Walk-up apartments occupy an interesting corner of Singapore's private property market. They don't offer the facilities of a full-fledged condo, and getting home can involve a few flights of stairs. But for buyers willing to accept these compromises, they can offer something quite different: larger living spaces, unusual layouts, and sometimes a location that would otherwise be difficult to afford. Many of these homes also have architectural features that are harder to find in newer developments, from sunken living rooms and terrazzo flooring to conserved shophouse interiors. 

The trade-off is that older buildings may require more upkeep, and buyers should pay particular attention to the condition of the common areas and the maintenance arrangements.

This week, we looked at five freehold walk-up apartments asking below $3 million, including some with rather unconventional layouts.

Missed last week? You can view our previous issue here.

You can also join our free weekly newsletter to stay updated on our latest curation every week.

Now let’s get on with the list of curated units this week!

Picked by Timothy Tay · Editor-in-Chief

No. 1

Orchid Apartment

56A Eng Neo Avenue · 99-year leasehold · TOP 1981

Swipe · 3 photos

Asking
$2,480,000
Price PSF
$1,828.91
Size
1,356 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3
Address 56A Eng Neo Avenue Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Located near Sixth Avenue MRT station (DTL), this apartment is also within walking distance of Guthrie House and the various eateries along Sixth Avenue. The development sits within a predominantly landed residential enclave, offering a quieter environment, while Raffles Girls' Primary School is within 1 km.

This three-bedroom apartment occupies the top floor and enjoys an unblocked outlook, allowing plenty of natural light into the home.

The living and dining areas are nicely separated, with a step down from the dining space into the living room and adjoining balcony. This change in floor level gives the communal areas a greater sense of separation without requiring additional walls.

The open kitchen helps the dining area feel more spacious, while still providing a good amount of counter and storage space. It also comes with a separate yard containing a storeroom and WC, which is useful for keeping laundry and household storage away from the main living spaces.

Timothy Tay

View this property Orchid Apartment · 3 bed, 1,356 sq ft propertyguru.com.sg
Picked by Ryan Ong · Consultant

No. 2

Rare Freehold Conserve Shophouse-Style Unit!

Farrer Park / Serangoon Rd · 99-year leasehold · TOP 2023

Swipe · 3 photos

Asking
$1,599,000
Price PSF
$2,034.35
Size
786 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 3
Address Farrer Park / Serangoon Rd Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Located within reach of Farrer Park MRT station (NEL), Boon Keng MRT station (NEL) and Bendemeer MRT station (DTL), this shophouse apartment has plenty of amenities nearby. These include City Square Mall, Mustafa Centre and Aperia Mall, along with the numerous eateries in the surrounding neighbourhood.

This is a two-bedroom-plus-study home with an unusual layout that divides the unit into two distinct sections. One side is devoted to entertaining, with the living room, dining area and open kitchen sharing a generously sized communal space. The bedrooms occupy the other side, providing greater separation and privacy.

Different floor tiles have been used to highlight the walkway through the communal area. Besides adding some character, this also helps visually distinguish the living space from the open kitchen without introducing physical partitions.

Both bedrooms come with ensuite bathrooms, while a third common bathroom serves guests. This is a particularly practical arrangement for households where both bedrooms are regularly occupied, or for buyers who frequently entertain.

Ryan Ong

View this property Rare Freehold Conserve Shophouse-Style Unit! · 2 bed, 786 sq ft propertyguru.com.sg
Picked by Hailey Khoo · Writer

No. 3

Dual-key Walk-up Apartment near Somerset

Orchard / River Valley · Freehold

Swipe · 4 photos

Asking
$2,000,000
Price PSF
$2,020.20
Size
990 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2
Address Orchard / River Valley Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Located along Oxley Rise, this apartment is within walking distance of Somerset MRT station (NSL) and the Orchard shopping belt. Residents have access to the numerous retail, dining and entertainment options around Somerset and Orchard Road.

Situated on the fourth floor, this is a dual-key apartment comprising a two-bedroom main unit and a separate studio. The arrangement provides flexibility for households that want to accommodate extended family members while maintaining some independence, or buyers considering a combination of owner-occupation and rental use, subject to the applicable regulations.

The main unit has a spacious living and dining area, with floor-to-ceiling windows bringing in plenty of natural light and making the space feel more open.

Both the main unit and studio have their own kitchenettes. These are compact but functional, although they may be better suited to singles, couples or smaller households that don't do extensive cooking. The bedrooms themselves are comfortably sized.

The home also retains distinctive finishes, including terrazzo flooring and marble-clad walls, which give it a character quite different from a typical modern apartment.

Hailey Khoo

View this property Dual-key Walk-up Apartment near Somerset · 3 bed, 990 sq ft propertyguru.com.sg
Picked by Gail Lau · Writer

No. 4

Stangee Place

Stangee Place Level 2 walk up · Freehold

Swipe · 4 photos

Asking
$2,280,000
Price PSF
$2,118.96
Size
1,076 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
Address Stangee Place Level 2 walk up Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Situated between Marine Parade MRT station (TEL) and Marine Terrace MRT station (TEL), this apartment is within walking distance of Parkway Parade, i12 Katong and 50A Marine Terrace Market. There are also numerous eateries in the surrounding neighbourhood, while Tao Nan School is within 1 km.

This is a one-bedroom-plus-study apartment situated on the second floor. The living and dining areas are nicely separated, with a spacious communal area that provides plenty of room for entertaining.

The open kitchen comes with an island counter that extends into the dining table, making efficient use of the available space while keeping the kitchen visually connected to the rest of the home.

The master bedroom is generously sized, as is its adjoining bathroom, which comes with a double vanity. The separate study could also potentially function as a compact second bedroom, depending on the household's needs.

The unit was fully renovated in 2020, so buyers who are comfortable with the existing design may not need to undertake extensive renovation works. It also receives a good amount of natural light, which helps balance the darker tones used throughout the interior.

Gail Lau

View this property Stangee Place · 2 bed, 1,076 sq ft propertyguru.com.sg
Picked by Druce Teo · Writer

No. 5

The Windsor

5A Ontario Avenue · 99-year leasehold · TOP 1987

Swipe · 3 photos

Asking
$2,760,000
Price PSF
$1,744.63
Size
1,582 sq ft
Layout
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2
Address 5A Ontario Avenue Open in Google Maps ↗

Why I like it

Located near Upper Thomson MRT station (TEL) and Thomson Plaza, this development is also close to the numerous eateries along Upper Thomson Road. Windsor Nature Park is within walking distance, while Ai Tong School is within 1 km.

This three-bedroom apartment enjoys an unblocked outlook over the development's tennis court and swimming pool, allowing plenty of natural light into the home.

The living and dining areas are nicely separated, with a step down into the living room and adjoining balcony. The balcony has an unusual semi-circular shape and is comfortably sized, providing an outdoor extension to the communal space.

There's also a second balcony attached to the master bedroom, giving the occupants their own private outdoor area.

All three bedrooms are well-sized, making this a practical option for families who need three proper bedrooms rather than a larger master suite at the expense of the common rooms.

Druce Teo

View this property The Windsor · 3 bed, 1,582 sq ft propertyguru.com.sg