{"id":18983,"date":"2018-08-02T03:56:34","date_gmt":"2018-08-01T19:56:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/blog\/singapore\/?p=18983"},"modified":"2024-10-22T16:44:16","modified_gmt":"2024-10-22T08:44:16","slug":"district-9-singapore-property-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/district-9-singapore-property-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"District 9 Singapore: The in-depth property buyer\u2019s guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You probably know District 9 is considered the atas<\/em> (Hokkien for “upscale”) part of Singapore, where the well-heeled live in high-end and luxury condos. In truth, the district has separate neighbourhoods with distinct characteristics \u2014 some you might not have known about. <\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

So, whether you’re looking for a property in District 9 Singapore or just curious about the quirks of each D9 neighbourhood, this quick rundown will surely raise some eyebrows.<\/span>..<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Table of contents<\/h3>\r\n
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  • Updated market overview and trends in District 9 (2024)<\/a><\/li>\r\n
  • Private home sales and luxury market outlook<\/a>\r\n
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    • Cairnhill<\/a><\/li>\r\n
    • Claymore<\/a><\/li>\r\n
    • Mount Sophia<\/a><\/li>\r\n
    • River Valley<\/a><\/li>\r\n
    • Leonie Hill and Paterson<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n
    • Rental market dynamics in D9<\/a><\/li>\r\n
    • Technological and environmental influences<\/a><\/li>\r\n
    • Revitalisation\u00a0of iconic properties in District 9<\/a><\/li>\r\n
    • Should you buy a property in District 9 Singapore?<\/a><\/li>\r\n
    • FAQs about District 9 Singapore property market in 2024<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      Private home sales and luxury market outlook<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      The private residential market in 2024 continues to buzz with activity. The market remains robust, with about 16,000 to 19,000 units sold and price growth forecasted between 3% and 6%. District 9, being part of the prime core central region (CCR)<\/a>, may substantially reduce new luxury launches. Notable projects like Marina View Residences<\/a>, Newport Residences<\/a>, and Skywaters Residences<\/a> will make a mark in the luxury landscape. This trend is especially relevant for those considering high-end investments in District 9.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      Now, let’s dive straight into District 9’s areas:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      Cairnhill<\/b><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      Main highlights: <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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      • The heart of a central location.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
      • Quick access to Ngee Ann City (Takashimaya), Mount Elizabeth Hospital.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
      • Easy journey to Newton, if you want local hawker fare.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

        Quirks:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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        • There is a lot of cars traffic because of the Central Expressway entrance and exit at Cairnhill.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
        • The high density of tourists. Expect to be asked for directions all the time.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
        • Good for business people because of the proximity to many hotels.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

          Cairnhill should be one of the first places you consider if buying a property in District 9 Singapore. It has quick-access to Somerset, Orchard, and Newton \u2013 all about the same distance from Cairnhill Road. It\u2019s the epicentre of D9.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

          One notable feature of Cairnhill is that it is great for business people. You\u2019re always a short stroll from the quiet hotel lobby for meetings or an available conference room or event hall. <\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

          Notably, the <\/span>Cairnhill Conservation Area<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and Emerald Hill Conservation Area<\/a> offer unique, historically significant homes and are popular among property investors for prestige and scarcity value. Price-wise, <\/span>Hilltops<\/span><\/a> is always popular; at a sale per square foot (psf) price of around S$3,500, the condo can be cheap for its location. We also liked Cairnhill Nine<\/a> so much that we wrote a glowing review<\/a> in 2016.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

          There have also been some iconic projects in the Cairnhill area by award-winning architects, namely The Edge on Cairnhill<\/a> (Safdie Architects), Alba<\/a> (Arquitectonica) and Orchard Scotts Residences<\/a> (Arquitectonica).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

          However, the most cost-effective way to live in Cairnhill is to <\/span>consider a unit at the older Cairnhill Plaza<\/span><\/a>. This freehold development was completed in 1978 and averages a mere S$1,687 psf.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

          Browse all property listings in the Cairnhill neighbourhood of District 9 Singapore here<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

          \"District\r\n
          Conserved shophouses in the Emerald Hill Conservation Area. Credits: URA<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

          Claymore<\/b><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

          Main highlights:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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          • Edgy and risqu\u00e9<\/em>, because of its proximity to a red-light area (Orchard Towers), but very safe.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
          • A short walk from Shaw Centre, one of the best local cineplexes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
          • Relatively close to Singapore Botanic Gardens.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
          • It’s a great drinking area for District 9, with plenty of watering holes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

            Quirks:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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            • One of the few areas in District 9 where it\u2019s easy to get a cab<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
            • Unlike Cairnhill, there is far less car traffic, hence a quieter neighbourhood with a more residential feel<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

              On one of the main entrances to the Claymore neighbourhood, Orchard Towers is famous for sleaze (and the occasional drunken brawls), but don\u2019t let that dissuade you. Claymore is a well-behaved area close to the heart of the Orchard Road shopping district. The Claymore area also offers easy access to the new Claymore Connect shopping centre and Forum, the Shopping Mall. The latter has a Julia Gabriel centre for children and eateries like Jamie\u2019s Italian. <\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

              Behind Forum, you\u2019ll find a Hard Rock Caf\u00e9 and the legendary Ming Arcade (this was where Singapore\u2019s first disco opened). Ming Arcade is famous among locals and foreigners alike for the buckets of fried chicken and beer towers offered by Cuscaden Patio on the ground and basement floors.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

              You’ll seldom be bored at night because of the various pubs here \u2013 from divey<\/em> to high-end. You can also stroll over to Shaw Centre for a midnight movie. <\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

              The Tate Residences<\/span><\/a>, at around S$2,776 per square foot, would be our first choice of residence here. This freehold unit was completed in 2010, a stroll away from the nightlife area. <\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

              An older alternative, <\/span>The Claymore<\/span><\/a>, is also freehold. It\u2019s a little further up the road but closer to The American Club and Tanglin Club. But this unit is pricier, averaging S$2,938 per square foot.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

              Ardmore Park<\/span><\/a> (technically within District 10) is the most famous condo in this area. This freehold, 330-unit condo was completed in 2015 and averages S$3,171 per square foot.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

              Psst, if you live in the Claymore neighbourhood, you become the neighbour of billionaire investor and co-founder of Facebook, Eduardo Saverin. However, you cannot guarantee he’ll invest in your blog shop if you bump into him.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

              Browse all property listings in the Claymore neighbourhood of District 9 Singapore here<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

              \"District\r\n
              Claymore Connect is a recently revamped mall with amenities that cater to nearby residents. Credits: CDL Hospitality Trust<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

              Mount Sophia<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

              Main highlights:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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              • Central but not congested.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
              • Access to great nightlife in the Prinsep area.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
              • Quick access to Selegie Road \/ Little India \/ Bugis.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
              • Many students in the area are from LaSalle, NAFA, or Kaplan. Landlords, take note.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

                Quirks:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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                • The least snobby part of District 9.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
                • On a hill, so walking might become a chore.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
                • Motorists heading to Orchard Road have to take a slightly roundabout route.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

                  The Mount Sophia area is often called \u201cOrchard but not Orchard\u201d. It\u2019s a little more out of the way than the other neighbourhoods here, as it\u2019s past Dhoby Ghaut<\/a>. But that plays to its advantage.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

                  Mount Sophia is certainly still central, enough that you can drive to town in just a few minutes (or even walk for 12 to 15 minutes to get to Orchard Road if you\u2019re so inclined). Because of its unique location, it is central while avoiding the traffic congestion common to Orchard, mainly affecting the thoroughfares of Orchard Road and Penang Road.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

                  Mount Sophia also has access to great and cheap eateries at Sunshine Plaza and the nearby Prinsep area \u2013 the Prinsep stretch, in particular, features laid-back drinking spots. For variety, you can also stroll (about 12 to 15 minutes) into Little India via Selegie Road.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n