To property investors who are just looking to rent out the space, the freehold vs leasehold tug-of-war may not be as relevant. After all, leasehold condo units are usually cheaper, yet can fetch the same rental yield (tenants don’t care about lease!). Leasehold condos also seem to have better appreciation since they can be bought for less. However, when it comes to buying a home to actually live in, most buyers tend to favour freehold condo properties.
Since freehold properties do not have the problem of a decaying lease, they have better resale value, which can also mean a better pay out if and when there’s en bloc interest. Given the ever-rising prices of property in Singapore, many parents also hope they can pass down their freehold properties to their children in future. The trouble is that most freehold condos come at a premium — their initial sale price generally about 10% to 15% higher than their leasehold counterparts.
Freehold vs Leasehold Condos In Singapore – Which Is Better?
Read more here.
That said, we’re here to share good news that freehold condos need not necessarily be out of reach, especially if you know where to look (ahem, PropertyGuru, obviously…)! In another article, we compiled a list of freehold condo units with price tags of $600,000 and under. Those are mostly one-bedder and/or studio apartments that are more suitable for singles and newly-wed couples who haven’t yet started their own family.
For those of you with a few kids and/or would prefer a wee bit more space, here’s a list of 10 freehold condos with 3-bedroom units under $1 million.
10 Freehold Condos With 3-Bedroom Units Under $1M
Note: The following 10 freehold (and 999-year leasehold) condos were shortlisted from property listings on PropertyGuru, based on asking prices for 3-bedroom units.
1. Canberlin Apartments
Canberlin Apartments is another freehold condo located in Geylang. It features all the perks of being in District 14, but with more value: The cheapest listing is currently $998,000 for a spacious 1,152 sq ft. That’s big enough to fit quite a few family members! For some perspective, 1,152 sq ft is comparable to the size of an HDB 5-room flat.
Canberlin Apartments prices
| Date | Last transacted price for 3 BR units |
| Nov 2020 | $850,000 |
| Sep 2020 | $778,000 |
| Apr 2017 | $898,000 |
| Apr 2017 | $780,000 |
About Canberlin Apartments
- District: 14
- Price: $998,000 – $1,280,000
- Floor area of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: 1,152 sq ft
- Price of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: $998,000
- Year of Completion: 2002
Canberlin Apartment facilities
Perhaps the only downside of Canberlin Apartments is that it does not have the usual frills
that come with a condo home (no swimming pools, fitness gyms, etc).
Canberlin Apartment nearby amenities
- Aljunied MRT
- 126 Dim Sum
- No Signboard Seafood At Geylang
- Kallang Estate Market
- Old Airport Road Hawker Centre
- Tanjong Rhu Pau & Confectionery
- JB Ah Meng Restaurant
- Ah Hung D24 Sultan Durian
- Kong Hwa School
- Geylang East Public Library
2. Floraville
Floraville is an independent freehold condo development that offers a 3-bedroom unit below the $1 million mark. While Floraville residents can’t claim to have shops and restaurants at the foot of their homes, they can pop over to the shops and restaurants at the neighbouring Flora View development. We say that’s convenient enough!
Floraville condo prices
| Date | Last transacted price for 3 BR units |
| Jan 2017 | $910,000 |
| Dec 2016 | $888,000 |
| Nov 2016 | $1,170,000 |
About Floraville condo
- District: 28
- Price: $629,999 – $1,350,000
- Floor area of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: 797 sq ft
- Price of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: $980,000
- Year of Completion: 2018
Floraville condo facilities
- Swimming Pool
- BBQ Pavilion
- Jacuzzi
- Gym
- Wading Pool
- and more
Floraville condo nearby amenities
- Kinderland Child Care
- Singapore Technologies Electronics Limited
- Oh Aik Guan Food Industrial Pte Ltd
- Ncs Medical Clinic
- Uncle Teochew Xo Fish Soup
- Indian Banana Leaf Restaurant
3. Sembawang Cottage
Situated at Sembawang Road, Sembawang Cottage is a 20-unit freehold condo development in District 27. The 3-bedroom unit size is 1,195 sq ft, which, compared to others that average 700 sq ft, is quite generous for under $1 million.
Convenience-wise, Sembawang Cottage is located just five bus stops away from the nearest Yishun MRT station. It is also a short distance away from the nearest Chong Pang Market & Food Centre and Chong Pang Community Club where you can fulfill all your groceries and recreational needs. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Sembawang/Canberra is an up-and-coming area with many new developments planned for the years ahead.
Sembawang Cottage condo prices
| Date | Last transacted price for 3 BR units |
| Jun 2020 | $900,000 |
| Mar 2019 | $1,100,000 |
| Jul 2017 | $1,117,000 |
Looking back, the past years’ prices seem to be slightly higher, crossing $1.1 million. The last transacted price in June 2020 was $900,000 though, which is well within our budget for this article.
About Sembawang Cottage
- District: 27
- Price: $950,000 – $1,499,000
- Floor area of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: 1,195 sq ft
- Price of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: $950,000
- Year of Completion: 1998
Sembawang Cottage condo facilities
- Mini-mart
Sembawang Cottage nearby amenities
- McDonald’s Yishun
- Chong Pang Nasi Lemak
- Yishun Secondary School
- Naval Base Secondary School
- Yishun Innova JC
- Yishun ActiveSG Swimming Complex
- Northpoint City
- Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
- Yishun Community Hospital
- Chong Pang Market & Food Centre
- Yishun MRT
4. Central Imperial
Central Imperial is centrally located at Lorong 14 Geylang, and sports 63 units spread across 8 storeys. Completed in 2015, it’s relatively new, so the prices for a 3-bedder are value-for-money and well within our $1 million budget. The freehold condo also boasts good transport links — Aljunied MRT Station is just 750m away (10 minutes’ walk), with several bus stops in the vicinity. For those who drive, it’s a breeze, as main roads such as Geylang Road and Sims Avenue are close by.
Central Imperial condo prices
| Date | Last transacted price for 3BR units |
| May 2019 | $748,000 |
| Mar 2019 | $660,000 |
| Dec 2018 | $642,000 |
| Dec 2017 | $818,000 |
Based on historical transaction prices, Central Imperial remains an affordable choice for families who want the convenience of amenities yet have their own private space. At $800,000 for the cheapest 3-bedder, there’s ample budget leftover for renovation.
About Central Imperial
- District: 14
- Price: $800,000 – $933,300
- Floor area of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: 743 sq ft
- Price of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: $800,000
- Year of completion: 2015
Central Imperial condo facilities
- Swimming pool with pool deck
- Gymnasium
Central Imperial nearby amenities
- Aljunied MRT Station
- Mountbatten MRT Station
- Kallang MRT Station
- Mohd Salleh Mosque
- Eminent Frog Porridge
- Shuang Shun Chicken Rice
- Golden Jade Restaurant
- Happy Seafood Village Pte Ltd
- Victory Life Christian School
- One World International School (OWIS)
- Geylang Methodist School
- Singapore School for the Deaf
- The Little Skool House – Mountbatten
- White Lodge Kindergarten East Coast
- Guillemard Village
- Hao Mart Pte Ltd
5. Natura @ Hillview
For those who dream of living near nature, Natura @ Hillview is one freehold condo to consider. Sporting 193 units, it was completed in 2016 so this makes it relatively new. While the developer, Mequity (Hillview) Pte Ltd, is a small real estate company, it has a track record of having constructed 2 other real estate projects in Singapore. The 3-bedroom units are a compact 721 sq ft, but they aren’t the smallest in the market (there are 600 sq ft 3BR units in other developments) — so rest assured your growing family can still enjoy space for activities at the dual balconies and sufficient privacy.
Natura @ Hillview condo prices
| Date | Last transacted price for 3 BR units |
| N/A | N/A |
There is insufficient transaction data to draw any pricing conclusions as of yet.
About Natura @ Hillview
- District: 23
- Price: $628,000 – $1,450,000
- Floor area of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: 721 sq ft
- Price of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: $968,000
- Year of completion: 2016
Natura @ Hillview condo facilities
- Lap pool
- Jogging track
- Bbq pit
- Beach pool
- Children’s playground
- Fitness corner/outdoor gym
- And more
Natura @ Hillview nearby amenities
- Ah Hwa Roasted Noodle House
- Chin Choon Prawn Noodle
- The Jolly Roger
- Chef Chicken Rice
- Syed Shah Mohamed Waseef Indian Muslim Food
- Hillgrove Secondary School
- Keming Primary School
- Lianhua Primary School
- IMAN Childcare Pte Ltd
- Family Medical Clinic Pte Ltd
- Neighborhood Dental Surgery
- Giant Express Bukit Batok East Avenue 3
6. Dahlia Park Condo
Dahlia Park Condo is a spacious freehold condominium development that is located at Flora Drive in the east side of Singapore that was completed in 2004. It has a total of 299 eight-storey units and residents have access to many nearby shops and amenities. While you may not have heard of its developer, Tripartite Developers Pte Limited, you would probably have heard of its parent company, Hong Leong Ltd.
Dahlia Park Condo prices
| Date | Last transacted price for 3 BR units |
| May 2020 | $950,000 |
| Nov 2019 | $930,000 |
| Apr 2019 | $1,300,000 |
| Feb 2019 | $1,030,000 |
With prices hovering around and over the $1 million mark, finding a unit below $1 million is quite a steal for this spacious Dahlia Park Condo unit.
About Dahlia Park Condo
- District: 17
- Price: $920,000 – $1,400,000
- Floor area of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: 1,066 sq ft
- Price of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: $970,000
- Year of completion: 2004
Dahlia Park Condo facilities
- Barbeque area
- Clubhouse
- Playground
- Swimming pool
- Fitness corner
- Tennis courts
Dahlia Park Condo nearby amenities
- Changi Village Food Centre
- Changi Airport
- East Spring Primary/Secondary School
- The Japanese School Singapore Changi Campus
- White Sands Primary School
- Claypot House Restaurant
- Adi’s Seafood Restaurant
- Changi Medical Centre
- Tampines Mart Wet Market
- Sheng Siong
- Giant Supermarket
6. Crystal Lodge
Crystal Lodge is yet another freehold condo project in the central Geylang area. This project comprises 26 residential units spread across a high-rise building. Although it lacks condo facilities, the units, over 1,000 sq ft, are spacious, and those who prefer even larger layouts can also opt for the 5-bedroom penthouse suite (if available). For the price, it’s good value-for-money with convenient amenities, ample living space, and a quick trip to the downtown core or city… not to mention the varied food options nearby.
Crystal Lodge condo prices
| Date | Last transacted price for 3 BR units |
| Dec 2017 | $780,000 |
It’s a given that prices of a 3-bedder condo unit at Crystal Lodge have appreciated since December 2017. This shows Geylang’s rising strength as a central location, and the numbers are proving that its star power as an area for good eats is outshining its once-seedy reputation.
About Crystal Lodge
- District: 14
- Price: $998,000 – $1,300,000
- Floor area of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: 1,141 sq ft
- Price of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: $998,000
- Year of completion: 2001
Crystal Lodge condo facilities
- Covered car park
- 24-hour security
Crystal Lodge nearby amenities
- Aljunied MRT Station
- Mountbatten MRT Station
- Geylang East Public library
- Geylang River
- Geylang playground
- Geylang Sports and Recreation Centre
- Singapore Badminton Hall
- Long Beach King Seafood
- Geylang Methodist School
- Broadrick Secondary school
- Farrer Park Hospital
- Cassia Clinic & Surgery
- Guillemard Village
- KINEX Mall
- Tanjong Katong Complex
8. The Gale
The Gale is a freehold development located in the east of Singapore, about 15-minutes’ bus ride to Tampines MRT Station on the East-West Line or 10-minutes’ bus ride to Tampines East MRT Station on the Downtown Line. It’s also really close to Changi Airport for more retail and dining options. The development has 329 units and was recently completed in 2014.
The Gale condo prices
| Date | Last transacted price for 3 BR units |
| Jan 2021 | $1,370,000 |
| Oct 2020 | $1,600,000 |
| Oct 2020 | $1,380,000 |
| Sep 2020 | $1,420,000 |
| Sep 2020 | $1,420,000 |
| Sep 2020 | $968,000 |
| Mar 2020 | $1,350,000 |
Getting a 3-bedroom unit just shy of $1 million at The Gale is a steal indeed, given its recent selling prices way over $1 million.
About The Gale
- District: 17
- Price: $769,000 – $1,849,000
- Floor area of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: 1,012 sq ft
- Price of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: $999,000
- Year of completion: 2014
The Gale condo facilities
- Swimming pool
- Spa pool
- Basketball court
- Gym
- Lap pool
- Tennis courts
- BBQ pits
- And more
The Gale nearby amenities
- Tampines MRT Station
- Tampines East MRT Station
- Changi Airport
- Changi Village
- Changi Chapel & Museum
- Changi Golf Club
- Tampines Junior College
- Ngee Ann Secondary School
- Greenview Secondary School
- Tampines Mart
- Loyang Point
9. JLB Residences
Located in Loyang (D18), the 999-year leasehold JLB Residences is almost as good as a freehold property. It’s almost like a resort, as the condo is a boutique development with only 36 units and boasts the tranquility of sea-front living and the thrill of being close to nature. For those who prefer to be closer to the action, it’s walking distance to D’Resort @ Downtown East and a short bus ride to Pasir Ris MRT and White Sands shopping mall.
JLB Residences condo prices
| Date | Last transacted price for 3 BR units |
| N/A | N/A |
Transaction data is unavailable, but for those who enjoy the exclusivity of this 36-unit development that’s close to the seafront and green spaces, it’s a steal for the spacious 958 sq ft of living space.
About JLB Residences
- District: 17
- Price: $820,000 – $1,030,000
- Floor area of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: 958 sq ft
- Price of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: $999,958
- Year of completion: 2008
JLB Residences condo facilities
- Fitness corner
- Swimming pool with pool deck
- Bbq facilities
- Gym
- Playground
JLB Residences nearby amenities
- Pasir Ris MRT station
- Pasir Ris Park
- Maze Garden
- Changi Boardwalk
- Wild Wild Wet
- White Sands mall
- Loyang Point
- D’Resort @ Downtown East
- Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School
- Pasir Ris Primary School
- Hai Sing Catholic School
- Pasir Ris Primary School
- Elias Park Primary School
- FairPrice @ Downtown East
- Melben Seafood Restaurant
- Raffles Medical (White Sands)
10. Sunflower Residence
Sunflower Residence is a freehold condominium situated at Lorong 32 Geylang. At just 20 residential units spanning across 7 storeys, the development is considered to be a small-scale project. Despite the exclusive and quiet living area, the location is surrounded by many amenities to meet the daily requirements of the residents living in the area such as banks, supermarkets, clinics and so on. Geylang is also centrally located in Singapore, so it’s convenient to travel to all corners of the island.
Sunflower Residence condo prices
| Date | Last transacted price for 3 BR units |
| Apr 2019 | $948,000 |
| Mar 2019 | $920,000 |
| Apr 2018 | $938,000 |
| Jul 2016 | $800,000 |
About Sunflower Residence
- District: 14
- Price: $980,000
- Floor area of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: 1,011 sq ft
- Price of cheapest 3-bedroom unit: $980,000
- Year of completion: 2001
Sunflower Residence condo facilities
- Parking
- Security
Sunflower Residence nearby amenities
- Dakota MRT
- Aljunied MRT
- Mountbatten MRT
- James Cook University
- Kong Hwa School
- Geylang Methodist School (primary)
- Tanjong Katong Primary School
- Geylang Bahru Industrial Estate
- Kampong Ubi Industrial Estate
- Paya Ubi Industrial Park
- Kallang Basin Industrial Estate
- NTUC Fairprice (Geylang Lorong 38)
- NTUC Fairprice (Jalan Tiga)
- Giant (Aljunied Avenue 2)
- City Plaza
- One KM mall
- Paya Lebar Square
As seen in this list, it’s very possible to buy a reasonably spacious freehold condo unit even with a $1 million budget. Granted, they may not be in the central region or right next to the MRT station, but most of them are at least within walking distance of some dining options and essential provision shops. Plus, since the government is ramping up plans to develop non-mature estates like Sembawang (just look at Canberra), you can bet that even if it’s not near an MRT now, it probably will be in future — and that means an uplift in property value, which is definitely good news.
Alternatively, if you "die-die" want a freehold condo unit that’s closer to a train station, you can check out these 14 freehold properties that are within 500m from the EWL or 10 Lucky Condos to Benefit from Cross Island Line MRT (phase 1).
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