7 “New” Condos You Can Buy Direct From Developer To Move In Right Away In 2024
- Ryan J
- July 30, 2024
- 7 min read
- Leave comment
If you’re searching for a home in Singapore and face tight timelines or an urgent need to move, opting for a resale property is usually your best option. However, finding the right resale condo or home can be challenging. The availability of units in a given development can be unpredictable, and even when they do become available, their conditions can vary widely, potentially leading to additional renovation costs.
A practical compromise is to look for newly completed projects, as these properties allow for a quicker move-in. While recent launches come with a five-year Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) timeline for developers to sell out, some older projects do not have this constraint. So you may be surprised to find there are, however, some projects which remain under developer sales for long periods; possibly even a decade or more. The reasons are complex, from unexpected policy changes to market downturns; but in some instances, these projects may relaunch at a lower price, or when conditions improve. We’ve found some examples of these below:
Non-new residential projects that are still under developer sales:
Condo | District | Tenure | Number of Units | Units Remaining |
The Green Collection | 4 | 99-Year Leasehold | 20 | 20 |
Cape Royale | 4 | 99-Year Leasehold | 302 | 95 |
The Marina Collection | 4 | 99-Year Leasehold | 124 | 1 |
W Residences at Sentosa | 4 | 99-Year Leasehold | 228 | 65 |
The Line @ Tanjong Rhu | 15 | Freehold | 130 | 10 |
The Wallich Residences | 2 | 99-Year Leasehold | 181 | 4 |
3 Orchard By-The-Park | 10 | Freehold | 77 | 4 |
Interesting condos from the list:
1. The Green Collection
The Green Collection is a strata-titled landed project, which is unusual given its Sentosa Cove location. To date, there are no other such projects on Sentosa. (Strata-titled landed homes are landed houses, but they have common facilities and the owners form an MCST like a condo).
To be clear, The Green Collection isn’t new, and construction was completed in 2013. This was meant to be an elevated product, with the design by RT+Q Architects, landscaping by Shunmyo Masuno, and interiors by TV personality Kelly Hoppen (she’s designed for Victoria and David Beckham).
The Green collection consists of 20 houses, positioned as “golf villas” due to their facing: these houses overlook the Tanjong Golf Course. This is a premiere golf course where a lot of major tournaments are held, and it’s presumably Sentosa Golf Club members who might enjoy the location the most.
While not everything has been released for sale (they’ve been tenanted out since it was completed), the villas here range from a size of 5,630 to 7,169 sq. ft. with prices from $7.25 million. These are set over 4 floors, with the basement car parks able to hold 2 to 3 cars (depending on the layout. As with most strata-landed homes, the layouts are quite standard – with a high ceiling in the living area and a bedroom on the first floor. The rest of the bedrooms are set over the second floor and the attic has an additional living space.
Ultimately, this is a very niche and targeted property. This is for the affluent golf fanatic, as the Sentosa location and 99-year lease, coupled with the current age won’t appeal to everyone.
Units Available
Unit Number | Bedroom Type | Price ($) | Price ($PSF) | Size (SQFT) |
#24 | Landed | $8,900,000 | $1,241 | 7,169 |
#28 | Landed | $8,300,000 | $1,305 | 6,362 |
#30 | Landed | $7,800,000 | $1,254 | 6,222 |
#32 | Landed | $7,800,000 | $1,190 | 6,555 |
#36 | Landed | $7,500,000 | $1,262 | 5,942 |
#40 | Landed | $7,650,000 | $1,346 | 5,683 |
#44 | Landed | $7,650,000 | $1,309 | 5,845 |
#48 | Landed | $7,250,000 | $1,227 | 5,909 |
#54 | Landed | $7,250,000 | $1,234 | 5,877 |
#56 | Landed | $7,250,000 | $1,264 | 5,737 |
#60 | Landed | $7,750,000 | $1,374 | 5,640 |
2. Cape Royale, The Marina Collection, and W Residences at Sentosa
We won’t delve too deeply into these, as we don’t want to end up with just a list of superlux Sentosa condos. Suffice it to say that being relaunched years after construction is not unusual in Sentosa Cove, unlike the mainland. Some developers have purchased the land cheap enough in the earlier years, that it could make sense to opt for rental income while waiting for a more opportune time to sell.
We have a more in-depth view of W Residences, and its recent discounted relaunch, here. Cape Royale and The Marina Collection are neighbours. These projects’ main selling point is having the best waterfront views on Sentosa Cove: many units have a panoramic view that stretches from the berths and yachts at Marina Collection, and out to the South China Sea.
These projects have to contend with other existing resale condos in Sentosa Cove, however; and their leasehold status, coupled with their age, may be unpalatable to investment-oriented buyers. In light of ABSD doubling for foreigners, these could still be a tough sell at this point. For more affluent buyers looking to retire, these price points could be attractive if the island lifestyle is an appealing one.
Units Available
Unit Number | Bedroom Type | Price ($) | Price ($PSF) | Size (SQFT) |
#02-08 | 3 Bedroom | $3,559,000 | $2,120 | 1,679 |
#02-09 | 3 Bedroom | $3,559,000 | $2,120 | 1,679 |
#01-05 | 4 Bedroom | $5,325,000 | $2,019 | 2,637 |
#17-11 | 3 Bedroom + Study | $7,253,000 | $2,139 | 3,391 |
#16-10 | 3 Bedroom + Study | $7,609,200 | $2,122 | 3,391 |
Unit Number | Bedroom Type | Price ($) | Price ($PSF) | Size (SQFT) |
#02-01 | 2 Bedroom | 2,232,000 | 1,803 | 1,238 |
#02-11 | 3 Bedroom | 2,861,200 | 1,726 | 1,658 |
#02-32 | 4 Bedroom | 3,560,400 | 1,722 | 2,067 |
#06-12 | Penthouse | 4,659,200 | 1,811 | 2,573 |
#06-33 | Penthouse | 10,856,000 | 1,724 | 6,297 |
Unit Number | Bedroom Type | Price ($) | Price ($PSF) | Size (SQFT) |
#04-13 | Penthouse | 7,050,000 | 1,861 | 3,789 |
3. The Line @ Tanjong Rhu
Situated close to the Singapore Swimming Club, The Line @ Tanjong Rhu is a small (130-unit) freehold project that was completed in 2016.
Katong Park MRT, which was completed just about a month ago, now provides easy access from The Line to the Katong lifestyle area. It’s now just a few minutes walk to the station, and two stops on the TEL line. This puts Parkway Parade, a major neighbourhood mall, within proximity of residents. Dunman High is also just a short walk away from The Line @ Tanjong Rhu, which is good for school access.
There are some potential points that buyers will need to note, as the layouts here are quite unusual. For example, the 3-bedder units have entrances that do not open up to the usual living/kitchen area. Instead, the doorway is at the end of the corridor – right at the side of the third common bedroom.
As for the 2-bedders, they range from 570 to 1,087 sq. ft. in size, but the layouts may not be appealing to a wide range of buyers. For the smaller 2-bedroom units, the constraints are obvious with space taken up by 2 balconies, along with a household shelter (which relegates the common bedroom to a single bed).
All in, recent transactions have been on par with new launch averages (about $2,200 to $2,400 psf), despite the age. The newfound convenience of the location, coupled with the project’s freehold status, has seen the one-bedder units here (517 sq.ft.) transacting at just $1.37 million.
There is also, however, one potential future drawback: Tanjong Rhu has been earmarked for extensive residential development in the near future. Higher-density housing means the area will see a lot more noise and traffic soon, and it’s possible that future condos will obstruct views.
Units Available
Unit Number | Bedroom Type | Price ($) | Price ($PSF) | Size (SQFT) |
#01-01 | 1 Bedroom | $1,915,000 | $2,310 | 829 |
#19-02 | 3 Bedroom | $3,666,000 | $2,660 | 1378 |
#20-02 | Penthouse | $8,818,000 | $2,576 | 3,423 |
#20-05 | Penthouse | $7,625,000 | $2,576 | 2,960 |
#05-06 | 3 Bedroom | $3,951,000 | $2,239 | 1,765 |
#11-06 | 3 Bedroom | $3,000,000 | $2,534 | 1,184 |
#12-06 | 3 Bedroom | $3,100,000 | $2,618 | 1,184 |
#18-06 | 2 Bedroom | $2,895,000 | $2,663 | 1,087 |
#19-06 | 2 Bedroom | $2,907,000 | $2,784 | 1,044 |
#20-06 | Penthouse | $7,233,000 | $2,517 | 2,874 |
4. The Wallich Residence
Wallich Residence is better known to most people as just Guoco Tower (Wallich Residence is the name of the residential component of this integrated mixed-use development). This tower is a landmark in the CBD, by which many people navigate to the connected Tanjong Pagar MRT station (EWL). It is perhaps more well-known as the tallest building in Singapore (set to be overtaken by Skywaters Residences when built), although maybe the super penthouse that was sold for $73.8m to Billionaire James Dyson eclipses it.
Although completed in 2017, the residential component (181 units) still has a couple of units on the market. Despite its age, transactions still hit prices of around $3,000+ psf, on the strength of the location and this being a highly identifiable building.
While Tanjong Pagar MRT station is the most directly connected, residents have access to three train lines: Maxwell MRT (TEL) is also within walking distance, and come 2026, Prince Edward MRT (CCL) will be operational and nearby.
Amenities-wise, there’s not much to say other than that it’s in the heart of the city. Everything you need is either nearby, or one MRT stop away. Some homeowners prefer this location to prime areas like Orchard, as you even have hawker food if you want (at Maxwell or the Tanjong Pagar Market & Food Centre).
Traffic is unavoidable in this part of the city; but noise is unlikely to be an issue, given that the residential component is so high above ground.
Units Available
Unit Number | Bedroom Type | Price ($) | Price ($PSF) | Size (SQFT) |
#60-02 | 4 Bedroom | $9,098,000 | $4,570 | 1,991 |
#57-06 | 2 Bedroom | $3,758,000 | $4,107 | 915 |
#47-07 | 3 Bedroom | $5,288,000 | $3,149 | 1,679 |
#49-07 | 3 Bedroom | $5,388,000 | $3,271 | 1,647 |
5. 3 Orchard By-The-Park
3 Orchard By-The-Park can be seen as a boutique luxury project, given there are just 77 units. This freehold development was completed in 2017, but still has a few units left for sale. As for the current market, it may have been overshadowed by the recent completion of Boulevard 88 (just down the road), and the soon to be completed Park Nova.
This luxury project has some of the largest private residences in Orchard, in the context of post-2010s construction. Even the two-bedders here can be above 1,200 sq. ft., while three-bedders can reach over 2,800 sq. ft. Many of the units feature high ceilings, and are multi-storey units. Recent transaction prices have been around $3,800 psf, which is somewhat expected for a super lux property in the middle of Orchard.
This project is just across the road from Tanglin Mall, and Orchard Boulevard MRT (TEL) is just a few minutes walk. This is just one stop from the Orchard MRT station proper (TEL, NSL), so it’s as good as having both lines.
This is the heart of Singapore’s legendary shopping belt, so it’s nice that 3 Orchard is situated just a little bit off from the main road, so you’re spared the noise and crowds, while still being within easy walking/train distance.
Units Available
Unit Number | Bedroom Type | Price ($) | Price ($PSF) | Size (SQFT) |
#03-01 | 3 Bedroom (Loft) | $10,045,287 | $3,899 | 2,583 |
#13-01 | 3 Bedroom | $10,045,287 | $3,899 | 2,583 |
#17-01 | 3 Bedroom | $11,626,900 | $4,501 | 2,583 |
#02-04 | 2 Bedroom | $3,838,000 | $3,600 | 1,066 |
For more interesting private properties in Singapore, follow us on Stacked for updates. If you’d like to find out more about any of the projects listed above to know if they’re suitable, you can do so here.