The average size of transacted condos and apartments has shrunk from 1,281 sq ft in 2009 to 1,079 sq ft in 2015. With new four- and five-room HDB flats averaging 969 sq ft and 1,184 sq ft respectively, what are the options available to aspiring upgraders looking for condos of similar size?
The Edge Property has rounded up the most affordable condos and apartments among the larger HDB towns. The units are between 1,000 and 1,200 sq ft in size and completed up to 10 years ago.
1. Ang Mo Kio – The Calrose
Some buyers may consider The Calrose inaccessible, as it is tucked in a quiet, low-density enclave of Ang Mo Kio. The development is, however, located less than 200m from the upcoming Lentor MRT station of the Thomson-East Coast Line, slated to be completed in 2020. It is also a freehold development.
A condominium in Calrose, renovated by Space Concepts
2. Bedok – Archipelago
Condo prices in Bedok averaged $1,271 psf in 2016. At Archipelago, a 99-year leasehold condominium on Bedok Reservoir Road, seven units measuring between 667 and 2,583 sq ft were transacted this year at an average price of $1,135 psf. The upcoming Bedok North MRT station, expected to be completed in 2017, will be located about 400m from the condo.
A condominium in Archipelago, renovated by Schemacraft
3. Depot Road – Interlace
With an average price of $1,060 psf in 2016, The Interlace offers a value proposition for buyers. Meanwhile, condo prices in Bukit Merah averaged $1,600 psf this year. A majority of units at The Interlace are larger than 1,200 sq ft. This year, three units measuring between 1,000 and 1,200 sq ft changed hands at an average price of $1,277 psf, or $1.35 million.
The Interlace is a 1,040-unit, 99-year leasehold condo designed by internationally acclaimed architect Ole Scheeren. The project clinched the prestigious World Building of the Year title in 2015. The site is nestled within the Southern Ridges, a 10km stretch of greenery.
A condominium in Interlace, renovated by Space Define Interior
4. Hougang – The Minton
The biggest development in Hougang is the 1,145-unit in The Minton. Prices for 1,000 to 1,200 sq ft condo units at The Minton averaged $952 psf this year.
Completed in 2013, the 99-year leasehold development is located off Upper Paya Lebar Road, between Kovan and Serangoon MRT stations. The Minton is also surrounded by prominent schools.
A condominium in Minton, renovated by Free Space Intent
5. Yishun – The Estuary
The Estuary offers the most affordable units in Yishun and a waterfront lifestyle. The 608-unit development is fronted by the Lower Seletar Reservoir Park. Prices for 1,000 to 1,200 sq ft unit at the development averaged $795 psf.
The Lower Seletar Reservoir Park is home to the People’s Association Water-Venture, which provides kayaking and dragon boating facilities for water-sports enthusiasts.
A condominium in Estuary, renovated by D'Planner
This article is repurposed from "Most Affordable Condos for HDB Upgraders", which first appeared in The Edge Singapore, and was modified with permission.
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