Single and looking to shortlist potential condo for consideration ?
This article was written specifically to help Singles overcome their challenges of purchasing their first private condo in Singapore.
A quick google search will suffice, you will notice that there are tons of content out there addressing families researching properties for their homestay and investment needs. While content addressing Singles real estate challenges are few and far between.
Quick Intro – Decoupling Expertise
Before you commit the next 5 mins of your life towards reading this article, it helps to find out who’s behind the keyboard.
We are a team of specialist realtors specialising in helping our readers research and shortlist investment properties for both homestay and investment objectives.
Having noticed an information gap towards helping investment minded Single buy and select the right property.
We are obsessed with answering every question that a Singles will have in real estate investing, be it via content or consult, we will do it all.
Condo selection criteria unique to Singles
From experience, the property selection criterias for Singles is unique. Proximity to reputable schools, supermarkets and unit size may not be top priorities for Singles.
But affordability, purchase price, proximity to MRT, proximity to place of work and play would be of primary importance to Singles looking to purchase their first condo.
With that in mind, we will be prioritising the selections of our recommended condo development based on the following criterias.
As a side note, if you are a Single and is below 35 and is wondering if purchasing a private condo is a good decision, refer to article in line.
Affordability
Affordability is key to a Single, given that property is to be funded by a single income instead of the usual dual income of a couple. We will be prioritising our condo shortlisting based on affordability as first priority.
Expect to see developments with one bedroom condo below $1.0mil, one bedroom condo below $1.2mil.
Proximity to MRT, lifestyle amenities and place of work
There is often a two fold objective for a Single purchasing their first condo, one being to elevate their current standard of living. To move out of their parents home to a location ideally closer to work and play.
Second, to maintain the option of eventually renting the property out to generate rental income.
Prioritising proximity to MRT, lifestyle amenities and commercial nodes help ensure that the first condo that a Single purchase retains its investment value and rentability to provide opportunities for future profits and passive rental income.
Investment value in anticipation of future exit buyer demand
Families in Singapore invest in 3 bedroom condos to eventually profit from selling to another family upgrading from HDB to a condo.
A Single will be purchasing a one bedroom condo to exit to either an investor or another Single in the future.
Taking into consideration the difference in profile of the exit buyer for Single’s property, it is important to shortlist condo developments with attributes that future exit buyers will look out for.
Singles Condo Shortlist Methodology
To ensure we conduct an exhaustive shortlist of all condo developments in Singapore, we begin a search by narrowing down all condos with the following criteria.
- All one bedroom condo development that have not been transacted for more than $1.1mil
- All condo development with more than 200 units, eliminating all boutique developments
- Narrowing down to condo developments with less than 5 mins walking proximity to MRT, and with near term positive price catalyst.
We will append the full list at the end for your reference. But meanwhile let’s get the article going by highlighting the selected condo developments.
City Fringe of Singapore (RCR) – Best One Bedroom Condo Development for Singles
If you would have noticed, we jumped the gun and started off first with condos in the city fringe first instead of condo development in the city centre (CCR).
We structured the shortlist in this sequel as we felt the city fringe properties provide the greatest value for Singles. Optimising both affordability, future investment potential and addition to lifestyle, which are all important attributes that a Single will prioritise.
Parc Esta
The one bedroom units in Parc Esta stand out for a few reasons, at the time of writing you will still be able to snag a unit between $990k to $1.1mil. For a development that has recently TOP in 2022, with lease starting at 2018, located 4mins from Eunos MRT. A unit priced close to $1.0mil is hard to come by.
The development serves the dual purpose of improving a Singles standard of level, while providing investment upside for future resale opportunities.
Basic Information
- Lease starts from 2018
- No of units in development – 1,399
- No of 1 bedroom units in development – 341 units, 28.7%
- Location – D14, Eunos / Aljunied
Affordability
- One bedroom units priced between $950k to $1.1mil at the time of writing (text us for latest update on pricing)
Proximity to MRT, Amenities, Commercial Nodes
- 4 mins walk to Eunos MRT
- 4 mins walk to Supermarket
- 1 MRT station away from up and coming commercial node Paya Lebar Quarters
Investment Attributes
- Healthy rental demand stemming from spillover rental demand from CBD, from Paya Lebar Quarters commercial nodes, Nexus International School.
- Rental yield stands at 4.2%, higher than average of 3%
- Rental volume averages at 86 transaction over 6 months, signifies healthy volume
- Upcoming price catalyst from the Paya Lebar District transformation
The Poiz Residences
In case you are disappointed that there are no quaint boutique walk up apartments being featured in this list. The priority for us in this article, is to help Singles purchase a property that not only elevates their lifestyle but also elevates their financial gains.
Inline with that, a fairly priced one bedroom condo in an integrated demand is a hit with both future tenant and exit buyer.
That brings us to The Poiz Residences, which features affordable one bedroom condo priced between $950,000 to $1.1 mil.
Located right next to Potong Pasir MRT station, which is 4 stops away from Dhoby Ghaut MRT, Singles can easily navigate from work and play in the city, back home without breaking a sweat.
Basic Information
- Lease starts from 2014
- No of units in development – 731 units
- No of 1 bedroom units in development – 374 units, 51.2%
- Location – D13, Potong Pasir
Affordability
- One bedroom units priced between $855k to $1.1mil at the time of writing (text us for latest update on pricing)
Proximity to MRT, Amenities, Commercial Nodes
- 2 mins walk to Potong Pasir MRT
- 2 mins walk to Supermarket
Investment Attributes
- Healthy rental yield at 4.1% with average yield of residential property at 3%
- Potential price catalyst from the increasing sale price of comparable one bedroom units in Park Colonial
- Only integrated development with one bedroom unit in the Potong Pasir, Woodleigh area. Woodleigh residence a competing integrated development do not have any one bedroom units
Potential downside to note
- Competition, to look out for competing one bedroom units from nearby newer development Park colonial
- High concentration of one bedroom unit in the development, one bedroom unit forms over 50% of the unit mix, presenting competition for rental and sale in future
Suburban Singapore (OCR) – Best One Bedroom Condo Development for Singles
Still not touching on condo developments in the city centre yet, still optimising the shortlist to find affordable homes for Singles with high investment returns.
Even though we venture further into the outskirts, away from work and play. We seek to shortlist developments that compensate for this by providing unparalleled convenience by locating a stone throw away from MRT and mega malls.
J Gateway
We are mindful that if you are a Single that has not lived in the west before, purchasing a condo in Jurong could be a stretch for you in terms of familiarity. But if you are a Westie, then J Gateway is a condo development to be considered.
From a convenience perspective, it is 6 mins away from the Jurong East MRT which is an interchange to both the east west line and north south line. It is wedge at the intersection of three major malls, IMM, Westgate mall and Jcube
Most importantly, it faces major tailwinds from the Jurong Lake District Transformation map and the projected building of a commercial centre in Jurong area.
Basic Information
- Lease starts from 2012
- No of units in development – 738 units
- No of 1 bedroom units in development – 247 units, 33.5%
- Location – D22, Jurong East
Affordability
- One bedroom units priced between $1.0 to $1.2mil at the time of writing (text us for latest update on pricing)
Proximity to MRT, Amenities, Commercial Nodes
- 6 mins walk to Jurong East MRT
- 3 mins walk to Westgate mall
- 4 mins walk to Jcube
Investment Attributes
- High rental yield of 4.5%
- Healthy rental demand of 90 rental transactions over 6 months
- Potential price catalyst from the J’den new launch, with future appreciation of price in J’den one bedroom unit pushing up J gateway prices
- Potential demand and hype with Jurong lake district transformation coming up
Potential Downside to Note
- Disruption to living conditions due to on-going construction that is coming up for J’den new launch and Jurong East commercial node.
- From a Singles homestay property standpoint, it will mainly appeal to Singles that are comfortable living in the west. Unlike city centre or city fringe one bedroom units that have got a wider appeal to Singles across the island.
Watertown
Moving further out into the Punggol area, this is an integrated development that provides a good balance between affordability and investment upside.
But stating it upfront, Punggol is not the typical area for a Single to live in. It is an estate predominantly for families. So if you are a Single with a partner, this development could be something worth considering.
Basic Information
- Lease starts from 2011
- No of units in development – 992 units
- No of 1 bedroom units in development – 524 units, 53%
- Location – D19, Punggol
Affordability
- Affordability is the key to the one bedroom units here.
- One bedroom units priced between $870k to $1.1mil at the time of writing (text us for latest update on pricing)
Proximity to MRT, Amenities, Commercial Nodes
- 8 mins walk to Punggol MRT
- 2 mins walk to Waterway Point Shopping mall
- 4 mins walk to the Punggol waterway park
Investment Attributes
- High rental yield of 4.0%
- Outstanding rental volume of 106 transactions over 6 months
- Potential price catalyst and increase rental demand from Punggol digital district transformation.
- Integrated development located on top of a well managed mega mall and MRT station.
Potential Downside to Note
- May not present the most ideal lifestyle for Singles, Punggol is a area dominated by families and on weekends the mall is crowded with families with kids
- May not appeal to future Singles buyers that are looking to live closer to the city centre
City Center (CCR) – Best One Bedroom Condo Development for Singles
Finally let’s proceed to cover condo development in the city centre, these developments will appeal to Singles that aspire to live in the CBD.
The Clift
The development was developed by reputable developer Far East Organization, it is located right in the heart of the city centre. It serves as an ideal investment property catering to upwardly mobile expats working in the financial centre.
Basic Information
- Lease starts from 2004
- No of units in development – 312 units
- No of 1 bedroom units in development – 296 units, 94%
- Location – D1, Downtown Core
Affordability
- One bedroom units priced between $999k to $1.1mil at the time of writing (text us for latest update on pricing)
Proximity to MRT, Amenities, Commercial Nodes
- 6 mins walk to Tanjong Pagar MRT
- 6 mins walk to Cold Storage
- 4 mins walk to Amoy Street hawker centre
- 5 mins walk to Maxwell food centre
- 5 mins to Ann Siang Hill (pubs and restaurants)
Investment Attributes
- High rental yield of 4.8%
- Ideal property to position as high rental yield property to future investors / buyers
- High rental yield provides opportunity for Singles to rent out property and rent another property overseas or in the suburban area for their own homestay.
Potential Downside to Note
- Competition from lots of one bedroom units around the area and Marina bay area
- Reduced foreigner investor demand due to heightened ABSD rates for foreigner buyer at 60%
- May not appeal to Singles that are looking for life with some distance away from their workplace
Soleil @ Sinaran
Still in the city centre, but moving further out to the Novena area provides the optimal mix between the convenience of being close to the city centre, while being away from the stress of living in the city.
It is a great location and develop for Singles to live in but may not have comparable investment attributes as other developments listed in this shortlist.
Basic Information
- Lease starts from 2006
- No of units in development – 417 units
- No of 1 bedroom units in development – 90 units, 21%
- Location – D11, Novena
Affordability
- One bedroom units priced between $1.1mil to $1.2mil at the time of writing (text us for latest update on pricing)
Proximity to MRT, Amenities, Commercial Nodes
- 3 mins walk to Novena MRT
- 2 mins walk to Novena mall and Velocity mall
Investment Attributes
- High rental yield of 4.6%
- But take note of your potential entry prices, as current buyers are only making an annualised capital gain of 2%.
- A preferred location for high income singles to live in
- A preferred location for expats to live in
Potential Downside to Note
- The condo development lease started from 2006, note that when a condo age comes close to 25 years of age, future buyers are concerned with decaying leases.
Bonus – Noteworthy and affordable condo developments that merely missed the shortlist
Here’s a bonus list of condo development that we have categorised by its location from the city centre and ranked with affordability as priority.
As of this condo development features above average rental yield with decent capital upside, aside from those featured in the CCR area.
Condos for Singles in the core central region of Singapore
| Project Name | Tenure | No of units | Avg Price (S$ ) | Rental Vol | Rental Yield (%) | Annualised Capital Gain (%) |
| THE PLAZA | 99 yrs FROM 1968 | 234 | 750,000 | 8 | 5.5 | 2.2 |
| SKYSUITES@ANSON | 99 yrs FROM 2008 | 360 | 916,200 | 80 | 4.6 | 0.5 |
| V ON SHENTON | 99 yrs FROM 2011 | 510 | 948,000 | 37 | 4.8 | 0.2 |
| ICON | 99 yrs FROM 2002 | 646 | 1,102,857 | 86 | 4.8 | 4.9 |
Condos for Singles in city fringe Singapore
| Project Name | Tenure | No of units | Avg Price (S$ ) | Rental Vol | Rental Yield (%) | Annualised Capital Gain (%) |
| THE HILLFORD | 60 yrs FROM 2013 | 281 | 654,000 | 41 | 6.4 | 2.6 |
| ALEXIS | Freehold | 293 | 792,500 | 40 | 4.6 | 4.2 |
| WATERBANK AT DAKOTA | 99 yrs FROM 2009 | 616 | 853,000 | 32 | 4.5 | 3.4 |
| EIGHT RIVERSUITES | 99 yrs FROM 2011 | 843 | 824,629 | 56 | 4.1 | 2.1 |
Condos for Singles in the outskirt of Singapore
| Project Name | Tenure | No of units | Avg Price (S$ ) | Rental Vol | Rental Yield (%) | Annualised Capital Gain (%) |
| THE INFLORA | 99 yrs FROM 2012 | 396 | 615,000 | 22 | 5.1 | 3.2 |
| PARC ROSEWOOD | 99 yrs FROM 2011 | 689 | 654,840 | 45 | 4.6 | 3.2 |
| PARC OLYMPIA | 99 yrs FROM 2012 | 486 | 655,000 | 17 | 4.7 | 2.8 |
| Parc Clematis | 99 yrs FROM 2019 | 1,450 | 941,125 | 176 | 3.7 | 5.3 |
What’s next – Turnkey solution to put thoughts into action
This article is 10 pages long, I was panting psychologically as I put the last word to this article. But your effort to put thoughts into action could be way easier.
That’s why we created Decoupling Expertise.
Our goal is to provide a fuzz free turnkey solution to help Singles purchase their first condo.
Stating upfront, there are no fees involved in our consulting services. We earn our keeps by taking a “co-broke” commission from the seller of the property that you purchase. So there is really no cost on your side.
Our suite of consulting service include
Singles home finances
- Singles budget and affordability calculation
- Helping Singles in IPA application
- Helping Singles overcome loan eligibility challenges
- Loan package comparison and advisory for Singles
Singles real estate strategy
- Property research and shortlisting
- Location selection
- Unit type selection
- Layout review for unit selected
- Negotiation and purchase of unit
Singles real estate planning
- HDB or private condo consideration
- Boutique condo or mainstream development consideration
- Solo purchase or joint purchase with other Singles
- First property flip strategy
- Second property flip strategy
Feel free to drop us a text for whatsapp chat. No sales obligation, promised 🤞
