Best Value Freehold Launches

[CSH]

If you are a die-hard freehold fan, the good news is that there are a few such launches currently, or coming up: Jui Residences at Boon Keng, Arena Residences at Guillemard, The Addition at Potong Pasir, The Ramford at Joo Chiat, 10 Evelyn at the Newton / Novena area.

Most of them (with the possible exception of 10 Evelyn) are priced competitively, with an eye to current market constraints. But the one with the most stand-out value is possibly Arena Residences. I say this because it's got almost everything going for it.

Besides its freehold tenure, it is located on the city fringe, in fact within 10 minutes drive of the city centre. Diagonally across from the Arena Residence, in fact within walking distance, is the Kallang Stadium and Sports Hub area. There're plenty of food and shopping outlets there.

Jui Residences pricing is similar to what Arena Residences will launch at. Around $1,7xx PSF, which is about that of similarly located 99 year leasehold launches, so the pricing for these two looks good. But Arena enjoys one advantage over Jui in that it is nearer to an MRT station.

The biggest drawback that Jui Residences faces is that the nearest MRT station to it is Potong Pasir station, which on paper is a 9 minute walk. But in reality at least 11 minutes as you have to cross a busy messy traffic junction, not a pleasant experience.

Whereas the nearest MRT station to Arena Residence is the Mountbatten station, which is about 6 minutes walk, cutting under some HDB flats in between. So the route is partly sheltered.

The Addition is nearer to an MRT station, but it is a small development, only 26 units, so has less facilities. All its units have open plan kitchens, which might not appeal to everyone.

There is one drawback to Arena Residence however. The unit areas are rather small, like those at The Addition. Even the 3 bedroom unit doesn't cross 900 sq ft. The space planning is quite efficient, but it inevitably feels a bit tight. In that sense, Jui Residences is better, especially the largest 3 bedroom unit there.

The Arena Residences showflat is located at Kallang Leisure Park, and will only show a 3 bedroom unit. Prices will start from $970K for a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom unit. And the best part is that high level units, as well as the rooftop Sky Terrace, will get to see the fireworks displays on National Day!