One Sophia Review: Prime Mixed-Use Development in District 9

Why Invest In One Sophia?

One Sophia stands out as an exceptional choice for discerning homebuyers due to its innovative mixed-use design. This development seamlessly combines residential, office, and retail spaces within a single, iconic complex, fostering a vibrant environment where living, working, and leisure blend effortlessly.

Some of its notable selling points include:

• Mixed-Use Development: The project combines residential, commercial, and office spaces, offering a holistic living experience.
• Prime Location: Situated in District 9, One Sophia offers unparalleled access to Singapore’s key business, shopping, and cultural districts.
• Innovative Design: The development features modern architecture and thoughtful design, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle.
• Sustainability: One Sophia incorporates sustainable building practices and green features, promoting an eco-friendly living environment.
• Comprehensive Amenities: Residents will benefit from various facilities designed for comfort and leisure.
• Integrated Retail Podium: The retail podium houses a variety of curated dining, shopping, and entertainment options, providing everyday conveniences and artisanal experiences that cater to residents and visitors alike.
• Seamless Connectivity: Its central location means that One Sophia enjoys access to three MRT stations situated within a 500-metre radius, further enhancing the convenience for its occupants.
• Educational Institutions: Convenient access to top schools and tertiary institutions.
• URA Master Plan: The rejuvenation of Downtown Singapore to create a vibrant and high-quality living environment can be expected to boost property values in the longer-term,

One Sophia’s Design Features

One Sophia's design is a stunning fusion of modern architecture and natural elements, creating a visually striking and sustainable living environment.

The facade of the building is adorned with cantilevered boxes and bronze fins that elegantly wrap around the exterior. These features are accentuated by pockets of lush greenery, bringing an organic feel to the urban structure.

One of the standout design elements is the curved, suspended garden, which gives the illusion of a floating forest. This creative design integrates nature into the development to provide a greener living environment.

At its base, One Sophia boasts a vibrant retail podium, offering everyday conveniences alongside curated retail and dining experiences. LED displays and avant-garde design bring this area to life, making it a dynamic and contemporary space.

The entrance to One Sophia’s office lobby is equally impressive, featuring a 4-metre-high ceiling, a grid chandelier, and reflective mirror panels that enhance the sense of grandeur.

Convenient F&B outlets are strategically placed next to the lift lobby, adding practicality to its aesthetics.

Unit Mix & Distribution

Who are the Developers of One Sophia?

One Sophia is developed by a joint venture between CEL Development and SingHaiyi Group, two of Singapore’s well-known and respected real estate developers.

CEL Development: With over 50 years of experience, CEL Development is known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. The company has delivered numerous residential, commercial and industrial projects locally and internationally.

SingHaiyi Group: Established in 2013, SingHaiyi Group has quickly become a key player in Singapore’s real estate market. The company is recognised for its diverse portfolio of high-quality residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.

Some recent residential developments by CEL and SingHaiyi include Kopar At Newton, TMW Maxwell, Grand Dunman, and Parc Komo.

What are the Prices of The Collective at One Sophia?

During the sales launch of The Collective at One Sophia on 6 November 2024, 35 residential units were sold at an average price of $2,750 psf, an attractive level for a prime District 9 property in the heart of the City and Civic District.

In comparison, other District 9 properties like The Avenir were selling at an average price of $3,627 psf, Klimt Cairnhill at $3,434 psf, and Irwell Hill Residences at $2,895 psf.

The Collective at One Sophia offers a variety of units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, with sizes between 430 sq ft and 1,249 sq ft. The development features top-notch amenities including a pool, Azure Spa, a social club, lounge deck, games room, and sky alcove.

Price Breakdown:

• Studios: Starting from $1.14 million ($2,650 psf);
• 1-Bedroom: Starting from $1.35 million ($2,789 psf);
• 2-Bedroom: Starting from $1.71 million ($2,647 psf);
• 3-Bedroom: Starting from $2.85 million ($2,782 psf).

The former Peace Centre and Peace Mansion were sold for S$650 million in a collective sale in December 2021 to a joint venture comprising CEL Development, SingHaiyi Crystal, and Ultra Infinity. This sale was concluded after five attempts.

The site at 1 Sophia Road, spans 76,617 sq ft and is zoned for commercial use under the URA’s 2019 Master Plan. The potential land cost, including a lease top-up premium, is approximately S$1,426 per sq ft per plot ratio (psf ppr), or S$1,388 psf ppr after factoring in a 7% bonus gross floor area for the residential component.

Where is One Sophia Located?

One Sophia enjoys a prime location at 1 Sophia Road, in the heart of District 9. This strategic location offers residents and tenants easy access to a myriad of lifestyle amenities and urban attractions, while the School of the Arts is just a stone's throw away.

The development is nestled between the bustling Orchard Road shopping belt and the cultural enclave of Bras Basah-Bugis, providing a perfect blend of convenience and vibrancy.

Additionally, the area surrounding One Sophia is rich in heritage, with historical sites and cultural landmarks like the National Museum of Singapore and Fort Canning Park within a short distance.

Little India, one of Singapore’s four Historical Districts, is just a stone’s throw from the development.

Three MRT stations – Dhoby Ghaut, Bencoolen, and Bras Basah – are within a 10-minute walk, providing convenient access to many parts of the island.

Transport Connectivity and Convenience

Transport is one of the strongest aspects of One Sophia. The development is well-served by several MRT stations within a 500-metre radius, including Dhoby Ghaut, Bencoolen, and Bras Basah stations.

Dhoby Ghaut, in particular, is a major interchange for the North-South, North-East and Circle lines, while the Bencoolen station is on the Downtown Line and Bras Basah is on the Circle Line. Together, they provide unparalleled access to the rest of Singapore.

Whether travelling for work or leisure, residents will be just minutes away from key destinations such as the Central Business District (CBD) and Orchard Road.

For those who drive, One Sophia’s central location offers quick access to major expressways, which include the Central Expressway (CTE) , East Coast Parkway (ECP) and in the future, the North-South Corridor.

In addition, numerous bus routes serve the area, providing alternative transport options and convenient access to various parts of the island.

Shopping and Amenities Near One Sophia

Given its excellent location, One Sophia enjoys convenient access to several renowned shopping and lifestyle destinations. These include Orchard Road, City Hall, and Marina Bay.

Orchard Road is Singapore’s most famous shopping belt. Just a short stroll away, it offers an array of international fashion brands, luxury goods, and dining options. Some of the popular malls in the area are Plaza Singapura, Orchard Gateway, Centrepoint, and Wisam Atria, among many others.

In addition to its shopping, the area around One Sophia offers a wide range of amenities, including supermarkets, healthcare facilities, and banks. These essential services ensure that daily needs are met effortlessly, enhancing everyday living convenience.

Recreational and Places of Interest Near One Sophia

One Sophia’s proximity to several parks and recreational areas makes it an attractive choice for those who enjoy the outdoors.

Fort Canning Park, with its lush greenery and historical significance, is just a stone’s throw away. The park offers a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and provides various walking trails, heritage sites, and cultural attractions.

Furthermore, the development is close to Singapore’s Civic District, where residents can explore museums, galleries, and theatres.

The National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, and Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay are just a few cultural hotspots nearby. These venues offer a mix of artistic and cultural experiences that appeal to both locals and expatriates.

Little India – One of Singapore’s Four Historical District

Nestled just a stone’s throw from One Sophia, Little India is one of Singapore's four Historical Districts and an unmissable gem of cultural vibrancy and uniqueness.

This vibrant cultural hub brims with colourful streets, aromatic spice shops, and an unparalleled rich heritage. As you wander through its bustling markets, traditional Indian eateries, and majestic temples, you are immersed in a sensory feast that celebrates Indian culture.

The lively festivals, filled with music, dance, and vibrant decorations, offer an unforgettable experience that attracts both locals and tourists alike. Whether you're savouring the tantalising flavours of authentic Indian cuisine or soaking in the sights and sounds of its lively streets, Little India provides an immersive cultural journey.

Its close proximity to One Sophia means residents can easily access this rich tapestry of experiences, making it a prime location for those seeking both luxury living and cultural richness.

URA's Downtown Master Plan

The URA's Downtown Master Plan aims to create a vibrant and high-quality living environment for residents by enhancing connectivity, greenery, and amenities.

The plan includes the rejuvenation of Orchard Road and Dhoby Ghaut areas by introducing more verdant spaces, open areas for leisure, and cycling paths. This will help to make the district more appealing while fostering a lively cityscape 24/7.

Hence, the mixed-use nature of One Sophia, combined with these developments, will offer residents a dynamic living experience with easy access to commercial, cultural, and recreational amenities. This transformation is expected to boost property values and attract a diverse community, ensuring a vibrant and high-quality living environment.

Education Institutions Near One Sophia

Families with children will find the educational offerings near One Sophia highly appealing. The development is situated close to some of Singapore’s top education institutions, which include the Singapore Management University (SMU), School of the Arts (SOTA), Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), and LASALLE College of the Arts.

These institutions provide excellent academic and artistic programs, making One Sophia an ideal location for families with school-going children.

For younger children, St Margaret School (Primary) is located within a 1km radius of One Sophia, while Anglo Chinese School (Junior), St Joseph Institution (Junior), Farrer Park and River Valley Primary School are within a 2km radius.

This will be a boon for families with young children entering primary schools as they will enjoy priority admission under the Education Ministry distance-based allocation system.

Investment Prospects of One Sophia

One Sophia presents a compelling investment option for several reasons:

High Demand Area: Located in a prime District 9 with strong demand for both residential and commercial spaces.

Potential Rental Yield: The mixed-use nature of the development is likely to attract diverse tenants, from residential occupants to commercial businesses.

Proximity to Central Business District: Just a stone's throw away from the CBD, it offers unparalleled convenience for professionals who want to live near their workplaces.

Vibrant Cityscape: With easy access to major shopping centers, fine dining establishments, and entertainment venues, it offers a dynamic living environment.  This will appeal to urban dwellers who value convenience and an active social scene.

Culturally Rich Area: Nestled in a neighbourhood known for its cultural landmarks, museums, and art galleries, One Sophia provides residents with a rich and diverse cultural experience right at their doorstep.

Future Growth: With ongoing urban development in the vicinity, such as the rejuvenation of Orchard Road, property values are expected to appreciate over time.

Comparative Market Analysis

To analyse the investment potential of One Sophia, let's look at how some of the nearby residential developments have performed since they were launched. All of them are 99-year leasehold developments, except the Avenir, which is freehold.

From the chart above, the average price (psf) appreciation are as follows:

The above figures reveal a broad spectrum of performance, with appreciation rates ranging from 11% to over 31%.

Notably, the two developments closest to One Sophia - Kopar At Newton and Midtown Modern - have exhibited significantly higher appreciation rates. Midtown Modern stands out as the top performer among the four developments.

Interestingly, it is also a mixed-use development like One Sophia.

This may suggest a strong capital appreciation potential for One Sophia, especially given its prime location in District 9 as compared to Midtown Modern in District 7.  Also, the tenure of the development does not seem to matter much, with two of the 99-year leasehold developments outperforming the freehold Avenir.