8 Huge Condo Units That Are Not Penthouses For Those Looking For More Space (From 2,465 Sqft)

Big units are in right now – but we’ve noticed one issue. When using the filters on online common property portals, there’s no distinction between penthouse units and just regular (albeit very big) units; that’s an issue, since penthouses are a different premium segment. For those of you who want spaciousness, but not the expense of being on the top floor, having the ultimate view, or just unnecessary open rooftop space, etc., here’s where to find units that are big, but are not penthouses. 

Big non-penthouse units

1. Clementi Park

Clementi Park is another ’80s-era condo (completed in 1986), which accounts for the bigger unit sizes. This 489-unit* freehold project holds a strong appeal for those who want big units in a quiet spot.

Sunset Way is a currently inaccessible foodie zone, that isn’t close to any MRT station (and it’s not particularly close by bus either). There will be a Maju MRT station in the future, which does help in some sense, but Clementi Park is located quite deep in so it wouldn’t really be walkable. In the direction of Sunset Vale, there are swathes of lower-density private housing; and this is a very serene, low-traffic area. But generally, driving is a must if you live here, lest you’re happy to call a cab or rely heavily on food/grocery delivery.

If you do drive, the location gets better. Clementi Mall, one of the largest heartland shopping centres, is less than a 10-minute drive. You can also drive to Beauty World in roughly the same amount of time (traffic is quite light until you join the main roads). 

One other detail not to overlook: Clementi Park does literally have its own park, it’s not just in name. This constitutes a winding path around a large hillock, where you’ll also find a large amphitheatre. Using a hill this way is something we’ve never seen in other condos before, and it’s one of the biggest park-within-a-project concepts we’ve come across. It is, however, challenging for the elderly or those who have mobility issues – there are quite a lot of stairs. 

*The number is sometimes given as 487 units. We’ve been told the discrepancy is due to an error from a print ad decades ago, but haven’t been able to ascertain the exact count.

2. Honolulu Tower

Honolulu Tower is a small freehold project with 30 units, dating back to 1985; and it was a big deal when it first launched. At the time, Honolulu Tower was a high-profile luxury project. It was also one of the first to use a central air-conditioning system; and even in an era characterised by gigantic condo units, it stood out for its monstrous 6,136 sq. ft. units. 

(Unfortunately, we’re not able to get in to find out how well the central air-con system worked out, or if it’s even been replaced – but do let us know in the comments if you’ve been here or live here!)

There was another brief claim to fame when 13 of the units were broken into, right before the buyers collected the keys. The burglary was motivated by the high-end appliances provided by the developer, which shows just how lavishly each unit was outfitted. 

Today this project is still great, being within walking distance of Stevens MRT (DTL, TEL). The surroundings were formerly a landed enclave, with the only other notably tall project being Wing On Life Garden; but over the decades more and more condo towers have crept up nearby.

Schools are a major draw in this area, and Singapore Chinese Girls’ School and ACS are both in one-kilometre distance. Stevens MRT is just one stop from Newton MRT (DTL, NSL), so access to the CBD or Orchard is also relatively quick. 

Honolulu Tower may no longer be the luxury icon it once was, but its immense unit sizes and Bukit Timah location are still hard to match. 

3. The Vantage

Very little information is available on this eight-unit apartment project (freehold), which dates back to 1986. It’s in one of the most central areas of Singapore, where it’s completely overshadowed by nearby icons such as Ardmore Park and Sculptura Ardmore. 

The huge 5,770+ sq. ft. units are hard to rival though, and these are quite scarce in such a packed, high-demand area as Orchard. In terms of amenities, this is about as good as it gets – you can walk out to the Orchard shopping belt from here, and you have good access to the nightlife and entertainment around the Cuscaden area. The clean up of this area (i.e., the clearing out of Orchard Towers by the lack of entertainment license renewals) will likely benefit the surrounding projects, including The Vantage.

4. The Peak

(Note: there’s a DBSS project also called The Peak in Toa Payoh, which is different from this; likewise for The Peak @ Balmeg) 

The Peak is a 21-unit freehold condo, dating back to 1988. Units here typically range between 4,300+ to 5,500+ sq. ft., which are among the largest non-penthouse units in District 5. The Peak sits in a cul-de-sac at the foot of Kent Ridge Park, and provides an exceptional view of the greenery. It’s perfect for residents who like the idea of their hiking/biking trails being right outside their homes. The Peak also made headlines in 2022, when a four-bedder unit here raked in a profit of $3.6 million (although we’d say “four-bedder” is an understatement for a 4,300+ sq. ft. unit).

The Peak is within walking distance of Pasir Panjang MRT (CCL), which is also where you’ll find the Pasir Panjang Food Centre and some local amenities. But while this condo is accessible by train, you will need to head out for more retail and entertainment. The closest hub is the Alexandra/Queensway area, which is about a 10-minute drive. 

This location is more affordable, and we daresay equal, counterpart to Bukit Timah for the serenity and greenery. But if you want nightlife or malls, you may want to look somewhere else. 

5. Bedok Court

This 280-unit condo dates back to 1985, which explains the larger units in general. This is one of the cheapest big condos on the market, with recent transactions showing 2,000+ sq. ft. units transacting for just over $2.13 million. Bedok Court also has a very unique layout, where units have multiple openings into our door spaces – the balconies, for instance, also blend into the shared landscaped areas. This is something you don’t typically see in other condos, so it really is a one-of-a-kind project, which emulates the feel of landed living. 

Location-wise, Bedok Court is better for drivers, but Tanah Merah MRT station (EWL) is somewhat walkable at a 10 to 12-minute walk. Bus 48, just outside the condo, will get you to Bayshore MRT station (TEL) in just a few minutes. Alternatively, services like 25 will get you to Bedok MRT (EWL), where you’ll find malls like Bedok Point. 

In addition, the HDB blocks next door, as well as across the road, are very mature: they have a good selection of eateries, convenience stores, pet stores, and other day-to-day amenities. 

That said, Bedok Court has been up for a few en-bloc attempts, so we would be wary of this happening too close to when you move in. There’s definitely a sense of urgency to the sale here, as there are only 57 years left on the lease. Given the development of nearby Bayshore into a new hub, you could say that subsequent attempts at a collective sale have better chances of success in the future. 

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