Where To Find The Cheapest Resale Condos By Bedroom Type In 2024 (From $545,000)

Given the higher prices compared to previous years, getting a condo as your first home is less viable in 2024. In a market where even fringe region condos can reach $2,000+ psf, the options have narrowed somewhat for sandwiched Singaporeans. If you don’t qualify for an HDB flat or EC, here are some resale possibilities that might suit your budget (note: they may not be the nicest looking condos, but you may be surprised at how conveniently located some of them are):

Cheapest options for one-bedders

While People’s Park Complex and The Hillford top the list, these are tough to recommend. People’s Park Complex is better suited to tenants, such as those working in the various shops below; while you can live here, expect most of your neighbours to be foreign workers from the travel agencies, restaurants, foot reflex parlours, etc. downstairs. 

People’s Park Complex is also not well maintained, and is notorious for situations like lift breakdowns (sometimes all three lifts at once), and security that’s paranoid about vice activities. So despite the fantastic location in the heart of Chinatown and the low price, this property is only suited to a niche group of buyers. 

If you intend to rent out the unit in future though – and like paying minimal maintenance (as low as $100 per month, excluding parking) – you might actually find it viable. We wouldn’t count on resale value though; most that are buying here are hoping for a collective sale outcome in the future.

The Hillford is unusually cheap because of its 60-year lease, which started in 2013. This makes it inadvisable for young buyers, even if it’s one of the cheapest ways to live near Beauty World. If you’re older, however, or don’t need to worry about a replacement property, this could be a viable option.

Parc Rosewood is good for homebuyers who like greenery, and don’t mind having to use cabs or buses. It might even be of interest as an alternative to Norwood Grand, as both are in the Woodlands South area. While Norwood Grand is closer to the Woodlands South MRT station (TEL), Parc Rosewood is more affordable and has the same good access to walking trails, park connectors, etc. It isn’t within walking distance of an MRT station though, and surrounding amenities are mainly from the adjoining HDB enclave; hence the lower price point.

Finally, for those who are all about the location, the tiny (16-unit) Suites @ Kovan shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s overshadowed by projects like Stars of Kovan (across the road from it), but this apartment is still within walking distance of Kovan MRT station (NEL), and hence Heartland Mall. It’s also smack in the middle of a food stretch, many of which are open late or even 24 hours (take note, late-night workers). It is, unfortunately, a letdown in the aesthetics department; the facade is better suited to a budget hotel than a private residence. 

If you want a combination of low cost and a highly convenient location though, this is one of the few options in the highly desirable Kovan/Serangoon area.

Cheapest options for two-bedders

Hougang Green stands out as a convenient choice, as it’s right next to Hougang Green Shopping Mall. There’s a range of small shops and eateries right downstairs, which can cover day-to-day meals (if you eat out), or small necessities (there’s a Giant supermarket located here as well). The surrounding HDB enclave is also quite mature, so there’s the usual slew of convenience stores, coffee shops, and other heartland conveniences.

Hougang Green also has bus services right outside (e.g., bus 43) that provide a direct connection to Serangoon MRT station (NEL, CCL). This also means easy access to NEX Megamall, which is one of the largest shopping centres in District 19. Buangkok MRT station (NEL) is technically the closest MRT though, and you can also get there with buses like 114 or you can also walk in 12 to 15 minutes.

Overall, it’s a convenient location, so some may find the two-bedders (764 sq. ft.) that are still transacting for below $800,000 good value.

Orchid Park is another standout at its price point, and it’s well-suited to buyers who like greenery views. This project overlooks Lower Seletar Reservoir and the scenic park that adjoins it. This area is a favourite among nature lovers, cyclists, and bird watchers. It’s also within walking distance of Khatib Central. This is where you’ll find Khatib MRT (NSL), as well as a Sheng Siong, NTUC, and the usual heartland amenities. So even if it’s a fringe location, it doesn’t have the associated inconveniences. 

The Wisteria is not too far from Orchid Park, so you might also consider this an alternative. Wisteria is a little less private, as it’s mixed-use and has a commercial component. Wisteria Mall has an NTUC and a food court, which is convenient to have right downstairs (retail seems to be utterly absent though, we found only food and services). 

Cheapest options for three-bedders

Parc Rosewood again appears here, making it a decent value for first-timers seeking family-sized units (see above). We should add here that Parc Rosewood has good school access, with six schools within a one-kilometre radius: Si Ling, Innova, and Woodgrove Primary, and Christchurch and Fuchun for Secondary schools; also nearby is the Singapore Sports School (which will be moving).

For die-hard westies, take note of Regent Grove in Choa Chu Kang. The 1,173 sq. ft. units here transact at below $1.2 million, despite a very convenient, family-friendly location. The condo is within walking distance of Yew Tee MRT station (NSL). The station’s surroundings are the neighbourhood hub and include Yew Tee Point Mall, as well as the heartland amenities from the surrounding HDB enclave. Yew Tee is also just one stop from Choa Chu Kang MRT, where you’ll have access to Lot One, the major mall for the neighbourhood. 

Cheapest options for four-bedders

Nine Residences is something of a mixed bag, but interesting as most large units in mixed-use projects are pricey. Nine Residences is the residential component of Junction Nine. It’s versatile enough for most day-to-day needs, with a Sheng Siong, a gym, enrichment centres, and eateries. It’s certainly convenient to have it all right downstairs. 

While Yishun MRT (NSL) is too far to be a comfortable walk, there are buses right outside (take 811) that get you there quite fast. Northpoint City is also here, giving you access to a bigger mall.

The issue that most people will notice is the unit sizes: they’re on the small side, with many (not all) being below 1,000 sq. ft. The four-bedders just barely go past that, at around 1,173 sq. ft. It’ll be okay if the floor plan was efficient, but there’s a lot of space lost to unnecessarily large AC ledges and balcony space. So while it is convenient for the price, it’s not for those for prize spaciousness overall.

Urban Vista is the next entry that gets our attention, mainly because it’s so close to the recent launch Sceneca Residence. The Tanah Merah Kechil area was previously sparse on amenities, but since Sceneca is mixed-use, it introduces a mall component that makes this area much more interesting.

Urban Vista is just across the road from Tanah Merah MRT station (EWL). This is significant because Tanah Merah is the interchange at which passengers switch to go to Changi Airport, and this could be valuable to aviation workers (both tenants and owner-occupiers). Changi Airport is also a major amenity: with places like Changi Jewel, our airport may as well be considered a shopping mall with airstrips. 

The flip side is that being near Tanah Merah MRT station is not a very unique trait. Besides Sceneca Residence, there’s a slew of nearby condos like the Tanamera, Optima, The Glades, etc. that are also clustered near the train station. Competition is quite likely, for resale or tenants. 

It is, nonetheless, a very affordable condo that’s both next to an MRT station, and which has excellent airport access.