10 less-known old freehold condos with spacious units

Everyone knows the usual classification of properties in Singapore: condos, HDBs, shophouses, landed homes, etc.

But there are certain subsets within each category that perhaps need more explaining (and are harder to find). For example, large freehold condos with big units. Or, large freehold condos with big units that have few facilities so that you have low monthly maintenance.

This week, we look at one niche subset — small freehold condos that have limited facilities for more affordable monthly maintenance.

Not everyone feels that common facilities are the best part of private housing. For every one person who likes a big pool or a second tennis court, there's a buyer who just likes the location, and wishes those monthly costs would go down. This has been especially pronounced in recent years, with some buyers decrying extravagances like concierge services, rock-climbing walls, and free shuttle services (which as drivers they may never use).

For these buyers, we've picked out a list of freehold apartments (that are small for exclusivity), that will also spare them the maintenance fees of pricey facilities:

Why skip common facilities?

Apartments without common facilities have lower maintenance fees. A famous example of this is People's Park Complex, which has some of the lowest maintenance fees; some owners pay as little as $100 a month (but this even excludes free parking, so drivers may not like it!)

There's also a tendency for the units to be cheaper overall, but it's hard to isolate this; many "pure" apartment-type projects, such as walk-ups, are also cheaper due to the lack of landscaping or 24/7 security.

In any case, this makes such units appealing to two groups: those who don't care for pools, BBQ pits, etc., and also landlords. The lower quantum on these properties, plus lower maintenance, means a higher gross and net rental yield.

Here are some interesting options on the market right now:

1. The Hacienda

Location: Hacienda Grove (District 15)

Developer: Assobuild Realty Pte Ltd

Lease: Freehold

Completion: 1985

Number of units: 109

The Hacienda does actually have condo-like facilities such as a pool and gym; but these are rather bare-bones, and it more closely resembles the many walk-ups in the Siglap area.

The Hacienda is one of the more private developments, being tucked away at Hacienda Grove (a little-noticed turn off East Coast Road). This is a low-density area, and it's far enough from the lifestyle stretch (the Katong area) that it avoids traffic and noise.

From the project down to Siglap Centre, you'll find many eateries from Japanese Izakayas to steakhouses; and there's an NTUC FairPrice roughly six minutes down the road. A little further down is Siglap Centre, across from which you'll find a Cold Storage.

The Hacienda is also more conveniently located than it looks. If you hop on bus 14 right outside this project, for example, it will take you straight to the Joo Chiat/Katong area in a few stops; this area has i12 Katong (a mall just across from Parkway Parade), and a long stretch of family-friendly bars and diners.

The upcoming Marine Parade MRT station (TEL) is just across from i12 Katong and in front of Parkway Parade; so some might count this as a viable bus connection to the MRT.

2. Valley Mansion

Location: Oxley Road (District 9)

Developer: –

Lease: Freehold

Completion: 1970

Number of units: 50

If you absolutely must live near Orchard, but still want a freehold home, and your budget is tight, Valley Mansion is one of the few viable choices. This 50-unit project is a remnant from 1970, making it one of the oldest properties we've seen, even among freehold projects.

The aesthetics aren't great, and the façade is dated. At first glance, it looks more like public than private housing. Given its age, you have no facilities to speak of. There's no security, it's a completely open-air car park, and there are no lifts either so you have to walk up — which is why the maintenance costs here can be kept low.

Nonetheless, Valley Mansion has a reasonably convenient location along Oxley Road.

You can get to Orchard Central on foot in about seven minutes from this apartment, and this mall is connected to Somerset MRT station (NSL). This is within the heart of the Orchard shopping belt, so just about every retail and food amenity you need is nearby.

Alternatively, you can walk to UE Square in about nine minutes. Apart from being a mall, the Fort Canning MRT station (DTL) is just across from UE Square. This means residents have foot access to two different train lines.

For something nearer, you can also take a short walk to the Killiney Road area, where there is a 24-hour NTUC along with several eateries along the road (some of which are open till the wee hours).

There have been talks of en bloc at this freehold apartment given the location, but this has been hampered by the low plot ratio and LKY's former home at Oxley Road.

He mentioned in his book that he hoped that his home would be demolished, which could help with changing the planning rules and bringing the land value of the area up — but as of yet, there have been no concrete plans as to what might happen. The piece of land next to Valley Mansion is owned by Far East Organisation (where it's been used as a show flat, the last of which was Parksuites). So there could be further interest here, in the future.

There hasn't been a transaction here in a long time; the last was back in February 2020, when a 1,141 sq ft unit transacted at a mere $1.015 million. While it's almost certain to be higher today, it's still likely to be a rare affordable choice in Orchard.

3. Kim Sia Court

Location: Jalan Jintan (District 9)

Developer: –

Lease: Freehold

Completion: 1970

Number of units: 172

One of the best-located freehold properties in Orchard, Kim Sia Court has sometimes been forgotten that it's still around. This small apartment project, close to the junction of Jalan Jintan and Nutmeg Road, is just behind Scott's Square (where you can get easy access to from the back, there's an NTUC Finest right here).

This is toward the "older" end of Orchard Road, where you'll find venerable malls like Far East Plaza, Lido, and Tangs. But that doesn't change the fact that residents have the best amenities on their doorstep. The Orchard Road MRT station (NSL, TEL) can be reached in around five to six minutes on foot.

Kim Sia Court does see relatively frequent transactions, with 1,400+ sq ft units transacting at just over $3 million in 2023. While that's pricey by mass market standards, we should say again that this project is situated within the Orchard shopping belt. For units of that size, $3 million is likely going to be as cheap as it gets.

From word on the ground there, there is one potential downside: a former tenant in the area claims some of the other residents are… ahem workers at Orchard Towers, although they never come back there with clients. In any case, entertainment licenses at Orchard Towers are not being renewed, so this issue will likely resolve itself soon.

Nevertheless, we've heard of a number of people who have bought a unit here specifically to wait for an en-bloc opportunity. The issue is the current prices it's already transacting at in the resale market — it's going to take a big offer to tempt sellers to move.

4. Kum Hing Court

Location: Tomlinson Road (District 10)

Developer: –

Lease: Freehold

Completion: 1990

Number of units: 112

Kum Hing Court is close to the new Orchard Boulevard MRT station (TEL), which is just one stop away from Orchard MRT (NSL, TEL). It’s roughly a six-to-seven-minute walk from the development.

This area, which is between the main shopping belt and Tanglin, is ideal for those who want privacy. You’re close to Orchard, but far away from the traffic and crowds. These apartments are also appealing to those who would trade facilities for space. Unit sizes can get to upward of 1,600 sq ft, making them very spacious for larger families.

Being closer to Tanglin, the nearest retail is Tanglin Mall, which is around a seven-minute walk. This mall has day-to-day stores like Cold Storage; so if you need to live near Orchard, but hate having to walk in Orchard Road traffic, this apartment may fit the bill.

From word on the ground, one realtor tells us the management has set up a small gym (although other facilities are still absent).

This is opposite the former Park House, which has since gone en-bloc and redeveloped into the ultra-luxurious Park Nova. Those hoping for a collective sale soon should note that Orchard Bel-Air has struggled to find a buyer for its collective sale ambitions. Along with the yet-to-sell-out Cuscaden Reserve, and 3 Orchard-by-the-Park (plus the upcoming Orchard Boulevard GLS site), means that buyers have a lot of options here.

5. Botanic Gardens View

Location: Taman Serasi (District 10)

Developer: –

Lease: Freehold

Completion: 1970

Number of units: 144

Botanic Gardens View has got very basic facilities, but makes up for it with the location. This small project (144 units spread out over four blocks) is situated along Cluny Road. Right across the road, as the name implies, is the Singapore Botanical Gardens. The closest entry point is the Tanglin gate.

Despite being in a landed enclave, public transport is available. Napier MRT (TEL) is just four minutes away; and this station is just one stop from Orchard Boulevard MRT. This is a best-of-both-worlds scenario, where residents have both the greenery of the botanical gardens, as well as easy access to the Orchard belt.

One potential rough spot, however, is the presence of Gleneagles Hospital nearby (around five to six minutes on foot). While we feel it’s far enough to avoid siren noises, buyers who have taboos may prefer to be situated further away.

This is a nearly identical project to the Botanic Gardens Mansion (just across the road). Neither have facilities to speak of, with a smattering of sheltered car park lots and security being the only frills that are available. This is one of those developments that the location is by far the biggest draw.

ALSO READ: 32 cheapest resale condos you can buy for $800 psf or less in 2022/23

This article was first published in Stackedhomes.