District 12 is comprised of Serangoon, Toa Payoh and Balestier, a combination of areas that has historically quaint townships. Toa Payoh New Town, built by the Housing Development Board (HDB), represents Singapore’s second satellite city after Queenstown.

Serangoon

During the 1960s, Serangoon was made up of agricultural developments, mainly rubber plantations and villages where people grew fruit trees and farmed poultry. It was also renowned for cattle farming and kiln business as many Indians migrated from India to work and reside in Singapore. Today it is recognised as the island’s hub for its Indian community.

On the residential property development, besides the new Serangoon HDB Housing Estate, Singapore’s government has initiated upgrade projects on several estates by improving amenities in the surrounding areas of Braddell Heights and Seletar Hills. Potential homeowners can look forward to future developments of residential properties in progressive stages.

Kingsford Waterbay @ Upper Serangoon View is a 99-year leasehold condominium equipped with first-class facilities, with construction to begin in 2018. As it is located just beside the Serangoon River, future residents will be able to enjoy a host of water activities such as kayaking, wakeboarding, power-boating and fishing.

Among other notable upcoming residential homes offering freehold apartments with luxurious amenities are the Daisy Suites and One Robey; while those who prefer landed properties should see HAUS@Serangoon Garden, which is offering double-storey houses that come with an attic, basement, wine chiller and fully-equipped wet and dry kitchen. The prestigious development also won the premier Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Platinum award.

The majority of Serangoon residents commute through a network of buses, but MRT Stations such as Little India and Farrer Park are also nearby to get around the island.

Toa Payoh

The Toa Payoh Town Centre is famous for its shopping malls and its location of HDB’s headquarters in HDB Hub, a large commercial development adjoining the Toa Payoh MRT Station and the (fully air-conditioned) Toa Payoh Bus Interchange.

HDB allocated a large area for the development of the Toa Payoh Town Garden that has willows, bamboos and Delonix regia trees beautifully landscaped into the garden, integrated with a waterfall and carp pond. At the centre of the garden, it has bridges linking to a cluster of islands surrounding the area, and many visitors have been impressed by its night lights.

Besides the Toa Payoh HDB flats, those hunting for residential properties in this area can look up Bartley Ridge, a newly-launched project consisting of 2 blocks of 25 storeys and 7 blocks of 26 storeys apartments with full-fledged condominium facilities. The existing Trevista@ Toa Payoh, 8 Raja and Airstream could also be of interest for residential property hunters. Travelling by trains is convenient with Caldecott, Braddell and Toa Payoh MRT Stations surrounding the area.

Balestier

The Balestier district was named after the first United States Consul of Singapore, Joseph Balestier, who resided in Singapore during the 1800s. Although Balestier is known among the locals as a food haven, it is rich with historical landmarks that have attracted many tourists. Among the popular historical sites are the Goh Chor Tua Pek Kong Temple, Art Deco Shophouses, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall and former Shaw Brothers Studio .

Located in central Singapore, Balestier is easily accessible from other nearby districts of Serangoon, Novena and Bendemeer. Balastier is locally famous for its Tau Sar Peah (flaky bean jam pastry), Bak Kut Teh (pork rib soup) and Teo Chew porridge.
Balestier has attracted property buyers and investors shying away from the city centre that are known to be pricey, as some homes in Balestier could cost less than 20 percent compared to nearby major areas.

Balestier offers a newly-launched mixed-freehold development of residential and commercial space, Ascent@456. The development features 28 home units and 19 shops that are near the Zhongshan Park Development, Novena Medical Hub and Tan Tock Seng Hospital. It is due to be completed by 2020.

Various new residential developments around the area would be Nova 88, Vista Residences and Skysuites 17. Although purchasing prices may be reasonable, rental yields are currently edging up as many expatriates are finding it a favourite place to re-locate. Public transportation is widely served with Singapore’s network of bus system and the nearest MRT Stations are Toa Payoh and Novena.

For more apartment/condo for sale in Singapore, visit here.