When buying a condo in Singapore for own-stay purposes, there are lots of factors to consider to pick the ‘perfect’ home. One way to narrow down your search is to choose a future-proof property. Buyer’s remorse often happens when you don’t think long-term about how your home will serve your family’s changing needs in the future.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look into how to choose a future-proof home and examine one such potential property, Pinetree Hill.
What Makes a Futureproof Property?
Prioritise Quality in a Development
Choosing a future-proof property means selecting a home that lasts. To do so, you can conduct thorough research on developers, examine their track records, and look for award-winning developments. More often than not, such projects would have thoughtfully designed layouts, well-landscaped common areas, and quality fittings built to last.
Location with Good Connectivity to Roads, Public Transport Systems
Even if you drive, picking a location with good connectivity to public transport is essential. For those living with elderly parents, you want your seniors to be free to travel around. When your children are older, they can travel between home and school without much fuss.
Proximity to Amenities, Dining Options, Medical Facilities, and Schools
At the very least, you want to ensure your home is a short drive from supermarkets and a few dining options. Having essential services such as clinics, dentists, hospitals, and shopping centres is a big plus, too. For those with children of school-going age (or who intend to have kids), look out for schools in the neighbourhood.
Flexible and Efficient Space
The ideal future-proof home incorporates multifunctional areas and easily configurable rooms. Having enough space is also important for multi-generational living, in which privacy is much valued and needed. Movable partitions, loose furniture, and ample storage are also key features.
Understanding what makes a futureproof home is one thing, but knowing what a futureproof condo looks like is another. To further illustrate our point, we’ll use the new launch condo Pinetree Hill as a case study for what a futureproof condo can look like.
Pinetree Hill: New Launch Condo for Futureproof Living
Pinetree Hill is a 99-year leasehold condominium located in District 21. Its 520 units are spread across three 24-storey blocks. The project was developed by United Venture Development, a joint venture between UOL Group and Singapore Land Group.
As the first new private residential project launched in the area since 2009, the project provides an opportunity for younger buyers to purchase a condo near their parents, which is a prudent decision when considering the need to support ageing parents.
Development Quality, Attention to Landscaping
Pinetree Hill is on an elevated 22,535 sqm plot. 88% of the land was set aside for landscaping, with the remaining 12% allocated to residential units. This translates to approximately 466.5 sq ft of green space per unit.
The staggered distance between each neighbouring block was also intentionally maximised to allow greater airflow and enhanced privacy between blocks. Compared to other developments, the condo’s lower-floor homes experience greater privacy due to the added height.
At the 13th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) in 2023, Pinetree Hill won the Best Premium Condo Landscape Design (Singapore) category. The project also was ‘Highly Commended’ under the Best Premium Condo Architectural Design (Singapore) and Best Premium Condo Development (Singapore) categories.
The combination of livable, ideal-sized 1- and 2-bedroom units makes Pinetree Hill homes a rare find in the market.
Access to Parks and Unblocked Views of Greenery
Another benefit of the generous space allowance is that all residents enjoy unblocked views of the surrounding lush greenery. From your home, you can take in unblocked views of Clementi Forest. Nature lovers will be glad to know that Pinetree Hill is within walking distance of the Clementi Nature Trail and connected to the Rail Corridor.
Connectivity to Transport Nodes
Dover MRT station on the East-West Line is the closest MRT station to Pinetree Hill. It is 980m away and can be reached via a short bus ride or a short walk.
Buses 7, 61, 75, 156, and 165 serve two bus stops within 150 m of Pinetree Hill. Those who drive can reach the Central Business District (CBD) from Pinetree Hill in under half an hour via the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE).
Proximity to Reputable Schools
Pinetree Hill is close to many choice schools and educational institutions across all education levels. For those 12 and under, Methodist Girls’ School (Primary), Nan Hua Primary, Henry Park Primary School, and Pei Tong Primary School are options – with the last two schools being within 1 km radius.
Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary), Anglo-Chinese Junior College, NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Hwa Chong Institution, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore University of Social Sciences, and NUS are a short car ride away.
Proximity to Amenities and Lifestyle Hubs
Pinetree Hill is close to the Buona Vista and Holland Village lifestyle hubs. Furthermore, being a short drive away from the Dempsey Hill and Botanic Gardens enclaves provides residents with ample dining options. Additionally, the various eateries and cafes in Sunset Way are a six-minute drive from Pinetree Hill.
Other nearby malls and grocery options include Clementi Mall, Grantral Mall @ Clementi, and Clementi Avenue 2 Market and Food Centre, all within a 10-minute drive from the property. Residents can also get to Singapore’s city centre and the Orchard Road shopping belt in under 30 minutes.
Strong Rental Catchment
Dr Lee Nai Jia, Head of Real Estate Intelligence, Data and Software Solutions, PropertyGuru Group, believes Pinetree Hill will likely be a strong draw for tenants. He also expects Pinetree Hill to attract strong upgrader demand. With the fast-growing Jurong Lake District, workers in Singapore’s second CBD could also be potential tenants.
“The Ulu Pandan area is an exclusive private enclave. Rental demand will likely be driven by tertiary educational institutions such as NUS and Singapore Polytechnic and working professionals from the one-north cluster and Jurong East.”
While the rental market has cooled somewhat in 2024, reasonable median rental price growth for a District 21 condo can still be expected.
Future Development of Ulu Pandan
The Ulu Pandan neighbourhood in which Pinetree Hill is situated is set to undergo further transformation. In addition to more parks and park connectors, a commercial node is set to be built beside Dover MRT station.
The spike in housing supply, new transport links, and upcoming enhancements will boost the area’s livability and price growth potential. Dr Tan Tee Khoon, Country Manager – Singapore, PropertyGuru, says, “The locale and the larger areas of Clementi and Holland Village have gone through a tremendous transformation from a quiet neighbourhood”.
“The area now has three large malls servicing it – The Clementi Mall, The Star Vista and One Holland Village Mall. Additionally, NUS, SIM University, and Singapore Polytechnic are within three kilometres of Pinetree Hill. Given the passage of time, more areas will be continually developed. These factors complete the picture of a progressive estate.”
Dr Lee agrees, adding, “The development plans for Dover Forest will enhance the living environment for future residents, who will also benefit from the rich amenities which are a short drive away. This increased livability is expected to further boost property values in the area.”
Buying Pinetree Hill Condo in Singapore
Having a future-proof home that you love can have a huge impact on your quality of life. You don’t want to buy your ‘dream home’ on paper only to realise the nearest grocery store is a 30-minute walk away with no direct bus to access it. Pinetree Hill is one such condo that can journey with you through various life stages.
If you intend to buy Pinetree Hill or any future-proof property, budgeting and securing a home loan will be the next step. Not sure where to start? Let PropertyGuru Finance’s Mortgage Experts help you at no cost.
Ready to check out Pinetree Hill? Visit the sales gallery today by submitting an enquiry in the listing.
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