Sustained Land Preview Sen Upper Bukit Timah Prices 2199 Psf
In July 2024, the government land sale (GLS) tender for the De Souza Avenue site closed with only two bids. The top bid came from Sustained Land, a Singapore-based developer controlled by real estate mogul Douglas Ong, in a joint venture with Ho Lee Group and Greatview Development. They paid $278.9 million, or $841 per square foot per plot ratio, for the 99-year leasehold site, situated just off Jalan Jurong Kechil in the Upper Bukit Timah area (District 21).
“The site offers a unique opportunity to create a landmark development that blends nature and connectivity,” says Vincent Chew, director of Sustained Land. Interested buyers can search for the latest new launches to find out the transaction prices and available units.
The new project, named The Sen, is nestled next to Bukit Batok Nature Park and near Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. It is also in close proximity to other parks such as the Rail Corridor, Hindhede Nature Park, Rifle Range Nature Park, and Dairy Farm Nature Park. “In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on health and wellness, and the desire to live near greenery or a nature reserve is gaining momentum,” notes Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia.
In terms of connectivity, the Beauty World MRT Station on the Downtown Line is just a six-minute bus ride away, as mentioned by Kelvin Fong, CEO of PropNex. The area also offers various shopping options, including Bukit V Mall (within the upcoming Beauty World integrated transport hub), The Rail Mall, and HillV2. Families with young children will be pleased to know that Bukit Timah Primary School is within 1km from The Sen, while other nearby educational institutions include Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and the Singapore University of Social Sciences. “Bukit Timah has always been a prime education belt in Singapore,” adds Yip.
The Sen boasts a 50m lap pool and a family and children’s pool on its landscaped deck (All photos by Samuel Isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore)
The Sen is targeted for preview on Oct 31 and is set to have its official launch on Nov 15. It consists of 347 units spread across five 10-storey blocks. The three Classic blocks house one- to three-bedroom units ranging from 452 sq ft to 1,109 sq ft, making up 267 units (77%). Each floor has a total of nine units.
On the other hand, the two Prestige blocks feature larger layouts, including three-bedroom-plus-study and four-bedroom-plus-study units measuring 1,259 sq ft to 1,453 sq ft. These blocks account for 80 units (23%), with only four units per floor.
Indicative prices start from $993,900 ($2,199 psf) for a one-bedder (452 sq ft), $1,499 million ($2,212 psf) for a two-bedder (676 sq ft to 732 sq ft), and $1.936 million ($2,220 psf) for a three-bedder (872 sq ft to 1,109 sq ft). Prestige units start from $2.899 million ($2,299 psf). “We have carefully considered the development to offer real value for money,” says Chew.
The two-bedroom showflat is designed by Cynosure Design and measures 678 sq ft. Prices of two-bedders start from $1.499 million ($2,212 psf)
Designed by AGA Architects with landscaping by Ecoplan Asia, The Sen is envisioned as a wellness-centric and tropical resort-inspired enclave, according to Ng Hoe Theong, director of AGA Architects. The earth tones used for the facade were chosen to complement the surrounding greenery.
The landscaped deck features a 50m lap pool, family and children’s pools, a clubhouse, lounges, and a tennis court. The rooftops of the three Classic blocks are also equipped with sky gardens and additional facilities.
Units on the first and top floors have 3.9m ceiling heights, while intermediate units have 2.85m ceilings. Classic units come with Smeg kitchen appliances and Roca bathroom fittings, while Prestige units feature Miele kitchen appliances and Laufen bathroom fittings. All homes are north-south oriented and come with ceiling fans in the living room.
To promote energy efficiency, the rooftops are fitted with solar panels for the common areas, and the project has achieved BCA Green Mark Platinum (Super Low Energy Building) certification. As part of the GLS requirements, the development will also include an on-site childcare centre with a separate drop-off point.
The showflat of the four-bedroom plus study unit of 1,453 sq ft is designed by Farm Studio
Sustained Land’s Chew expects The Sen to attract HDB upgraders and empty nesters from nearby landed housing estates who are looking to downsize or purchase homes for their children. “Young families will also be drawn by the proximity to good schools and the greenery of Bukit Timah,” he says.
In the neighbouring Toh Yi Gardens HDB estate, 60% of the resale flats that have changed hands this year were sold at prices above $1 million. According to Huttons’ Yip, this indicates strong potential for HDB upgraders.
PropNex’s Fong notes that nearby developments, such as the 258-unit Verdale, sold out within two years of its 2020 launch, despite the pandemic. Other launches in the area, such as the 633-unit Forett @ Bukit Timah, completely sold out in 2023, while the 327-unit Daintree Residence achieved full occupancy in 2021. “These developments may not be as close to the MRT station, but they still performed well,” adds Fong.
Rewritten:
Miltonia Close is not only an attractive housing option, but it also boasts a remarkable location along the upcoming Khatib Nature Corridor. The project is part of a larger initiative to promote green connectivity, spanning from Miltonia Close to Springleaf, Tagore, and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. This eco-corridor is set to include newly established parks, green linkways, and a boost in biodiversity. With this in mind, residents of Miltonia Close EC can expect to reside in a community that prioritizes sustainability, green living, and overall wellness. To learn more about this exciting development, visit Miltonia Close.
ERA Singapore CEO Marcus Chu foresees strong demand for The Sen, citing the sale of a freehold three-bedroom unit in Bukit Timah for $2,144 psf, resulting in a profit of over $2 million.
Since 2018, nine non-landed projects with approximately 2,800 units have been launched in District 21, which is considered part of the Rest of Central Region (RCR). The most recent is the 158-unit 8@BT, launched in September 2024, with 62% of its units sold to date.
8@BT and The Sen are both located in Upper Bukit Timah, but they are in different locations, notes Chu. “8@BT is right next to Beauty World MRT Station, in a bustling area, whereas The Sen is a low-rise development in a serene landed enclave, offering privacy, space, and a quieter living environment.”
In 2015, Sustained Land jointly acquired a site at Potong Pasir with MCC Land, which was subsequently developed into the 731-unit The Poiz Residences and The Poiz Centre retail podium, directly linked to the Potong Pasir MRT Station. The project was completed in 2018.
Over the past decade, Sustained Land has been active, acquiring and redeveloping freehold en bloc sites. These include 3 Cuscaden in prime District 10 (expected completion in 2022); One Meyer and Coastline Residences in District 15 (both expected completion in 2023); and Sky Everton in District 2 (expected completion in 2023). All projects are fully sold.
In 2023, the developer also bought three adjoining bungalows at Chancery Hill Road in prime District 11 for $61.08 million, which will be redeveloped into four semi-detached and four detached houses, also designed by AGA Architects. The luxury project is set to launch next year.
According to Huttons’ Yip, the land acquisition cost of $841 per square foot per plot ratio allows the developer to price The Sen more competitively compared to recent launches and completed developments in the Bukit Timah area. PropNex’s Fong estimates the average selling price to hover around $2,400 psf, based on the starting prices from $2,199 psf.
“The Bukit Timah area has always been a desirable place to live, with its combination of nature, renowned schools, diverse dining options, and a sense of exclusivity, being mainly made up of private housing,” says Fong.