Watten House Condo Review: Location, Price, Investment Analysis

Why Invest in Watten House Condo?

• Located in prime District 11 and within a coveted and prestigious address nestled in the tranquil Watten landed enclave
• Jointly developed by UOL Group and Singapore Land Group, known for their luxurious “masterpiece” developments that feature an abundance of water features and landscaping
• A low-density development with spacious large-format units on a vast 20,461.10 sq m of land, and right next to a neighbourhood park
• 8 exclusive penthouses, designed to embody the concept of “bungalows in the sky”, complete with cutting-edge appliances and designer fittings
• Exquisite Asian-inspired architectural design by renowned firm Architect 61
• Luxurious interiors with high-quality finishes
• Excellent transport connectivity, with Tan Kah Kee MRT station (Downtown Line) just 7 minutes walk away
• A short train ride to the Novena and Orchard Road shopping belt
• Convenient access to a plethora of amenities such as shopping malls, popular food places, supermarkets, and banking services
• Near places of interest like Singapore Botanic Gardens, Rail Corridor and several nature parks such as the Rifle Range Nature Park and Bukit Timah Nature Reserves
• Development of Bukit-Timah Green Corridor to further enhance the living environment
• Close to many highly sought-after schools
• Proximity to major business districts such as One-North and Central Business District

Watten House Fact Sheet

Watten House Unit Mix & Distribution

Being a luxurious development, all units come with very generous ceiling heights as follows:

• Typical Living / Dining /Bedrooms: 3.25m
• PH Living / Dining: 3.5m to 4.2m sloped ceiling
• PH Master Bedroom / Dry Kitchen: 3.5m

Watten House Design Features

Watten House is a masterpiece of modern architecture. The low-rise development comprises eight elegant blocks of five storeys, seamlessly blending in with the surrounding lush greenery. The facade features clean lines and expansive windows, allowing natural light to flood the interiors, creating a sense of spaciousness and airiness.

The following are some of its unique and distinct features:

• A distinctive Asian contemporary design
• Re-create the existing hilltop terrain
• Curate an experience akin to an exclusive, low-rise landed property
• The arrangement of blocks to take advantage of the development’s hilltop vantage position
• All blocks orientated to maximise city, landscape and nature views

For further details, please refer to Watten House's Design Brief.

Who is the Developer of Watten House Condo?

The developer for Watten House condo is United Venture Development (Watten) Pte. Ltd. It is made up of a joint venture between UOL Group and Singapore Land Group, two reputable developers respected for their track record of delivering high-quality properties.

The combined experience and proven track record of the developers of Watten House is a major draw for potential buyers, as they can be assured of getting a high-quality and well-built development.

Some of their recent residential developments include Pinetree Hill, Amo Residence, The Watergardens, Clavon, and Avenue South Residences.

UOL Group: A leading public-listed property company in Singapore, known for its extensive portfolio of development and investment properties, hotels, and serviced suites. With a strong track record in property development, UOL Group has delivered high-quality residential, commercial, and industrial properties. In 2022, the company reported strong sales across all its property development projects, contributing to 62% of the group's overall revenue.

Singapore Land Group: It is one of Singapore's oldest property developers which was incorporated in 1963. It has played a significant role in shaping Singapore's real estate landscape, with a diverse portfolio that includes commercial, residential, and retail properties. Leveraging its deep industry knowledge and strategic partnerships, it seeks to deliver value to its stakeholders and contribute to Singapore's urban development.

What are the Prices for Watten House Condo?

During the private launch of Watten House, it sold 57% or 102 units at an average price of $3,230 psf. Approximately 92$ of the buyers are Singaporeans and permanent residents looking for owner occupation, investment, or legacy planning due to its rare freehold status.

Three of the eight penthouses were sold for between $11.7 million ($3,440 psf) and $14.5 million ($3,550 psf).

As of 14 October 2024, units have been transacted in a range of $3,077 - 3,576 psf.

The following is the price guide during the launch of Watten House condo:

The 220,241 sq ft freehold site was clinched by a joint venture between UOL Group and Singapore Land Group via en bloc in October 2021 with a winning bid of $550.8 million. This translates to a land rate of $1,723 psf per plot ratio (psf ppr), including an 8% bonus gross floor area and the corresponding development charge.

Hence, with prices starting from just above $3,100 psf, Watten House is competitively priced for such a property located in Singapore's prime District 11.

Where is Watten House Condo Located?

Watten House Location Map

Watten House condo is located at Shelford Road, off Bukit Timah, Singapore. Bukit Timah is one of the most exclusive and sought-after residential estates in Singapore. It is home to some of the most expensive properties in Singapore, as well as a number of prestigious schools, such as Nanyang Primary School, Raffles Girls' Primary School, and Hwa Chong Institution.

As Bukit Timah is a mature estate with a strong rental demand amid the limited supply of new condominiums, Watten House is likely to appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors.

In addition, the location of Watten House is convenient for both work and play. It is only a short drive to the city centre and major business districts. In addition, it is close to a number of popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations such as Novena and Orchard Road.

Moreover, the Tan Kah Kee MRT station on the Downtown Line is merely 7 minutes walk away, providing a convenient commute for its residents.

Watten House Enjoys Excellent Transport Connectivity

Watten House is well-connected to public transportation. It is just 7 minutes walk to the Tan Kah Kee MRT station on the Downtown line. The MRT station provides direct access to the city centre, central business district (CBD) and many other parts of Singapore.

Tan Kah Kee MRT Station

For perspective, a train ride to the Central Business District (CBD) and Orchard Road only takes about 20 minutes.

In addition, it is well-served by a number of public buses, which provide convenient transportation options for its residents.

For those who drive, the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) and Lornie Highway are just 3-4 minutes from the development. Given its excellent transport connectivity, Watten House offers a convenient place to live for both working professionals and families as they can easily get around Singapore via various transport options.

Shopping Centres and Amenities near Watten House

There are a number of shopping centres and amenities near Watten House condo. The nearest are:

• Coronation Shopping Plaza
• Serene Centre
• King's Arcade Shopping Centre

These three shopping malls are just 3-4 minutes' drive away. Although they are quite small, Collectively, they offer a good mix of F&B options, supermarkets, clothing and electronic stores, among many others.

There are also several supermarkets nearby, offering Watten House residents convenient access to fresh produce and groceries. They are:

• Guthrie House (Sixth Avenue) - CS Fresh
• Cluny Court - CS Fresh
• Coronation Plaza - Fairprice Finest
• Greenwood Avenue - Fairprice Express

However, slightly further away are major shopping and entertainment destinations such as Holland Village, Novena, and Orchard Road. As they are located merely 7 to 8 minutes drive from Watten House, residents will have everything within easy reach. These include groceries, and daily necessities, as well as medical and banking services.

Popular Food Places Near Watten House

There are several popular food centres near Watten House. They are:

Adam Road Food Centre: A Michelin Bib Gourmand hawker centre with over 100 stalls to choose from. It is a great place to try a variety of Singaporean dishes, such as chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow.

Newton Food Centre: One of the most famous hawker centres in Singapore located just a short walk from Newton MRT Station, it is known for its wide variety of stalls selling local cuisine such as char kway teow, laksa, chicken rice, and roti prata. It is a popular destination for tourists visiting Singapore. It was also featured in the Hollywood blockbuster "Crazy Rich Asians".

Bukit Timah Food Centre: It is home to over 80 stalls selling a variety of Singaporean dishes, including carrot cake, mee siam, and bak kut teh. Many of the stalls are passed down from the previous generation, which helps to preserve their culinary expertise.

Nature Parks Near Watten House Condo

Watten House condo is located near several nature parks, all of them less than 10 minutes drive away. They include the following:

Singapore Botanic Gardens: This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a vast collection of plants and flowers, as well as a number of lakes and ponds. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and offers a variety of activities for all ages. In fact, there is a special area for children known as Jacob Ballas Children's Garden.

MacRitchie Reservoir: This is the largest reservoir in Singapore by water catchment area. It is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and bird watching. The reservoir is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Malayan colugo (also known as the Sunda flying lemur).

Rifle Range Nature Park: This 66-ha nature park is located in the southern part of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. It is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and picnicking. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Sunda pangolin. In 2018, Rifle Range Nature Park was awarded the Singapore Green Plan 2030 Award for Green Space Management.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: This is the largest nature reserve in Singapore with a rich biodiversity. It is home to the endangered black-crested gibbon and the greater racket-tailed drongo. The reserve is also home to Singapore's highest hill, Bukit Timah Hill, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Rail Corridor: This 24 km long green corridor is a former railway track that has been converted into a public space for recreation and leisure. It is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and nature exploration. The corridor is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, and rare species such as the endangered Grey-headed Fish Eagle and Violet Cuckoo have been sighted.

Benefits of Staying Close to Nature

The proximity of these nature parks will encourage residents of Watten House to get active, connect with nature, and learn about the local environment. They will also gain the following benefits:

Opportunities for Physical Activity: The parks offer a variety of activities that can help residents stay active, such as hiking, biking, and strolling. Physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving mental health.

Exposure to Nature: Spending time in nature has been shown to have a number of benefits for mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost the immune system.

Learning Opportunities: The parks offer a variety of educational opportunities for residents of all ages. They can learn about the plants and animals that are found in the nature reserve, as well as the history of the area.

Community Bonding: The parks provide a space for residents to come together and connect with each other. These include informal gatherings such as picnics or organized events, such as nature walks and bird-watching tours.

Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor

Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor

Besides the above-mentioned nature parks, future residents of Watten House can also look forward to the development of the Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor just minutes' walk away.

The 11km green corridor stretches from Rifle Range Road to Kallang Riverside Park and is part of the Coast-to-Coast Trail. Part of it, a 1.4km elevated linear sky park, will run above the canal between Bukit Timah and Dunearn Road.

It is envisioned to meander through a forested setting that allows visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll amid nature. Look-out points, shelters and seats will be located along the park to allow visitors to rest and enjoy the view.

Schools Near Watten House

There are a number of schools near Watten House, making it an ideal choice for families with children. Properties near schools, especially popular ones, have been found to command a price premium. This is according to a study by the NUS Institute of Real Estate Studies.

Moreover, popular schools such as Nanyang Primary School and Raffles Girls' Primary School are within a 1km radius of the development, which will offer priority Primary 1 admission under the Education Ministry’s distance-based allocation system.

Besides these two schools, there are several others that are highly sought after for their excellent academic achievements located along the Bukit Timah/Dunearn stretch. These include the following:

• Raffles Girls' Primary School
• Singapore Chinese Girls’ Primary School.
• Nanyang Girls’ High School.
• Saint Joseph’s Institution.
• St Margaret Girls’ School.
• Methodist Girls’ School.
• Hwa Chong Institution.
• National Junior College.

International Schools

Watten House is also located near several international schools. The proximity to international schools offers excellent property investment potential due to the high demand from expatriate families seeking convenient access to quality education for their children.

As such, the demand for housing will help to spur property values and investment returns. Some of these international schools include the following:

• Hwa Chong International School (HCI).
• Holland International School.
• Swiss School.
• Chatsworth International School.
• Singapore Korean International School.

Conclusion: An Investment Perspective

Watten House offers a number of appealing features that make it a viable investment option. To sum up, these include the following:

Location: It is located in an exclusive private residential enclave with convenient access to a host of amenities.

Reputable Developers: It is developed by two reputable developers with a track record of delivering high-quality properties.

A Freehold Property: Freehold properties are typically more valuable than 99-year leasehold properties due to their greater security and transferability, making them an attractive option for those seeking a legacy asset.

Public Transportation: It is well-connected to public transportation, with the Tan Kah Kee MRT station on the Downtown Line just seven minutes walk away.

Access to High-Quality Education: It is surrounded by prestigious schools that provide families with children with a high-quality education.

Limited Supply: The lack of supply in the vicinity offers promising investment prospects. Not only will it provide good capital appreciation potential, but it can command high rental yields.

In summary, Watten House is an exceptional development that offers a unique blend of luxury, tranquillity, and convenience. With its exquisite design, exceptional amenities, and prime location, Watten House is the perfect choice for discerning homeowners seeking a lifestyle of unparalleled elegance and comfort.

In addition, it offers not only a luxurious home but also a sound investment. With its prime location, limited supply of freehold properties in the area, and strong demand for luxury residences, Watten House will provide savvy investors promising investment potential.

Comparative Market Analysis (as of 9 August 2023)

However, how good is Watten House’s investment potential? To answer this question, let us examine the following price trends:

• Perfect Ten’s average price trend since its launch on 19 December 2021 (the latest condo launch in District 10 located only about 5km from Watten House).
• 10-year average price trend of non-landed properties in Core Central Region (CCR).
• 10-year average price trend of non-landed properties in Rest of Central Region (CCR).
• 10-year average price trend of non-landed properties in Core Central Region (CCR).

Property Price Trend Analysis

Perfect Ten’s Average Price Performance.

As can be seen from the chart above, Perfect Ten, which was launched on 19 December 2021 during the throes of the covid-19 pandemic, sold just 12 units at an average price of $3,200 psf. To date, prices have appreciated by 2.59%.

However, it is worth noting that prices rebounded sharply from 2Q 2022 to date, achieving an impressive average price appreciation of 15.74% as the negative effects of the covid-19 pandemic eased off. Currently, it is 96.52% sold.

10-Year Average Property Price Trend Comparisons Between CCR, RCR & OCR

Referring to the above chart again, it can be seen that the 10-year average prices of properties in the CCR, RCR, and OCR have appreciated by 20.63%, 75.51%, and 43.56% respectively.

But what is noteworthy is that the average price gap between CCR versus RCR has narrowed from 54.16% to 5.95%, while CCR versus OCR narrowed from 58.63% to 33.30%.

This significant narrowing of price gaps presents a unique opportunity for potential investors seeking high-end properties in Singapore's prime districts.

The robust sales of Perfect Ten, despite initial uncertainties during the Covid-19 pandemic, underscores the attractiveness of prime district properties. If priced right, Watten House can also be expected to attract astute property investors.

While the recent property cooling measures implemented by the Singaporean government on 27 April 2023, including doubling the Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) from 30% to 60%, has moderated foreign investor demand, it stands to benefit local buyers in two ways - reduced competition from foreigners and more realistic pricing expectations from developers.