Singapore, a global financial hub and a melting pot of cultures, is renowned for its soaring skyscrapers, lush green spaces, and impeccable standard of living. The city-state’s real estate market is one of the most vibrant and competitive in the world, attracting wealthy investors and homeowners from across the globe.
From sprawling Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) to prestigious penthouses, properties here consistently fetch eye-watering sums. If you’re curious about the pinnacle of Singapore’s property market, buckle up as we dive into the most expensive properties ever sold in the Lion City.
In 2019, a Good Class Bungalow on Nassim Road shattered records by selling for a staggering S$230 million (US$169.4 million). This sprawling property, encompassing a massive 84,544 sq ft, is large enough to be subdivided into four smaller GCB parcels of about 20,000 to 21,000 sq ft each. In fact, written permission was obtained in March 2016 for the subdivision of the land into four smaller plots.
This record-breaking sale underscores the immense value placed on GCBs in prime locations like Nassim Road, a prestigious district known for its opulent bungalows and proximity to Singapore’s famed shopping belt.
Striking a different kind of luxury deal was Cuscaden Peak Investments in 2016. This record-breaking transaction wasn’t for a single, magnificent bungalow, but rather a land deal involving three Good Class Bungalows perched atop Cuscaden Peak. Unlike the sprawling estate on Nassim Road, details here focus on the prestige of the address and the sheer value per square foot achieved.
Casino tycoon Stanley Ho from Macau secured this coveted plot for a cool S$145 million (US$107.4 million), setting a new benchmark for luxury land transactions in Singapore. This deal highlights the potential for redevelopment on prime GCB land and the willingness of high-net-worth individuals to pay a premium for exclusivity and coveted locations.
In 2021, a GCB under construction fetched a whopping S$63.7 million (US$47.3 million), even before completion, highlighting the strong buyer interest in this prime location. Property listings showcase GCBs on Cluny Hill ranging from established estates with established gardens and swimming pools to brand new developments offering modern amenities.
This prestigious property is located near the Singapore Botanic Gardens with the bungalow sitting on a sprawling plot of land that features luxurious amenities, including a swimming pool and a private garden.
In 2017, James Dyson, the famed inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner, purchased the triplex penthouse at the Wallich Residence for a staggering S$73.8 million (US$54.8 million). This opulent triplex penthouse holds the record for the most expensive penthouse ever sold in Singapore.
The architectural marvel boasts panoramic city views, a private swimming pool, and a dedicated “sky garden” – all perched atop the tallest building in Singapore. Intriguingly, Sir Dyson only held on to the penthouse for a single year. It was sold for $63 million in 2020, for undisclosed reasons.
Joining the ranks of sky-high luxury is the Les Maisons Nassim penthouse. This ultra-exclusive development, located in the prestigious District 10, saw its largest penthouse unit sold for S$75 million (US$55.8 million) in 2021.
Spanning approximately 12,077 square feet, the penthouse offered a vast living space, translating to roughly S$6,210 per square foot. This translates to an incredibly spacious and luxurious home.
In 2017, a mansion on Ardmore Park fetched a record-breaking price of S$138 million (USD 102.3 million). This sprawling property boasts over 30,000 sq ft of living space and sits on a land area exceeding 21,000 sq ft, making it a true architectural marvel.
Situated amidst lush greenery, the mansion offers panoramic views of the city skyline and is designed to cater to the discerning tastes of affluent buyers. The property features luxurious interiors, and extensive facilities including swimming pools, fitness centres, and concierge services, ensuring a lifestyle of utmost comfort and convenience.
In 2016, a significant deal shook up Singapore’s luxury property market: the sale of 9 Cuscaden Road. This wasn’t your typical Good Class Bungalow (GCB) purchase. Macau casino tycoon Stanley Ho, through his company Shun Tak Holdings, made a strategic land acquisition, snapping up the property for a staggering S$145 million (US$107.4 million).
Located strategically in the heart of Orchard Road, 9 Cuscaden is known for its prime retail and office spaces, offering unparalleled visibility and accessibility. The sale to Stanley Ho underscored the property’s prestigious status and its value as a coveted asset in one of Asia’s most vibrant commercial districts.
In 2017, Eduardo Saverin, the co-founder of Facebook, made headlines with his acquisition of the Sculptura Ardmore duplex penthouse in Singapore. Spanning an impressive 10,300 square feet, this luxurious residence is located in the prestigious Ardmore Park area, known for its exclusivity and prime real estate offerings.
The purchase, valued at $60 million, underscored Saverin’s investment in high-end property, showcasing his appreciation for top-tier living spaces that combine spaciousness with panoramic views of the city skyline and lush surroundings. Unlike traditional penthouses on a single floor, the Sculptura Ardmore duplex penthouse offered a more expansive living experience. This “super penthouse” concept, encompassing multiple floors with potentially vast living areas and private outdoor spaces, was gaining traction among the ultra-wealthy.
The Le Nouvel Ardmore Penthouse, sold in 2015 for S$51 million (US$37.9 million), represented one of Singapore’s most prestigious residential transactions before the sale of the Wallich Residence penthouse. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, Le Nouvel Ardmore itself was a statement piece. The building’s unique curved facade and emphasis on natural light set it apart from traditional high-rises, offering residents a one-of-a-kind living experience.
Situated in the coveted District 10, Le Nouvel Ardmore offered residents easy access to esteemed schools, world-class restaurants, and Orchard Road’s shopping haven. This prime location, coupled with the exclusivity of a penthouse unit, made it an extremely desirable property.
Completed in 2014, Twentyone Angullia Park quickly established itself as a prestigious address in Singapore’s luxury property scene. While the most expensive penthouses often make headlines for record-breaking prices, Twentyone Angullia Park Penthouse, sold in 2013 for S$42.9 million (US$31.8 million), stands out for its unique features and contribution to the city’s high-end living landscape.
Unlike some penthouses occupying a single floor, Twentyone Angullia Park offered a more expansive living experience. Details about the specific layout are limited due to privacy concerns, but reports suggest it could be a triplex unit, spanning multiple floors and potentially offering a private roof terrace or dedicated outdoor space. This configuration caters to those seeking the exclusivity of a penthouse combined with the generous living area of a luxury home.
Singapore’s real estate market stands as one of the world’s most expensive, reflecting its status as Asia’s second-highest in terms of housing costs. In 2023, the median price for private homes soared to $1.32 million, marking a substantial 9.6 percent increase, largely fueled by an influx of affluent immigrants. This trend underscores Singapore’s appeal as a magnet for high-net-worth individuals seeking prime residential opportunities. But what exactly makes Singapore’s properties so expensive?
For one, Singapore’s compact land area creates a fundamental constraint – land scarcity. This limited supply, particularly for Good Class Bungalows is a significant driver of property value. With more demand than available land, especially in prime locations, prices naturally reach record-breaking heights.
Secondly, prestigious districts like Nassim Road and Orchard Road offer more than just a place to live; they represent exclusivity, prestige, and proximity to world-class amenities. Owning property in these coveted locations becomes a status symbol, further inflating prices.
Lastly, Singapore’s robust economy and well-established property market present a compelling investment opportunity for high-net-worth individuals. These properties are seen as secure investments, offering not just a luxurious residence but also the potential for significant capital appreciation over time.
Singapore’s real estate landscape continues to attract global attention with its ultra-luxurious properties that redefine opulence and exclusivity. Whether overlooking the skyline from a high-rise penthouse or enjoying the tranquillity of a sprawling estate, these properties exemplify the pinnacle of luxury living in Singapore. As the city-state evolves, its real estate market remains a beacon of prestige and sophistication, offering discerning buyers the ultimate in luxurious living experiences.