The Sen Condo – Review, Price and Investment Analysis

Why Invest in The Sen Condo?

• Reputable Developer: Sustained Land Pte Ltd is a local developer recognised for delivering high-quality residential projects that blend form, functionality, excellent design, and quality workmanship.
• URA Master Plan: The Upper Timah area is undergoing a rejuvenation into a Green Urban Village and Integrated Transport Hub.
• Green Living: A leafy enclave and proximity to several nature parks offer a green living environment.
• Vibrant Neighbourhood: Convenient access to shopping malls and popular food places.
• Transport Connectivity: Located between Beauty World and Hume MRT stations on the Downtown Line.
• Education Access: Proximity to many top schools and tertiary institutions.
• Investment Potential: The transformation of Beauty World and its surrounding areas is expected to underpin property prices.

A Brief Background About the Upper Bukit Timah Area

The Upper Bukit Timah area still retains an old-world charm despite recent efforts to rejuvenate the area. Its proximity to several nature parks, such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Hindhede Nature Park, Dairy Farm Nature Park, Rifle Range Nature Park, and Chestnut Nature Park, is one of its main draws for nature lovers and homebuyers seeking a green living environment.

However, it was once a quiet expanse of forest and granite quarries, with its roots tracing back to Singapore’s colonial era.

In the past, it was a rugged hinterland with pineapple and rubber plantations, while kampongs dotted the area. During World War II, British forces defending the area were overwhelmed by the Japanese. For decades, it remained largely untouched.

Old Upper Bukit Timah

But transformation came swiftly.

Roads were carved through hills. Old quarries have been transformed into scenic landmarks, such as Hindhede Nature Park. More housing developments were introduced, yet the area's lush terrain was preserved.

Today, Upper Bukit Timah is a harmonious blend of heritage and progress - a green sanctuary filled with modern amenities, a mix of public and private housing, charming shophouses, and nature reserves. It’s vibrant. Leafy. Alive with history, yet firmly forward-looking.

URA Master Plan

Under the URA Master Plan 2019, Upper Bukit Timah is undergoing an exciting transformation, featuring enhanced amenities, improved connectivity, and vibrant mixed-use developments for a thriving community These include the following:

• Beauty World's Urban Renewal: The area is rapidly evolving into a verdant urban village, which includes the construction of an Integrated Transport Hub that combines an MRT station, a new bus interchange, and commercial developments. These developments are expected to enhance accessibility and enliven the area by attracting more footfall. Furthermore, new residential developments, such as The Reserve Residences, 8@BT, and The Linq @ Beauty World, as well as the building of new commercial and community spaces, will help to foster a self-sufficient neighbourhood.
• Reimagining Turf City: URA plans to transform Turf City into a vibrant, inclusive residential estate by building up to 20,000 public and private homes. It includes turning it into a "10-minute neighbourhood" where amenities, green spaces, and enhanced public transport connectivity are easily accessible. In addition, heritage elements such as the grandstands will be conserved to honour the site's past. The precinct will be served by two MRT stations – Sixth Avenue (Downtown Line) and Turf City (Cross Island Line).
• Greening the Landscape: Recreational spaces will be enhanced. These include the Rail Corridor, a 24km green artery that offers nature exploration, and the restored Bukit Timah Railway Station, offering visitors a unique blend of heritage and recreation. It features a heritage gallery, café, and lush gardens. In addition, the Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor with its elevated skypark above the Bukit Timah Canal, and the Former Bukit Timah Fire Station, will also be developed into community nodes for nature, heritage, and adventure seekers.
• Enhanced Community Amenities: A new integrated Bukit Timah Community facility will offer a variety of amenities and services. These include a Community Club, market & food centre, library, childcare centre, and elderly facilities. The development will significantly enhance the liveability and convenience for residents.

Who is the Developer of The Sen Condominium?

The developer for The Sen Condominium is Sustained Land Pte Ltd, an established property developer in Singapore since 2006.

The company has established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality residential projects that blend form, functionality, excellent design, and quality workmanship.

It has developed over 2,500 residential units and operates through various subsidiaries and joint ventures. Some of its recent developments include Sky Everton, One Meyer, Coastline Residences, and Casa Al Mare.

What are the Prices for The Sen Condo?

The prices for The Sen Condo are not available yet. However, it can be gauged from its land cost.

Sustained Land submitted a winning bid of $278.9 million for the 207,156 sq ft (19,245.2 sq m) government land sale site in July 2024. This translates to a land rate of $841 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr).

Hence, the Sen Condo is expected to be launched at an average price of $2,000 psf, an attractive proposition when compared to recent new launches in the vicinity.

These include 8@BT and The Reserve Residences which have higher land rates of $1,343 psf ppr and $989.4 psf ppr, respectively. However, this can be attributed to their more favourable locations due to their convenient links to the Beauty World MRT station.

Where is The Sen Located?

The Sen Condo is located along De Souza Avenue, bounded by Upper Bukit Timah Road, Old Jurong Road, and Jalan Jurong Kechil, in Singapore’s District 21.

The nearest MRT stations are Beauty World and Hume on the Downtown Line, which require a 6 to 7-minute car or bus ride from the development.

Around the Beauty World MRT station are several shopping malls, such as Beauty World Plaza, Beauty World Shopping Centre, Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, and Bukit Timah Plaza.

This area is also a food haven due to its many eateries and restaurants along Chun Tin Street and Cheong Chin Nam Road.

The conserved Old Bukit Timah Fire Station, about a 6-minute walk from The Sen, is envisioned to become a community node for nature, heritage and adventure lovers.

The area is a predominantly low-density private residential enclave known for its quiet and leafy living environment. Across Old Jurong Road towards the north of The Sen is Bukit Batok Nature Park.

Transport Connectivity

Transportation-wise, the Sen Condo is not the most conveniently located, although several buses serve the area.

The nearest MRT stations are Beauty World and Hume on the Downtown Line, about a 6 to 7-minute drive or bus ride from the development. Hence, residents will have to rely on a secondary mode of transport to connect to the train network.

The Beauty World MRT station will be a part of the Integrated Transport Hub, combining a bus interchange with adjoining commercial developments such as a shopping centre.

One stop from Beauty World MRT station is King Albert Park, an MRT interchange for the Downtown and Cross Island Line, providing enhanced connectivity and commuting options.

Major Expressways

The Sen Condo enjoys convenient access to the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) and Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE).

The PIE connects east-west while the BKE links northwards to Woodlands. These expressways reduce travel time, improve connectivity to other major routes, enhance accessibility to diverse destinations such as Jurong Lake District, Woodlands Regional Centre, and Tampines Regional Centre, ensuring smoother, more efficient commutes for residents.

Shopping Centres and Amenities Near The Sen Condo

The Upper Bukit Timah area is home to several shopping centres, each with a different charm and character. These include the following:

• The Rail Mall: Bending heritage with modern convenience, it offers 24/7 dining and grocery shopping, with Cold Storage being an anchor tenant. Being next to The Rail Corridor, it is a favourite hangout destination for nature lovers.
• Beauty World Plaza: It offers a nostalgic feel with an eclectic mix of local eateries, boutiques, and traditional shops, providing a glimpse of Singapore’s early retail scene.
• Beauty World Centre: One of the oldest malls, it provides essential services, electronics, and a 24-hour FairPrice supermarket.
• Bukit Timah Shopping Centre: It is known for its diverse mix of shops, including numerous tuition and enrichment centres, maid agencies, and iconic eateries such as Jew Kit Hainanese Chicken Rice.
• Bukit Timah Plaza: Slightly more modern than the rest, its kid-friendly mix of numerous children's enrichment centres, diverse selection of retail and food outlets, and 24-hour FairPrice Finest supermarket makes it a popular destination for many.
• Bukit V: An upcoming four-storey retail and civic mall integrated within The Reserve Residences mixed-use development at Jalan Anak Bukit. It is set to become a new focal point for the Upper Bukit Timah area and part of the Beauty World integrated transport hub.

Lifestyle and Outdoor Recreation

Upper Bukit Timah offers a lifestyle where urban convenience harmoniously blends with nature, providing a diverse range of lifestyle and recreational options. This will help to elevate everyday living that balances lifestyle with wellness.

Nearby nature parks such as Bukit Timah Nature Reserve are popular spots for weekend hikes and morning jogs beneath lush forest canopies. More tranquil trails can be found at Dairy Farm Nature Park and the Rail Corridor, making them perfect for scenic walks and various outdoor experiences.

Besides greenery, trendy cafés, yoga studios and artisanal grocers dot the area, adding a modern feel. Weekends are never dull, thanks to nearby malls like HillV2 and The Rail Mall, among many others, which offer varied dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Meanwhile, plans are afoot to repurpose the conserved Bukit Timah Fire Station, promoting healthy living and community interaction. It will also be integrated with nature and feature environmentally sustainable urban solutions.

A Foodie Haven

The nearby Chun Tin Road and Cheong Chin Nam Road are a foodie haven - where old-school charm meets bold, modern flavours.

Sizzling Korean BBQ and spicy frog porridge keep night owls fed till the wee hours, while the legendary Ng Kim Lee Confectionery - a 60-year-old gem - whisks you back in time with its popular buttery muffins and flaky Teochew pastries.

With the Beauty World MRT providing convenient access to this unpretentious "makan street", it is a popular destination that draws hungry crowds with its wallet-friendly and wide variety of cuisines.

Schools and Education Institutions Near The Sen Condo

Living near top-tier schools isn’t just convenient – it can boost property values, according to a study by the NUS Institute of Real Estate Studies,

This can be attributed to the following:

• A quality education is seen as a mean for future career success.
• Prioritising shorter commutes to enhance the quality of lives.
• Offers long-term capital growth prospects.
• Attract consistent rental demand.