Freehold properties are arguably one of the more popular options for long-term buys in real estate. Besides offering considerably larger-sized units than newer developments, older freehold condominiums, in particular, have good possibilities for capital gains and maybe even en bloc potential. That’s what makes them attractive to families who wish to secure a safer future for their loved ones. So, what else do parents look for when selecting a property for their family?
“Each family’s requirements vary due to different needs. Besides size and space, location is always the top criteria that buyers/parents generally look out for: whether it’s near choice schools, accessibility to public transport such as MRT lines, and nearby amenities,” says Zee Chia, Senior Marketing Manager, ERA.
Here are eight family-friendly freehold condos in prime areas that match these criteria.
Older developments tend to be popular with families due to their spaciousness and Regency Park is one such fave. The 292 unit-development in District 10, which launched in the 1980s, features 3- and 4-bedroom and penthouse units ranging from 2,228 sqft to 6415 sqft. Facilities include a swimming pool, squash court, BBQ pits, gym and clubhouse. The condo is ensconced within a peaceful and tranquil environment along Nathan Road with lush greenery all round, while Great World City and Tanglin Mall are just a short drive away. International School Singapore (ISS) and Orchard MRT are within a 1km radius.
Built in the 1990s, The Morningside is a 79-unit condo in District 9 comprised of 3- and 4-bedroom units plus penthouses and maisonettes from 1259 sqft to 3519 sqft. The 25-storey development features full condo facilities including a playground, swimming and wading pools, tennis and squash courts, BBQ pits and gym. The nearest schools within 1km are River Valley Primary School, Overseas Family School (OFS), and Chatsworth International School (Orchard Campus) accessed via nearest MRT stations: Somerset, Orchard and Dhoby Ghaut. A host of amenities including Great World City, Fort Canning Park and Fort Canning Country Club are just minutes away by car.
This 70-unit development located on the prized Fifth Avenue in District 10 was also completed in the 1990s. The 4-storey condo has studio and 2- to 4-bedroom units of up to 2217 sqft, and there’s a swimming pool, playground, gym and BBQ pits to keep the kids and family entertained. Elite schools located in the vicinity include Nanyang Girls' School, Hwa Chong International School within 1km and Raffles Girls' Primary School (1.24 km). The condo is also within walking distance from the stretch of restaurants along Bukit Timah Road while Holland Village and Turf City are also fairly close by. The nearest MRT station, Sixth Avenue, is within walking distance.
Another District 10 development built in the ’80s, the 5-storey Tanglin Park houses 274 apartments comprised of 2- to 4-bedroom units ranging from 1022 sqft to 2066 sqft. Facilities include a swimming pool, BBQ pits, gym, tennis and squash courts, sauna, and playground. Crescent Girls’ School and ISS International School are a short drive away, as are nearby amenities such as the Orchard Road shopping district, Singapore Botanic Gardens and Gleneagles Medical Centre. Its nearest MRT station is Redhill.
Built in 1990, Astrid Meadows features a mix of studio and 2- to 4-bedroom units with penthouses of up to 6695 sqft that’s perfect for larger families. The 208-unit development in District 10 comes with a host of condo facilities including a swimming pool, gym, tennis courts, sauna, playground and multi-purpose hall for functions. The condo is a short drive to Beauty World Plaza and Bukit Timah Plaza, with several schools such as Hwa Chong International School and Henry Park Primary School in the vicinity. Holland Village and Sixth Avenue MRT stations are nearby.
Location is certainly one of the prized attributes of this 40-unit condo in District 10. It’s within 1km of prestigious schools such as Raffles Girls' Secondary School, Chinese International School Singapore and Chinese International School. Singapore Chinese Girls' Primary School and Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Rd) are also in the vicinity. Several MRT stations are nearby including Stevens, Newton and Orchard, providing easy access to the Orchard Road shopping belt and other amenities nearby. The 8-storey condo, completed in 2000, features 3- and 4-bedroom apartments and penthouses of 1786 sqft to 2884 sqft. Full condo facilities include BBQ pits, a gym, playground, sauna, swimming pool and tennis courts.
For those who prefer a more modern environment and newer facilities, there’s Nathan Suites, which launched in 2014. The 65-unit, 24-storey condo in District 10 features sizeable units of up to 4812 sqft for a 4-bedroom penthouse. There are a host of facilities including lap, hydrotherapy and splash pools, yoga and suntan decks, barbecue pavilion, indoor gym, outdoor fitness corner, playground and feature gardens. Many prestigious schools are situated nearby, including Anglo Chinese School (Junior/Primary), St Joseph’s Institution Junior, Raffles Girls’ Secondary School, and Overseas Family School. For convenience and leisure, the many malls of Orchard Road are within walking distance, with the nearest MRT station being Orchard.
Just launched earlier this year, the 76-unit, 10-storey Lloyd SixtyFive represents the epitome of luxury in District 9, characterised by especially high ceilings of up to 6m, and spacious 1- to 4- bedroom apartments of up to 6,620 sqft, including attic and loft configurations. Facilities include swimming and children’s pools, steam room, Jacuzzi, BBQ area, and gym. Its prime location in the Orchard area is attractive yet the development itself sits away from the hustle and bustle of the shopping district, affording residents both the convenience and exclusivity. Nearby schools include River Valley Primary School, Chatsworth International School (Orchard Campus), and Overseas Family School.