Special Feature

eCO Townhouses - Best of both worlds

By eCO Townhouses

/ Brought to you by Far East Organization |

November 7, 2016 2:23 PM SGT

Final 9 units for sale, from $2.98 million

Townhouses fronting the swimming pool

For those who want to live in a landed home but enjoy the privileges of a gated community and condominium facilities at their doorstep, the answer is a townhouse. However, since April 2012, strata landed homes developed within condominium projects have been disallowed by the government. This has led to a scarcity of such units, which have proven to be extremely popular with foreign buyers.

Some of the new projects that had secured permission prior to the new ruling included Far East Organization’s 416-unit Hillsta in Choa Chu Kang, with 20 strata-landed townhouses; the 338-unit Seahill in West Coast Link, with 18 such strata townhouses; and the 748-unit eCO in Tanah Merah in the east, with 34 strata townhouses.

Townhouses of eCO facing Tanah Merah Kechil Road South

Scarcity, value-for-money

The number of strata terraced house (including townhouse) transactions this year has risen relative to the last two years. From January to October, the number of strata terraced houses sold totalled 119, which is already higher than the 116 sold for the whole of 2015 and the 100 units sold in 2014, based on caveats lodged.

Year to date, a total of 668 terraced houses – both landed and strata - were sold, compared to 673 (in 2015) and 570 (in 2014). The proportion of strata terraced houses sold relative to the total terraced hoe segment is 18%, which is on a par with 17% in 2015 and 18% in 2014.

It is reflection of the value that home buyers see in strata landed homes. At the peak of the market in 2011, the number of strata terraced houses sold totalled 575, and accounted for 26% of all terraced house transactions that year. Even in 2013, while the number of strata terraced houses sold fell to 575, they still made up 25% of all terraced house transactions.

Timbered walkway set amid mature trees on the borders of eCO leading to the townhouses

Best-selling strata terraced development

Year to date, eCO has achieved the highest sales of all projects with strata terraced houses or townhouses, according to caveats lodged as of November 3. Most of the townhouses were snapped up in the past two months. Market observers reckon it’s owing to their attractive prices below $1,000 psf relative to new 99-year leasehold private condos in the vicinity, which are trading in the range of $1,200 to $1,600 psf.

Located along Bedok South Avenue 3, a road lined with mature rain trees, the project is a joint development by Far East Organization, Frasers Centrepoint and Sekisui House. An innovative development concept by Far East Organization, the project offers five different residential types - condominiums, lofts, SOHOs, suites and townhouses – designed to suit a wide spectrum of lifestyles. Befitting its name and the theme of “a community in a garden”, eCO is designed such that every unit looks out to swimming pools, water features and landscaped gardens.

The townhouses at eCO are set within their own private sanctuary on elevated ground, amid conserved mature trees that were once part of a forested area. Townhouse residents will therefore enjoy a tranquil setting, surrounded by mature trees, chirping birds and butterflies. To maximise residents’ enjoyment and appreciation of nature, the developer has created landscaped, timber decked walkways and pavilions set amid lush greenery.

A panoramic view of Limau Estate and eCO townhouses

Luxury condo amenities

Each townhouse is designed with a private pool deck leading directly to the swimming pool. With four levels including the roof terrace, each townhouse contains four bedrooms, which is ideal for multi-generational families. They are fitted with kitchen and bathroom appliances and accessories similar to those of luxury condominiums. The strata floor area ranges from 3,563 to 3,854 sq ft.

Given their perch well above street level, the townhouses enjoy an uninterrupted panoramic view of Limau Estate - an established landed housing neighbourhood - from the roof terraces. Beyond the facilities and lush setting, there’s also the convenience of the location. A side gate and footpath for residents of eCO leads to the Tanah Merah MRT Interchange Station and another footpath leads to the bus stop. In the vicinity are popular neighbourhood schools, Temasek Primary and Temasek Secondary, as well as top schools like Anglican High and Temasek Junior College.

The project is expected to be completed by 1Q2017, so home buyers can expect to move in shortly. eCO is one of the last few, limited edition developments in which non-Singaporeans are eligible to purchase townhouses without having to get approval from the Singapore Land Dealings Approval Unit. Only 9 townhouses are available for sale, and these are priced from $2.98 million or $829 psf.

Townhouses at Hillsta are also available for sale, and are priced from $910 psf.