Orchard Road, which was named after the various orchards and plantations that existed in the area in the early 1830s, is often associated with luxury fashion and high-end retail. The site has been the premium shopping destination for Singaporeans and tourist alike ever since entrepreneur Tang Choon Keng opened a Tangs department store back in 1958.
The development of Tangs department store brought about a golden age for Orchard as various pioneering landmarks, such as Plaza Singapura and Mandarin Hotel, soon followed, cementing the area’s iconic status as Singapore’s largest shopping district.
Its prestige has led to the rise of gleaming condominiums and private housing in the estate to attract local and foreign investors looking to purchase a home at the heart of our sunny island. If you are one of these shrewd investors eyeing the properties in the Orchard area, it is vital for you to do your research before committing to a purchase. So before you plan to sell your property and relocate, let us share what you can expect when you buy a new home in Singapore’s swankiest estate.
What to expect from Orchard
To ensure the continued vibrancy of the area, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has partnered with other government agencies to announce new initiatives to enhance Orchard’s position as a lifestyle destination. Brand-new retail concepts, entertainment, and attractions are being planned for each sub-precinct in the area to attract crowds to pay a visit. The side streets around the estate will also be improved to facilitate better connectivity between Orchard Road and its surrounding areas.
The announcement also mentions the greater emphasis on mixed-use developments in the area, which will likely signify an increased supply of housing units for those looking to purchase a brand-new property in Orchard. These properties may even be more attractive to new buyers as they are likely to be located closed to Orchard, offering accessibility to the various offices and retail stores in the area while ensuring that residents do not have to deal with the noise and crowd that can permeate the heart of the shopping belt.
This move by the agencies will no doubt be appealing to families in particular. Orchard, especially Scape youth park, has always been a popular hangout spot for teenagers and young adults. And with Dhoby Ghaut being envisioned as a family-friendly lifestyle zone, the Orchard area now has something to cater to every age group.
All these new developments are expected to enhance the property values in the estate and Orchard’s reputation as a prime area, especially in light of the recent price decline of properties in the Core Central Region. As a result, there will likely be a boon for investors with the foresight to invest in the district.
Amenities on offer
With all the exciting development happening around Orchard, there is a need for greater accessibility to meet the anticipated rise in crowd level. As such, constructions of the new MRT stations within the vicinity of the estate are already underway. Orchard MRT station will be expanded to serve as an interchange with the Thomas-East Coast Line, and with the addition of Orchard Boulevard, the area will soon be more connected than ever.
The URA has also further outlined plans to transform Novena into a leading healthcare hub, with developments for the upcoming Tan Tock Seng Hospital Integrated Care Hub and National Skin Center expected to be completed by 2022. Along with the existing Camden medical center, these additions make it more convenient than ever for residents with underlying medical conditions to visit a doctor.
In addition to a variety of transport and healthcare options, couples with children will be glad to know there are various educational institutions, such as Stamford Primary School, Farrer Park Primary School, and St Margaret’s Primary School, surrounding the Orchard area, so their kids do not have to travel far for their studies. Alternatively, residents who prefer private schooling can opt for either EtonHouse International School or Furen International School as they both located within a 10-minutes drive by car from Orchard Road.
Conclusion
As one of the prime locations in the Central Business District, Orchard is ideal for those who love the buzz of city life and the convenience it affords. If this description fits you to a tee, then you may want to consider engaging the services of a property agent to assist you with your house-hunting.
At Selling Singapore, we understand our clients have various needs. Therefore, we always aim to listen to their requirements so that we can provide prudent advice and guidance to help them build their dream homes. For those looking to sell your condo or home fast so you can use the money to finance your new house, allow us to provide you peace of mind by assisting you in both matters. Don’t hesitate to call us at 8157 4855 for a quick coffee session so we can better understand your needs.