Walk-up apartments might not be for everyone.
The lack of a lift means dealing with a flight of stairs daily, and from a financial standpoint, they’re not always the most straightforward investment.
But they offer something different from the standard apartments we’re used to in Singapore, from units with pitched roofs to more customisable layouts.
For those who appreciate its unique character, and a lower price point than some of the newer condos, walk-ups can be an interesting option. If that sounds like your kind of thing, here are five of the cheapest walk-up apartments near an MRT station.
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177 Seng Poh Road
$850,000
| Attribute | Info |
| Address | 77 Seng Poh Road |
| Tenure | 99-year Leasehold |
| Size | 655 SQFT |
| $PSF | $1,298 PSF |
| Developer | HDB |
| TOP | 1937 |
Why I like it
If you’re the type who appreciates Tiong Bahru’s nostalgic charm but still wants to be near the action, this walk-up apartment might just strike the right balance.
Tiong Bahru Market is located close by, along with the neighbourhood’s signature cafés and restaurants, while Havelock (TEL) and Tiong Bahru (EWL) MRT stations are both within walking distance.
Originally a 2-bed and 1-bath unit sized at 655 square feet, the current owner made a bold move to hack one of the bedrooms and create a more open and functional living-dining space. The result is a more open floor plan with better flow between the spaces.
That said, this is a 99-year leasehold apartment that reached TOP in 1937, so the lease decay is something to consider. Plus, with an apartment this age, some inevitable wear and tear is to be expected.
– Ryan
256 Eng Hoon Street
$1,050,000
| Attribute | Info |
| Address | 56 Eng Hoon Street |
| Tenure | 99-year Leasehold |
| Size | 829 SQFT |
| $PSF | $1,267 PSF |
| Developer | HDB |
| TOP | 1967 |
Why I like it
This walk-up apartment is close to all the amenities you’d expect in Tiong Bahru—Tiong Bahru Market, plus the cafés and restaurants that have long made this estate a lifestyle destination.
Beyond that, you’re also within walking distance of Robertson Quay and the Singapore River, as well as Pearl’s Hill City Park and Reservoir—a rare green retreat in the area.
And with Havelock MRT (TEL), Tiong Bahru MRT (EWL), and Outram Park MRT (NEL, EWL, TEL) nearby, most would agree that connectivity is good.
Originally a 2-bed, 1-bath unit, the owner has opted for a more expansive take on the space, knocking down one of the bedrooms to create a larger master bedroom. At 829 square feet, it offers something similar to a loft-style studio apartment, where the only real divider between the living and sleeping area is a glass sliding door. While this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the transparency keeps the home feeling spacious (and also unique!).
The dining area is well-sized, sitting right next to the open kitchen, which features an L-shaped counter. Meanwhile, the bedroom is generous in size with no built-in furniture, making it more adaptable to future changes.
– Druce
379 Chay Yan Street
$1,250,000
| Attribute | Info |
| Address | 79 Chay Yan Street |
| Tenure | 99-year Leasehold |
| Size | 905 SQFT |
| $PSF | $1,381 PSF |
| Developer | HDB |
| TOP | 1937 |
Why I like it
It’s not often you find a ground-floor unit that still feels bright and airy, but this 905-square-foot walk-up in Tiong Bahru makes the most of its large window panels, allowing natural light to flow through the space.
Situated within walking distance of Tiong Bahru MRT (EWL), Tiong Bahru Plaza, and Havelock MRT (TEL), it offers strong connectivity while retaining the neighbourhood’s signature charm. You’re also close to Tiong Bahru Market, Jalan Bukit Merah Market & Food Centre, and Robertson Quay, making it a convenient spot for both daily essentials and weekend brunches. Plus, the Rail Corridor is just a short stroll away—a great perk for those who enjoy greenery and outdoor runs.
The spacious living and dining areas immediately stand out, offering ample room for both relaxation and entertaining. To enhance the sense of openness, the solid bedroom wall has been replaced with a glass partition, allowing light to filter through from both ends of the unit. For times when privacy is needed, full-height blinds provide a practical solution.
The kitchen is well-equipped with ample storage and even features a small island counter, which doubles as a dining spot for quick meals. The unit has been nicely done up, and for those who like the current aesthetic, minimal renovation would be required.
– Ryan J.
4Changi Road
$1,550,000
| Attribute | Info |
| Address | Changi Road |
| Tenure | 99-year Leasehold |
| Size | 1,076 SQFT |
| $PSF | $1,441 PSF |
Why I like it
Tucked along Changi Road, this freehold walk-up sits in a fairly well-connected location, within walking distance to both Eunos and Kembangan MRT stations (both on the EWL).
Daily essentials are covered with two markets and food centres nearby—Geylang Serai and Eunos Crescent—while Joo Chiat is just a short stroll away, offering a mix of cafés, restaurants, and lifestyle spots. And for those who enjoy the outdoors, the nearby park connector provides direct access to East Coast Park.
Currently configured as a co-living space, the 1,076-square-foot unit has been carved into three well-sized bedrooms with a shared kitchen. While this setup may not suit everyone, it does offer flexibility—whether as a rental unit or to reconfigure to suit personal needs.
The kitchen is spacious and comes with a separate service yard, a practical feature for added storage or laundry needs. Plus, the regular-shaped layout makes furniture placement and space planning more straightforward.
– Cheryl
5492B Changi Road
$1,550,000
| Attribute | Info |
| Address | 492B Changi Road |
| Tenure | Freehold |
| Size | 1,152 SQFT |
| $PSF | $1,345.49 PSF |
Why I like it
This 1,152 square-foot walk-up apartment is a short walk to Kembangan MRT (EWL), placing it two stops from Paya Lebar MRT (CCL, EWL) and six stops from Bugis MRT (EWL, DTL)—making the rest of the city easily accessible.
At the same time, it sits at the corner of a landed estate, offering a quieter setting compared to the busier stretches of Changi Road.
The location is well-served by a variety of food options, with local eateries and cafés just a short walk away. Joo Chiat is also nearby, known for its bakeries, cafés, and lifestyle spots. And for those who enjoy outdoor spaces, the park connector across the street provides a direct route to East Coast Park.
For starters, the regular-shaped layout makes furniture placement and space planning more straightforward. While the listed 6-bedroom count seems unusual for a unit of this size, the layout has likely been modified to accommodate more rooms—something worth verifying.
One practical adjustment is that the sink has been relocated to the service yard, freeing up more space in the bathroom. The inclusion of a double vanity suggests a more efficient setup—potentially catering to multiple tenants.
Either way, this apartment offers the flexibility to be configured to suit different needs.
– Sean
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