Is One North Singapore’s Next Real Estate Investment Hotspot? Here’s The Important Points Buyers Need To Consider


A seasoned content strategist with over 17 years in the real estate and financial journalism sectors, Ryan has built a reputation for transforming complex industry jargon into accessible knowledge. With a track record of writing and editing for leading financial platforms and publications, Ryan's expertise has been recognised across various media outlets. His role as a former content editor for 99.co and a co-host for CNA 938's Open House programme underscores his commitment to providing valuable insights into the property market.
One North has always occupied an odd position in the Singapore property market. On the one hand, most people acknowledge it as a hub area: with Fusionopolis, Biopolis, the JTC LaunchPad, etc. One North draws big companies and start-ups in equal measure.
On the other hand, One North has never quite matched the crowds associated with Jurong East, Paya Lebar, or even nearby Holland V. This is an area that’s very much in flux, and has the capacity to either go big or die down. Here’s what to consider before buying a property in the area:
1. More high-density housing could appear in One North, very soon

We have seen rezoning by URA, to allow for higher-density housing around the One North area. Some of these plans include mixed-use projects with commercial elements, and this will solve the perception of limited amenities in the area. This was announced on 6th October this year, with more details from URA forthcoming (keep an eye out in the coming months).
For now, we know a few things for sure: there’s a plot for a potentially 355-unit project near Media Circle, with commercial space on the first floor. Also nearby, close to Grab HQ, is another private or public project that could yield 250 to 310 units.
What’s the significance of intensifying the land plots?
Well, it’s important, because it’s a big turnaround from how One North used to be positioned. Previously, residential developments here were often assumed to be for tenants; and even then it was assumed tenants’ lifestyles would involve areas like nearby Holland V, rather than One North itself. But adopting the new “live-work-play” approach means encouraging a bigger live-in population, and more localised amenities.

One North had a reputation for limited accommodation, back when One North Residences, Rochester Residences, and the (still under construction) One North Eden were the only major residential projects. There is also Dover Parkview and Heritage View to consider, but these are much older developments that aren’t direct comparisons. This saw many nearby co-living spaces and serviced apartments (Citadines, Lyf, Hmlet, etc.) benefitting from tenant demand here.
One realtor, who has helped secure tenant leases nearby in the past year, told us that:
“My concern is my clients in Dover and Clementi might see some tenants being poached, because right now some (the tenants) are working in places ST Engineering, A*Star, P&G, or some SMEs at Ayer Rajah. If there’s accommodation closer to their workplace, I guess we have to prepare that we might lose some.
Also, there are some international schools and such. The INSEAD campus is just next to Fusionopolis, so I think the students or staff would also prefer to live closer if they can.”
The same realtor noted a potential downside for existing landlords in One North, however, as the increased competition could cap further rental rate increases.
“For a long time, the ball was in their court because tenants had very limited choices. I think once there’s more housing options, the rental rates in One North will stabilise to match those in other parts like Clementi.”
2. Bigger demand for residential units than you might think
If you look at a map, you might handwave the idea of Normanton Park being close to One North. It’s a two-kilometre distance between this condo and Fusionopolis, where the One North MRT station (CCL is located.)

However, from word on the ground, One North is really quite accessible for Normanton Park residents. From the bus stop right outside, there are a number of services that take them to Fusionopolis in just a few stops. View a unit in Normanton Park, and the agent or seller will almost certainly point out the supermarket and other amenities at One North.
(While it’s hardly on par with the likes of Paya Lebar Square, Fusionopolis does have a supermarket, food court, pharmacy, and an eclectic mix of restaurants.)
This becomes significant when you consider the size of Normanton Park. At 1,862 units, this is one of the biggest residential projects next to Treasure at Tampines. So while One North Residences and Rochester Residences are often seen as the main – or even only – major accommodations for the area, Normanton Park is a viable alternative.
More from Stacked
Resale HDB prices for June 2017!
According to HDB, resale volume for HDB has fallen by 11.6 percent from last month of May. In total, 1,753…
Still, the strong demand for residential units in the area is evident. At first glance on a map, many buyers might see Normanton Park as somewhat inconveniently located — not close to an MRT and directly adjacent to a major highway. Yet, even with the setback of a no-sale license, Normanton Park impressively sold all its 1,862 units with ease and time to spare.
This is further strengthened by the sales of Blossoms by the Park, which achieved an impressive 73 per cent sales figure despite coming immediately after the April cooling measures.
3. One North is about school access as much as being a commercial hub
INSEAD and ESSEC are both within the One North area, followed by Tanglin Trust, Dover Court, and United World College. This makes it a focal point for international students; but it goes even further:

NUS, SIM, and SIT are all a short drive away from here. Singapore Polytechnic, located next to Dover MRT (EWL), is also just two train stops from One North, while ACSI and ACJC are within enrolment distance. This could be one of the most convenient places to stay if you want your children close to school.
As to why it isn’t a raging hotspot yet, the answer is simply that – up till recently – there were limited housing options in One North. Right now, most families that want proximity to NUS, SIM, and so forth settle for living in Clementi or Dover. But if we eventually have HDB flats in One North, we can see a large chunk of demand being transferred over.
But all of this is dependent on One North being able to create an identity
Unlike nearby Holland V, the One North area isn’t grounded in any particular identity. Think about it: how often do you or your friends say “Let’s go to One North to hang out?”
It’s not that there’s “nothing” at One North (there are some nice recreational spaces, family-friendly pubs, and even Timbre+ located here.) It’s just that One North still strikes many as being a generic office space; and competing as a recreational spot is even tougher when it’s up against the likes of Holland V.

There has been the development of Rochester Commons, with a Grade A office tower, a hotel, and 12 heritage black-and-white bungalows. The jury is still out as to how successful this would ultimately be, as it does still seem to be a bit of an under-the-radar spot.
In this sense, One North may face the same issues as Raffles Place: it’s respected as a key hub, but all the life seems to drain right out during weekends or after office hours. If One North can’t develop the vital but intangible factor of identity, then no amount of money that URA throws at it may help.
One reader, who has worked at Mediapolis for over five years, had an interesting take:
“If they think that just having a bunch of creative companies like Lucasfilm and Ubisoft and Razer is enough to make One North cool on its own, then this place is going to flop.
But if they really make an effort to promote events, or give incentives and subsidies for live performances or e-games arenas and so on, I think this can be like a digital and geeky counterpart to Holland V. It could work.”
So if we were to oversimplify a bit, the answer to “Will One North become a real estate hotspot?” is simple. All the critical elements are in place except for two:
- More homes in the area, and
- Making more people want to spend their weekends there
If these can be resolved, One North might be the future highlight of District 5. Follow us on Stacked for insights and updates on the Singapore private property market; or check out our in-depth reviews, if you’re looking to buy near One North.
If you’d like to get in touch for a more in-depth consultation, you can do so here.
Ryan J
A seasoned content strategist with over 17 years in the real estate and financial journalism sectors, Ryan has built a reputation for transforming complex industry jargon into accessible knowledge. With a track record of writing and editing for leading financial platforms and publications, Ryan's expertise has been recognised across various media outlets. His role as a former content editor for 99.co and a co-host for CNA 938's Open House programme underscores his commitment to providing valuable insights into the property market.Read next from Singapore Property News

Singapore Property News In a Weak Economy, This Policy Hurts Singaporean Homeowners Most

Singapore Property News Rare Mixed-Use Site At Hougang MRT And New Sembawang EC Plot Just Launched: What You Need To Know

Singapore Property News $1.16M For A 4-Room HDB In Clementi? Why This Integrated Development Commands Premium Prices

Singapore Property News Why Lower Land Prices In Singapore Don’t Mean Cheaper New Condos
Latest Posts

Pro How Have Older Leasehold Condos Performed Compared To Newer Ones? A Case Study Of The Tanamera

Investor Case Studies Why We Chose A $1.23 Million 2-Bedroom Unit At Parc Vista Over An HDB: A Buyer’s Case Study

Property Advice The Surprising Reasons Some Singaporean Buyers Are Choosing Smaller Condo Units (Even When They Can Afford More)

Landed Home Tours Touring Onan Road, A Freehold Landed Estate With A “Hidden” Enclave Of Shophouses

Overseas Property Investing I’m A Singaporean House-Hunting In Mexico City: Here’s What 2 Weeks On The Ground Taught Me

Homeowner Stories I’ve Lived In Braddell View For 14 Years: What It’s Like To Live In Singapore’s Largest Residential Site

Property Investment Insights Why Some 30-Year-Old Leasehold Condos Are Still Outperforming New Ones

Pro How Do Old Leasehold Condos Hold Up Against Newer Projects? A Case Study Of Orchid Park

On The Market 5 Cheapest 4 Room HDB Flats In Central Singapore (From $495K)

Homeowner Stories Why These Buyers Chose Older Leasehold Condos—And Have No Regrets

Editor's Pick Arina East Residences Review: First Condo Launch in Tanjong Rhu in 13 Years, Near MRT Station

Pro Do Mega-Developments Really Outperform Regular Condos? A Parc Clematis Vs Clavon Case Study

Pro Affinity at Serangoon vs The Garden Residences: Same Launch Year, Same Location — But Which Gave Better Capital Gains?

Editor's Pick 4 Potential Residential En Bloc Sites That Could Be Worth Watching In 2025

Property Market Commentary Can Singapore’s Housing Market Handle A Rapidly Ageing Population?

fg