7 Less-Known Old But Freehold Developments With Very Spacious Units (Above 2,000 Sqft!)

Condos didn’t appear in Singapore until the 1970s, and back then marketing methods were primitive: unless you were one of the die-hard market watchers who read the classifieds section (or were a realtor yourself), you probably didn’t notice many of the launches from the ‘70s through to the early ‘90s. But it was also a very innovative and experimental period – and some of these older freehold condos have locations that have skyrocketed in demand. Here are some that have remained somewhat under the radar, if you aren’t familiar with their locations:

1. Windy Heights

The last time we heard about Windy Heights, it was during an en-bloc attempt in 2018 for a reserve price of $806.2 million. It was a bit of bad timing there, as the 2017 en-bloc fever had died down by that point. Nonetheless, this was when Windy Heights – a 200 unit freehold condo built in 1983 – first came on the radar.

Windy Heights has indirectly benefitted from the development of Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) into a major commercial hub. It’s just a few minute’s drive away, making it a cheaper alternative to the newer units in PLQ itself. The surrounding Lengkong Tiga HDB estate has also matured significantly over the years, with amenities like an NTUC FairPrice, coffee shops, and other heartland amenities – so this is a much more convenient area than when the project first went up. 

Kembangan MRT station, which came up around five years after the project was built, also provides EWL access. This is just two stops from PLQ, although it is a bit of a long stroll. 

The biggest draw for Windy Heights though, is the gigantic floor space common to ’80s-era condos. Many of the units here are over 2,470 sq. ft., with some penthouse units being over 4,970 sq. ft. The 2,470+ sq. ft. units have transacted for around $2.9 million of late (about $1,171 psf), which is hard to match for a freehold condo in 2024. 

We do feel, however, that many of the existing owners may be holding out for an en-bloc still; so that’s a factor to consider before buying. Some buyers may also dislike the limited access to bus services: only bus 42 is nearby, with the other bus stops being quite a walk away. 

Latest Transactions

2. Starpoint

Starpoint is an apartment, and this little-known development consists of just 10 freehold units; checks on Square Foot also show that it’s predominantly owned by a company/companies (four of the 10 units), so if you are hoping for an en-bloc in the future this could be an issue to contend with.

There’s no available information on when this project was completed, nor are there floor plans or developer information; but this usually suggests a project built sometime in the ‘70 to ‘80s. What stands out are the unit sizes though, with one of the rare transactions back in June ‘23 being for a unit at 3,670 sq. ft. 

The development of One-North into a major tech and media hub, with retail and food amenities, makes Starpoint way more convenient than it seems. While there’s no MRT station nearby, the bus right outside the apartment (use services like 200) takes you straight to One-North. Note that the parts of the hub, such as Fusionopolis, also have a supermarket. One-North MRT (CCL) is also just two stops from Holland V.

(Note: Haw Par Villa is actually the closest MRT to this apartment, but it’s more common to just take the bus straight to One-North).

This being an apartment, there is no pool, gym, etc. But this may be considered a plus point by some buyers, who don’t care to pay high maintenance fees.

Latest Transactions

3. Fontana Heights

Fontana Heights only has 51 units and dates back to 1985, but these old units are massive. Most are upward of 3,460+ sq. ft., and resale gains have been significant over the years. While the large sizes are an obvious appeal, the location of this project is suitable for someone who wants to live in a quieter location yet still enjoy some degree of convenience.

Fontana Heights is close to Dover MRT (EWL), which is also where Singapore Polytechnic is located. From here, it’s just one stop to Clementi, which is where you’ll find Clementi Mall and the hub of the neighbourhood. As Clementi MRT is on the EWL as well as CRL, residents here have reasonably good access to two different lines.

The Ulu Pandan Park Connector is also just in front of this project, which provides a good amenity for cyclists and joggers; and going across the river takes you into the Clementi HDB enclave (this is a very mature area, with the usual assortment of coffee shops, convenience stores, etc.) 

Transactions here are quite rare though, and given how Clementi has evolved into a hotspot, willing sellers may be few and far between.

Latest Transactions

4. Ivory Apartments

Ivory Apartments is a boutique apartment complex with only eight units, dating back to 1991 (it does have a small swimming pool though, despite not being a full-fledged condo). While floor plans are non-existent, and details are scarce, we do know that every one of those eight units is at least 2,800 sq. ft., with some being over 3,000 sq. ft.

The surrounding neighbourhood has been very good to East Coast Road residents. Marine Terrace MRT (TEL) is up and running, so the long-standing accessibility issues have been somewhat mitigated. There’s also a large number of buses that go toward the lifestyle hub of Katong/Joo Chiat from here, so there’s easy access to malls like i12 Katong, Parkway Parade, etc. by bus (or by MRT now, in the case of Parkway). 

Also note that St. Patrick’s Secondary is just across the road from this project, and a number of reputable schools – Tao Nan, CHIJ Katong Convent, and Ngee Ann Primary are all within a one-kilometre radius.

Latest Transactions

 5. Villa Delle Rose

This is a 104-unit condo built in 1982, with characteristically large balconies and terrace-like appearance. Like many condos from that era, you’ll find huge units of 3,200+ sq. ft., with the most recent transaction being a 3,261 sq. ft. unit for $5.4 million in January of this year. 

Also with just 104-units, you do have a tennis court aside from the usual suspects like a swimming pool and playground. But the main appeal here is the discreet and quiet location, as it is beside the huge forested area along Tyersall.

The bus stop near this condo has a wide range of services, of which 75 heads straight to Holland V (it’s just one stop). From here, Holland V MRT (CCL) also provides easy access to One-North and Buona Vista. This is a good alternative for those who want to be near Holland V, but don’t like the noise of actually being near Holland V station (also, the older freehold condos in Holland V itself tend to be more cramped and less well-maintained). 

Like many condos in this area, however, school access is an issue – there aren’t any within one kilometre, and there is a lack of immediate amenities nearby. You do need to take the bus out to Holland V for your food and retail.

Latest Transactions

6. Top Ten

This is one of the oldest freehold apartments in Singapore, dating back to 1978. At the time, many non-landed private residences were built on the idea of being “bungalows in the sky,” which is evident from the 3,400+ sq. ft. units here.

That being said, Top Ten is an apartment and not a condo – so while there are no common facilities, you will at least be spared higher maintenance fees (a good thing too, as there are only 11 units to split the costs).

Top Ten definitely suffers in contrast to its flashier luxury neighbours, as it is located in Orchard. But it’s still within walking distance to Centrepoint and Somerset MRT (NSL); and it will appeal to those who want to live in Orchard, but don’t like the increasingly cramped sizes of newer projects nearby.

As an added point of appeal, St. Margaret’s and ACS Junior are within one-kilometre. Overall, a good pick if you want a very big unit in the Orchard area, and don’t care too much about frills like pools, gyms, etc.

Latest Transactions

7. Toh Yi Court

Toh Yi is a landed housing enclave, so this project – from 1985 – was likely built around that same sense of privacy and exclusivity. There are only 18 units in this small project, which is just next to the local playground. There are no high-rises in any direction, just landed homes all around.

Units here are sizeable, with the last transaction being $2.5 million for a 2,034 sq. ft. unit just in June this year. Like many boutique condos though, there is a tradeoff in facilities – the playground, BBQ area, and pool make for some pretty bare-bones conveniences. What you’re really buying here is the spaciousness, and the low-density surroundings.

Like most landed enclaves, it’s also no surprise that public transport is quite far from here; that’s part of the exclusivity. It’s also assumed that most folks in landed areas will drive; and if you do, the location is excellent. Beauty World is barely a five-minute drive from here. We suppose you could walk if you don’t mind a long stroll, and Beauty World MRT (DTL) does provide MRT access – but if you don’t have a car, it’s probably best to cycle there.

Latest Transactions

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