Opportunity Buy Rare Freehold Retro Bungalow Gilstead Rd 1699 Mil
A transformation is underway in the esteemed residential enclave of Gilstead Road, Gentle Road and Buckley Road, nestled just off Newton Road in the highly coveted District 11.
According to Brenda Zee, senior executive group division director at ERA Realty Network, this area used to be mainly occupied by bungalows and home to Singapore’s elite. However, in recent years, many of these bungalows have been sold to buyers who saw the potential to redevelop them into semi-detached homes, strata-titled landed projects, or low-rise condos. Some notable examples include Buckley Classique, Gilstead Two, and Villas @ Gilstead.
The most significant transaction in this area was the sale of two adjacent freehold bungalows at 32 and 34 Gilstead Road, with a combined land area of 43,458 sq ft, for $70 million ($1,611 psf) in December 2021. Purchased by Kheng Leong Co, this site is now being redeveloped into a luxurious 14-unit condo called 32 Gilstead.
Designed with spacious gardens and driveways, the exterior of a 1970s bungalow (All pictures by Samuel Isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore) exudes a sense of grandeur and prestige.
Each unit at 32 Gilstead averages 4,200 sq ft in size and boasts four en-suite bedrooms. Since its launch in April, five units have been sold at prices ranging from $14.4 million to $14.7 million, or $3,431 psf to $3,505 psf. This development has set a new benchmark for luxury and prices in the neighborhood.
“The whole area is undergoing a transformation, with a new generation of affluent and cosmopolitan residents moving into these high-end homes,” says Bibi Wong, marketing director at ERA Realty Network. Wong, who grew up in the neighborhood, adds, “It’s a tranquil and lush area, just one kilometer from top schools such as Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), St Joseph’s Institution, and Catholic Junior College. It’s also within 1-2 km from Anglo-Chinese School (Junior), Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, and CHIJ Primary (Toa Payoh).”
For families with young children, St James Church Kindergarten (Gilstead) and EtonHouse Pre-School Newton are just a short drive away. International schools, such as EtonHouse International School Orchard and Chatsworth International School, are also nearby.
One of the few bungalows that have remained unchanged since its construction in the late 1970s is the property at 45 Gilstead Road. This double-story house, with a built-up area of approximately 3,491 sq ft, features five bedrooms and five bathrooms. Sitting on a freehold plot of 7,301 sq ft, this property presents an excellent opportunity for redevelopment into a larger bungalow or a pair of semi-detached homes, subject to approval from the authorities, says Zee. “It’s also an ideal option for families looking for a bungalow in a prime residential estate, with amenities conveniently nearby. With the ongoing gentrification, the neighborhood is expected to experience an increase in prices in the future,” she adds.
“Over the years, developers have approached the family to purchase the house, but they were not ready to sell then,” says Wong, who is jointly marketing the property with Zee. 45 Gilstead Road is currently available for sale at $16.99 million ($2,327 psf).
This property offers an ideal opportunity for redevelopment.
Gilstead Road enjoys close proximity to three MRT stations. Newton MRT (interchange for the North-South and Downtown Lines) and Stevens MRT (interchange for the Downtown Line and Thomson-East Coast Line) can be reached within a 12-minute walk from 45 Gilstead Road. The Novena MRT Station (on the North-South Line) is a 14-minute walk away.
For those who prefer to commute by car, Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping district, is only a seven-minute drive away, while the CBD can be reached within a 12-minute drive via the Central Expressway and Pan Island Expressway.
The neighborhood is also within close proximity to the Novena medical hub, which includes Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Royal Healthcare Medical Centre, and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. At the center of this medical hub lies Health City Novena, an integrated healthcare hub comprising hospitals, hospices, and medical institutes.
In terms of retail and entertainment options, residents have easy access to malls like United Square, Velocity @ Novena Square, and Square 2, which are linked underground to the Novena MRT Station. Additionally, there are a variety of dining options at Goldhill Plaza and Royal Square.
With its timeless charm and modern convenience, this one-of-a-kind bungalow on Gilstead Road offers a unique opportunity to embrace the beauty and elegance of the past and indulge in the luxuries of the present. Don’t miss this chance to create your own story in this exceptional estate.
The Master Plan is pushing for the creation of mixed-use structures in order to attract businesses and create more employment opportunities. This initiative also involves improving existing shopping centers like Tampines Mall and Century Square, as well as introducing new retail options. An example of this is the recently launched Parktown Residence Tampines Avenue 11, which will perfectly integrate into this vision. Parktown Residence Tampines Avenue 11 will seamlessly complement this goal.
For more details and viewings, kindly contact:
Brenda Zee
Senior Executive Group Division Director, ERA Realty Network
94509938
Bibi Wong
Marketing Director, ERA Realty Network
96686574