Why We Bought A 4-Bedroom Unit At The Arden For $2.4m

In the world of property, two things tend to draw the most attention: the priciest projects and the most affordable. 

As we approach the close of 2024, The Arden in Bukit Panjang* falls firmly into the latter category as one of the most affordable new launches of 2024, rivalling the recently launched Kassia (in District 17) and Norwood Grand (District 25). 

*Do note that while the reader mentions Bukit Panjang, URA officially classifies The Arden as part of the Bukit Batok planning area.

As a neighbourhood, Bukit Panjang tends to polarise opinions – some love its peaceful, green environment, while others avoid it due to perceived inconveniences. But for L and his family of four, the area checked the right boxes, offering a perfect balance of convenience and comfort, especially with his wife working from home and his workplace close by.

This made The Arden, a 105-unit, 99-year leasehold project in the heart of Bukit Panjang, an appealing option for them. Slated for completion in 2027, the development’s layouts and unique features, like its 3.2m ceiling height and low-rise structure, set it apart. Although the project’s smaller plot size meant that it had limited facilities, it was these distinct qualities that attracted the family.

“The show flat was unique in the way it walked us through the different typical condo ceiling heights before entering The Arden’s unit layout, where the 3.2m ceiling height really made an impact (as compared to the typical 2.9m). Some buyers might not find this an important factor but the higher ceiling gives a sense of space and volume, which makes the home feel less claustrophobic”, he shared.

Having grown accustomed to the high ceilings in their previous home, this was a key feature they prioritised when searching for their next place.

“It’s something our guests always commented on as it just makes the space feel so much more open and airy,” he explained.

As a small aside, the next thing that they liked was the bathroom fittings and included appliances. This includes the wall-hung WCs and basins from Roca, alongside Hansgrohe mixers.

Kitchen appliances feature gas hobs and hoods from Bosch, although L mentions that his unit was upgraded with SMEG appliances, adding to the overall value.

How their home search went

The family’s search for their perfect home wasn’t just about meeting current needs; it was also about planning for the future. Key criteria included ample space, good connectivity (particularly to the Downtown Line) and potential for long-term appreciation.

“We knew space was one of our priorities,” says L. With their son soon entering National Service and their daughter still in school, having enough room for both children was non-negotiable.

In addition to space, they sought a development close to their current home to minimize disruption to their daily routines. Although some might find it surprising that a family prioritizing connectivity would remain in Bukit Panjang, L and his family have deep ties to the area and are comfortable in the neighbourhood.

Currently renting a maisonette in the vicinity, they previously owned a 3-bedroom condo nearby. “To us, there is convenience here in Bukit Panjang. If you drive, major highways are easily accessible, and for public transport, the Downtown Line is just nearby. Plus, the number of malls in the area makes dining and shopping simple,” L explains.

Bukit Panjang’s reputation for its nature reserves and scenic trails is another selling point, especially for nature lovers. “Beyond the peaceful surroundings, many of Singapore’s top tertiary institutions, like NUS and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, are close by, so staying here was an easy choice for us,” he adds.

Moreover, the family values Bukit Panjang’s proximity to Jurong District malls and the future Woodlands RTS to Johor Bahru, both important lifestyle factors for them.

Why The Arden stood out 

Before their purchase, they also were looking at other new launches in the vicinity, such as The Myst and The Botany at Dairy Farm.

The Myst was a strong contender but they were not as convinced about the immediate location as it was behind a row of old shophouses along the main road. They noted that the road to get home was narrow and that there may be some traffic congestion to contend with during peak hours.

As for The Botany, it was a project that was launched earlier in 2023. Hence, the available units left didn’t leave them much to choose from.

Ultimately, it was the pricing at The Arden that tipped the scales in its favour.

“During our search, the 4-bedroom units at The Myst and The Botany @ Dairy Farm were priced between $1,900 to $2,000 PSF, whereas The Arden was slightly above $1,700 PSF,” L recalls.

Although The Arden’s location was slightly less convenient, the price difference provided a peace of mind with a safer exit strategy if they ever decided to sell. They also saw an opportunity in the scarcity of 4-bedroom condos in the Bukit Panjang and Chua Chu Kang areas, which they believe will appeal to future upgraders.

“We realised that nearby developments like Hillsta and Phoenix Residences don’t offer 4-bedroom units, which was exactly what we were after. This scarcity in the area makes me feel more secure about our future exit strategy,” L explains.

They also preferred the location within a landed enclave, which offered a more peaceful environment.

“We prioritise a quiet and peaceful lifestyle and The Arden’s setting within a landed enclave is a huge plus. While it’s a smaller, low-rise development, I like to be able to return to a tranquil home,” he shared.

A more underrated factor that sealed the deal was the Feng Shui suitability of their unit.

“Our unit has a regular shape with no missing corners, which is important from a Feng Shui perspective. Additionally, it faces Bukit Gombak Camp, which provides us with a supportive back structure, known as ‘靠山’ in Feng Shui,” L explains. 

He also appreciates that Qingjian has a strong understanding of Feng Shui, consulting with experts and hosting talks at their other projects like JadeScape and Forett at Bukit Timah.

The limitations of The Arden

One of the main downsides to The Arden is its smaller size, which limits the range of condominium facilities.

“We realize that compared to other new launches, The Arden doesn’t offer the full suite of facilities since it’s a boutique development with limited space.”

Some notable omissions include a BBQ pit and a tennis court, and the pool is only 30 metres long. So while that may be typical for a boutique project, it may be too small for buyers who are moving from a bigger project.

Also due to the compact layout, the blocks are relatively close to each other, with distances ranging from 12.5 to 14.2 meters. As a result, only high-floor units will enjoy unblocked views of the surrounding landed enclave.

Final thoughts

Reflecting on their home-buying journey, the family acknowledges that navigating the property market can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. For them, it wasn’t just about securing the right price, but finding a home that matched their lifestyle needs while offering long-term growth potential.

However, L admits to having one lingering regret. “Looking back, I wish I had considered purchasing the penthouse, it might have been a better investment.”

When asked to elaborate, L highlighted the pricing difference. “If I remember correctly, the penthouse above us was initially priced around $1,500 PSF at launch. We bought our unit in the $1,700 PSF range, so there was a difference of over $200 PSF. Now, that same penthouse is listed at over $1,600 PSF.”

Despite the missed opportunity with the penthouse, L and his family feel comfortable about their decision. As they look forward to settling into their new home, they see it as the ideal fit for their evolving needs and an investment for the future.

“We’re excited to see how the area continues to grow,” says L. “The Arden feels like the right place for our family, both now and in the years to come.”