Queenstown’s occupants have always been blessed, even if they do not know it.
The town isn’t just Singapore’s oldest, but one steeped in history and highly valued for its convenient accessibility and proximity to the city centre.
A Historic Heartland
Queenstown was indeed named after Queen Elizabeth II in 1952, to mark her ascent to the throne, and while we no longer subscribe to the colonialism that kickstarted Singapore’s, Queenstown was certainly the earliest example of a modern housing in our nation.
After all, the very first HDBs were built right here in Queenstown.
Stirling Road, HDB. Picture: iProperty
It is no surprise that HDBs are a primary highlight of the area. With an estimated 82,000 HDB residents and around 31,500 flats in the neighbourhood, the presence of the HDB is strong here. With the recent completion of projects in the Dawson (SkyVille and SkyTerrace), the Queenstown area is slowly being rejuvenated.
Public Housing Resurgence
A home in Queenstown doesn’t come cheap. With the location and accessibility built in, units like this one at Stirling Road are in rather high demand. To be this near to the MRT, and had a patio space as part of a public housing, is unheard of. Of course, it does come at a higher asking of $880,000, which boils down to around $1048.87 psf.
Stirling Road, HDB. Picture: iProperty
If you’re looking for larger, more conventionally built HDB flat, there are plenty like this one at Strathmore Avenue. Its 4 room, 986 sq ft sizing means that there will be a little bit more space for the kids to run around.
Even though it’s at the same asking of $880,000, there is a definitely more value at its lower $892.49 psf pricing.
In the rental market in Queenstown is reasonable, and that’s good news for all those working in the Buona Vista cluster of things. Private housing rentals there might be steep, and Queenstown is a convenient alternative.
Take for example, this room in the Dawson road area, which is a single room asking at $950. The psf of this comes down to $6.33, which is great if you work at the nearby Bouna Vista and want a place close to the office.
Royally Priced Private Housing
Queenstown has also become the next district for private developments to spring up, and there have been some recent launches and apartments that are worth mentioning.
Queens Peak
For a start, has been doing rather well. Some of the smaller units have already been sold out, but the larger 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms are worth a gander. The development’s 947 sq ft 3 bedder, for example, is going at $1,467,000, or approximately $1549psf.
The development is close to food havens like Holland Village but the real draw is being exceptionally accessible to the CBD and Orchard Road.
Stirling Residences
The nearby Stirling Residences are also worth a look. The 99-year leasehold, 1259 unit development has 3 towers, and even includes a Childcare centre. Their 3 bedders come in a range of 883 – 1281 sq ft, and start at $1.4 million.
Private rentals are well-priced for the age and facilities of most of the properties here as well. Rentals in the Stirling Road and Commonwealth Avenue area run the range of $3.60 to $5.20psf, depending on the size.
Stirling Residences
Smaller units in developments like Commonwealth Towers may ask for a ballpark $2400 – $2600, while larger apartments more suitable for families are asking for $4300 – $5000.
Amenities Aplenty
Queenstown has some truly iconic places to visit and do things at. I’m going to start with the Queensway Shopping Centre, everyone’s favourite sporting goods complex. It’s chockfull of sporting goods at very reasonable prices, and you can really get some great deals there.
IKEA Alexandra, Queensway. Picture: iProperty
The other icon is the IKEA store that everyone knows and loves. While I personally love wandering around in the showroom and getting lost in there, I know people who queue up to eat at the food court there.
Besides that, the estate is supported by Anchorpoint Mall, a 70,989 sq ft, 2 storey mall that lies opposite IKEA. It has a supermarket, multiple restaurants, and reliable retailers to round up the mix. Food choices are also great, with places like ABC Brickworks Food Centre and Alexandra Village just a short ride away.
Convenient, and Connected
Sky Terrace @ Dawson. Picture: iProperty
Queenstown is conveniently placed so that the CBD, Orchard Road, and Buona Vista are all a 10-15 minute car ride away either via expressway or normal roads. Add to the fact that Queenstown is connected by the East-West Line, and you’ve got yourself one of the most easily accessible neighbourhoods in Singapore.
Creature comforts, great location and well-managed surroundings are why Queensway is a regal place to call home.
