West side story: 99.co’s top property picks

The west end of Singapore is a rising star. For decades, places like Jurong were regarded as industrial zones and little else – ask older Singaporeans, and they’ll describe the area as rows of factories, punctuated by an occasional shed or warehouse. But the past few years have seen a surge of interest in the west, as the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) invigorates the area through its master plan. Here are our top picks for the area:

1. J Gateway

There’s no avoiding this development when it comes to talking about west side properties. J Gateway, which was sold out in 2013, seldom appears on listings; when it does, investors move in fast. The completion date for this condo is expected to be 2017, by which time more of the Jurong Gateway project should be in full swing.

This is a 99-year leasehold condo, comprising four towers of 38 storeys, and a total of 783 units. The main selling point of J Gateway is its location: Gateway Drive is close to the Jurong East MRT station. That means quick access to malls like J Cube, Westgate, and JEM. It’s also situated in the very heart of the Jurong Gateway project (hence the name), which aims to transform the area into a “second Central Business District.”

This makes it interesting to both investors and owner occupiers. Prospective landlords can already see the dollar signs, considering the number of companies that can set up in the area (500,000 square metres of office space.) It will also be close to the High Speed Rail terminus, which will shuttle people between Singapore and Malaysia. About 1.3 million Malaysians work in Singapore, and they’ll all want to rent where it’s easier to get home.

For owner occupiers, this development is practically a self-sufficient enclave. Every major amenity, be it coffee shops or supermarkets, are spread out around this condo in all four directions. If you hate ever driving into town (Orchard is about a 25 minute drive away), this is the place you want to buy.

The development itself is sleek and upmarket, coming with features like private dining pavilions, and an infinity pool. It’s not on par with the one at Marina Bay Sands, but still classier than what you’ll find in most condos.

There is only one available listing showing how sought after it is on 99.co, going at $1665 per square foot.

Fair warning: this condo is in high demand. You’d better be prepared to fight like a complete savage.

2. Westmere

This is an older condo, completed in 2000. It’s a 99-year leasehold development, with 286 units. It’s in close proximity to the Jurong East MRT station, as well as the Jurong East market.

This development is picked for pretty much the same reasons as J Gateway. It’s sitting in close proximity to a major rejuvenation effort, and it will profit from Jurong’s rise as a whole. Best of all though, it’s one of the more affordable condos in the area at around $967.50 per square foot. As Jurong heats up, it will become less and less likely to find District 22 condos at such a low price.

Westmere will appeal to owner-occupiers who are not big fans of malls. We know some residents want access to good old hawker food, not another conglomeration of Din Tai Fung and Monster Curry outlets. So while the malls may be a little further to walk (12 minutes or so), you won’t be short on options for food and groceries.

As an aside, we note that the roads around Westmere are surprisingly light on congestion (Jurong Street East). There’s no promise that this will remain as more business and retail moves in; but for now, it manages to be in a busy area but without as much noise and air pollution.

Westmere has all the standard condo facilities, such as pools, gyms, and ball courts. While they can be considered old, they are well maintained. That’s also the sign of a competent management council.

If you want to get a piece of Westmere but moved too late, here’s your chance.

3. The Creek

Bukit Timah is a snob area. We get it. But one of the main advantages of living here is that, unlike the central region snob areas, you won’t be amazed if you look out a window and see more than one tree. This is proof that not all of Singapore’s high-end properties are surrounded by glass and concrete.

The Creek is less than 10 minutes walk from the Bukit Timah nature reserve. If you find urban existence stifling, then…then you’re living in the wrong country, but this is as close as you’ll get to escaping. The Creek is also close to SIM University.

Facilities are built to emphasise the nature theme, with panoramic views of the nearby jungle (let’s call it what it is.) We do admit it has a Tarzan vibe to it, in the dim evening light. All the other usual facilities (BBQ pits, club house, pool) are available of course.

The issue is accessibility. While The Creek links to the PIE, it is not really well connected via bus or MRT. The nearest one (Beauty World MRT) is being constructed now, but this really is as residence for people who drive. Bukit Timah Plaza and, of course, Beauty World, are the nearest sources of eats and retail.

This is a five storey, freehold development with 260 units. It should be complete in 2017, and is up for grabs right now – expect prices of around $1,766 per square foot.

4. The Trilinq

This is one of the bigger developments in the west; a 99-year leasehold property with 755 units. This is the closest condo to Clementi MRT station. Note that, because Clementi Mall is right across the road from the MRT station, and the market is also nearby, The Trilinq is smack in the centre of the neighbourhood’s main amenities.

But we’re including it for another reason: The Trilinq is nearing the deadline for its Qualifying Certificate (QC). The QC requires that foreign developers complete the development in five years, and sell all the units within two years, to avoid penalties. As the QC draws near, it’s expected that developers will slash prices rather than absorb the steep cost of QC extensions. So if you’re looking for a place in the west, we suggest you keep close tabs.

The Trilinq will appeal to both prospective landlords and owner-occupiers. This is, quite simply, the most convenient condo to live in when it comes to Clementi.

But brace yourself for crowds: on weekends, Clementi Mall seems to allow half an inch between each shopper, if they’re lucky. Both the mall and the neighbourhood shops / hawker centre are practically next to each other, so everyone rushes to the same area.

At prices of around $1,439 per square foot, this is a great deal for a prime location.

Stay in touch with 99.co for updates on property deals – we’ll let you know if the discounts start to kick in for the Trilinq.