Studios are a great option for singles or couples who don’t mind cosy living and aren’t tied to working from home every day. If you’re up for the hunt, you can find some surprisingly large units in the central and city-fringe areas. They’re compact, stylish, and perfect for an urban, independent lifestyle – all for under $1 million.

That’s exactly the kind of units we’re reviewing this week.

Missed last week? You can view our previous issue here.

You can also join our free weekly newsletter to stay up to date on our latest curation every week.

Now let’s get on with the list of curated units this week!

Shortlists like this are a useful starting point, but the units that make the list aren't necessarily the ones that make the most sense for your budget, lifestyle or long-term plans.

The harder part comes afterwards: comparing the trade-offs, evaluating the numbers, and deciding which home is actually the best fit for your situation.

Over time, that's also why we decided to work with agents who shared the same data-driven and advisory-led approach behind our editorial, consultants who could help readers think through decisions more objectively, rather than simply push transactions.

Today, the team has worked with more than 2,000 clients across over $5B in property transactions.

See how the consultation works →

Sean Header

1
Studios @ Marne

$980,000

1
1
AttributeInfo
Address2 Marne Road
Size603
$PSF$1,625
TOP date2009

Why I like it

Just a seven-minute walk from Farrer Park MRT, this 603 sq ft studio pairs city convenience with smart design. City Square Mall, Mustafa Centre, and plenty of eateries are nearby, while the Rochor Canal offers an easy route to Kallang Riverside Park.

The balcony is a standout feature, large enough for alfresco dining and freeing up indoor space. The L-shaped kitchen efficiently separates the cooking and living zones. Sliding glass doors behind the kitchen open to a small planter that brings in sunlight and greenery. The living area’s regular shape makes furniture planning simple, giving the home a practical and open feel.

- Sean

View this property

Ryan J Header 1

2
Clydes Residence

$999,000

1
1
AttributeInfo
Address78 Mergui Road
Size570 sq ft
$PSF$1,753
TOP date2006

Why I like it

Just eight minutes from Farrer Park MRT, this high-floor studio offers a mix of convenience and comfort. Pek Kio Market, City Square Mall, and Mustafa Centre are all close by, with plenty of food options in the neighbourhood.

Bright and well laid out, the unit separates the bedroom and living areas with distinct flooring that gives each space its own character. The living and dining zones are spacious for a studio, and the home shelter is neatly hidden behind a feature wall in the bedroom.

The L-shaped kitchen maximises its corner space, with upper and lower cabinets providing good storage. Functional and well-planned, this home is a great example of how smaller spaces can still feel relaxed and inviting.

- Ryan J.

View this property

Marcus

3
Nova 88

$828,888

1
1
AttributeInfo
Address8 Bhamo Road
Size506
$PSF$1,638
TOP date2012

Why I like it

Located less than a 15-minute walk from Novena MRT, this studio offers excellent connectivity with easy access to nearby malls, including Velocity, Square 2, and United Square. Zhongshan Mall, Balestier Plaza, Shaw Plaza, Balestier Point, and Whampoa Drive Makan Place are also within walking distance, providing a wide range of dining and retail options. The park connector leading to Kallang Riverside Park is nearby, adding a touch of greenery to the urban setting.

Although situated on a lower floor, the unit receives ample natural light. The living area and bedroom are both well-sized, and the layout makes it easy to delineate zones if desired. A balcony and a small planter add outdoor space with a pleasant view. The kitchen and home shelter are neatly positioned in one corner for efficient use of space. While compact, the kitchen remains functional and well-equipped with upper and lower cabinets that offer sufficient storage.

- Marcus

View this property

Gail

4
Grandview Suites @ Geylang

$750,000

1
1
AttributeInfo
Address1 Geylang Lorong 22
Size484
$PSF$1,550
TOP date2015

Why I like it

Located less than a 15-minute walk from Novena MRT, this studio offers excellent connectivity with easy access to nearby malls, including Velocity, Square 2, and United Square. Zhongshan Mall, Balestier Plaza, Shaw Plaza, Balestier Point, and Whampoa Drive Makan Place are also within walking distance, providing a wide range of dining and retail options. The park connector leading to Kallang Riverside Park is nearby, adding a touch of greenery to the urban setting.

Although situated on a lower floor, the unit receives ample natural light. The living area and bedroom are both well-sized, and the layout makes it easy to delineate zones if desired. A balcony and a small planter add outdoor space with a pleasant view. The kitchen and home shelter are neatly positioned in one corner for efficient use of space. While compact, the kitchen remains functional and well-equipped with upper and lower cabinets that offer sufficient storage.

- Gail

View this property

Druce Header

5
Parc Elegance

$780,000

1
1
AttributeInfo
Address15 Telok Kurau Road
Size463 sq ft
$PSF$1,685
TOP date2013

Why I like it

Set between Eunos and Kembangan MRT stations, this studio sits in a lively yet laid-back neighbourhood with easy access to daily amenities. A variety of eateries are just minutes away, and the nearby park connector leads directly to East Coast Park and the beach for weekend relaxation.

The unit receives abundant natural light and features a well-sized balcony that can be used for alfresco dining, creating more room indoors. The living and bedroom area is comfortably proportioned and can fit a double bed, a couch, and a TV console with space to move around. Sliding glass wardrobe doors help reflect light, making the interior feel brighter and more spacious. A built-in home shelter provides valuable storage, keeping the compact layout neat and clutter-free.

- Druce

View this property

Round-ups like this are a good place to start a shortlist, but the real work begins when you start comparing the final few options, looking beyond the headline criteria to decide which property is the best fit for your own situation.

That's where many readers ask us to help.

If you'd like a second view on any of the units above (or others we haven't listed), you can reach out for a one-to-one consultation here.

And if you simply have a question or want to share a thought, feel free to write to us at stories@stackedhomes.com. We read every message.