Developers' sales got off to a strong start in 2025 with packed showflats and robust take-up rates - continuing the sale momentum which kicked in towards the end of 2024.

Many new private condo projects performed exceptionally well during their respective launch weekends, particularly projects in the mass market, and the city fringe. Notably, Parktown Residence achieved a near-record number of sales during its launch weekend, selling more than 1,000 units. Other projects like Lentor Central Residences, ELTA and The Orie were also well-received upon launch due to their strong locational attributes.

Based on figures from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), developers sold 3,375 new homes (ex. EC) in the first quarter of 2025 - already more than half of the 6,469 units moved in the whole of 2024. While the pace of new launches may likely slow due to the June school holidays, there are plenty of upcoming projects to look forward to in the second half of 2025 (2H 2025).

Nearly 20 projects including an EC development (see Table 1) could enter the market in 2H 2025. Of these, projects in the Core Central Region (CCR) will take centre stage, as some eight upcoming projects may potentially revitalise interest in prime residential market. Those looking for new homes in the heartlands and city fringe need not fret, as several new launches are also coming to the Rest of Central Region (RCR) and Outside Central Region (OCR).

Table 1: Estimated new project launch pipeline in 2H 2025

Source: PropNex Research, PropNex International (as at 26 June 2025), subject to change without prior notice

Here's a quick break-down of the projects based on certain location attributes and property type. Clearly, some projects will check multiple boxes and will be highlighted in turn.

ECs have firmly cemented their place as a more accessible entry-point to the private residential market for first-timers and HDB upgraders, and the strong sales performance of recent EC projects attest to that. In 1H 2025, Aurelle of Tampines EC sold 90% of its 760 units on launch weekend, proceeding to quickly sell-out after sales booking was opened to more second-time buyers.

Interested buyers who missed out on previous EC projects now have another chance in 2H 2025, with the upcoming launch of the 560-unit Otto Place EC in Plantation Close in Tengah. The EC project is located close to two future MRT stations on the Jurong Region Line (JRL), being in between the Tengah Park and Bukit Batok West stations. It is also not far from the Jurong Lake District which will be the largest mixed-use business district outside the city.

Although EC prices have inched up - with a current benchmark average launch price of $1,766 (set by Aurelle of Tampines EC) - EC prices are still substantially lower than that of many new non-landed private homes sold in the OCR (ex. EC) at above $2,100 psf. Overall, PropNex expects to see pent-up demand for EC units given the dwindling unsold stock in the market, with only 38 unsold new EC units as at end-May2025.

When it comes to choosing a residential property, the development's accessibility to public transport nodes like an MRT station is one of the most crucial aspects prospective buyers consider, as it can contribute immensely to both convenience and investment value.

Among the upcoming launches, there are several projects that meet the "proximity to MRT station" condition in spades - and by that, we mean projects that are either connected to an MRT station or just a hop away. They include Springleaf Residences, UpperHouse at Orchard Boulevard, River Green, Promenade Peak and the Grand Zyon.

• Springleaf Residences: Less than 200m from the Springleaf MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), and near to the Upper Seletar Reservoir and Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Two MRT stops to the Woodlands Regional Centre, three MRT stop to Woodlands North station, where the upcoming RTS Link to Johor Bahru will be located

• UpperHouse at Orchard Boulevard: Will be linked to the Orchard Boulevard MRT station on the TEL; nestled in an exclusive private residential enclave and is near the Chatsworth Park good class bungalow area. One MRT stop to Orchard Road, and it is near to the Singapore Botanic Gardens

• River Green: On top of the Great World MRT station on the TEL, and near to the Great World City mall and River Valley Primary School. One MRT stop to Orchard Road and a short stroll to Kim Seng Park and the Singapore River

• Promenade Peak: Minutes' walk to both the Great World and Havelock MRT stations on the TEL. One MRT stop to Orchard Road via the Great World MRT station, and it is near to the Great World City mall, Zion Riverside Food Centre, River Valley Primary School, Alexandra Primary School, and Outram Secondary School

• Grand Zyon: Adjacent to Promenade Peak and will be linked to the Havelock MRT station. Two stops to Orchard Road. The project will also include long-stay serviced apartments. Like Promenade Peak, it is close to the Great World City mall, Zion Riverside Food Centre, River Valley Primary School, Alexandra Primary School, as well as Outram Secondary School

In addition to connectivity, another key consideration for prospective homebuyers, particularly young couples or families with school-going children is proximity to schools - preferably within 2-km to the residential development in the case of primary schools.

There are several upcoming launches that are near to various educational institutions such as LyndenWoods, Canberra Crescent Residences, The Sen in De Souza Avenue as well as Penrith in Margaret Drive and Faber Residence along Faber Walk.

• LyndenWoods: Located in Science Park and near to one-north, the project is well-positioned to capture interest from buyers who work in the area, as well as investors looking to tap rental demand owing to the project's proximity to employment hubs. That aside, LyndenWoods also has an array of schools within 2 km from the site, including the National University of Singapore, Tanglin Trust School, New Town Primary School, Fairfield Methodist School (Primary and Secondary), Anglo- Chinese School (Independent), Anglo-Chinese Junior College, and United World College of South East Asia (Dover Campus). It is also a short walk to the Kent Ridge MRT station on the Circle Line (CCL)

• Canberra Crescent Residences: Situated in Sembawang and has many schools within a 2-km radius, including Wellington Primary School, Endeavour Primary School, Northoaks Primary School, Canberra Primary and Secondary schools, Sembaw