10 Most Affordable New Launch Condos Under $1.5 Million—Some Are Surprisingly Central

To be blunt, $1.8 million is the “going rate” for most new launches these days, and will get you a two-bedder, or a compact three-bedder (e.g., a two-bedroom + 1 study unit). For those with a tighter budget, I have some good news: a $1.5 million budget doesn’t price you out entirely; at least not yet. 

The bad news is that you have to accept smaller units, the majority of which are one-bedroom + study style units. Nonetheless, you may be surprised at how many of these options are in rather strong locations at least.

The list of new launches where units have transacted at $1.5 million or under

This list reflects asking prices seen as of July 2025:

Some highlights from the list

As I mentioned, all of the units are frankly small, and there’s not much difference if I choose highlights by size. So instead, I’m going to highlight those that put you in surprisingly strong central locations, given the lower price tag. And yes, this is also more useful to those of you who are considering one-bedders with high rentability, in the off-chance renting out is on the cards:

• River Green
• Canberra Crescent Residences
• The Collective at One Sophia 
• Union Square Residences
• One Marina Gardens 
• Hill House 
• ELTA 

1. River Green

I find it a bit surreal that the most affordable CCR condo on this list (by way of the lowest possible price*) is also the condo with one of the best locations. River Green is a 524-unit project right next to Great World MRT station (DTL), which is, of course, connected to Great World City mall. 

The Singapore River, Kim Seng Park, and Robertson Quay are all within walking distance, and the Great World MRT puts you one stop from Orchard; a place that I’m told was very cool before the 2010s. But forget Orchard, since Great World itself is one of the best enclaves in the CCR for actual family living. This area has less pointless glitz and is more grounded, and River Valley Primary School is within one kilometre. 

The shocking part, given the location, is that the one-bedders begin from $1.2 million, and even the two and three-bedders are sub-$2 million; even the three-bedders are only $2.25 million, which is a phenomenally low quantum for a new launch in 2025. You can see the full details in our pricing review.

It’s probably no surprise that the developer, Wing Tai, took a page from The M Condo here (given how well it sold initially at launch). River Green doesn’t have very large units; the largest tops out at 980 sq ft for the four-bedder. Instead of sheer size, the developer went for spatially efficient units, which keep the overall price low. This project is also a non-PPVC construction, so the walls are mostly movable; this compensates a bit for the more compact sizes.

Due to the strong location, compact units, and lower quantum, River Green can work as easily for landlords as it can for young couples or smaller families. 

2. Canberra Crescent Residences

It was a brave person who suggested bidding for this land parcel, because there are plenty of surrounding Executive Condominiums (ECs). Canberra is a still-developing area, and is known for affordability – so this puts a lot of constraints on how much the developer can charge. 

Nonetheless, here it stands: Canberra Crescent Residences is a 376-unit condo within walking distance to Canberra MRT station (NSL). The developer did manage to keep the quantum low despite this being a new launch – the two-bedders here start from just $1.1 million, while three-bedders (likely the unit of choice for families and upgraders here) are around $1.53 million. Incidentally, you may have heard prices start from $880,000 here, but that’s for the one-bedders, of which there are only three units – so the odds of getting one are rather slim.

The units here are also non-PPVC, so you can move the walls around; and the developer laid out the blocks in parallel, so they don’t block each other’s views. Also unusual, this project forgoes the tennis/pickleball court for a mini-golf course, and the main facilities are bundled to one side of the condo, forming a sort of attached private club. 

What will stand out, as mentioned in the review, is the quality – the finishing, facilities, and layout are at a higher standard than the surrounding resale options. They have to be, since Canberra Crescent Residences can’t compete with nearby ECs and older private condos on price alone. So the end result is a high-quality family condo that – whilst being the priciest in its immediate area – is surprisingly affordable for a 2025 new launch.  

3. The Collective at One Sophia 

I have some personal experience with the predecessor of The Collective, which was Peace Mansion. Besides being near my office, I knew a few people who lived there – and it was already well-tenanted before redevelopment. 

The Collective is great for single owner-occupiers and renters for two reasons: first, it’s one of the most accessible condos at this price point. You can walk from The Collective to Bencoolen MRT station (DTL) as well as Bras Basah MRT station (CCL). Brash Basah station is just one stop from Dhoby Ghaut MRT (CCL, NEL, NSL), so you have walking access to four different train lines. 

And as a personal aside, I often just walked from here to Dhoby Ghaut MRT, rather than even bothering to use Bras Basah station, as Dhoby Ghaut is attached to Plaza Singapura anyway. This mall will probably be the main retail and entertainment hub for residents in this area.

The second, as you can tell from the malls I’ve mentioned, is the amenities nearby. Besides Plaza Singapura, Dhoby Ghaut is just one train stop from Somerset, and two train stops from Orchard. As such, this puts you on the doorstep of Orchard, but without the crazy prices in Orchard proper.

The studio units at The Collective start from about 431 sq ft, and even these smallest units come with full-height windows. Unfortunately, the layouts, even at this size, include balconies. This decision is beyond me, with space as limited as it is; but I suppose some buyers will consider that a draw. 

The one-bedroom units, starting at around 450 sq ft, offer a little more breathing room and privacy. These are better suited for singles who want a separate bedroom space or young couples. A larger option exists in the one-bedroom + study unit (around 500 sq ft), which might be better for those who also want a home office. It’s a bit small to serve as a whole other bedroom though. These units are still under the $1.5 million mark, as you can see from the list. Both of these also have balconies.

4. Union Square Residences

I’m a city lover and I actively prefer dense urban clusters. But if you dislike being close to busy areas like the CBD, I’d skip this entry. 

If you’re still here: Union Square Residences surprises at its price point, because it has walking access to two key MRT stations: Clarke Quay (NEL) and Chinatown (DTL, NEL). This puts it close to the clusters of banks, the SGX Centre, and the other droning corporate “highlights” of our CBD. Look, even if you find it boring, it’s just convenient to live near where you work. Union Square Residences is also close to the nightlife of Clarke Quay, famed for its river view, party vibes, and drunk tourists vomiting on that big bridge on weekends. 

So overall, a potent live-work-play option for singles and young couples priced below $1.5 million. But much less so for families as there’s no primary school access, and the immediate surrounding amenities aren’t catered to families (barring a lot of late-night mala options at Chinatown.) 

Also, while the rental prospects seem obvious, do keep in mind that nearby Chinatown is packed with affordable rental options; and competition to rent out a one-bedder can be stiff here.

Union Square is mixed-use – residential towers atop a commercial podium with co-living, retail, and office components – again echoing the live-work-play ethos. The one-bedroom units at Union Square Residences are about 463 sq ft., and we’ve pointed out it’s a good rectangular plan that maximises space (boo on the balcony though.)

The one-bedroom + study units are slightly larger at 506 sq. ft., and the study nook is positioned near the entrance, providing a practical space for a home office or extra storage. Both layouts fall under $1.5 million.

5. One Marina Gardens 

The lower prices here may, I suspect, be a way to counteract slower sales in this area. While the location is generally quite central, it’s also quite choreographed: unlike the organic vibrancy of Tanjong Pagar or Bugis, Marina South was purpose‑built as an extension of the financial district. One of the ongoing issues here is that few Singaporeans really “grew up” in this part of the island; it’s glamorous, but no one went to Primary school here (what school?) or hung out here with friends, unless they were that group with designer backpacks. 

You can walk to Marina South Pier MRT station (NEL), which connects directly to Raffles Place and the CBD, and when the future Marina South MRT station (TEL) opens, it will be even more convenient. This area is designed as an extension of the financial district, so for professionals working downtown, it’s a viable alternative to the likes of Marina One or Marina Bay Residences.

And as critical as I am about the lack of “grass roots connectivity,” One Marina Gardens is one of the rare places in Singapore where you can live right by Gardens by the Bay and Marina Barrage, with sea views on one side and the city view on the other. You’re a quick ride away from Marina Bay Sands, Suntec City, and Raffles Place, and yet you still have easy access to greenery and waterfront spaces; it’s a good balance all around. So whilst the area has some growing up to do, it will reward those in it for the long haul. 

The one-bedroom units at One Marina Gardens start from about 420 sq. ft., while the one-bedroom + study units are only a bit bigger at 452 sq. ft. (it comes with the addition of a study nook near the entrance.)  We have a few more details here. Both of these layouts are still under the $1.5 million mark, making them the most affordable tickets into the Marina Bay area; though as mentioned, this area doesn’t appeal much to families for now.

6. Hill House 

I remember the Institution Hill area when it was still mostly low‑rise apartments and walk‑up shops; mostly quiet, almost forgotten. But I remember thinking that, because it was right in the middle of town, it would be a good condo location. So now that Hill House is here on the list, it’s a natural pick for me. 

Hill House is suitable for single owner‑occupiers and renters for two reasons: first, you can walk from Hill House to Fort Canning MRT station (DTL) and potentially to Somerset MRT (NSL), although the latter is much further (not everyone may consider it walkable). Fort Canning is just one stop from Chinatown and two from Bayfront (DTL), while Somerset puts you right on the Orchard Road belt. This allows Hill House to be central, while still tucked away from the crowds.

The second reason is the lifestyle in the area. You’re close to Robertson Walk and UE Square for day‑to‑day needs, or also quite close to Great World. And if your idea of fun is mosquitoes and wringing sweat out of your shirt, Fort Canning Park has all sorts of activities all the time, from movies to theatre performances. I may not appreciate green spaces, but if you do, you’ll probably love it. 

The studio units at Hill House start from about 431 sq ft, with some larger one‑bedroom units starting at around 452 sq ft. Note that the smaller 431 sq ft units are open plan spaces, so the layout is a single living-sleeping area without partitions or distinct rooms; this lets you partition or change it however you like. The 452 sq ft version does have a distinct bedroom, separated from the living room. 

There’s also a one‑bedroom + study unit (around 506 sq ft), which gives you a small work nook. These units all remain under the $1.5 million mark, which makes Hill House a good gateway property into the city core. 

Also, I know most people buying one-bedders aren’t families, but I will point out that River Valley Primary is within one kilometre; and in the off chance it matters, this area is peaceful enough, and has sufficient greenery, for family living. 

7. ELTA

When it was first announced, everyone complained to me that ELTA was expensive (on a price psf basis), but then it managed to sell 65 per cent at launch anyway. Now that I’ve climbed out of the echo chamber, we have a full review here.

To be honest, ELTA makes more sense for families than singles, even though we’re looking here at the one‑bedroom + study (506 sq ft). The whole point is that Clementi has always been a schooling hub: near NUS High, Nan Hua High, Singapore Poly, etc.

That said, I put it here because it could still work for singles who like the idea of a quieter, mature estate; and value the proximity to work hubs like One‑North, Jurong Lake District, and even the CBD (a short drive or direct bus ride). The one-bedroom plus study is a compact but efficient layout, with a proper kitchen, foyer, study nook, and even a balcony (check out our full review). That makes it quite good for a Work From Home arrangement. 

I also feel this is a viable home for singles who work in the aforementioned educational institutes, or for those who want to rent out to faculty and staff members. That’s why ELTA still makes the highlight list. Clementi is a much more developed area than, say, One-North, in terms of amenities, so I can see why even singles working there might prefer this condo. 

That said, I would temper expectations regarding gains, as Clementi is predominantly a family zone, and there will be limited demand for one-bedders from the surrounding HDB clusters. 

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