Special Feature

Orchard Sophia: A gem in the heart of transformations from Orchard to Rochor

/ EdgeProp Singapore |

September 29, 2024 6:00 AM SGT

Orchard Sophia, a luxury boutique development, is slated to be completed by the end of next year (Photo: DB2)

The luxurious freehold Orchard Sophia tucked in the serene enclave of prime District 9 is strategically poised to benefit from the major transformations taking place between Orchard and Rochor. Its excellent locality has already attracted discerning buyers in the boutique development market.

Since its launch in August last year, more than half of its 78 units have been snapped up. The exclusive hilltop sanctuary on 128 Sophia Road features units which have been functionally and efficiently designed, with one-bedders ranging from 441 to 484 sq ft, and two-bedders of 581 to 710 sq ft. It also has 3 three-bedders of 764 sq ft and 5 three-bedroom dual-key units of 829 to 840 sq ft. Units have been sold at an average price starting from $2,850 psf.

Only the two-bedders, which form the majority of the unit mix, are still available for sale. With its one- and three-bedders completely sold out, Orchard Sophia has become a prominent choice among buyers looking for an exclusive abode in the heart of prime District 9, Rochor.

The rooftop al fresco dining boasting picturesque views of the city skyline (Photo: DB2)

Orchard Sophia capitalises on its tranquil, serene and elevated site by curating and designing the majority of its facilities and amenities on its rooftop, offering residents an unblocked, panoramic view of the city skyline in the horizon. Facilities include a spa pool, outdoor fitness, alfresco dining and a bar for entertaining guests.

Orchard Sophia is less than 1km from many educational institutions, such as the School of the Arts Singapore, St Margaret’s Primary School, and Anglo-Chinese School (Junior). Parents can spend quality time with their children over the weekends at many educational places and places of interest, such as the National Museum of Singapore and the historical Fort Canning Park.

Residents of Orchard Sophia will be close to a plethora of F&B options, amenities and retail outlets offering endless discovery. These include Plaza Singapura and The Cathay, both a brisk 5-minute walk away. Residents can also head over to the bustling Orchard Road and Bugis areas and be spoilt for choice with everything they have to offer. Bencoolen and Dhoby Ghaut MRT Stations are both a stone’s throw away, connecting them to other parts of the island with utmost ease.

Strategic location with attractive price tag

With Orchard Sophia’s location at the crossroads of two iconic districts, Orchard Road and Rochor, the exclusive development stands to benefit from the ongoing transformations on both sides.

The world-class shopping belt Orchard Road is undergoing a rejuvenation. This includes the redevelopment of Faber House on 51 Faber Green from an eight-storey office building to a 200-key hotel. The hotel will include a bank, an urban verandah, F&B establishments and a rooftop bar, and is slated to open in 2026.

Various collective sales in the area are also underway, signalling potential change and refurbishment of these properties, such as the freehold United House office building at 20 Kramat Lane, and the Singapore Shopping Centre at 190 Clemenceau Avenue.

Plans have been made to accommodate higher foot traffic. The Istana Park is undergoing expansion to about three times its original size at 1.3ha, while a 500m stretch of Orchard Road is being pedestrianised to make room for more recreational options and build a car-free environment. These upgrading works are expected to begin in 2025.

Residents can enjoy swimming under the stars at the rooftop pool surrounded with soothing greenery (Photo: DB2)

Meanwhile, Rochor is seeing rapid growth of new developments, including the exciting 558-unit Midtown Modern and 219-unit luxury Midtown Bay. Both are part of the mega integrated mixed-use development Guoco Midtown, which features 770,000 sq ft of Grade-A office space, an 80,000 sq ft business and lifestyle hub, and 50,000 sq ft of retail spaces, all of which have been fully taken up.

Along the same stretch as Guoco Midtown on Beach Road, the redevelopment of the former Shaw Tower is expected to be completed in 2025. The mixed-use development, which includes 435,000 sq ft of Grade-A office space and a five-storey podium with 15,700 sq ft of retail space, will definitely drive growth, vibrancy and a potentially bigger tenant pool.

The slew of new housing units from Midtown Modern and Midtown Bay will guarantee high footfall for the retail units in the area and keep the district lively and vibrant. In the past three months, units at both developments have exceeded $3,000 psf.

Based on recent caveats lodged, the transactions at the 99-year leasehold Midtown Modern have ranged between $3,135 psf and $3,698 psf with an average price of $3,463 psf. At Midtown Bay, the sole transaction within the past three months was for a 753 sq ft, two-bedder that fetched $2.34 million, or $3,090 psf, on Sept 4.

In comparison, units sold at Orchard Sophia were transacted at an average price of about $2,823 psf, with prices between $2,758 psf and $2,918 psf. The available units are also offered at a reasonable average price of $2,900 psf.

The sweet pricing spot presents a rare opportunity for savvy buyers to invest in a freehold property that sits between two districts brimming with potential. The ripple effect of developments in Orchard Road and Rochor area are expected to drive property value appreciation in the near future.

Leveraging on its strategic location and freehold tenure, coupled with the transformation of the surrounding areas, investors looking at Orchard Sophia are poised to benefit with rental demand coming from the bulk of tenants flowing from the offices in the CBD, Guoco Midtown, Suntec and overseas students of the nearby institutions, notably Singapore Management University, School of the Arts Singapore, LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the Kaplan city campus.

Transformations in Sophia Road

Future residents of Orchard Sophia will enjoy front row seats to the major transformations currently underway. Right at the development’s doorstep will be redevelopment of the former Peace Centre and Peace Centre, which was sold via a $650 million collective sale to a joint venture by Chip Eng Seng, SingHaiyi and KSH.

The 47-year-old mall on Sophia Road was closed in January to make way for demolition works in preparation for a new development spanning about 76,618 sq ft. It will house a commercial tower called One Sophia, which comes with strata offices and retail space in the basement; and two residential blocks named The Collective at One Sophia. The redevelopment is slated to be completed by 2028 and will add a boost to the rejuvenation of the Orchard area.

The quality interiors at the boutique condo elevate high-end living in the heart of vibrant District 9 (Photo: DB2)

With Orchard Sophia slated to receive its temporary occupation permit (TOP) by the end of next year, the boutique condo offers a timely opportunity for discerning buyers to enjoy the ripple effects of transformations in the area. For buyers and investors seeking long-term value and an elevated lifestyle in prime districts, Orchard Sophia is undoubtedly an excellent choice of asset.

Tags:

Orchard Sophia

Follow our channels to receive property news updates 24/7 round the clock.

Subscribe to our newsletter