A great irony exists among those who live in the heart of cities, like Singapore or Manhattan. They might be lucky enough to afford some of the planet’s priciest real estate, but they don’t get to enjoy views of the iconic Manhattan skyline the same way that their counterparts across the East River and Hudson River – those who live in Brooklyn or Hoboken – do.
In a similar way, those residing in and around Singapore’s Marina Bay are in the heart of the city. But they too don’t get to take in the beauty of the CBD skyline. For that, some perspective is needed. And that perspective comes in the form of these five city-fringe developments – all with freehold tenures – that offer generous panoramas.
1) Forte Suites
There’s lots going on in the Rangoon Road area these days. As the neighbourhood gentrifies, hipster eateries have set up shop. Parallel to Rangoon Road is the quiet cul-de-sac of Mergui Road, which has also undergone rapid transformation. Several new residential developments have sprung up, including Forte Suites, a 106-unit property housed in a 25-storey tower. Face south and you look out towards Serangoon, Rochor, the Civic District and the CBD. Current listings on Edgeprop.sg indicate an average price of $1,826 psf. Absolute figures range from $772,000 for a one-bedder to $1.92 million for a three-bedder.
Just across the street from Forte Suites is CityScape @ Farrer Park. Rising to a height of 31 storeys, this 250-unit development pips its neighbour by six storeys. But like its neighbour, south-facing units enjoy views of the downtown core. Both developments are served by the CTE and Farrer Park MRT. They also enjoy the conveniences of City Square Mall and Mustafa, which are about a 10- to 15-minute walk away. At the moment, listings on Edgeprop.sg show a median price of $1,414 psf, with figures ranging from $1.37 million for a two-bedder to $2.18 million for a three-bedder.
The area around the Kallang River is also undergoing a transformation of its own. The upcoming Kallang Riverside, which will TOP in 2019, is among the projects spearheading the change. This 212-unit property will be the only high-rise on the sliver of land bounded by the Rochor and Kallang Rivers and Kallang Road, so unblocked views of the city skyline are a given. Not to mention ringside seats to the National Day Parade fireworks display. Currently, average prices hover in the region of $2,115 psf, according to the latest listings on Edgeprop.sg. A one-bedder will set you back by just over $1 million, while the penthouse unit is available for $6 million.
Harbour Suites only rises to 13 storeys. But there aren’t many other high-rises in the vicinity, so most of the 44 units in the development are blessed with good views. Face south, and you overlook Keppel Harbour and Sentosa Island beyond. Face east, and you will be greeted by the skyscrapers of Tanjong Pagar and Raffles Place. At dusk, watch as the CBD’s monoliths are set ablaze by the sun’s last rays. Going by listings on Edgeprop.sg, the current median price is $1,703 psf. One-bedroom units go for $868,000, while a two-bedder fetches $1.33 million.