprises 16 five-storey buildings featuring a mix of 2- to 4-bedroom units.
Even though it’s located in the north, public transport is easily accessible. The condo is a five-minute walk to Canberra MRT station, while the CTE and SLE are just a short drive away. The upcoming North-South Corridor will also increase its connectivity.
Future developments in the north also make this project more attractive with the North Coast Innovation Corridor, expanded Woodlands Regional Centre, and industrial clusters in Woodlands and Sengkang West.
Browse all The Watergardens at Canberra units for sale on PropertyGuru.
5. Midwood: Close to Transport and Nature
Slated for completion in 2024 and TOP in Sep 2022, Midwood offers 564 units of one- to four-bedroom units in the Hillview area of District 23. Residents can expect to enjoy various facilities from tennis courts and swimming pools to a gym, children’s playground and numerous outdoor spaces for play and relaxation.
The 99-year leasehold project is just a stone’s throw from Hillview MRT station and shopping malls HillV2, The Rail Mall and Hillion Mall. The condo’s location also allows residents to easily access parks such as Dairy Farm Nature Park, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Little Guilin and Bukit Batok Nature Park.
Browse all Midwood units for sale on PropertyGuru.
6. Parc Clematis: Prime Spot in Clementi
Expected to receive its TOP in 2023, the 99-year leasehold project in the mature estate of Clementi (District 5) is a popular choice among buyers. Parc Clematis has a total of 1,468 units on offer comprising 1,450 apartment units, eight strata inter-terrace, four strata corner-terrace and six strata bungalows, providing options for everyone.
The massive project has also won nine awards for its architectural design, with its blocks built to face north-south to avoid direct sun rays from the west.
Related article: What’s the Best House-Facing Direction in Singapore? The Good, the Not So Good, and the Bad
Greenery is also a key feature in the development; there is also a wide variety of facilities such as a 50-meter pool, reflexology garden, aquatherapy/hydrotherapy pool, indoor gymnasium, and multipurpose court.
Browse all Parc Clematis units for sale on PropertyGuru.
7. OLA: More Affordable than Other Condos in the Vicinity
The 99-year leasehold EC in Anchorvale Crescent is one of the few ECs to be launched in the Sengkang neighbourhood after single launches in 2019 and 2018. Named after the Spanish word for “wave”, OLA will be designed with Mediterranean-style features and includes a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor gym, and tennis courts. OLA is expected to TOP in Dec 2023.
Like many ECs, OLA is situated in a more remote location and slightly further away from transport nodes. It’s about a 10-minute walk to Sengkang MRT and the nearest mall, Compass One, is about a 13-minute walk away. It is connected to several bus services and there are LRT stations a short walk away.
There are various secondary and primary schools in the vicinity, including CHIJ St Joseph’s Convent and Nan Chiau High School. For the active enthusiasts, sports facilities like the Sengkang Sports Centre, Sengkang Swimming Complex, Sengkang Riverside Park and parks and cycling trails are also close by. Right across from OLA is the Sengkang Community Hospital.
Related article: Would You Live Near a Hospital in the Age of Endemic COVID-19? We Ask 5 Singaporeans
Browse all OLA units for sale on PropertyGuru.
8. Treasure at Tampines: A+ for Affordability
With a starting price of just below $700,000, Treasure at Tampines is possibly one of the most wallet-friendly private properties out there.
The 99-year leasehold project in District 18 launched with 2,203 units across 29 12-storey blocks, and they’ve largely been snapped up. Facilities are pretty impressive for a condo and include two lap pools, two children’s pools, Jacuzzi, aqua aerobic pool, onsen spa pool, tennis court, trampoline, BBQ pits, a gym and climbing wall. It also has a dance studio, its own co-working space and a baking studio.
Moreover, its central location in a mature estate like Tampines means residents have easy access to all the F&B, shops and amenities that make the neighbourhood such a bustling hotspot.
Transport-wise, it is a 15-minute walk to Simei MRT (East West Line) and Tampines West MRT (Downtown Line), putting residents within reach of two convenient MRT lines.
Browse all Treasure at Tampines units for sale on PropertyGuru.
9. The Florence Residences: Big on Nature and Facilities
Another popular condo in the northeast region on buyers’ radars is The Florence Residences. Expected to TOP in 2023, the 99-year leasehold condo in District 19 is relatively affordable, with smaller units going for under $700,000.
Related article: 12 Cheapest Condos in Singapore from 500k to Snap up, Sorted by Number of Bedrooms
The project’s nature-themed design features greenery throughout, winning it four awards at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards for architectural design as well as interior design. Its expansive facilities include a clubhouse, high ceiling dining suite, karaoke theatre, a unique island club equipped with lounge pools, swimming pools, detoxifying salt pools, community gardens, jacuzzi and amphitheatre.
In terms of accessibility, it’s roughly a 15-minute walk from Kovan and Hougang MRT stations, while drivers are within easy reach of the KPE and CTE.
Browse all The Florence Residences units for sale on PropertyGuru.
10. Sengkang Grand Residences: Exceptional Connectivity to Transport and Amenities
This 99-year leasehold property is probably the most convenient condo in terms of access to the MRT as residents have a sheltered path to the MRT and upcoming bus interchange. Within Sengkang Grand Residences, residents can enjoy a 50m lap pool, parkour gym, treetop walk, five senses garden, and trampoline.
The whole development is part of an integrated development with the Sengkang Grand Mall, community club, hawker centre, bus interchange, community plaza and childcare centre.
Upcoming developments such as the Punggol Digital District, Lorong Halus Industrial Estate and the Singapore Institute of Technology, also make it an attractive option for buyers.
Browse all Sengkang Grand Residences units for sale on PropertyGuru.
Which Condo Should You Buy
The pandemic has changed the nature of corporate life – we no longer head to the office from 9 to 6. Regardless of whether companies choose to continue work from home arrangements or opt to transition towards a hybrid working style, working adults will see themselves staying home more.
For that reason, a central location may no longer be a top factor in buyers’ purchase decisions. Buyers can go for projects such as Pasir Ris 8, OLA, and Sengkang Grand Residences in the OCR and still easily access amenities, malls, and nature.
But before you make the purchase, property buyers should be mindful of the cost of borrowing that may affect their ability to afford a condo. Mortgage rates have been kept depressed in the past two years, but with more economies recovering, we will likely see a rise in interest rates.
More FAQs about Buying Condos in Singapore
How Much Does a Condo Cost in Singapore?
Condos in Singapore range from $900,000 to $3 million in the Outside Central Region and Rest of Central Region. For condos in the Core Central Region, expect to pay $2.5 million and upwards.
How Much down Payment Must You Pay for a Condo in Singapore?
Assuming a condo costs $1 million, a Singapore citizen would expect to fork out at least $274,600. This includes the 5% minimum cash down payment and Buyer’s Stamp Duty.
What Is the Eligibility Requirement to Buy a Condo in Singapore?
You must be at least 21 years old, have fulfilled the 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) if you own an HDB and be able to pay 25% of the condo cost in cash.
What Do Most Condo Fees Include?
There are costs such as the condo maintenance fee (service charge), maintenance fund and sinking fund.
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This article was written by Audrey A.. She can’t wait to move into her own place so she can finally get a cat (or two) and an espresso machine to fuel her love for flat whites. For now, she’s saving up and dreaming of her next trip.