Singapore’s skyline keeps evolving, but its priorities are shifting. Beyond luxury and convenience, today’s condominium buyers want something more grounded: proximity to nature, better air, less stress. Developers have caught on.
The newest launches combine efficient access to central business areas with pockets of calm – rooftop gardens, green facades, and easy walks to parks or waterfronts.
Below is a closer look at some of the top projects defining this new balance between city life and natural retreat.
Urban Green Living
Singapore has always balanced density and greenery through its “City in a Garden” concept. But newer projects are taking it further, embedding eco-conscious design right into urban planning.
Projects like Pinery Residences show how urban living can merge with lush surroundings without sacrificing convenience.
Developers now treat green space not as an add-on, but as a core element. Buyers see this shift too: lush courtyards, vertical gardens, and proximity to park connectors are as appealing as MRT access or smart-home systems.
Condo buyers today typically prioritize:
- MRT proximity within 10 minutes’ walk
- Access to green corridors or waterfronts
- Energy-efficient building materials
- Biophilic design – plants, light, and ventilation
- Lifestyle zones such as sky decks and hydro gardens
The Continuum – Modern Heritage Meets Parkside Calm
Located along Thiam Siew Avenue between Paya Lebar and Dakota, The Continuum captures the city’s dual personality: dynamic yet grounded.
The development stretches across freehold land, linking two plots through an elevated sky bridge that overlooks its landscaped gardens. Residents can walk to Paya Lebar Quarter within minutes or reach East Coast Park in under 10.
Nearby developments like Narra Residences reflect a similar blend of timeless design and modern greenery that defines the area.
Key Highlights
- Tenure: Freehold
- Connectivity: 8 minutes’ walk to Dakota MRT, easy access to PIE and ECP
- Green appeal: Multiple sky gardens, reflective pools, and lawn terraces
- Lifestyle perks: Infinity-edge pool, coworking pavilions, and an outdoor fitness deck
Families are particularly drawn to the project’s proximity to good schools and community clubs.
The green courtyards, with shaded walkways and open lawns, make it feel like a pocket park rather than a typical high-rise cluster.
Lentor Hills Residences – Nature Corridor Access
The Lentor Hills Residences in District 26 is one of the strongest examples of Singapore’s new eco-urban model.
The development sits beside the future Hillock Park and links directly to the Thomson-East Coast MRT line. For buyers seeking quieter surroundings without losing convenience, it checks nearly every box.
Design and Environment
Lentor Hills integrates its surroundings with landscaped bridges, walking trails, and rooftop decks that face the forested terrain.
It also connects to the Lentor Modern retail cluster, so residents have access to groceries, cafes, and clinics without driving.
Grand Dunman – East Coast Breeze Meets City Access
In the east, Grand Dunman is one of the largest launches in recent years, located beside Dakota MRT and minutes from the Geylang River park connector.
The appeal lies in its sheer scale and access: close to Marina Bay, yet adjacent to open corridors of greenery.
The Reserve Residences – Gateway to Bukit Timah’s Green Heart
For those who prioritize daily immersion in nature, The Reserve Residences at Beauty World is a standout. Situated at the foot of Bukit Timah Hill, the project brings city connectivity to Singapore’s most treasured green belt.
The integrated transport hub means residents can step from their doorstep straight into MRT and bus lines while surrounded by lush terrain.
The design reflects its location. Architects blended natural materials – wood, stone, and glass – with tiered landscaping that mimics a hillside.
The Reserve Residences has also gained attention for its sustainability features, including rainwater harvesting and solar panels for common areas.
Pinetree Hill – Low-Density Luxury Surrounded by Greenery
Set in the tranquil enclave of Ulu Pandan, Pinetree Hill appeals to those seeking serenity within minutes of Holland Village or One-North.
The development’s elevation gives residents sweeping views of the Ulu Pandan Canal and Clementi Forest. Although it’s near several schools and transport routes, the immediate environment feels detached from urban rush.
The design minimizes noise and maximizes airflow. Residents can jog along the park connector, cycle to Ghim Moh Market, or take a short drive to the Botanic Gardens. For many, it captures the rare combination of privacy, greenery, and proximity to business hubs.
Tengah EC – Smart Living in Singapore’s First Forest Town
Tengah is often cited as the benchmark for future sustainable development. Its latest executive condominiums (ECs), such as Altura EC, are pioneering smart and green urban living.
Unlike traditional condo clusters, Tengah’s master plan integrates housing with forest corridors, car-free zones, and climate-responsive architecture.
Urban Planning Advantages
- Smart energy monitoring via district cooling systems
- Central park spine with over 20 kilometers of cycling paths
- Access to Jurong Innovation District and Tengah MRT
- Lower car density through shared transport initiatives
For buyers entering the market, Tengah ECs provide affordability with long-term environmental vision. They embody the city-state’s commitment to creating residential zones that are sustainable and livable at scale.
What Buyers Should Consider
Before deciding on a new launch, buyers often weigh several key factors. Urban access is usually the starting point, but lifestyle preferences now hold equal weight.
1. Connectivity and Future Growth
Projects near new MRT lines or future business nodes, like the Thomson-East Coast Line or Jurong Innovation District, typically appreciate faster. Commute time should ideally be under 30 minutes to major hubs like Orchard, Raffles Place, or Marina Bay.
2. Environmental Quality
Proximity to greenery is not just aesthetic. It affects air quality, ambient temperature, and stress levels. Condos near reservoirs or park connectors tend to maintain better microclimates and quieter surroundings.
3. Developer Reputation
Established developers often deliver consistent quality in landscaping, management, and resale value. Checking previous projects helps gauge maintenance standards and facility durability.
4. Layout and Orientation
Units facing internal courtyards or green zones usually enjoy better natural light and ventilation. For high-rise buyers, north-south orientation avoids direct sun exposure during peak hours.
5. Price and Tenure Balance
Freehold properties carry long-term value but come at a premium. 99-year leasehold options in well-planned growth corridors often deliver stronger percentage returns due to initial affordability.
Summary
The new condominium wave in Singapore redefines what “prime location” means. It’s not only about distance to Orchard Road or Marina Bay. It’s about living in spaces that connect people to both the city’s pulse and its natural rhythm.
Projects like The Continuum, Lentor Hills, and The Reserve Residences show how architecture, planning, and greenery can merge to form living environments that feel balanced, healthy, and enduring.
Urban access brings convenience, but it’s the green surroundings that make a home feel timeless.