One Marina Gardens Review - An Investment Risk or Opportunity

One Marina Gardens Review: An Investment Risk or Opportunity?

One Marina Gardens Preview: 29 March - 12 April 2025

This is a property review of One Marina Gardens, a luxurious 99-year leasehold mixed development at Marina South in Singapore’s District 1. To be developed by Kingsford Development Pte Ltd, it aims to offer residents a blend of sophistication, convenience, and connectivity.

With its prime location, modern architecture, and comprehensive facilities, One Marina Gardens promises a high standard of living while providing homeowners and investors the first-mover advantage in this upcoming mixed-use precinct.

This review of One Marina Gardens will offer an evaluation of its risks and opportunities which include the following:

Why Invest in One Marina Gardens

  • Reputable Developer: Trusted developer of residential developments with competitive pricing in Singapore
  • Emerging Marina South Precinct: Situated in the emerging Marina South precinct, envisioned as a sustainable, car-lite neighbourhood under the URA Draft Master Plan 2025
  • A 10-Minute Neighbourhood: The Marina South precinct is designated to be a sustainable lifestyle precinct where many amenities are within a 10-minute walk
  • Excellent Transport Connectivity: A short walk to Marina South MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line
  • Integrated Retail Podium: Offers 140,000 sq ft of retail spaces featuring various food options, shops and other essential services
  • Proximity to Gardens by the Bay: Adjacent to the world-renowned attraction, offering residents direct access to green spaces and scenic views
  • Close to Marina Bay Malls: A short walk to Marina Bay Sands and The Shoppes at Marina Bay, providing access to world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment
  • Central Business District (CBD): Proximity to the CBD makes it ideal for professionals working nearby, reducing commute times and enhancing investment potential
  • Spectacular Views: Enjoy beautiful panoramic and unobstructed views of the sea and the city’s skyline
  • Access to Schools: Convenient access to top schools and educational institutions
  • Investment Potential: Prime location in an emerging precinct with exciting developmental plans (refer to Marina South Urban Design Plan)

Marina South Urban Design Guide

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has unveiled comprehensive design plans for Marina South, aiming to transform it into a sustainable, vibrant, and community-centric district. These initiatives are poised to enhance the quality of life for residents and present promising property investment opportunities.

 

Key Features of the Marina South Development:

  • Green and Blue Urban Oasis: Marina South is envisioned as a lush, eco-friendly neighbourhood, leveraging its proximity to Gardens by the Bay and Marina Barrage. The district is designed to harness prevailing winds, creating a cooler urban environment and promoting sustainable living.
  • 10-Minute Neighbourhood: The area is planned to ensure that essential amenities—including retail outlets, offices, hotels, and public transport—are within a 10-minute walk from residences. This design promotes convenience and reduces reliance on private vehicles.
  • Community-Centric Public Spaces: A network of interconnected public areas, such as pedestrian malls, neighbourhood streets, and elevated landscaped bridges, will foster social interactions and community building. These spaces are designed to be inclusive and cater to multi-generational users.
  • Sustainable Infrastructure: Developments in Marina South are required to achieve the Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy accreditation. This commitment ensures energy-efficient buildings with eco-friendly features like rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling.
  • Enhanced Connectivity: Served by two Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) MRT stations, Marina South offers seamless access to Marina Bay, the Central Business District (CBD), and other parts of Singapore. The district's design emphasises walkability and includes a comprehensive cycling network, supporting a car-lite lifestyle.
  • Diverse Amenities: The district will host a balanced mix of commercial and community facilities along key streets and public spaces. Residents can expect essential services such as fresh food markets, medical clinics, childcare centres, and recreational areas within close proximity.

These thoughtfully crafted design plans are set to elevate the living standards in Marina South, making it an attractive locale for both residents and investors. The emphasis on sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement positions Marina South as a model for future urban developments in Singapore.

 

One Marina Gardens Fact Sheet

DescriptionDetails
Project NameOne Marina Gardens
DeveloperKingsford Marina Development Pte Ltd
Project DescriptionProposed residential development comprising 1 block of 44-storey and 1 block of 30-storey Tower (total 937 units) with landscape deck, childcare centre, shops, restaurants, communal facilities and basement carpark at Marina Gardens Lane, TS30 Lot 00713P (Marina South Planning Area)
Address1, 3, 5 Marina Gardens Lane
District01
Tenure99 years
Site Area12,245.10 sqm | 131,805 sqft
No. of units937 residential units
No. of carpark lots445 carpark lots, 4 accessible lots (1st storey and basement 1 & 2)
Date of Vacant Possession30 April 2029
Date of Legal Completion30 April 2032
ArchitectP&T Consultants Pte Ltd
LandscapeEcoplan Asia Pte Ltd
Main ContractorQJEC-LBC Joint Venture
M&E EngineerUnited Project Consultant Pte Ltd
C&S EngineerKCL Consultants Pte Ltd
Project Interior DesignerIndex Design Pte Ltd
SolicitorLee and Lee

One Marina Gardens Design Features

One Marina Gardens embodies a design concept that draws inspiration from its location adjacent to the Gardens by the Bay, acting as a seamless extension of the surrounding greenery.

One Marina Gardens Twin Towers

Twin Towers

The development features two elegant high-rise towers with sophisticated and modern tropical architecture. The towers incorporate luxurious and elegant forms, with overhangs and linear elements that speak to a tropical architectural aesthetic.

Lush greenery anchors the base and extends onto sky terraces and roof gardens, providing a sense of living on a tree top and connecting residents to nature.

These architectural features further enhance the standard of living by offering panoramic views of Marina Bay and Singapore Strait. Also, the integration with greenery provides a cooler environment and a visual connection to nature, promoting well-being.

Additionally, the design emphasises connectivity, with easy access to the Marina South MRT station. Its strategic location within the Marina South precinct places residents close to various leisure, dining, and retail amenities.

By harmonising urban connectivity with contemporary living standards and greenery, One Marina Gardens seeks to establish itself as a benchmark for luxury and functionality in the evolving Marina South development.

Aerial View of One Marina Gardens

Aerial View of One Marina Gardens

One Marina Gardens Covered Linkway, Shops, and Restaurants

Covered Linkway, Shops, and Restaurants

Unit Mix

Total UnitsSize (sqm)Size (sqft)Percentage
1-Bedroom24039 - 42420 - 45225.61%70.22%
2-Bedroom17960 - 62646 - 667
2-Bedroom+Study416367844.61%
2-Bedroom HS19864 - 68689 - 732
3-Bedroom Dual Key299096929.78%
3-Bedroom9984 - 94904 - 101225.51%
3-Bedroom Premium11199 - 1151066 - 1238
4-Bedroom Premium4015316474.27%
Total Units937

About the Developer

One Marina Gardens will be developed by a consortium comprising of Kingsford Huray Development (a unit of Chinese developer Kingsford Group), Obsidian Development and Polarix Cultural & Science Park Investment.

Kingsford Development is a well-known name in Singapore’s private residential landscape. It has a proven track record in Singapore, Australia, and China and is involved in various businesses, including real estate development, property management and manufacturing.

Over the years, the company has built up a reputation for delivering quality residential projects at competitive prices, focusing on creating exceptional living spaces that harmonise with their surroundings.

Some of its recent private residential developments include Chuan Park, The Hill @ One-North, Normanton Park, and Kingsford Waterbay.

 

What are the Prices for One Marina Gardens?

The following are the indicative launch prices for One Marina Gardens, with prices starting from approximately $2,708 psf. The prices are very attractive, considering the development's prime location in the emerging Marina South precinct where it will be transformed into a green, sustainable, and lively district.

  • 1-Bedroom (420 sqft): from $1,16x,xxx;
  • 2-Bedroom (646 sqft): from $1,80x,xxx ;
  • 3-bedroom (904 sqft): from $2,45x,xxx;
  • 4-Bedroom (1,647 sqft): from $4,45x,xxx.

During the government land sale in June 2023 for the Marina Gardens Lane site, Kingsford Development and its joint partners submitted a top bid of $1.034 billion, beating three other competitors that include GuocoLand/Hong Leong Group, Far East Organisation/City Developments, and Japura Development.

This translates to a land rate of $1,402 psf per plot ratio (psf ppr), which is lower than the $1,379 psf ppr land cost for W Residences - Marina View located near the Shenton Way MRT station 500m away.

 

Where is One Marina Gardens Located?

One Marina Gardens LocationOne Marina Gardens is located along Marina Gardens Lane in Singapore’s District 1, within the Marina Bay financial district. Next to it is Gardens by the Bay, which is linked by an overpass across Sheares Avenue to Marina Bay Sands.

Hence, residents will enjoy convenient access to exclusive shopping, dining, and entertainment options, which include the well-known Marina Bay Sands casino and Skypark.

Moreover, with the Marina South MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line situated less than a 5-minute walk from the development, residents will enjoy direct access to Orchard Road and Parkway Parade.

When the Thomson-East Coast Line is fully completed in the future, it will provide direct access to Changi Airport.

 

Transport Connectivity

Covered Linkway to Marina South MRT Station

Covered Linkway to Marina South MRT Station

One Marina Gardens boasts excellent connectivity as it enjoys direct access to the Marina South MRT station within a short walk. In addition, the Marina South MRT station is just one stop from the Marina Bay and four stops from the Outram Park interchanges.

The Marina Bay station is an interchange for the Thomson-East Coast/Circle/North-South Lines, while the Outram Park station is an interchange for the Thomson-East Coast/East-West/North-East Lines. This makes it easy for residents to travel to other parts of Singapore.

 

Key Connectivity Features:

  • Direct Access to Marina South MRT Station: Direct access to Marina South MRT Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, ensuring seamless travel to major destinations such as Shenton Way, Orchard Road, and in the future, Changi Airport.
  • Near Marina Bay & Outram Park MRT Interchanges: Being one and four stops from Marina South MRT station, respectively, they offer additional and convenient commuting options to many parts of Singapore.
  • Major Expressways: Conveniently connected to major expressways such as the Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) and East Coast Parkway (ECP), they allow quicker journeys for those who own private vehicles.
  • Pedestrian Network: Seamlessly connected through an extensive network of pedestrian walkways to MRT stations and recreational facilities.

 

Nearby Amenities

Residents of One Marina Gardens will have access to a wide range of shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure options, with many world-class attractions located nearby.

Key Amenities:

  • Commercial Space: 8,073 sq ft of commercial space incorporated into the development offers various lifestyle options such as cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops.
  • Retail and Dining: Proximity to shopping malls such as The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Marina Square, and Suntec City, providing a wide range of retail and dining options. In addition, major shopping destinations such as City Hall, Dhoby Ghaut, Orchard Road, Chinatown and Bugis are within five MRT stations of the development.
  • Recreational Activities: Convenient access to recreational options such as the Marina Bay waterfront promenade, Gardens by the Bay, Art Science Museum, Marina Barrage, and Singapore Flyer. This will provide residents various leisure options and scenic views.
One Marina Gardens Review: The Shoppes At Marina Bay

The Shoppes At Marina Bay

Shopping near One Marina Gardens - Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands

Schools and Educational Institutions

Although there are no schools or educational institutions in the vicinity of One Marina Gardens, the excellent MRT network will ensure convenient access to many of them.

Renowned schools such as Hwa Chong Institution, Nanyang Girls’ High School, Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, Methodist Girls’ School, and National Junior College, located along the Bukit Timah/Dunearn Road belt, are all accessible within a 40-minute train ride from the development.

Singapore Management University (SMU) is near One Marina Gardens

Singapore Management University (SMU)

In addition, Singapore Management University (SMU) is conveniently located just four MRT stations away.

Furthermore, with the final section of the Circle Line and its three MRT stations - Keppel, Cantonment, and Prince Edward - completed by 2026, the National University of Singapore (NUS) will be just 10 stops away. This will further enhance the area’s connectivity to leading educational institutions.

 

International Schools

One Marina Gardens is conveniently located near several international schools, which will cater to the educational needs of expatriate families.

These institutions offer internationally recognised curricula, making them an ideal choice for children of professionals working in Singapore’s financial district and the broader Downtown area.

Hence, those looking for property investment, One Marina Gardens will offer them a ready tenant pool.

Some of these international schools include:

  • Shelton College
  • Ascensia International School
  • ISS International School
  • Middleton International School
  • Insworld Institute

 

One Marina Gardens' Investment Prospects

Although One Marina Gardens presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its prime location, excellent transport connectivity, and the promise of a vibrant lifestyle, undertaking a comparative market analysis of residential properties within the Marina Bay precinct is essential for making an informed decision.

By analysing historical data of selected benchmark residential developments in the Marina Bay area since their respective launches, they will provide important insights into prevailing market trends and investment potentail.

 

Comparative Market Analysis

The four residential properties selected for our comparative market analysis are as follows:

  • Marina One Residences
  • Marina Bay Suites
  • Marina Bay Residences
  • The Sail @ Marina Bay
Average $ psf Price Performance of Marina One Residences vs The Sail @ Marina Bay vs Marina Bay Residences vs Marina Bay Suites

Chart 1: Average Price (psf) Performances of Marina Bay Condos

DevelopmentLaunch DatePrice Performance
Marina One ResidencesOctober 2014-4.37%
Marina Bay SuitesDecember 2009-11.47%
Marina Bay ResidencesDecember 2006-0.32%
The Sail @ Marina BayOctober 2004+111.68%

The chart above shows that the average price (psf) performances of properties at Marina Bay have been mostly underwhelming. This can be attributed to the following factors:

  • Affordability: Relatively high entry prices make them out of reach for most Singaporeans, especially HDB upgraders.
  • Housing Market Decentralisation: An increase in demand for OCR properties due to the government’s decentralisation efforts, By bringing homes closer to amenities and jobs, it effectively draws away demand for properties in the CCR.
  • High Property Taxes: High ABSD rate of 60% imposed on foreign buyers from 27 April 2023 dampened demand for luxury developments in prime districts.
  • Competition: Strong competition from new launches around the district. These include upcoming developments such as W Residences -Marina View and Newport Residences.
  • Concrete Jungle: A stark urban landscape characterised by office buildings and skyscapers makes for a less conducive living environment.

 

10-Year Price Gap Analysis (CCR vs RCR & CCR vs OCR)

The following charts show how properties in CCR (core central region) have performed vis-a-vis those in RCR (rest of central region) and OCR (outside central region) in the last 10 years (based on average psf for condominiums).

One Marina Gardens Review: CCR vs RCR property market performance

CCR vs RCR property market performance

One Marina Gardens Review: CCR vs OCR property market performance

CCR vs OCR property market performance

  • CCR vs RCR: From +38.53% to -1.14%
  • CCR vs OCR: From +72.22% to +39.40%

The above analysis reveals that the average price per square foot (psf) premiums for Core Central Region (CCR) properties have contracted substantially relative to those in the Rest of Central Region (RCR) and Outside Central Region (OCR) over the past decade.

With CCR property performance lagging behind that of other regions, the reduced price differentials present a potentially advantageous investment opportunity, particularly in the emerging Marina South precinct.

 

Review Conclusion

Despite the mostly underwhelming capital appreciation rates of properties in the Marina Bay area, One Marina Gardens is poised to benefit from URA's ambitious Urban Design Plans for the precinct.

This transformative initiative, which aims to develop the district into a dynamic, round-the-clock hub that seamlessly integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, will offer astute property investors the first-mover advantage.

As URA's vision materialises, One Marina Gardens is well-positioned to capitalise on the district’s evolution in the longer-term.

Furthermore, the diminishing price differentials between Core Central Region (CCR) properties and those in the Rest of Central Region (RCR) and Outside Central Region (OCR) have rendered One Marina Gardens an increasingly attractive proposition for investors seeking entry into Singapore's prime real estate market.

 


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Posted in Core Central Region, New Properties.

Lance Kuan is an Associate Marketing Manager at Huttons Asia Pte Ltd, one of the largest property agencies in Singapore (Registration No. R062704Z).

With almost 30 years of experience in banking, investment and market analysis, Lance Kuan now find immense pleasure helping others in property investment and asset progression.

His blog - Sg Home Investment - offers essential property reviews, research, guides, and a wide range of resources to help buyers make an informed investment decision. Please feel free to WhatsApp Lance Kuan if you have any queries about the real estate market in Singapore.