In Singapore, freehold properties are often favoured due to the widespread belief that they offer a solid foundation for preserving generational wealth. However, this advantage typically comes with a higher price tag.

This week, we’ve found 5 under-the-radar freehold 3-bedroom condominiums for those with a budget capped at $1.6M.

While some of these condos may not be in close proximity to an MRT station, each offers a commendable array of amenities within easy walking distance.

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

Picked by Ryan Ong · Consultant

No. 1

The Sensoria

1 Jalan Ulu Sembawang · Freehold · Sep 2008

Swipe · 8 photos

Asking
$1,499,999
Price PSF
$1,182.03 PSF
Size
1,269 SQFT
Layout
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3
  • Developer Frasers Centrepoint Homes
Address 1 Jalan Ulu Sembawang Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

With a regular-shaped layout, this apartment is ideal for homeowners who want to enjoy living in a tranquil environment while having amenities within a short walking distance. 

This apartment in The Sensoria is sized at 1,269 square feet and comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a study alcove, a store room, a utility room and a decent common living area. 

Despite having bay windows (which does give the apartment quite a unique touch), all the bedrooms are well-sized and can accommodate a built-in wardrobe and a queen-sized bed comfortably. The study alcove also comes in handy for families who need a designated space to do their work, especially for those who are still able to WFH. 

I also appreciate that there are designated areas for storing away bulky items, which does come in handy in the long run. 

Although the apartment is located on a lower floor, the unit still enjoys plenty of natural light and there’s no exposure to direct afternoon sun. It is also located right across the landed estate of Sembawang Springs Estate, which allows residents to enjoy a more relaxed and low-density lifestyle. 

Canberra MRT Station (North-South line) might be quite a walk away from The Sensoria, but there is the option to take a bus from the bus stop located right below the project. The project is a short walk away from Sembawang Shopping Centre and Chong Pang Market & Food Centre, in which residents can pick up food and groceries. 

Interestingly, the project is a short walk away from Sembawang Hot Spring. Sembawang Primary School is also located within a 7-minute drive away. 

Ryan Ong

Original listing on propertyguru.com.sg (may no longer be available)

Picked by Druce Teo · Writer

No. 2

Sunbird View

187c Sunbird Road · Freehold · TOP 1997

Swipe · 6 photos

Asking
$1,500,000
Price PSF
$1,152.07 PSF
Size
1,302 SQFT
Layout
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3
  • Developer Duchess Investment Pte Ltd
Address 187c Sunbird Road Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Located within the landed enclave of Sunbird Circle, this project offers a low-density and private environment for its residents. This apartment is sized at 1,302 square feet and comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and quite a spacious common area. 

Depending on your preference, there is no balcony in this apartment, which means that the entire unit is catered entirely for liveable space. The layout of the unit also allows a more private living arrangement, since all the bedrooms are tucked in one corner. 

On the other hand, the kitchen might be on the more compact side, but it is still fully functional as it comes with a yard, utility room and WC, making it ideal for those living with a helper. 

Apart from being located within a landed enclave, Sunbird View overlooks the MRT tracks and is located along the Simei Park Connector. That said, it’s under a 10-minute walk to both Simei (East-West line) and Upper Changi (Downtown line) MRT Station, as well as East Point Mall. 

For those with schooling children, Changkat Primary School and Changkat Changi Secondary School are located nearby.  

Druce Teo

Original listing on propertyguru.com.sg (may no longer be available)

Picked by Reuben Dhanaraj · Host & Writer

No. 3

Casa Pasir Ris

201 Jalan Loyang Besar · 999-year Leasehold · Sep 1997

Swipe · 7 photos

Asking
$1,300,000
Price PSF
$1,161.75 PSF
Size
1,119 SQFT
Layout
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3
  • Developer Tat Lee Bank Land Limited
Address 201 Jalan Loyang Besar Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Ideal for homeowners who want to live in a tranquil environment, Casa Pasir Ris is located in a cul-de-sac in the leafy Loyang Besar neighbourhood. 

Sized at 1,119 square feet, this apartment comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and reasonable common areas. Seeing that there is no balcony in this apartment, it’s good for families who want to maximise the available amount of liveable space. 

Despite being on the lower floor, the unit is well-lit due to the full-height windows, which makes the space feel airy and bright. 

Since it is located rather deep in the Jalan Loyang Besar neighbourhood, the nearest spot where residents can pick up food and groceries is Downtown East, which is a 13-minute walk away. 

However, there’s a bus stop located right outside of the development, which makes getting around fairly convenient and also leads to Pasir Ris MRT Station and White Sands Mall. The biggest draw would be its green and leafy environment and being a short walking distance to Pasir Ris Beach. It’s definitely not the most convenient spot, but ideal for those who prioritise a less dense living environment. 

Some schools within a 1km proximity include Casuarina Primary School, Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School and Pasir Ris Primary School. 

Reuben Dhanaraj

Original listing on propertyguru.com.sg (may no longer be available)

Picked by Stanley Goh · Writer

No. 4

The Navian

178 Jalan Eunos · Freehold · Sep 2021

Swipe · 10 photos

Asking
$1,568,000
Price PSF
$1,734.51 PSF
Size
904 SQFT
Layout
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2
  • Developer Roxy-Pacific Holdings Limited
Address 178 Jalan Eunos Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Why I like it

Suitable for families who want a compact but functional apartment, this unit in The Navian is sized at 904 square feet. 

It comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a guest room and a small but efficiently-sized living area. There are also two balconies to enjoy the outdoors, which can be found in the living room and master bedroom. Depending on the homeowner’s needs, the guest room can be converted into a fourth bedroom or a study room.

When living in a more compact layout, the high ceiling does play an important part in making the apartment feel more spacious and airy. The added ceiling height is also not inclusive of the void area, which is an added bonus. 

Since the unit was renovated two years ago, it is in a move-in-friendly condition to save up on renovation costs. 

Ubi and Kaki Bukit (both on the Downtown line) MRT Stations are both under a 15-minute walk away, with various coffee shops located nearby. Additionally, Bedok Reservoir Food Centre is also located a short walk away. 

For nearby school options, Telok Kurau Primary School, Maha Bodhi School and Manju Secondary School are located nearby. 

Stanley Goh

Original listing on propertyguru.com.sg (may no longer be available)

Picked by Sean Goh · Writer

No. 5

Sims Dorado

11 Lorong 39 Geylang · Freehold · Sep 2008

Swipe · 10 photos

Asking
$1,450,000
Price PSF
$1,496.39 PSF
Size
969 SQFT
Layout
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2
  • Developer Bravo Building Construction Pte. Ltd.
Address 11 Lorong 39 Geylang Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Why I like it

Located in the vibrant Geylang neighbourhood, this bright and airy apartment in Sims Dorado is sized at 969 square feet. 

Originally, this unit came with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, but the previous homeowners hacked off the walls of one of the common bedrooms to create a bigger dining and study area. Additionally, there is a home shelter, which is ideal for stowing away bulky and big items. 

To provide more storage area, plenty of cabinets have been built up above the bay windows to better maximise the space and make the layout more functional. That said, the apartment has been recently renovated and is move-in friendly. Due to the multiple windows, the apartment is bright and airy, which is important when living in more compact layouts. 

Its biggest draw is probably in its location. Sims Dorado is a short 4-minute walk to Paya Lebar MRT Station (Circle and East-West line), along with three of the main malls in the area (PLQ, Singpost Centre and Paya Lebar Square), which is convenient for residents to pick up food and groceries. Alternatively, there are plenty of food options in its vicinity. Apart from the multiple eateries located in the Geylang Shophouses, it’s a short walking distance to Haig Road and Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre. 

Nearby schools include Kong Hwa School, Geylang Methodist School (Primary) and Geylang Methodist School (Secondary). 

Sean Goh

Original listing on propertyguru.com.sg (may no longer be available)