Discover Why 99-Year Leasehold Landed Properties Are So Attractive

Why Freehold Property Is the Real MVP of Singapore Landed Homes

When you hear “landed property” in Singapore, most folks immediately picture the classic freehold homes: semi‑detached houses, Good Class Bungalows (GCB), the whole “own it forever” vibe. The leasehold option – which usually lasts only 99 years – gets a sidestep in the conversation.

The Family‑Friendly Dream

Multi‑generation living – Think grandparents, parents, kids – all under one roof.
Legacy planning – You want to hand down your castle to the next generation, maybe even two generations down.

Freehold homes are a green light for that plan because you’re not bound by a ticking clock. With a leasehold, you’re chilling for 99 years – practically a lifetime, but outsiders may worry the cliff will hit before you can even think about passing it on.

Leasehold Woes: The 60‑Year Loan Barrier

Mortgage hurdles – If a resale house has less than 60 years left on its lease, banks will grill you harder than a street‑food vendor on a hot day.
Insurance & resale headaches – Fewer lenders are willing to foot the bill, which can throw a wrench into the whole buying process.

Even if you manage to snag the leasehold, the countdown is ticking. Your kids might inherit the home, but when it comes to their children, the lease may not feel “forever” anymore.

Money Talks – Capital Appreciation Is Key

At the end of the day, people lean toward freehold because of capital appreciation. Freehold land holds a perpetual value stimulus. It’s a loving, long‑term investment that actually puts your hard‑earned money in a growth mode, instead of the leasehold’s uncertain, time‑bound performance.

Bottom Line: Freehold = Freedom

Freehold properties grant you:

Unrestricted generational succession.
Greater flexibility for financing.
Potential for sustained, long‑term value increase.

Leasehold may sound enticing at first, but the ticking clock and limited upside make it a cautionary tale for anyone serious about the Singapore landed property market.

Leasehold landed properties don’t enjoy as much price appreciation

Leasehold vs. Freehold: The Value Drop Dance

Picture this: you’re eyeing a lovely landed home, but two options are on the table – leasehold and freehold. Spoiler alert – the freehold version keeps its charm for longer, while the leasehold one starts to lose value as the lease expires.

Why the Bounce‑Back Is Slower on Leaseholds

Lease decay kicks in once the lease starts thinning out – it’s like the building’s “give‑away” contract.
As months slip by, the market knows the lease is getting shorter, so buyers bid less.
In contrast, freehold homes stay fresh; no lease countdown to worry about.

Color‑Coded Numbers (Last 15 Years)

We compared the price per square foot (psf) for both types:

Freehold landed: steadily climbing trends, more stable returns.
Leasehold landed: smoother curve with a gradual dip once the lease gets old.

Bottom line: If you’re “parking” your money in a freehold, you’ll likely see a longer‑term payoff. Leasehold isn’t bad, just don’t expect the same price appreciation blast!

Freehold vs Leasehold: The Price War

Prices Are Skating Off the Charts

The climb in freehold landed property values has been nothing short of 129.54 %. Leasehold homes, in comparison, have taken a steadier 60.93 % climb.

The Gap Is Growing (And It’s Not a Small Crack)

Back in 2007, a freehold plot cost on average S$647 per psf, while a leasehold was a tad cheaper at S$616 per psf. Pretty close.
Fast‑forward 15 years: freehold lands now average S$1,484 per psf, whereas leasehold homes sit at S$991 per psf.

A Reason for the Disparity

Because of that wild price jump, the public’s interest in leasehold properties has dipped. The yearly transaction count for freehold lands is usually about twice that of leasehold lands.

Despite the modest appreciation, a niche group still finds leasehold homes appealing — they’re not afraid of a little price lag in exchange for the perks that come with those contracts.

What’s the appeal of leasehold landed properties?

Enjoy a landed home experience at a lower price

Why Leasehold Landed Properties Outshine Freehold in the Wallet‑Friendly Category

When it comes to buying land‑owned homes, the temptation is almost instant: get more space, more privacy, and a garden that’s your own without breaking the bank.

The Price Advantage

According to Ray Teo, Advisory Associate Branch District Director at PropNex, the main reason people gravitate toward leasehold landed homes is the affordability factor.

Last year, the average price for leasehold landed homes hovered around S$991 per square foot.
That’s just about one‑third of the average price per square foot for freehold landed homes.
In other words, you can grab the same type of property for roughly a third of the cost.

More Than Just a Cheap Option

Money isn’t the sole factor when you’re hunting for a home. Ray points out that lifestyle needs and the requirement of space often drive the decision.

Space lovers get the full landed‑home experience—larger rooms, extra privacy, and a backyard.
Those with a green thumb can finally set up a garden patch and grow their own veggies.
Pet owners rejoice: a leased leasehold property offers plenty of room to let the fur babies romp around.

When Leasehold Is a Perfect Fit

If high‑rise apartments feel too cramped and you’re looking for a long‑term stay rather than a quick flip, a leasehold landed home is a great match.

Long‑term residents who aren’t chasing capital gains can comfortably settle down.
Those who don’t plan to hand the house down to their kids find leasehold a smart, cost‑effective choice.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a little lawn and a backyard that doesn’t come with a sky‑high price tag, leasehold landed properties might just be the answer.

Sentosa Cove: For the prestige and ease of foreign ownership

Why Sentosa Cove is the New Hot Spot for Overseas Buyers

Think landed homes are only for the Bukit Timah elite? Think again. Sentosa Cove, the swanky enclave on Singapore’s southern island, is rapidly becoming the go‑to spot for those looking to own a piece of paradise with a leasehold twist.

Leasehold or Freehold? The 99‑Year Deal

All landed properties here come with a 99‑year leasehold—no freehold, no worry.
It’s a bit of a gamble because of the inevitable lease decay, but the allure lies in the exclusivity and the perk of a shorter lease compared to the standard 99‑years elsewhere.

Foreign Ownership Made Easy

Ray, our insider, says: “If you’re foreign and want to buy landed land in Sentosa, it’s one of the easiest deals out there.”

Under the Residential Property Act, any non‑resident or even a permanent resident has to get the Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU) thumbs‑up. Usually that means being a PR for 5 years. But Sentosa Cove breaks the rule:

Foreigners can apply directly to the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) if the plot is ≤ 1,800 sqm.
The property must be for your own occupation, not a rental or an investment.
That’s a huge win for those who want a “home” on the island without the hassle of a full freehold.

Price Trends: A Calm Upswing

Over the last 15 years, Sentosa Cove homes have seen a 43.99% appreciation—a bit slower than the soaring prices of traditional freehold lands. But that’s because:

Liquidity is limited: fewer buyers can actually own these properties.
The 99‑year lease yet offers a premium vibe that sells for a solid price without the frenzy of freehold bidding wars.

Bottom Line

Sentosa Cove offers the sweet spot of prestige, ease of purchase, and manageable price growth. It’s the playground for foreigners who want a slice of the island without all the red tape.

Sentosa Cove’s Luxury Homes: The Shrinking Gap in Home Prices

Picture this: You’re standing in Sentosa Cove, surrounded by sparkling waterfronts and a few ten‑foot highers in expensive league. Ever wondered why the landed homes here cost more than the common freehold or leasehold spots? Let’s break it down in plain English.

Quick Numbers in a Nutshell

Sentosa Cove average price per square foot (psf): $1,891
Leasehold landed homes average psf: $991
Freehold landed homes average psf: $1,484

In short, if you’re buying land‑based property in Sentosa Cove, prepare to pay double what you’d pay at most leasehold sites and a sizable bump over freehold listings. That’s the %0.9-%1.9g? oh I’m messing up – just remember: Sentosa’s price is way, way higher.

Why Sentosa Cove Is the “Goldfish” of Real‑Estate Prices

Think of Sentosa Cove as the VIP lounge for home buyers. It’s got:

An exclusive ambience – private marina, top-notch marina clubs, and those AJAX infrastructure perks.
A strong demand from high‑net‑worth individuals.
Limited supply – only a handful of properties, and they’re all VIPs.

All these factors squeeze the price upward. The sale price isn’t just a reflection of the land; it reflects the prestige, the environment, and the “club membership” feel.

What This Means for Your Wallet (and Life)

If you’re poised to buy a landed home, the Sentosa Cove price is a firm sign that it’s a premium purchase. Compare it against the more “regular” landscapes of freehold or leasehold and you’ll see that Sentosa’s share of the market is isolated and overpriced. This isn’t a mistake – it’s a strategic premium crafted by the combination of exclusivity, vision, and a micro‑economics environment that supports more value for fewer buyers.

Takeaway

When exploring landed real estate, Sentosa Cove stands out in both price and prestige. It rewards those who can handle the price but it also demonstrates how one region can outpace the market, developing a community that’s built on premium value.

Leasehold GCBs in the making

Leasehold GCBs: A New Twist on Singapore’s Landed Legacy

Recent buzz says Perennial is turning Mediacorp’s old Caldecott Broadcast Centre into 15 leasehold GCB plots. Back in December 2020, the developer snapped up a 752,015‑sq‑ft chunk of land for a cool $280.9 million. This move marks the first big splash of 99‑year leasehold GCBs in the city.

What’s the Deal?

Mediacorp originally eyed a condo project, but the URA tossed that idea out.
Perennial’s plan flips the script—leasehold, not freehold. A 99‑year lease means you’re technically renting a piece of paradise for a century.
The developer’s investment and the project’s scale signal a shift in how Singapore’s landed market is evolving.

Why the Skepticism?

Many Singaporeans (myself included) find the idea of a “leasehold GCB” strangely counter‑intuitive. Here’s why:

Traditionally, class‑B bungalows are the gold standard for landed property.
They’re designed to be passed down from one generation to the next, keeping wealth intact.
A leasehold GCB feels like a permanent rental—no familial inheritance, no long‑term legacy.

So, as the city pulses with new developments, the question remains: will Singaporeans accept leasehold GCBs as a next‑gen wonder, or will they keep chasing the timeless charm of freehold landed estates?

Leasehold GCBs: The Unexpected Deal of the Year

Think you know what leasehold means? It’s the opposite of freehold—no permanent ownership, just a mirrored slice of the market. That’s why these properties sit at the bottom rung, usually 15 % cheaper than freehold homes.

When “Leasehold” Meets “GCB” – Sounds Like a Headache

Imagine calling a high‑end town hall “budget” and it’s still stylish. For those who’re on Reddit, the title “leasehold GCB” feels like the universe trying to put a band‑anniversary slogan on a vintage car. But the moxie is real.

Why It Still Matters

Scarcity factor: There’s only so many land‑plus‑room options left.
Price appeal: Even the thumb‑nail finish at $374 per square foot beats the market’s usual freehold range.

To put it in perspective, freehold GCB prices on the same block are hovering from $1,600 to $4,000 per square foot—talk about a steep climb.

Spiffed‑Up Architecture: DP Architects Is on the Job

The developer’s secret sauce? Top‑tier Singapore architect firm DP Architects (yes, the brain behind the Esplanade). They’re not just hiring anyone to throw a “nice finish” in; they’re crafting show-stopping, sizeable homes that meld luxury with affordability.

So, if you’re eyeing that leasehold GCB, the market says it’s a deal – literally a treat for buyers who want modern architecture without the price tag of a freehold mansion.