Condo Reviews The Hyde Condo Review: A Novel Take On A Boutique Condo

41 min read

Project:	The Hyde
District:	10
Address:	11 Balmoral Road
Tenure:	Freehold
No. of Units:	117
Site Area:	66,951 sqft
Developer:	Aurum Land
TOP:	2022

Despite the detail that developers have tried to cram into a show flat, there’s really nothing like seeing the actual development for yourself when it’s built. 

It’s why an early new launch buyer can be rewarded financially as there is definitely some risk that they’re undertaking by buying a condo sight unseen. It could turn out very well, or it could also turn out to be more underwhelming than you might think. 

Which is why I’m always excited to see how a new launch turns out in reality from what I’ve seen at the show flat.

Today, I’m reviewing The Hyde. A unique boutique condo located in the Balmoral area (for those who’ve been following us – it’s the one which Ghib and Reuben stayed for 24 hours at the show flat!). 

I must say that the designs have translated very well in real life. In fact, what you’ve seen in the show flat model probably doesn’t quite do it justice. Personally, the facade design and the choice of color scheme are spot on. It feels like what a modern, chic and expensive development would look like. 

Perhaps it’s no surprise there because Aurum Land is well-known for its boutique developments and bold design concepts. It has the backing from Woh Hup (the construction company behind icons like Jewel at Changi, Gardens by The Bay, and D’Leedon) too, so this definitely isn’t some fly-by-night contractor. 

I’m sure you’re pretty curious as to how the development looks, so let’s head on to our usual Insider Tour. 

The Hyde Insider Tour 

First things first – tackling the question on traffic along Balmoral Road. From my experience visiting the site, I can attest that the road is relatively quiet with only a few cars passing by at times. I was there at around 10 am though, which is typically more of an off-peak hour, so your experience may vary. 

That said, Balmoral Road is a single-lane road that has no buses serving it – so it doesn’t get as jammed as you might think. There are also speed bumps placed here, which does help prevent sports cars from zooming noisily past as well. So while the lack of buses here does help to keep things less busy, it comes at the expense of convenience for public transport. 

Upon seeing the entrance of The Hyde, you can probably already tell that design is one of the core strengths of the development. For one, the security guard post even takes up the same design as the rest of the building. It’s a detail that is usually overlooked, as most developments just opt for a simple design. 

What’s not so great though, is the lack of a shelter for when guests come to visit. It doesn’t bother you if you stay there, of course, but on a rainy day when you have to wind down the window to speak to the guard, it can be annoying. 

Also, note that there’s only one entry lane. So if there are numerous visitors queuing up during a particularly busy period, you will be stuck behind waiting to get in. It’s a good thing there are only 117 units here. 

The Hyde’s facade is a combination of dark mirrored panels and wood detailing that is complemented by the surrounding greenery. It’s on the more intricate side, and immediately stood out as it was very much in contrast with other typically white-based developments. 

Fun fact: the concept of The Hyde was inspired by the Serpentine Pavilion in the world-famous Hyde Park in London – I can see some resemblances here and there, that’s for sure. 

Once you get past the security gates, the entrance of the car park would be immediately visible and accessible for convenient parking. 

It’s still early days to comment much about the car park availability. But there is a 1:1 car park lot ratio – which is healthy in today’s context. The 1 and 2 bedroom units here do take up the majority of the unit mix, so if these are rented out, I don’t think there would be much issue when it comes to car park lot availability.

On the left of the entrance and exit of the car park is the drop-off point. The huge grey pillars give a very open and modern interpretation to a drop-off point, and a very functional way of providing shade. The drop-off point then leads to the main stairs that lead to the heart of the development. 

While seemingly quite spacious, it does feel like more could be done at the drop-off area. The landscaping by the side is great, but the roads do feel a little sparse – it’s as if something is missing. I also noted that taxis that came by had trouble making an easy u-turn because of the pillars. You would have to make a wider radius turn to make it in one go – not that this is really an issue by any means for residents anyway.

Before I show you the main area, perhaps let’s head up to one of the most impressive parts of the development – the Sky Terrace. While waiting for the lift to go up, I was first greeted by the lift lobby just beside the drop-off point. 

You definitely won’t miss the beautiful slab of green marble installed with The Hyde logo engraving. I think it truly set a good impression that you are in someplace different. 

Truth be told, I wasn’t expecting much on the rooftop of a 13th floor. It’s definitely not high by any measure, and I was thinking this was going to be a typical rooftop experience.

But upon stepping out onto the Sky Terrace, I must say I was quite surprised by how nice it was up here. Although Balmoral isn’t the most congested of places (and neither are you very high up), it was quite remarkable how open the view is from here. 

I do suppose a large part has to be attributed to the lovely unblocked Goodwood Hill area, but I can definitely see how this would be a very big selling point. (We’ll get to the views in a jiffy).

The cantilevered Sky Club is smartly divided into 2 areas by bifold sliding doors to accommodate a bigger event if you need it. This picture shows the open-air part of the Sky Club, and it is quite a quaint spot to host an intimate gathering with guests. 

I do like the brightly coloured furniture used here too, as it does give the place a little more vibrancy. 

There is also the option to use the airconditioned space instead, which still gives everyone a treat of the breathtaking panoramic skyline of Goodwood Hill and Orchard. The floor-to-ceiling windows here really do the views justice. I mean, just look at how the buildings are juxtaposed with the green landscapes. It’s stunning. 

On a hot day such as this, having an indoor air-conditioned spot really makes a ton of sense. 

Beyond just the dining portion, you do have a lounge area to settle in for some post-dinner drinks as well. 

Just like the outside, the colourful interior furniture choices set the tone for the space. It’s fun and playful, and if I didn’t know any better, I would have guessed that this was a social space, not one set in a condominium.

Now, for those views. It’s really down to the entire Goodwood greenery plot. It feels like you have first-class tickets to the views as it seems to unfold right in front of you.

I suppose it does help that you know you are in a prime part of town. And still having access to such open green views is definitely a luxury.

(You do also have a viewing spot right at the other end of the rooftop).

Walking further along, you’ll find it hard to tear away yourself from the picturesque views. The well-manicured plants here also do provide a nice front to line up along the rooftop. 

Do note though, that the views here might not last forever. The Goodwood plot of land is marked as a massive reserve site under the URA Master Plan. No one knows what it will come to yet, or when it will happen, but it does signify that it won’t be here to stay in the long term. 

At the other end of the Sky Terrace is the Sky Pool, which reminds me of a miniature version of Marina Bay Sand’s infinity pool. For such a small development, there are a total of 4 pools in The Hyde – so having a dip is something that certainly isn’t lacking here. 

That said, The Sky Pool is definitely more like a dipping pool due to its narrower width than it is one for really swimming. For a luxurious soak to admire the views though? It’s almost perfect. 

Rounding up the rooftop experience, I have to say that I was really pleasantly surprised at how well it turned out. Granted, it’s not flawless for sure. There could be more deck chairs, and it would have been nice to have a little more shelter so that it’s more usable on a hot or rainy day. But by and large, it’s really nice to have such a facility especially if you’ve purchased a unit on a low floor. 

Heading back down to where we first started at the drop-off point is where most of the remaining amenities can be found. I like that you do have a sort of build up before seeing the main pool area. For one, it provides a sense of anticipation, and two, better privacy from prying eyes on the main road. 

Just like the rooftop, I was frankly quite surprised at just how open the area is. Sure, you do have neighbouring condos littered around, but you don’t get that crowded-in feeling you might typically get in a more dense area. 

It’s a stark reminder that you can’t just rely on what you see in renders or on Google maps – experiencing it in real life really brings about a different perspective (that can be good or bad). Thankfully in the case of The Hyde, it is very much a positive one. 

You’ll probably be surprised at the space available to you too. Sure, it’s no Parc Oasis, but for a small development this is more than decent.

Since I came by during the day, I obviously could not capture the highlight of the Constellation Pool. It’s definitely not something I’ve seen in other developments (you can see it in our video though), and from what I’ve seen it does look to be a really cool sight at night. Like the little touches here, it does set The Hyde apart from most other boutique developments.

In the day, however, the main pool area is still beautiful, especially with its unique curved shape.  Deck chairs and sheltered cabanas are available for use too, adding a little fancy note to the area. 

It’s also nice to see that the deck chairs are cushioned too, it makes for a much more comfortable lie by the pool.

While I’m always happy to see poolside cabanas (and these have the added bonus of looking quite pretty), they are located quite close to each other. You wouldn’t want to be having a private conversation here!

As mentioned, there are in fact, 4 pools that you can find in The Hyde – the Sky Pool, Constellation Pool, Wading Pool and the Secret Pool. 

The wading pool is essentially a shallow pool that is catered more for children and it has the same circular design as the pool, similar to the Constellation Pool. The circumference of the pool is littered with small stones, which looks nice but I’m not sure it’s an ideal place for young kids and toddlers – so you’d have to be careful here. 

Tucked in and hidden away by the bushes and green landscaping is the Secret Pool. This particular pool serves as a jacuzzi for the residents. Not to mention a good spot to hide away for an afternoon.

It’s just one of those spots where it’s small enough that if someone is already there, most people would naturally shy away – so it’s essentially first come first serve!

I have to say, other than the fact that the surrounding developments can kinda look at you – it does look like a really nice spot to be chilling at. 

Near the pools is the gym, which is enclosed in a pavilion-like structure that overlooks the Constellation Pool. It is decently equipped and a good enough size for the number of units. 

I’ve seen bigger condos with equivalent-sized gyms so this is certainly more than adequate.

Just beside the gym is the playroom, which is specifically catered for children to play under comfortable shelter. It is an open-concept though, which may not be for everyone.

Located beside the gym is the playground, where there are swings and rock walls for children to play. Not to mention that slide, even I was tempted to have a go at it. 

It’s quite a neat way of using the elevated nature of the facilities. And it is also cool that they’ve included a slope with ledges as an alternative way to climb up besides the stairs.

Considering the size of the estate, you will find that quite a lot of space has been dedicated to play areas.

Moving on, there are various dining pavilions here that you can utilise.

This is the sheltered BBQ Pavilion where residents can host guests and parties. The key word here is sheltered – so that plans are not disrupted by the weather. It is well ventilated by various fans too, just to make the whole experience more cooling. 

I appreciate that a premium BBQ pit and a wine chiller are provided for a more efficient and enjoyable cooking experience. It’s quite a lovely view over the pool area too, and I like that the pavilions are quite spread out as well.

One of the other pavilions is called the Social Pavilion that faces the Constellation Pool that is furnished with quirky furniture, which is essentially a comfortable spot for parents to wait for their kids. 

Last but not least, there is another spot in The Hyde called the Garden Club for residents to mingle and host dinner parties. 

This is the biggest space on the ground floor, where you can host bigger gatherings.

Similar to the rest of the amenities, The Garden Club is also sheltered and well-ventilated with ample seating areas that are comfortable to gather and chat. 

And yes, you do have more dining facilities to cook and prep.

The Hyde Condo Location Review

Nestled south of eastern Bukit Timah Road, The Hyde is just one of the many posh developments like Belmond Green and The Oliv.

Its location allows equally convenient access to the Novena, Orchard and Stevens districts without the added (multisector-related) noise that usually comes along with living in central regions. Moreover, a key reason why people consider this Balmoral precinct is really because of the schools in this area – The Hyde is within 1km to both ACS Primary and SCGS. 

Perhaps its biggest drawback, however, is its walking distance to an MRT station. On the other hand, if you drive, you can get to places rather quickly.

Transport 

Bus Station	Buses Serviced	Distance From Condo (& Est. Walking Time)
‘Aft Draycott Park’	105, 132, 190, 971, 972, NR2, NR3	280m, 4-min walk
‘Aft Balmoral Road’	105, 132, 190, 971, 972	350m, 4-min walk

Closest MRT: 1km, 13-min walk

A 13-minute walk to the MRT station is quite a distance and a known flaw for the residents of Balmoral Road. 

It’s not just the MRT, but for those that rely on the bus, residents will also have to walk to either Bukit Timah or Stevens Road for a bus ride – the buses do not ply down Balmoral Road.

Take note – the pathways aren’t sheltered either which can be a nuisance on a rainy day.

That stretch of road at Bukit Timah Road is also known to slow to a crawl after office hours so you’ll be glad to know that there are rectification works going on there are scheduled to be completed by Q3 2020.

These include the addition of 4 U-turn facilities along the respective junctions; lane widening and construction of sheltered walkways, bus shelters and drains.

Highway/Major Road	Distance From Condo (& Est. Off-Peak Drive Time)
Bukit Timah Road	400m, 2-min drive
Stevens Road	450m, 2-min drive
Orchard Road	1.6km, 3-min drive
Thomson Road	1.9km, 3-min drive
Serangoon Road	2.8km, 4-min drive
Adam/Farrer Road	2.9km, 4-min drive
CTE	1.7km, 4-min drive
AYE	6km, 8-min drive
PIE	2.3km, 4-min drive
ECP	4.9km, 7-min drive
KPE	7.4km, 7-min drive
BKE	7.3km, 8-min drive
SLE	12.5km, 10-min drive
KJE	12.4km, 12-min drive

Private transport accessibility: Excellent

Where the location of The Hyde comes to fruition is really if you own a car. To be honest, looking at the type of clientele that The Hyde attracts (along with the price tags), you would imagine that most potential residents here would have the financial means to afford a car as well.

As mentioned earlier, residents here will have easy access to the Novena/Toa Payoh, Orchard or Bukit Timah districts.

You can also think of Balmoral Road as a double condo exit – but onto two major roads and the different districts that it has access to.

Interestingly enough, the ECP is also just 7-minutes away, which also provides great connectivity for those who drive.

Finally, the developers are definitely aware of the pain points when it comes to public transport in this area. Which is why there is a 1-1 car park lot ratio here – something that is becoming increasingly rare in new launch developments today.

Groceries

Name of Grocery Shop	Distance From Condo (& Est. Off-Peak Drive Time)
Cold Storage – Alocassia	1.4km, 3-min drive
Cold Storage – Orchard Hotel	1.4km, 5-min drive
Cold Storage – United Square Mall	2km, 6-min drive
FairPrice Finest – Scotts Square (Orchard)	1.4km, 4-min drive
FairPrice – Square 2 (Novena)	2.5km, 9-min drive

Schools 

School	Distance From Condo
Raffles House Preschool	0.6km
Barker Road Methodist Church Kindergarten	0.7km
Far Eastern Kindergarten	0.9km
Gracefields Kindergarten	0.9km
SCGS Primary	< 1km
ACS Primary	< 1km
Catholic Junior College	1.9km
NUS Faculty of Law	2.9km
Chinese International School	1.5km
Italian Supplementary School	1.5km

One of the biggest pulls of living at Balmoral is the access to the nearby Anglo-Chinese School and Singapore Chinese Girls School. Both institutions are known to have produced very distinguished alumni over years and as the saying goes – The Best Is Yet To Be. 

The presence of both a primary and secondary school in one area offers an attractive 10-year education option for the kids. This is undoubtedly a key reason why some families actively look for homes in this vicinity. 

Shopping Malls

Name of Shopping Mall	Distance From Condo
Balmoral Plaza	0.9km (10 mins walk)
Novena Mall Cluster	1.6-2.2km, 6-min drive
Cluny Court (Bukit Timah Road)	2.8km, 5-min drive
(Furthest) End of Orchard Road Shopping Belt	2.9km, 10-min drive
Great World City	3km, 8-min drive
Toa Payoh Heartland Cluster	3.7km, 9-min drive
City Square Mall (Farrer Park)	4km, 12-min drive
Clarke Quay Cluster	5.2km, 14-min drive

The nearest mall (if you call it one) is undoubtedly Balmoral Plaza, which has always been popular with students attending the schools in the vicinity. 

Again, for those who drive the proximity to Orchard Road is definitely a key reason why living in Balmoral is much sought after. The drive to Orchard is so close I would almost consider it negligible – save for the heavy traffic flow that occurs during the peak hours.

You could also get to the Novena cluster easily, where you get a bunch of malls like United Square, Novena Square, and Royal Square.

The Hyde Development Site Review

Facilities in The Hyde

Guard House	Playroom	Gym
BBQ Pavilion	Lawn	Pool
Poolside Cabanas	Changing Room	Rain Shower
Jacuzzi	Clubhouse	Yoga Deck
Wading Pool	Playground	Washroom
Concierge	Bicycle Parking	Sky Pool
Sky Clubhouse	Sky Garden

The Hyde stands out for being a boutique project with 4 different pools, including a beautiful 50m constellation pool and 1 on the Sky Terrace overlooking Goodwood Hill.

There are two standouts for me about the development site. One, it occupies a sizeable frontage along Balmoral Road for a small development – but more importantly, it is placed strategically such that it overlooks Goodwood Hill – which is low-lying and full of abundant greenery.

The second point is that the road that leads round to the back is not a through road, which serves just two developments – Treasure On Balmoral and Palm Springs. This means that traffic here is likely to be minimal, and should be quite quiet most times of the day.

Developer Notes

Aurum Land is the property development arm of construction behemoth Woh Hup, one of Singapore’s largest construction companies. Under Woh Hup’s belt are landmarks which few companies can match – from MacDonald House to Gardens by the Bay and Jewel Changi Airport and being the main builder of this project, you can be assured of The Hyde’s quality. 

As for Aurum Land, they are known for their aesthetically pleasing boutique developments such as 1919 at Mount Sophia, The Orient at Pasir Panjang and The Asana near Botanic Gardens. They are led by Michelle Yong, who is known to be meticulous and forward looking, having also started Core Collective, a fitness and wellness hub and Found8, a co-working space. 

Unit Mix

Unit Type	Size	No. of Units
1 Bedroom	495 – 689	31
2 Bedroom	678 – 1,130	53
3 Bedroom	1,249 – 1,475	22
4 Bedroom	1,572 – 1,798 sqft	11

Besides The Sloane Residences and One Balmoral (which TOP-ed in 2016), there is a dearth of 1 Bedroom units in this area. Even 2 Bedroom units along Balmoral tend to be pretty large in size, such as those at Belmond Green which are more than 900 sqft. This is where The Hyde is seemingly trying to position itself – an entry into Balmoral Road at a lower or equal quantum compared to the older developments. 

Additionally despite its small size, there is quite a surprising range of options of offer.

Afternoon Sun Movement Analysis

Units at The Hyde either have a South-East or North-West orientation, and naturally those that face the north-west are impacted by the afternoon sun.

The west side of stacks 01 and 05 is the master bedroom with the walls on the north-west side, so in the period of October to February, the west sun really hits a concrete wall which isn’t too bad. Some time from April to September though, the afternoon sun starts come into play for stacks 01, 02, 03, 06, 07, 08 and 11.

Stacks 03, 04, 09, 10 and 11 are the coolest stacks and does not get any afternoon sun. In fact, residents here can benefit from the morning sun from September to around May with the full morning sun coming in between December to January.

Best Stacks

Just like other developments which have just 1 block – The Landmark for example, there will be only 2 facings for the development. For The Hyde, Stacks 03-05 and 08-11 get the South East facing while Stacks 01-02 and 06-07 get the North West one. 

For most Asian families, they tend to avoid the West facing as it is deemed to be too hot for tropical Singapore. In this case, this proposition is further supplemented by the fact that the South East facing units front Goodwood Hill and the rest of Orchard Road, which is really what the development is promoting extensively. Therefore, the South East facing units are definitely the more preferred stacks for me personally. 

Nonetheless, even if you opt for North West units, you can take comfort that it doesn’t bear the full brunt of the West sun. Furthermore, it might actually be the quiet facing, albeit without a view, as it faces Balmoral Road minor, which only faces towards Pine Springs condo. 

The Hyde Updated Price Review

Project Name	Tenure	TOP	Average Price (PSF) 2022	Nov 2020
The Hyde	Freehold	2022	$3,045	$2,871
Sloane Residences	Freehold	2022	$2,940	$2,758
Belmond Green	Freehold	2004	$2,180	$1,657
Goodwood Residence	Freehold	2013	$2,583	$2,397
Three Balmoral	Freehold	2014	$1,742	$2,139
One Balmoral	Freehold	2016	$2,430	$2,007
Juniper Hill	Freehold	2022	$2,886	$2,573
Perfect Ten	Freehold	2026	$2,914	–

It’s quite incredible to see just how much prices have risen since 2020, and it just shows that those who bought during the still uncertain time in 2020 of the pandemic would be sitting pretty happy right now looking at current prices. Besides Three Balmoral, every other development here has seen a price increase.

If you are wondering about Three Balmoral, it’s a boutique development of just 40 units, so there will be few transactions to go by. This particular one was the only transaction in 2021 at $1,742 psf. It is quite the outlier too as save for the 2 3,800+ psf penthouses, every other unit has been selling above $2,000 psf since its launch in 2011.

Today, prices in the surrounding area are mostly all averaging $2,000 psf and above, with The Hyde breaching past the $3,000 psf mark. The other three new launches, Sloane Residences and Juniper Hill are getting quite close in price too, at $2,940, $2,886, and $2,914 respectively. It’s also worth noting that the 3 new launches (besides Perfect Ten as it was only launched in December 2021) in the area have not quite sold out yet despite the relatively small unit count.

The cooling measures in December 2021 certainly would not have helped the case of these new launches as the ABSD increase for second property owners, PRs, and foreigners were quite hefty. These would hit the target market of buyers looking at these more premium launches, and Perfect Ten in particular bore the brunt of it as it launched just before the cooling measures hit. As a result, it did have to lower prices but it has been selling well as of late, with most units selling just under the $3,000 psf mark.

Sloane Residences has been slowly trudging along in terms of sales, perhaps helped by the movement at Perfect Ten. The pricing for a similar-sized unit is about the same for both developments, so perhaps those buyers who can’t wait for Perfect Ten to be built would have moved along to some of these other new developments.

Arguably, Juniper Hill has the worst location out of the 4 new launches in the area. Well, worse in the sense of accessibility, but if privacy and a more quiet nature is your preference then it might actually be the best. It does a decent number of 2 and 3 bedroom units left for sale, but might be encouraged by the fact that it does have the cheapest quantum for a new launch 3 bedroom unit in the area. The 3 bedroom + study units here are at a more compact 1,109 square feet, and there is also a smaller 3 bedroom unit at 915 square feet. Again, if you are looking for something more urgent, Juniper Hill will also be ready to move in at this point.

As of the time of writing, The Hyde has just 23 units remaining. The 1 and 2 bedroom units do still have the most stock, while the 3 and 4 are on the last 3 units each respectively (there was never a lot, to begin with). For buyers looking at 3 bedroom units in the area, the prices are quite comparable to Perfect Ten but the fact that you can move in immediately will be a big plus.

As for resale competition, Belmond Green does look like it has had one of the sharpest increases. But a deeper look at the transaction data will show that 2020 (when the first review of The Hyde was written) only had one transaction, a 1,270 square feet unit that sold at $1,657 – hence the seemingly low price. Since then, all transactions have been in the $1,9 – $2,100 range, save for a $1,716 psf sale in May 2021. It does show the difficulties that the new launches in the area have been facing, as the quantum difference for a 3 bedroom unit between Belmond Green and the rest is quite significant. Of course, save for the age difference, every other development in this area is a freehold one – hence making that jump a little harder to justify.

Appreciation Analysis

Balmoral is known to be a residential area, with many old developments in and around the vicinity. It’s main points that have retained the value of units there over the years are its central location, proximity to good schools, and general liveability from an own stay perspective.

If you were to look at the Master Plan 2019, you can see that there is this huge yellow plot – which means it is a reserve site (it basically is an area that does not have a specific use allocated to it yet).

For those who haven’t quite figured out your bearings yet, that big yellow plot is actually currently Goodwood Hill. If you are worried that your unblocked views might be taken away in the near future – I wouldn’t worry about it too much at this point. After all, it has been earmarked as a reserve site since Master Plan 2003.

On the other hand, if something substantial is earmarked for this plot of land in the future – you can also see it as potential that could boost the area too.

That said, the immediate Balmoral area doesn’t really boast anything that could have a strong effect for now – most of it is in the surrounding areas.

For one, there are plans for a 6 KM long green corridor that will link Singapore Botanic Gardens, through Orchard towards Pearl’s Hill City Park.

Of course, there is also the Novena revamp into the largest healthcare complex in Singapore by 2030 named Health City Novena. It’s a massive 17-hectare eco system of healthcare services that can support 30,000 people each day. Taken positively, there could be some spillover effects, but as mentioned, naysayers could also point out that Novena is some distance away.

Last but not least, there are quite a number of old developments here that could go en bloc in the future – thereby providing a gradual push in overall prices over time.

Our Take 

The Hyde will not appeal to everyone. Some will lament its high psf price despite its distance from the closest MRT. But The Hyde is not striving to be all things to everyone – it is a boutique development for a reason. 

Yes, it’s a niche market. But for those who have a specific taste and are on the look out for something different – The Hyde has that in spades.

It may not be the most practical of choices, but sometimes home buying can be a very emotional one. And I think for the target consumer that they have set out to attract, will be able to understand that from seeing the attention to detail to the project.

Properties along Balmoral Road appeal to a particular group of buyers – either because you grew up in the area and were an old boy from ACS or old girl from SCGS or truly appreciate its convenience to Orchard and the rest of Singapore. For the former, Balmoral Road has a special charm that one cannot put into words. For the latter, it’s a matter of practicality. 

The Hyde Condo Insider Tour (Old)

Taking inspiration from the Serpentine Pavilions set in Hyde Park, London, The Hyde is designed by FDAT Architects (a firm headed up by ex-WOHA architects Francis Goh and Donovan Soon).

As you might imagine, the inspiration is also the result of its actual name too.

Now, The Hyde strikes me as a daring piece of architecture with pretty bold colours involved. The abundant use of orange in its façade allows The Hyde to stand out among the sea of otherwise muted colours used by its neighbours.

You will notice that the corten look-alike fins make reference to the seminal works of Richard Serra and works as both façade and landscape art. The textured, oxidised steel look draws from nature, contrasting and complimenting the sleek glass and aluminium architecture. It’s something they have tried to showcase at the showflat itself – I’d imagine the actual build up structure to look way more imposing.

I do really like that they have tried to come up with something more original – it does set them apart from the usual new launch condo designs that we see today.

Let’s change things up a little and start with the top floor of the development – the Sky Terrace on the 13^th floor, which is accessible to all residents. It’s a simple space with just 2 main facilities – the cantilevered Sky Club, decked out in all its orange glory, as if to let cars going by know that residents here enjoy views that one could only aspire towards.

And as far as I’m aware, the entire stretch of condos along Balmoral Road doesn’t feature a rooftop facility such as this. You’d have to splash the cash for a penthouse to enjoy any sort of views.

Which is really the main highlight of the Sky Terrace – the views that come along with it. With a pretty wide frontage, you will get panoramic views of Goodwood Hill and beyond, where you can spot the likes of Nouvel 18, Ardmore Park and The Draycott in the distance. (Says a lot about the kind of neighbourhood you are in).

So yes, we are off to a great start here in my opinion. I love the abundance of greenery and the views of it, and the fact that it is accessible to all residents.  

Then there is that 26m Sky Pool here as well, which is really more of a dipping pool (because of its width) rather than for you to do laps in – there’s a 50m pool downstairs but more on that later.

Here’s a better look at it – treat it as a long pool to soak in the views to tamper your expectations.

It may not look it from the front, but The Hyde actually hides the bulk of its land size at the back.

The Hyde is actually the amalgamation of 2 developments – Balmoral Gardens, which was acquired at $83m ($1,812 psf) and 11 Balmoral, which was acquired at $73.8m ($1,750 psf). The advantage of doing this has allowed The Hyde to sit on a larger plot of land with better frontage towards Goodwood Hill. 

So at 66,951 square feet of land it is nearly double the size of its closest new launch competitor, Sloane Residences.

And while that isn’t a big piece of land by any stretch, it actually is pretty decent as far as boutique condominiums are concerned.

There are an additional 3 pools here, making it a total of 4 in a development with just 117 units. Let’s start with the most impressive of them all – the 50m constellation pool. I’ll put it out there – I think this is really one of the nicest pools among the new launch condos out there.

I believe that this bowl shaped pool was inspired by the 2012 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion created by Herzog & de Meuroon and Ai Wei Wei although FDAT stepped it up a notch further with the LED lighting at the base of it, giving it some sparkle in the evenings.

Seeing how the facilities are tucked at the back, the relative quietness along with the LED lighting at night must provide quite a relaxed-soaking ambience.

It does also speak volumes on how the developers have tried to create something different. In an era where many of the new launch condos have resorted to cookie cutter designs and concepts, seeing the attention to detail here is something to laud.

And it isn’t being different for the sake of being different either, the concept does tie in together quite nicely.

I also appreciate how the developers will be placing a number of poolside cabanas and deck chairs for residents to soak in these vibes. 

Let’s also not forget the provision of space around the pool – it’s quite open and gives off a much more expansive feeling – something that is often missing in smaller developments.

While you’ll have to reserve final judgement for when it’s actually built – it does look more than acceptable on paper.

As mentioned above, while there are 3 swimming pools on the ground floor, the rest are really just to luxuriate in.

So besides the 50m constellation pool, you will also find a jacuzzi (Secret Pool) and Wading Pool to the back and side of the development for further enjoyment. 

As for other social spaces, you will find your standard BBQ Pavilion and common areas such as the Garden Club, Social Pavilion spread all around the constellation pool. The good thing about all these facilities is that they are sheltered, which shields you from the weather elements.

You will also find a Gym and Playroom on this floor, fronting the lawn and constellation pool. 

Because of its proximity to ACS and SCGS, The Hyde will probably attract a number of families with young children. With that in mind, I thought it was pretty nice of the developers to try and include some interesting features here.

Love how they made use of their terraced design to include a slide from the 1^st floor (which is elevated) all the way down. For a development of this size, it’s always appreciated when they put in extra effort to make the little ones feel at home. There are also other parts to this area aptly called the Playground, with swings and a wading pool close by as well. 

Finally, moving to the main entrance of the development, there will only be 1 ingress and egress to and from The Hyde. This will be more than sufficient since it only has 117 units.

The arrival court is also designed rather differently in the sense that you don’t get a full view of the facilities upon alighting the car. It’s only upon walking up the steps do you get to see the landscaped lawn and pool – think of it as a way to heighten your sense of expectation if you will.

As mentioned earlier, its location along Balmoral Road does come with its perks as well as its inconveniences. Although it is not as busy as Bukit Timah Road, do note that it’s a 1-lane street on both sides so you might get held up by cars waiting to turn into their respective condos.

But if it is of any comfort to you, at least you do have the option of either coming in via Bukit Timah Road or Stevens Road. Carpark lots are 1 to 1, with 117 lots for all 117 units. Given that the proximity to an MRT station is not one of The Hyde’s strong suits, most residents might have a car (or two) so this is definitely appreciated. 

Also, there will be shuttle service provided to the MRT for those who don’t drive. As per usual, this will be running for a year before it is left to the residents to decide if it is a service that they are willing to pay for to continue.

The Hyde Condo 1 Bedroom Review

This 1 Bedroom unit at the showflat is the top floor unit that comes with a double volume ceiling at 5m. As it includes the void provided by the high ceiling, it measures 603 sqft. Other units on the same stack come in at 495 sqft, which is just about average in today’s context.

I’m sure by now you’d know what I think about these double volume units – I’m a huge fan of the perception of space that comes with high ceilings and the flexibility of the unit as well. Of course it goes without saying, this additional space comes at a premium that may be justified to some.

Stepping into this unit, you will notice that the ceiling is low in the foyer – which doesn’t provide as much of a grand entrance. Thankfully, there isn’t much of a foyer to speak of here so you can say that Aurum has done well to make this unit more space efficient. 

Notice that blank strip at the left side? That’s the window where the aircon ledge is. This is fantastic because this would mean that the bedroom has floor to ceiling windows, which is almost unheard of in today’s market for 1 Bedroom units.

Besides that, the window will also provide more ventilation to the kitchen and the unit in general. Buyers would probably underestimate this but I think having floor to ceiling windows for a 1 Bedroom layout is such a great feature to have – even more so for units that look towards Goodwood Hill. 

At the open concept kitchen, you will find appliances by elite French brand La Maison De Dietrich, a purveyor of culinary excellence since 1684. Pretentious terms aside, De Dietrich is the premium arm of the Brandt Group and has been trusted by many luxury condo developers over the years.

The De Dietrich appliances include a 2 zone induction hob and hood, oven, fridge and a washer/dryer. A Gessi mixer and Telma kitchen sink are also included. Additionally (and kudos to the developer here) they have also included a Tomal water dispenser tap as well. I thought this was thoughtful of them and shows the level of detail they put into the planning of the unit. 

As you can clearly see from here, the high ceiling gives rise to a much more open feel – but any smells or heat will definitely rise to the top too.

Alternatively, if you’d like to utilise this space, a rope netting strewn across this gap would serve as an additional chill out spot – you wouldn’t even incur much construction cost to do so either.

Next up is the dining area. You can’t tell from the carpet here, but the flooring provided in the common areas is marble.

Frankly, it really isn’t a great space – the dining table is small and although you can seat 3 people here dining will definitely be a squeezy affair. It’s probably the reason why they have included a bar counter dining section in the balcony as well.

In this top floor loft unit, you will find that there is recessed area which they have converted into a bench seating for 2. I actually like that cosy feel of that little space although I can understand that it can get a little claustrophobic at times.

Even after meals, it can also be used as a nice little reading corner. Plus, the windows here do a great job of letting a lot more light into the space.

Additionally, just beside it and behind the deceptive wood paneling is where you will find – surprise surprise, storage space! I really appreciate the thought put into these details as storage spaces are so hard to find in 1 Bedroom units. The benchmark is set so low that anything is a bonus really.

Coming to the main living room is where the 5m ceiling really comes into play. It makes such a humungous difference, and again, the amount of light that the abnormally large windows are able to let in really is what sets the unit apart.

You will be able to fit in a small couch, but seating space is definitely limited here.

However, the double volume ceiling does make this 1 Bedroom unit a lot more versatile as the furniture deck comes included.

While it is a narrow set of steps, the windows really help to alleviate that claustrophobic feel that you’d usually get in other small 1 Bedroom loft situations.

Navigating your way up the steps and you will find yourself on a deck that comes included with the open panel shelving. Once again, great of the developers to have included this as it will easily fit some reference texts and the like should you wish to convert this into a study.

Alternatively, I think the space, though small, is sufficient if you have a friend on a short staycation at your place. 

Moving on to the balcony, where you will find the approved screens installed. The shape is squarish with the size probably just right for a 1 Bedroom unit.

So while most 1 Bedroom units in the market have gone with a jack-and-jill bathroom concept, The Hyde has decided to go a little more exclusive. Instead, there is a small foyer between the living and Master Bedroom that leads to the only bathroom of the home.

It is also encloseable via a sliding door included. While I think that this does increase privacy for the owner, space comes at a premium after all so I am of the view that the foyer might be a tad needless for smaller units.

As bathrooms are usually one of the places that are what you see is what you get – I’m happy to report that the bathroom has the feel of a high end hotel. The black accents with the black rain shower and wall mounted mixers are from premium Italian brand Gessi. There is a wall hung WC from Laufen with Geberit concealed flush system while the wash basin is also from Laufen. Additionally, the materials used on the walls and vanity sink are also marble, which definitely adds to the luxurious feel of the project. 

As for the Master Bedroom, you will also enjoy the 5m ceiling height, which is always nice because it gives you that perception of space whilst letting lots of sunlight into the room.

The 2 panel wardrobe doesn’t extend all the way (logically), although it still does stretch to the typical height found in other units. Bedroom size is pretty average, with room for a Queen sized bed and a couple of smaller side tables.

Flooring provided will be white oak natural timber, which is usually more expensive than the engineered ones typically provided in other projects. 

What’s unique here would also be the use of sashless windows, which The Hyde claims is the first high-rise residential development to use them (more on that later).

The Hyde condo 3 Bedroom Review

At 1,249 sq ft, this 3 Bedroom unit is larger than the average in the market, which can be anywhere from 800 to 1,100 sq ft.

That’s the thing you need to know about prime developments – the 3 and 4 Bedroom units tend to be larger than the average because these are clearly targeted at families that are willing to pay more for space.

Although in the case of this 3 Bedroom unit, I wouldn’t say that it is large till the extent that you could say that space is its main selling point – clearly it does have some limitations which I will get to during the tour.

All 3 Bedroom units at The Hyde come with private lift access, which is probably expected especially when you are looking to fork out north of $3m for such a unit.

Stepping out of the lift will take you to the private lift lobby, where you will find 2 doors – 1 that leads you to your unit and the other for the common lift access. The thing about private lift lobbies is that while you have to pay for that more or less useable area, it does help to accentuate the luxe aspect of the unit. 

One aspect worth noting about this layout is that you are able to give access to any food deliveries or parcels in general even if you aren’t home through the smart lock system. Alternatively, there is a smart parcel station as well as concierge services that can do the job too.

Flooring provided will be marble in the common areas, including the private lift lobby. I really like the standard height of units here at The Hyde, which comes in at almost 3.1m. That’s 10% higher than the average 2.8m in the market and definitely helps to give a more expansive feel to the unit.

Once you step into the unit itself, you will be greeted by the dry kitchen, with quite a long kitchen island as the centrepiece. I like this because it is of a good size and doubles up as countertop space during meal preparation or when you have friends over for potluck or baking sessions. This kitchen island also includes a Vintec undercounter wine chiller and plentiful storage spaces underneath.

You will also find the 2 panel fridge provided by De Dietrich in the dry kitchen. These are concealed behind the wood accented panels, giving the unit a sleeker look.

The 2 bowl Telma matt black kitchen sink is also found here (which if you use the kitchen a lot, you’ll know how handy a dual sink is). As with the 1 Bedroom unit, there is a Tomal water dispenser tap as well.

Along with the kitchen island, I daresay there should be enough storage spaces in the dry kitchen for most families.

As you can see, the dry kitchen features a more than acceptable amount of space both behind and around it. While that would be pleasing for families who see the kitchen as more of a lifestyle element, those who cook a lot might be disappointed with the size of the wet kitchen.

I mean, on paper the entire kitchen is actually a great size. It’s just the ratio of wet to dry kitchen might be an issue depending on how you use the kitchen normally. For me, the actual wet kitchen area is too small for a 3 Bedroom unit.

The wet kitchen space does also come with a 3 zone De Dietrich induction hob. For those who are looking for an open flame, you will be disappointed as City Gas is not available at The Hyde even for these larger units. And rather counter intuitively, I found it strange that the windows were located behind the counter sink in the dry kitchen instead of being nearer to the induction hob instead.

Do note that the large glass panel emblazoned with The Hyde’s logo is actually ID treatment and a white wall will be provided instead.

Further inside the kitchen is where you will find the washer/dryer provided by De Dietrich, yard area and a W/C. 4 Bedroom units also come with a dishwasher.

What’s interesting is that the washer/dryer can also be concealed by the doors which the developers have provided. Additionally, I also like that the developers have provided a built-in wardrobe here in the yard. Especially useful if you have a helper as it can used for their clothing needs. 

Essentially, this is a yard and utility space combined into one. So if you do need a proper yard plus helper’s room this may not be the most ideal – do think carefully about how you would normally use these often overlooked spaces.

Going back to the living and dining area, I like that they have been placed parallel to each other, with the balcony stretching the entire width as well. This used to be a popular concept when units were averaging 1,000+ sqft but became less popular as units got smaller so I’m glad that The Hyde has included it for this 3 Bedroom unit.

The dining space here is clearly a good size, as they have managed to fit in an 8 seater without much effort.

Although I must say that those on the side flushed against the wall won’t be too happy with the amount of space they’ve been given. The saving grace is that the shelvings behind are ID treatment so without them, your guests will definitely have more breathing space.

Living area wise, it is decent enough save for the fact that you will have to watch for the width of it to avoid your sofa spilling over into the hallway. They have done without a TV console as well so if you have a need for that, you would have to factor in additional space as well. 

As for the balcony, it is actually pretty sizeable at 12 sqm (which is a third larger than the common bedrooms for context). I think that makes sense especially if you are on a high floor with an unblocked view of Goodwood Hill and the Orchard areas.

Even moving your dining set to the balcony might be an option you would like to consider – al fresco dining seems to be the flavour of the decade these days anyway! Either ways, I can’t imagine the target clientele being overly concerned about this. In fact, given the lifestyle element of living here, I would think this might even be a selling point.

Common Bedroom 2 measures in at 9 sqm. It is average if not marginally larger than the average in the market. It will fit your Queen sized bed and a small side table. Alternatively, if you do have children, it might be wiser to go with a Single bed with a study instead. Flooring will be natural oak timber, which is typically more expensive than the standard engineered timber used in other developments. 

It is very much the same story for Common Bedroom 3, which is exactly the same size as the other common bedroom at 9 sqm. It will fit a Queen comfortably but I would personally prefer to go with a Single for more flexibility to install a study table in the room as well.

The design in this common bedroom also shows off the above average ceiling height in this 3 Bedroom unit – you can fit a double decker bed here too quite easily.

It’s from here too that you get to clearly see the benefit of the sashless window. If you missed the 1 Bedroom tour, a sashless window is basically “two panes of glass which overlap when opening or closing.” You get the advantage of a nearly seamless view while still being able to open and close the window for ventilation if need be.

The Common Bathroom is pretty standard in size but still comes with the same quality fittings as the Master Bedroom sans the rain shower. You will still get the Laufen sink and wall hung water closet, with Gessi tap and shower head.

I do also like the inclusion of the ledge here to put your toiletries, it’s a small detail but nonetheless useful.

While the common bedrooms are rather average in size, the Master Bedroom is actually quite a fair bit bigger at 18 sqm, which is great.

There is sufficient space for a King sized bed and side tables. However, what sticks out like a sore thumb here is the structural column that you see at the corner here.

While this structural column obviously cannot be hacked it does provide a unique aspect to the room. That said, I can see some people feeling aggrieved that it blocked the nearly full right-angle window view that would otherwise have been.

What’s also really great is that there is ample storage spaces here with the L-shaped walk-in wardrobe provided conveniently beside the bathroom. While most developments go with the 2-panel wardrobe these days, I know that it is probably insufficient for most so I’m glad that additional space has been allocated for this.

Alongside that are the details within the drawers itself to store your usual accessories.

What’s also unique is how The Hyde’s logo will be embossed on the side of your pull out drawer – further emphasising the branding of the development.  

In the Master Bathroom, the walls will be given a marble finish, adding to the premium touch of the development. There will also be a his and hers sink, so no tussling over the sink in the mornings.

You will also find classy and top quality fittings such as a wall hung water closet and rain shower from Laufen and Gessi. Once again, being in a corner most stack means you will get a lot of light coming into the bathroom as well but rest assured that the glass will be frosted. 

Price review (Old)

Development	Average Psf	TOP
The Hyde	$2,871	2022
Sloane Residences	$2,758	2022
Belmond Green	$1,657	2004
Goodwood Residence	$2,397	2013
Three Balmoral	$2,139	2014
One Balmoral	$2,007	2016
Juniper Hill	$2,573	2022

As you can tell, I have gone with the more recent projects along Balmoral Road as a basis for comparison as the older developments tend to have very large unit sizes which might skew the average psf downwards. 

Based on our review of the Sloane Residences, it seems like the average psf for both The Hyde and Sloane Residences have adjusted downwards slightly, which is positive news for would be buyers.

It’s the same story with the other new launch in the area – Juniper Hill. As at the time of writing, it has only sold quite a dismal 11.3% of its 115 units. Since its launch in the first half of 2019, it has only sold 2 units in 2020, with the most recent one a 592 square feet unit at $2,573 psf. This is definitely a drop from its initial asking prices of between $2,700 – $2,900 psf.

Beyond that, you will notice that its price differential compared to the other developments isn’t actually that much more, which would suggest that The Hyde (and Sloane) are actually quite fairly priced. Granted, Belmond Green is significantly cheaper but I suspect this psf was skewed because of a ground floor 3 Bedroom unit sold in October 2020. It is also much older in comparison and was launched during the property doldrums. 

Overall, if you are looking for a District 10 Bukit Timah property, you will already be prepared psychologically for psf prices closer to $3,000.

Since the entire area consists of freehold developments anyway, there will be no need to look at a freehold/leasehold price premium here.

In this case, let’s go into a comparison of 2 bedroom units since that is the biggest share of units at The Hyde. For those looking at 1 bedroom units, there really isn’t a lot of supply in the immediate anyway – most of your immediate surroundings are old developments so you aren’t exactly spoilt for choice in that department.

Development	2 Bedroom Price	Size	PSF
The Hyde	$1,862,000	678	$2,746
Sloane Residences	$2,217,200	743	$2,985
Belmond Green	$2,000,000	980	$2,042
Goodwood Residence	$2,461,800	1,119	$2,199
Three Balmoral	$2,718,000	1,292	$2,104
One Balmoral	$2,239,000	969	$2,311
Juniper Hill	$1,523,000	592	$2,573

Now this might not be the fairest way of comparing between the properties, but it is really just to give you an idea of the different prices that you are looking at if you are looking for something relatively newer in the Balmoral area.

You’ll just need to note here that only The Hyde and Juniper Hill are of the 2 bedroom 1 bathroom variety – the rest are all 2 bed 2 baths. These are all also based on actual past transactions, but are the latest (which may not all be in the same time period).

Last but not least, I did not account for the different facings and furnishings – so that could have a hand in the variance in pricing.

Nevertheless, as you can see from this simple table, The Hyde comes in second in terms of your entry price for a 2 bedroom unit in the area. It may not beat Juniper Hill, but in my mind it is situated in a better location convenience wise.

Of course, a 2 bedroom unit of this size may not be ideal for you – but the correspondingly bigger units are quite hefty in the price quantum jump as well.