{"id":60594,"date":"2026-06-14T08:22:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-14T00:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=60594"},"modified":"2026-06-14T08:22:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-14T00:22:00","slug":"these-were-the-first-5-condos-built-in-singapore-are-they-near-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=60594","title":{"rendered":"These were the first 5 condos built in Singapore &#8211; are they near you?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\" id=\"top\">Before the 1970s, the concept of a \u201ccondominium\u201d did not exist in Singapore. Homeowners basically chose between landed properties or standard public housing flats. That all changed when pioneering architects and developers introduced the idea of \u201cbungalows in the air\u201d\u2014high-rise private apartments that combined individual ownership with shared luxury facilities like swimming pools and security.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">These early developments paved the way for modern private housing in the city-state. Here is a look back at the first five condominiums built in Singapore that transformed the nation\u2019s skyline.<\/p>\n<section class=\"_expanded_lwxdk_22\"><button class=\"_title_lwxdk_1\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">5 Oldest Condominiums in Singapore<\/p>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"9\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><default:path d=\"M1 1L9 8L17 1\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/default:svg><\/button><\/p>\n<ol class=\"_list_lwxdk_28\">\n<li class=\"_listItem_lwxdk_71\"><a class=\"_link_lwxdk_85\" href=\"#1-beverly-mai-1974-2006-en-bloc-\">1. Beverly Mai (1974 &#8211; 2006 en bloc)<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"_listItem_lwxdk_71\"><a class=\"_link_lwxdk_85\" href=\"#2-futura-1976-2006-en-bloc-\">2. Futura (1976 &#8211; 2006 en bloc)<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"_listItem_lwxdk_71\"><a class=\"_link_lwxdk_85\" href=\"#3-pearl-bank-apartments-1976-2020-\">3. Pearl Bank Apartments (1976 &#8211; 2020)<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"_listItem_lwxdk_71\"><a class=\"_link_lwxdk_85\" href=\"#4-pandan-valley-1977-\">4. Pandan Valley (1977)<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"_listItem_lwxdk_71\"><a class=\"_link_lwxdk_85\" href=\"#5-mimosa-park-1979-\">5. Mimosa Park (1979)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<h2 id=\"1-beverly-mai-1974-2006-en-bloc-\" class=\"_subHeading1_1k87u_111 _base_1k87u_1\">1. Beverly Mai (1974 &#8211; 2006 en bloc)<\/h2>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Completed in 1974 along Tomlinson Road, Beverly Mai is universally recognised as Singapore\u2019s very first condominium development. Designed by architect Timothy Seow, the 28-storey freehold tower cost S$4 million to construct and introduced features that are standard today.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">It was the first private residential project to feature split-level maisonettes (double-storey units) and apartment units without shared party walls, ensuring complete acoustic privacy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">It introduced the modern practice of shared recreational amenities, featuring a communal swimming pool, barbecue pits, and large open terraces.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">At launch, apartments cost between S$141,000 and S$162,000. In 2006, the development was sold via a collective sale (en bloc) to Hotel Properties Ltd for S$238 million and was subsequently demolished.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\"><a class=\"_externalLinks_wioo3_126\" href=\"#top\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"2-futura-1976-2006-en-bloc-\" class=\"_subHeading1_1k87u_111 _base_1k87u_1\">2. Futura (1976 &#8211; 2006 en bloc)<\/h2>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Following closely in 1976 was Futura, located at 14 Leonie Hill Road. True to its name, this 25-storey luxury tower stood out for its highly futuristic, organic architectural curves inspired by the Brutalist movement and international avant-garde designs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Futura was the first condominium in Singapore to feature private lifts serving its 69 exclusive units. It also boasted iconic spaceship-like exterior pod balconies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">After anchor-defining the skyline of the Orchard area for over three decades, the freehold development was sold en bloc in 2006 for S$287.3 million. It was demolished and has since been replaced by the current New Futura condominium completed in 2017.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\"><a class=\"_externalLinks_wioo3_126\" href=\"#top\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"3-pearl-bank-apartments-1976-2020-\" class=\"_subHeading1_1k87u_111 _base_1k87u_1\">3. Pearl Bank Apartments (1976 &#8211; 2020)<\/h2>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Completed in June 1976 on Pearl\u2019s Hill in Outram, Pearl Bank Apartments was a pioneer of high-rise, high-density private living. Designed by Singaporean architect Tan Cheng Siong, it was both the tallest and the densest residential building in Singapore at the time of its completion.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Standing at 113 metres with 38 storeys, the building was instantly recognisable by its hollow, three-quarter cylindrical tower resembling a giant horseshoe. This shape allowed for maximum natural light and ventilation, while the rear opening faced west to keep the afternoon sun away from the units.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">It housed a total of 280 apartments and eight commercial units, functioning almost as a vertical village.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Despite intense public campaigns by heritage enthusiasts to conserve its unique Brutalist architecture, the 99-year leasehold site was sold to CapitaLand via a private treaty collective sale for S$728 million in 2018. It was demolished in 2020 to make way for One Pearl Bank completed in 2024.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\"><a class=\"_externalLinks_wioo3_126\" href=\"#top\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n<figure class=\"_figure_wioo3_1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heritage.sg\/sgheritagefest\/archive\/2024\/lesser-known-histories-of-iconic-singapore-buildings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"_base_12j3k_1\" alt=\"Pandan Valley condominium\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto\" width=\"1235\" height=\"696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/homedecor\/1e21028cbe7a89bbebdc8ba65dc37553191abbd413fac7acd97e6c36b39c0a1c?w=330&amp;q=85 330w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/homedecor\/1e21028cbe7a89bbebdc8ba65dc37553191abbd413fac7acd97e6c36b39c0a1c?w=530&amp;q=85 530w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/homedecor\/1e21028cbe7a89bbebdc8ba65dc37553191abbd413fac7acd97e6c36b39c0a1c?w=660&amp;q=85 660w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/homedecor\/1e21028cbe7a89bbebdc8ba65dc37553191abbd413fac7acd97e6c36b39c0a1c 1235w\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/homedecor\/1e21028cbe7a89bbebdc8ba65dc37553191abbd413fac7acd97e6c36b39c0a1c?w=660&amp;q=85\" style=\"--custom-aspect-ratio:1.7744252873563218;contain-intrinsic-size:1235px 696px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"_figureCaptions_wioo3_158\">\n<p class=\"_imageCaption_wioo3_165\">Pandan Valley condominium<\/p>\n<p>Heritage SG\/ DBS Bank<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"4-pandan-valley-1977-\" class=\"_subHeading1_1k87u_111 _base_1k87u_1\">4. Pandan Valley (1977)<\/h2>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Sprawling across a massive 3.5-hectare site in Ulu Pandan, Pandan Valley was completed between 1977 and 1979. Developed by DBS Realty (a subsidiary of DBS Bank), it was built during a property market downturn to test whether middle-income Singaporeans would embrace large-scale community living.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Because of its immense scale (605 residential units), it was the first project to integrate landed townhouses, high-rise apartments, on-site convenience shops, cafes, and educational childcare centres within the same private compound.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">According to <a class=\"_externalLinks_wioo3_126\" href=\"https:\/\/www.heritage.sg\/sgheritagefest\/archive\/2024\/lesser-known-histories-of-iconic-singapore-buildings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">DBS<\/a>, \u201cwhen Pandan Valley first launched, buyers could sell back their properties at the original price to the developer within 5 years\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Unlike its contemporaries, Pandan Valley still stands today. Its large freehold land footprint and massive unit sizes remain highly sought after.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\"><a class=\"_externalLinks_wioo3_126\" href=\"#top\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n<figure class=\"_figure_wioo3_1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"_base_12j3k_1\" alt=\"Mimosa Park Condo\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto\" width=\"742\" height=\"556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/homedecor\/f5d964c9cd1bbe433e52ef7be0247edb44f4ae6ad8227e53fe8d41cd068bcf78?w=330&amp;q=85 330w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/homedecor\/f5d964c9cd1bbe433e52ef7be0247edb44f4ae6ad8227e53fe8d41cd068bcf78?w=530&amp;q=85 530w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/homedecor\/f5d964c9cd1bbe433e52ef7be0247edb44f4ae6ad8227e53fe8d41cd068bcf78?w=660&amp;q=85 660w,https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/homedecor\/f5d964c9cd1bbe433e52ef7be0247edb44f4ae6ad8227e53fe8d41cd068bcf78 742w\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/homedecor\/f5d964c9cd1bbe433e52ef7be0247edb44f4ae6ad8227e53fe8d41cd068bcf78?w=660&amp;q=85\" style=\"--custom-aspect-ratio:1.3345323741007193;contain-intrinsic-size:742px 556px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"5-mimosa-park-1979-\" class=\"_subHeading1_1k87u_111 _base_1k87u_1\">5. Mimosa Park (1979)<\/h2>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Rounding out the final years of the experimental 1970s condo boom was Mimosa Park, completed in 1979 in the Seletar\/Yio Chu Kang enclave.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Mimosa Park reflected the late-70s design philosophy where condominiums were built strictly to replicate landed properties. The freehold development mixed low-rise townhouse units with conventional apartments spread across sprawling, low-density green lawns.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">It featured a standard element of early Singaporean luxury condos\u2014the inclusion of dedicated squash courts, a recreational facility that fell out of trend in newer developments by the late 1990s.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\">Mimosa Park remains standing as a classic example of early suburban condominium layouts, prized by residents for its immense space and tranquil, low-rise surroundings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"_base_1s8rd_1 _default_1s8rd_12\"><a class=\"_externalLinks_wioo3_126\" href=\"#top\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<center><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeanddecor.com.sg\/property\/condominium\/these-were-first-5-condos-built-singapore-are-they-near-you\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read Full Article At Source <\/a><br \/>\n<center\/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Before the 1970s, the concept of a \u201ccondominium\u201d did not exist in Singapore. Homeowners basically chose between landed properties or standard public housing flats. That&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":60595,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2611],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-60594","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buzz-headlines","wpcat-2611-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60594","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=60594"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60594\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/60595"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=60594"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=60594"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=60594"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}