Singapore's property ladder still exists in 2026, but rising prices, 10-year executive condominium minimum occupation periods, and tighter financing mean…
Recently we visited First Avenue in Bukit Timah and there was quite a bit of interest in the area. Hence, I thought it’d be interesting to take a look at its “counterpart” in the east: First Street. For those not familiar with the area, the numbered Streets in the East are similar to the numbered “Avenues” in Bukit Timah: there’s First Street/ First Avenue, Second Street, Second Avenue and so on.
For those not familiar with the area, it’s the reverse L-shaped street on the map above, where the blue dot is located. One interesting thing about this estate is that the plot ratio, unlike many other landed enclaves in the east, is not 1.4. . That means there’s no opportunity to develop a boutique apartment on the plots of land, barring zoning changes. This means that you don’t have to worry about future properties looming over you in the foreseeable future.
As indicated by the rows of pink properties, you have a wide variety of choice when it comes to commercial businesses, such as shops and restaurants. We’ll take a small tour of them in a bit; for now, let’s start with our walkabout.
There was limited street parking on First Street and I didn’t want to chance it, so I decided to park at Siglap Centre instead, which is really only a few meters away. Big Mistake: it has one of the worst carparks I’ve been seen – the money isn’t automatically deducted from the cashcard, and I was having problems tapping my card. It took me forever, and many ignored uses of the “Help” button, before I managed to exit the carpark. Luckily, there was no one waiting behind me.
Siglap Centre.I’m standing outside Siglap Centre now, and this is what you can see of First Street. As mentioned, it’s very close by.Turning to look at the main road, Upper East Coast Road. First Street isn’t far from the main road, so it’s a short walk to the bus stop. You’re actually in between two, from which you can take Buses 10, 10e, 12, 14, 14e, 40, and 155. Siglap Centre is a very old shopping centre, but you’ll find some eateries and a McDonald’s there.McDonald’s is just to the right of the picture. There were quite a few people inside hence I had to crop it out of the shot.Photos of the Siglap Centre in case anyone is interested. It’s not a huge carpark.Now we’re turning onto First Street. One unique thing about the street is there were several parking barriers to block off parts of the street. From the sign, it seems parking is an issue for residents here, despite the fact that there are two basement carparks located nearby.This is the other basement carpark, located right on First Street itself. From Google Maps, it seems to belong to Siglap V, where you’ll find your local Cold Storage, Guardian, coffee bar and more. Although it’s nice to be so close to amenities, I’m not sure how I would feel about living next to the carpark entrance to a shopping mall- depending on how many visitors drive to the mall, it could make the street more busy than I’d be comfortable with.Continuing down First Street, Siglap V on our right.Turning onto the second section of First Street. Spot another of those zoned-off sections on the street that I mentioned earlier? I’m guessing they were put in place because of the visitors to Siglap V.There are some small drains in between some of the properties. I wonder who is responsible for clearing it out?There were some construction projects when I visited, despite the last transacted sale being back in 2022.On that note, here’s the chart of the transacted prices.This is a very short street. We can see the end in the photo. First Street ends in a junction with Second Street.Close up of the construction. I didn’t hear any noise when I visited.The newer house looks like it’ll be quite a bit taller than its neighbours.As mentioned earlier, there is some street parking on First Street but it’s very limited. Another drain seperating the landed properties.Spy the Singapore flag? Nice to see people being patriotic, way before National Day.Turning back to look at where we came from. From the Map, it seems like that tall building is Siglap V but don’t quote me on it. I didn’t see any signs.I like how there is a pavement on both sides of the street.The houses on the other side of the street. I would most of the estate comprises terrace houses, with the odd semi-detached unit.Again, some taller houses with a shorter house in between.We’re reaching the end of First Street now, heading on to Second Street.Here’s the First Street and Second Street junction.The last sale at Second Street was for even less (than First Street)- a “mere” $3million, but it was back in 2021.The last house we see before we turn on to Second Street.It may be just my perception, but I feel like Second Street has taller houses than First.This is a very unusual house; there are steps leading up to the front door, and no car porch!Looking to the left of Second Street.And now to the right. Similar to First Street, there is limited Street parking here. Second Street is even shorter than First Street so we’ve more or less seen it, so let’s move on with our tour.
First things first, where is the playground? Whilst the First-Fourth Streets don’t have their own playground, they are in between two: one over at Cheviot Hill (larger) and one at Elite Park Avenue (closer.) We’ll walk over to the latter, as I presume most Singaporeans are as lazy as myself.
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On our way to the playground.Passing some cute cars. We’ve now reached the playground. I couldn’t get a better shot as it was very well utilised. There were actually two other families walking over at the same time as myself, in addition to people who were already in it when we arrived.
Now, how about the shops? We all know the East has great village vibes, but it’s always nice to see what’s in the immediate neighbourhood.
If you walk down Elite Park Avenue then turn left on to Siglap Road, and continue walking till your each Upper East Coast Road (not far), you’ll reach the Malt House. Walk down Upper East Coat Road, past the Malt House, and you’ll find more eateries, a Kids’ Clinic, 7-11, and more.You have a wide variety of grocery / convenience stores to choose from here: Cold Storage, 7-11, and the one above.Walk down till you reach Siglap Centre and you’ll pass a kopitiam where you can find fish soup, and a few other hawker stalls. Not too shabby a selection for one’s immediate neighbourhood I’d say. The shops and restaurants continue all the way down til you reach Siglap Linear Park, definitely within walking distance. You even pass a Tiong Bahru Bakery on the way. PSA: Tiong Bahru Bakery is having a fantastic promotion from now till the end of July, where you get a free pastry with any purchase. I’m not affiliated with them but, now that I’m in my Aunty-era, it seems to good a deal not to shout out about. Another plus point is that the pavement is very wide, and the walk very pleasant as traffic wasn’t too bad (not as bad as Bukit Timah, for one.)
Now for the question on most parents minds: how about schools? The closest schools would be Victoria School and Sekolah Indonesia.
Screenshot
According to the MOE website, there are also three Primary Schools within one kilometre, something which surprised me. Looking at the map, I hadn’t been expecting any!
Now that we’ve seen the area, how did you find it? Let me know in the comments!
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TJ's interest in property was sparked after returning from the UK- where balconies are not counted in one's square footage!- and finding that the Singapore property had totally changed in the 7 years she was away. When not reading and watching articles & videos about property, she is busy cooking and baking for friends, family & her blog Greedygirlgourmet
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