Living in District 15: Your Guide to the Best Landed Properties and Subzones

By Jee Sheong

October 14, 2024

Table of content

District 15 (D15) has long been one of Singapore’s most coveted areas for private residences, and its appeal shows no sign of fading. This district seamlessly blends the nostalgic charm of coastal living with a lively array of amenities and entertainment options, making it a top choice for discerning homebuyers. If you’re seeking a pure landed property (freehold or 999-year leasehold), D15 offers an ideal environment for families, with a wealth of amenities, entertainment hubs, and proximity to some of Singapore’s most prestigious schools.

Within the district’s vast landscape of pure landed homes, inter-terrace properties dominate with approximately 5,300 homes. This is followed by semi-detached houses, numbering around 2,531, and detached homes, which total about 1,600. District 15’s expansive size and variety of pure landed enclaves mean that each key zone within the district offers a distinct living experience. In this article, we will explore these zones and what they offer in terms of access to amenities, schools, shopping malls, and transport links, helping you identify the ideal locale for your family within this highly sought-after district.

Before diving into what each zone in District 15 offers, let’s first take a look at the price trends of pure landed homes in D15 compared to the rest of Singapore. While finding your dream home is important, it’s equally essential that your investment delivers strong financial returns.

As shown in the chart above, although the transaction volume of landed homes is significantly lower than non-landed properties, the price index for landed homes has consistently been much higher. Since Q1 2020, the average price growth for pure landed homes across Singapore has been around 35%. In District 15, this growth has been slightly higher, at 37%, exceeding the national average. Following the first interest rate hike in 2022, pure landed homes across Singapore saw a 5% price increase, with District 15 experiencing a similar growth of around 5% during the same period.

Landed properties in District 15 have consistently shown robust performance, with median prices achieving a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% between 2015 and 2024. This growth surpasses the 4.2% median CAGR seen for overall landed properties in the Rest of Central Region (RCR). This above-average growth highlights the resilience of District 15’s landed properties within the region. 

In this context, “median” refers to the midpoint in the range of property prices, meaning that half of the properties sold for prices above this figure, and half sold for prices below it. This helps provide a more accurate reflection of the market by minimising the impact of extreme values.

The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for freehold landed properties in District 15, measured by price per square foot (PSF) over the 10-year period from 2015 to 2024, averaged 5.3%. When looking at specific property types, pure landed Detached houses in D15 led with the highest CAGR at 5.5%, closely followed by inter-terrace houses at 5.3%, while semi-detached houses posted a more modest CAGR of 3.4%.

Overall, pure landed homes in District 15 have demonstrated strong growth potential, making them a valuable asset for both wealth preservation and appreciation.

Key Zones In District 15

In this section, we will take a closer look at the sub zones within District 15, highlighting what each zone offers to discerning buyers of pure landed homes. The zones we will cover include Siglap, Opera, upper East Coast, Frankel, Katong, Joo Chiat, Telok Kurau, Marine Terrace, Goodman, and Meyer. 

Siglap

Siglap is known for its laid-back, residential charm, offering a mix of landed properties and low-rise developments. Its standout feature is its direct adjacency to East Coast Park, making it an ideal location for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling, jogging, and seaside dining just steps away from their doorstep. The area is also well-served by a variety of eateries and cafes along Siglap Road and Upper East Coast Road, offering a wide selection of cuisines. In addition to its recreational appeal, Siglap provides easy access to schools like Victoria School and St. Patrick’s School. The landed enclaves in Siglap are conveniently surrounded by three MRT stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) — Bayshore, Siglap, and Marine Terrace — with some enclaves within walking distance to one of these stations, enhancing accessibility.

Our Listing: ​​Spacious Freehold Semi-Detached Home with Central Courtyard and Pool

This beautifully renovated 8-bedroom, 7-bathroom freehold semi-detached home in District 15 offers 4,625 sqft of land and 7,000 sqft of built-up space. The property features a central courtyard with a pool, spacious living and dining areas, a modern kitchen, ensuite bedrooms, and a roof terrace. Spread over 2 storeys and an attic, it’s located near Siglap MRT, shopping malls, and eateries. 

Opera Estate

Opera Estate offers a peaceful, suburban atmosphere, mostly featuring inter-terrace homes. While it is a more mature estate, its charm lies in its quiet streets and close-knit community. Amenities, including grocery stores and cafes, are within short driving distance, while the area’s proximity to East Coast Park adds recreational appeal. Opera Estate Primary School is within the confines of this neighbourhood, making it ideal for families preparing to register their children for Primary 1 education . In terms of transportation, the nearest MRT stations to Opera Estate are Bedok and Kembangan MRT Stations on the East-West Line (EWL), depending on the exact location of the property. 

Upper East Coast

Upper East Coast offers a peaceful blend of landed homes and low-rise developments, surrounded by lush greenery and close to the vibrant East Coast Park. Residents enjoy easy access to seaside dining, outdoor recreation, and scenic coastal views. While not all properties are within a 1km radius of popular schools, several educational institutions, including Temasek Primary, Bedok Green Primary, Bedok View Secondary, and St. Stephen’s School, are just a short drive away. Bayshore MRT station, the nearest in the area, is easily accessible by foot from some of the pure landed enclaves, enhancing connectivity for residents. 

Frankel

Frankel Estate is a well-established and prestigious landed enclave, predominantly featuring semi-detached and detached homes. Residents of this estate enjoy convenient access to shopping and dining options along East Coast Road and Frankel Avenue, with Siglap Centre and Kembangan Plaza located within a 1km radius, offering further amenities within a 15-minute walk. Families benefit from the close proximity to schools such as St. Patrick’s School, St. Stephen’s School, and Opera Estate Primary, all within 1km. Additionally, some properties in Frankel Estate are within a 1km radius of Kembangan MRT station on the EWL.

Katong

Katong is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich subzones in District 15, offering a unique fusion of old-world charm and modern conveniences. Iconic heritage shophouses stand alongside trendy cafes, boutique stores, and upscale dining options, creating a lively yet nostalgic atmosphere. Residents benefit from the proximity to key shopping destinations such as i12, Parkway Parade and Katong Shopping Centre, while the bustling stretch along East Coast Road offers a variety of renowned eateries. The area is also home to several prestigious schools, including Tanjong Katong Girls’ School, Tanjong Katong Primary and Secondary Schools, CHIJ Katong (Primary), and Haig Girls’ School. Additionally, Katong is served by two MRT stations, Marine Parade and Tanjong Katong, on the TEL.

Joo Chiat

Joo Chiat is a historic neighbourhood adjacent to Katong, celebrated for its rich Peranakan heritage and vibrant food scene. The area boasts a distinctive architectural charm, with a mix of pure landed homes and beautifully preserved conservation shophouses. Its bustling streets are lined with trendy cafes, local eateries, and artisanal shops, offering a lively blend of dining and shopping experiences. Residents in Joo Chiat enjoy the added benefit of proximity to prominent schools such as CHIJ Katong (Primary) and Tanjong Katong Primary, both within a 1km radius. This neighbourhood is served by the nearby Marine Parade MRT station, making it a convenient and culturally rich place to live.

Telok Kurau

Telok Kurau is a serene, residential enclave known for its tranquil streets and predominantly inter-terrace homes, offering a peaceful retreat from the busier surrounding areas. Residents enjoy easy access to the vibrant Katong and Joo Chiat districts, where a wide array of dining, shopping, and recreational options await. The neighbourhood is especially popular among families, thanks to its proximity to well-regarded schools like Tao Nan School and CHIJ Katong (Primary). Conveniently located between Kembangan MRT station on the EWL and the Marine Terrace MRT station on the TEL, many homes in Telok Kurau are within walking distance to either station, depending on their exact location, making it an ideal blend of suburban tranquillity and urban convenience.  

St Patrick’s/Marine Terrace

The St. Patrick’s and Marine Terrace neighbourhoods are well-established residential areas that feature a balanced mix of landed properties and public housing. One of the area’s main attractions is its close proximity to East Coast Park, offering residents easy access to a variety of recreational activities, from cycling to beachfront dining. The neighbourhood is also home to several reputable schools, including St. Patrick’s School, Ngee Ann Primary School, and Victoria Junior College, making it a desirable location for families. Residents benefit from convenient connectivity, with Marine Terrace MRT station on the TEL being the nearest station, enhancing access to the wider city.

St. Patrick’s and Marine Terrace in District 15

Our Listing: Freehold Corner Detached Home – 13 Bedrooms, Steps from Marine Terrace MRT

This spacious 3-storey corner detached home in District 15 offers 13 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, ideal for large families. Set on a generous freehold plot, the home features a sheltered car porch for 4-5 cars and was last renovated in 2021. Located in a quiet enclave just minutes from Tao Nan School and Marine Terrace MRT, this property combines privacy with easy access to top schools and vibrant amenities. Don’t miss this rare opportunity for prime living in one of D15’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.

Image courtesy of Google Maps

Goodman

Goodman is a prestigious enclave renowned for its expansive, luxurious landed properties and proximity to cultural landmarks such as the Goodman Arts Centre. While the area itself is large, residents can easily access the vibrant dining, entertainment, and retail options in nearby Katong and Joo Chiat, particularly by private vehicle. Educational institutions are also within reach, with Chung Cheng High School located in the neighbourhood, and some properties falling within the 1km radius of Tanjong Katong Primary and Broadrick Secondary School, depending on the property’s exact location. For public transport, the nearest MRT stations are Katong Park and Tanjong Katong on the TEL, though not all homes may be within immediate walking distance to the stations.

Meyer

Meyer Road is one of the most prestigious and sought-after addresses in District 15, renowned for its luxurious homes and close proximity to the beach. This exclusive area offers a tranquil and private environment, making it highly desirable for discerning buyers seeking both privacy and prestige. Just minutes away from East Coast Park, residents enjoy easy access to outdoor recreational activities and seaside dining options. The neighbourhood is also home to Dunman High School, and is conveniently served by Katong Park and Tanjong Katong MRT stations on the TEL. 

In Conclusion

District 15 continues to stand out as one of Singapore’s most desirable residential areas, offering a rich blend of heritage, modern amenities, and luxurious living options. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant cultural vibes of Katong and Joo Chiat, the serene charm of Telok Kurau and Frankel, or the exclusivity of Meyer and Goodman, each subzone within D15 provides a distinct lifestyle catered to a range of preferences. With its strong price growth, robust demand for pure landed properties, and proximity to top-tier schools, and recreational hubs, District 15 remains a top choice for families and discerning homebuyers alike. As this coveted district continues to evolve, it offers not only a place to call home but also an investment opportunity with enduring value.

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