# The new face of prime living: How smaller homes are broadening the CCR’s appeal - **Source:** EdgeProp Singapore - **Published:** 2026-08-06T05:00:00.000Z - **Author:** Ashley Lo - **Original:** https://www.edgeprop.sg/property-news/new-face-prime-living-how-smaller-homes-are-broadening-ccrs-appeal - **Topics:** Private Residential, New Launches, Investment & Capital Markets ## Featured rationale The narrow 2.6% price premium over comparable OCR units signals cross-segment appeal and may encourage buyers to trade space for centrality and developers to supply more compact homes. ## AI summary Sales of new CCR homes below 600 sq ft rose from 83 units in 2024 to 385 in 2025, while their 2026 average price reached about $1.54 million. ## Original article Smaller condo units in the Core Central Region (CCR) are attracting a more diverse mix of buyers — from young professionals purchasing their first city-centre property to families seeking greater convenience, investors looking for long-term value, and empty-nesters rightsizing from larger homes. Recent CCR project launches have posted robust take-up rates, reflecting sustained demand for residences in Singapore’s prime districts. Analysts note that buyers are drawn to the region for different reasons depending on their housing needs and stage of life, from its connectivity and amenities to the prestige of a prime address and its investment potential. Read also: Condo prices hit new highs, driven by prime and city fringe properties The decision also reflects changing housing preferences rather than a simple pursuit of size. “As lifestyles continue to evolve, we expect this preference for well-located, efficiently designed homes to remain an important trend across Singapore’s private residential market,” says Mohan Sandrasegeran, head of research and data analytics at Singapore Realtors Inc (SRI). More appetite for compact homes Demand for smaller non-landed homes in the CCR has strengthened this year. Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at Realion (OrangeTee & ETC) Group, notes that transaction volumes of homes that measure less than 800 sq ft have exceeded the levels seen over the same period in both 2024 and 2025. Caveat data analysed by Realion show that 120 non-landed homes measuring less than 500 sq ft, as well as 507 homes measuring between 500 and 800 sq ft, changed hands in the first five months of 2026. Specifically in the new-launch market, PropNex found that sales of new CCR non-landed homes that were below 600 sq ft had climbed from 83 units in 2024 to 385 units in 2025. The agency’s research team attributed the increase mainly to more new private homes being launched in the CCR last year, with 2,618 units put on the market in total — the highest annual figure in four years. Within the ‘budget sweet spot’ While smaller homes are generally pricier on a psf basis than larger apartments, their more modest size translates into a lower price quantum than larger units, making them within reach of more buyers. Read also: Wing Tai sets record for CCR sales in 2025: Sells 88% of River Green on launch weekend at average price of $3,130 psf For non-landed private properties measuring less than 500 sq ft in the CCR, the median price stood at $2,998 psf in the first half of the year (as at June 14). That is 27.4% above the median of $2,354 psf for large homes measuring at least 1,600 sq ft, Sun notes. In terms of overall transaction values across regions, PropNex’s analysis of Realis caveat data found that the average transacted price was about $1.54 million this year, as at June 14, for smaller new non-landed properties measuring below 600 sq ft in the CCR. It is slightly higher than that of units of comparable sizes in the Rest of Central Region (RCR) and Outside Central Region (OCR), which averaged about $1.41 million and nearly $1.5 million, respectively, over the same year-to-date period. Kelvin Fong, CEO of PropNex, highlights that the average transacted price of these smaller CCR new homes sized below 600 sq ft had a “relatively trim” premium of only about $39,000 or 2.6% over that of the OCR. “At this price differential, the CCR unit may be seen as a better purchase among some segments of buyers, such as investors or single-person households who prefer a more central residential address,” he adds. Price data indicates that smaller units in the CCR are more affordable than larger units in the RCR and OCR. Read also: 30 Pathlight students’ artworks to adorn 200m hoardings at Wing Tai’s River Green A potential “crossover” among the different submarkets may be in the middle band, where the average price of 600–800 sq ft CCR units sold was about $2.23 million, Fong says. That is lower than the average price of bigger, 800–1,200 sq ft units that were transacted in the RCR ($2.75 million) and OCR ($2.35 million). It suggests a buyer with that budget range can choose between a smaller, centrally located unit or a larger suburban or city-fringe unit, depending on whether a smaller home will adequately meet their needs. Fong adds that many smaller CCR units fall within the “budget sweet spot” of below $2.5 million for most buyers. Transaction prices in the region averaged about $1.4 million for new one-bedders in selected projects, and around $2 million for two-bedders, going by PropNex’s new-launch weekend sales data. Connectivity, layout flexibility and growth upside Analysts say that buyers of smaller CCR condo units, anecdotally, include a mix of young singles and professionals, families, both local and foreign investors, and older homeowners looking to rightsize. Detailed demographic data is not publicly available. The decision to purchase a smaller CCR property is driven by different considerations depending on a buyer’s housing needs and stage of life. Younger households usually focus more on connectivity to workplaces, layout efficiency and flexibility for future family formation, as well as proximity to schools. SRI’s Sandrasegeran points out that for younger families, this is likely a conscious lifestyle decision instead of simply a compromise on space. “Being closer to workplaces can significantly reduce commuting time, allowing parents to spend more time with their children,” he says. Moreover, there is greater day-to-day convenience when they can be near established schools, childcare centres, healthcare facilities, public transport, lifestyle amenities and recreational options. “For some households, these location advantages can outweigh the benefits of having a larger home farther from the city centre,” Sandrasegeran adds. In addition, Fong of PropNex notes that younger households may prefer unit types that can accommodate children or evolving household needs over the next few years. Meanwhile, younger investors may view such homes as a stepping stone, given the potential future growth upside. The premium location might help them achieve higher resale prices or stronger capital gains over time, notes Sun. She adds that some investors also hope to generate significant profits that can be used later to buy a bigger condo home in the suburbs or city fringe after marriage. Generally, buyers may opt for a smaller home in the CCR despite the higher psf prices because they value the proximity to the Orchard shopping belt, popular schools in Bukit Timah and workplaces in the CBD. Others appreciate the wider availability of freehold properties in the region, Sun says. In any case, these housing decisions are not necessarily permanent for all. For younger families in particular, a smaller CCR home can represent a stage in their housing journey and not a final destination, Sandrasegeran highlights. As families grow and their space requirements change, some owners may eventually upsize to bigger homes in the RCR or OCR. Others may choose to remain in the CCR if their lifestyle priorities continue to favour accessibility and convenience, he notes. Lifestyle and unlocking value in later years As for affluent empty-nesters and retirees, priorities tend to centre around convenience, lifestyle and ageing-in-place considerations. These older buyers often look for homes that are easier to maintain, and near amenities, healthcare facilities as well as friends and family members, says Fong. Those rightsizing from landed homes or larger condos and flats may want to tap into their housing equity while preserving part of the funds from the sale of their previous home for retirement, Fong continues. Age offers one indication of who is buying. According to anecdotal data tracked by the PropNex sales team for transactions done by the agency during launch weekends, buyers aged 30 to 39 accounted for the largest share of smaller CCR new-launch units — both one-bedders and two-bedders — that were sold, making up 34.8% of sales. This was followed by those aged 40 to 49, representing 28%, and buyers aged 50 and above, at 19.9%. Buyers aged 29 and below accounted for the smallest proportion, with 17.3% of sales. The findings were derived from seven CCR projects that debuted in 2025 and 1H2026: Aurea, River Green, The Robertson Opus, UpperHouse at Orchard Boulevard, Skye at Holland, Newport Residences and River Modern. A home better suited to a new stage of life For the Chias, a couple in their 80s, changing housing needs, convenience and the opportunity to free up capital all played a part in their decision to move into a smaller home. The couple have lived in a District 11 condo for the past 16 years after moving from their Holland Road bungalow, where they had resided for more than two decades. “There was a lot of wasted space after our children moved out. Many parts of the house were hardly used,” recalls the wife. As they got older, the couple also found it difficult to manage the staircase linking the two floors in the bungalow. They originally wanted to purchase a penthouse, but realised it might not help with accessibility either as many penthouses were duplex units. Instead, the Chias opted for a smaller apartment, attracted by the long-term investment potential and the convenience of the neighbourhood. “We were looking for a property near town, to be near amenities such as supermarkets, food courts and malls,” the wife adds. The move also allowed them to unlock the value of the landed home. Besides purchasing one unit for their own stay, they used part of the sale proceeds to acquire three more condo units in prime districts, which they now rent out. What could sustain demand PropNex’s Fong expects demand for smaller CCR homes to remain supported by affordability considerations, lifestyle preferences and supply dynamics. A diverse group of purchasers, including well-heeled singles, young couples, families, investors and older homeowners looking to rightsize, will likely be drawn to the segment. Shrinking household sizes and the growing proportion of one-person households could also generate demand, Fong adds. On the supply side, with several Government Land Sale (GLS) sites awarded recently in the CCR, the region’s pipeline of new homes will gradually increase. “Given that land prices for CCR GLS sites have generally trended upwards, developers may likely incorporate a good selection of smaller units into their projects, to keep overall price quantums within reach of a broader pool of buyers, even as psf prices are expected to rise,” Fong says. Realion’s Sun expects investors to continue favouring smaller homes for their affordability as prices in CCR hold firm. That said, ultra-wealthy buyers are likely to remain active in the market for larger units because of their long-term value and appeal as legacy assets. Sandrasegeran of SRI concludes that buyers today are increasingly evaluating the overall quality of living — balancing location, connectivity, amenities, commuting time, lifestyle and affordability alongside the amount of living space. -------- Designing compact homes Smaller homes need not mean compromised comfort. With thoughtful design, trading space for a more convenient location can still deliver a liveable home. Angela Lim, director and co-founder of interior design firm SuMisura, notes that most homeowners — from young professionals and families to retirees — share a desire for “stress-free living”, in homes that are easy to maintain and suited to their evolving lifestyles. For young professionals, who often expect their residences to double as workspaces, sliding acoustic panels, fluted glass partitions and bespoke study alcoves can help create a distinct visual shift between work and leisure, says Lim. Transformable and modular furniture has also become a staple of compact-home design, with fold-down desks, extendable dining tables and Murphy beds maximising functionality while saving space. Meanwhile, families with children tend to prioritise creating distinct yet connected living zones. Sliding glass partitions or movable walls can create temporary separation between children’s spaces and communal areas while maintaining visibility for parents. For empty-nesters, the focus is usually on ageing in place. Slip-resistant, level flooring reduces tripping hazards, while removing non-structural walls can widen walkways and improve accessibility. When the Chias, a couple in their 80s, first moved from a bungalow to a condo unit, the new place felt rather cramped. They thus requested their interior designer to install plenty of mirrors, “to fool us into thinking the apartment was twice the size”. SuMisura’s Lim says that strategically placed floor-to-ceiling mirrors are among the most effective ways to create the illusion of a larger home. When positioned opposite windows, mirrors reflect natural light and views, visually expanding the space while creating a greater sense of depth. She adds that continuous flooring throughout the home can further blur the boundaries between rooms, making the space feel more open and spacious. ## Chinese translation > Translation model: openai_codex_cli ### 黄金地段生活的新面貌：较小住房如何拓宽 CCR 的吸引力 从富裕单身人士到年轻家庭和空巢人士，买家正在选择新加坡黄金邮区内较小的公寓。 核心中央区（CCR）较小的公寓单位正吸引更多元的买家群体——从购买第一套市中心房产的年轻专业人士，到寻求更高便利性的家庭、追求长期价值的投资者，以及从较大住房换住较小住房的空巢人士。 近期 CCR 项目开盘取得强劲销售率，反映出新加坡黄金邮区住宅的需求持续存在。 分析师指出，买家被该区域吸引的原因因其住房需求和人生阶段而异，从交通连接和配套设施，到黄金地址的声望及其投资潜力。 另读：受黄金地段和城市边缘房产推动，公寓价格创下新高 这一决定也反映了住房偏好的变化，而不是单纯追求面积。 “随着生活方式持续演变，我们预计这种对位置优越、设计高效住房的偏好，将继续成为新加坡私人住宅市场的重要趋势，”Singapore Realtors Inc（SRI）研究与数据分析主管 Mohan Sandrasegeran 表示。 对紧凑型住房的胃口更大 今年，CCR 较小非有地住宅的需求有所增强。 Realion（OrangeTee & ETC）Group 首席研究员兼策略师 Christine Sun 指出，面积小于 800 平方英尺住房的交易量已超过 2024 年和 2025 年同期水平。 Realion 分析的产权登记数据显示，2026 年前五个月，有 120 套面积小于 500 平方英尺的非有地住宅，以及 507 套面积介于 500 至 800 平方英尺的住宅易手。 具体到新开盘市场，PropNex 发现，面积低于 600 平方英尺的新 CCR 非有地住宅销量，已从 2024 年的 83 套上升至 2025 年的 385 套。 该机构研究团队将增长主要归因于去年 CCR 推出更多新私人住宅，总计 2,618 套单位入市——为四年来最高年度数字。 处于“预算甜蜜点”内 虽然较小住房按每平方英尺计算通常比大型公寓更贵，但其面积较小意味着总价低于大型单位，使更多买家能够负担。 另读：Wing Tai 创下 2025 年 CCR 销售纪录：River Green 开盘周末售出 88%，平均价格每平方英尺新币 3,130 元 对于 CCR 面积小于 500 平方英尺的非有地私人房产，今年上半年（截至 6 月 14 日）的中位价为每平方英尺新币 2,998 元。Sun 指出，这比面积至少 1,600 平方英尺大型住房每平方英尺新币 2,354 元的中位价高出 27.4%。 就各区域整体交易价值而言，PropNex 对 Realis 产权登记数据的分析发现，截至 6 月 14 日，今年 CCR 面积低于 600 平方英尺的较小新非有地房产平均成交价约为新币 154 万元。 这略高于同期年初至今期间中央区以外其他地区（RCR）和中央区以外地区（OCR）可比面积单位的平均价格，后两者分别约为新币 141 万元和近新币 150 万元。 PropNex 首席执行官 Kelvin Fong 强调，这些面积低于 600 平方英尺的较小 CCR 新住宅的平均成交价，相较 OCR 仅有约新币 39,000 元或 2.6% 的“相对精简”溢价。 “在这样的价格差异下，CCR 单位可能会被某些买家群体视为更好的购买选择，例如偏好更中央住宅地址的投资者或单人家庭，”他补充说。 价格数据显示，CCR 较小单位比 RCR 和 OCR 的较大单位更可负担。 另读：30 名 Pathlight 学生的艺术作品将装饰 Wing Tai 的 River Green 200 米围板 Fong 表示，不同子市场之间的潜在“交叉”可能出现在中间面积段，其中已售 600 至 800 平方英尺 CCR 单位的平均价格约为新币 223 万元。 这低于 RCR（新币 275 万元）和 OCR（新币 235 万元）已成交的较大 800 至 1,200 平方英尺单位平均价格。 这表明，拥有该预算范围的买家可以在较小、位于中央地区的单位，或较大的郊区或城市边缘单位之间作出选择，取决于较小住房是否足以满足其需求。 Fong 补充称，许多较小 CCR 单位落在大多数买家低于新币 250 万元的“预算甜蜜点”内。 根据 PropNex 的新盘开盘周末销售数据，该区域部分项目的新一房单位平均成交价约为新币 140 万元，两房单位约为新币 200 万元。 交通连接、户型灵活性和增长潜力 分析师表示，据轶事观察，较小 CCR 公寓单位的买家包括年轻单身人士和专业人士、家庭、本地和外国投资者，以及希望换住较小住房的年长业主。详细人口统计数据并未公开。 购买较小 CCR 房产的决定，取决于买家的住房需求和人生阶段，并由不同考量推动。 较年轻家庭通常更关注通往工作地点的交通连接、户型效率以及未来组建家庭的灵活性，还有邻近学校。 SRI 的 Sandrasegeran 指出，对年轻家庭而言，这很可能是一项有意识的生活方式决定，而不只是对空间的妥协。“住得更靠近工作地点可以显著减少通勤时间，让父母有更多时间陪伴孩子，”他说。 此外，如果能够靠近成熟学校、托儿中心、医疗设施、公共交通、生活配套和休闲选择，日常便利性也会更高。 “对一些家庭而言，这些地点优势可能胜过住在离市中心更远、更大住房的好处，”Sandrasegeran 补充说。 此外，PropNex 的 Fong 指出，较年轻家庭可能偏好能在未来几年容纳孩子或适应家庭需求变化的单位类型。 与此同时，较年轻投资者可能会将此类住房视为踏脚石，因为它们具有潜在的未来增长空间。 Sun 指出，黄金地段或许有助于他们随着时间推移实现更高转售价或更强资本收益。 她补充说，一些投资者也希望产生可观利润，以便日后结婚后在郊区或城市边缘购买更大的公寓住房。 一般而言，尽管每平方英尺价格较高，买家仍可能选择 CCR 较小住房，是因为他们看重其靠近 Orchard 购物带、Bukit Timah 热门学校，以及中央商业区工作地点。Sun 表示，其他人则看重该区域有更多永久地契房产可供选择。 无论如何，这些住房决定未必对所有人而言都是永久性的。 Sandrasegeran 强调，尤其对年轻家庭而言，较小的 CCR 住房可以代表其住房旅程中的一个阶段，而不是最终目的地。 随着家庭成长和空间需求变化，一些业主最终可能会升级到 RCR 或 OCR 的较大住房。他指出，如果其生活方式优先事项继续偏向可达性和便利性，其他人也可能选择继续留在 CCR。 晚年生活方式和释放价值 至于富裕空巢人士和退休人士，其优先事项往往集中在便利性、生活方式和原居安老考量。 Fong 表示，这些年长买家通常寻找更易维护、且靠近配套设施、医疗设施以及朋友和家人的住房。 Fong 继续说，那些从有地住宅或较大公寓和组屋换住较小住房的人，可能希望释放其住房资产价值，同时保留出售旧居所得的部分资金用于退休。 年龄提供了谁在购买的一个指标。根据 PropNex 销售团队对该机构在开盘周末完成交易所追踪的轶事数据，30 至 39 岁买家占已售较小 CCR 新盘单位——包括一房和两房单位——的最大比例，占销售额的 34.8%。 紧随其后的是 40 至 49 岁买家，占 28%；50 岁及以上买家占 19.9%。29 岁及以下买家所占比例最小，占销售额的 17.3%。 这些发现来自 2025 年和 2026 年上半年首次推出的七个 CCR 项目：Aurea、River Green、The Robertson Opus、UpperHouse at Orchard Boulevard、Skye at Holland、Newport Residences 和 River Modern。 更适合新人生阶段的住房 对 80 多岁的 Chia 夫妇而言，住房需求变化、便利性以及释放资本的机会，都在他们搬入较小住房的决定中发挥了作用。 这对夫妇过去 16 年一直住在第 11 邮区的一套公寓，此前他们从 Holland Road 的洋房搬来，并曾在那里居住超过二十年。 “孩子们搬出去后，有很多空间被浪费了。房子的许多部分几乎没有使用，”妻子回忆道。 随着年龄增长，这对夫妇也发现很难应付洋房内连接两层楼的楼梯。他们原本想购买一套顶层公寓，但意识到这可能也无助于无障碍通行，因为许多顶层公寓都是复式单位。 于是，Chia 夫妇选择了一套较小公寓，被其长期投资潜力和社区便利性所吸引。 “我们当时在寻找靠近市区的房产，以便靠近超市、熟食中心和商场等配套设施，”妻子补充说。 这次搬迁也让他们释放了有地住宅的价值。除了购买一套单位自住外，他们还用部分出售所得，在黄金邮区购入另外三套公寓单位，现在用于出租。 可能支撑需求的因素 PropNex 的 Fong 预计，较小 CCR 住房的需求将继续受到可负担性考量、生活方式偏好和供应动态的支撑。 包括富裕单身人士、年轻夫妇、家庭、投资者以及希望换住较小住房的年长业主在内的多元买家群体，可能会被该细分市场吸引。 Fong 补充称，家庭规模缩小以及单人家庭比例上升，也可能产生需求。 供应方面，随着 CCR 近期有数个政府售地（GLS）地块完成招标，该区域的新住宅供应管线将逐步增加。 “鉴于 CCR GLS 地块的土地价格总体呈上升趋势，即使预计每平方英尺价格将上涨，开发商也可能会在项目中纳入良好选择的较小单位，以使整体总价维持在更广泛买家群体能够负担的范围内，”Fong 表示。 Realion 的 Sun 预计，随着 CCR 价格保持坚挺，投资者将继续因其可负担性而偏好较小住房。尽管如此，超高净值买家可能仍会活跃于大型单位市场，因为这些单位具有长期价值，并作为传承资产具有吸引力。 SRI 的 Sandrasegeran 总结说，如今买家越来越多地评估整体生活质量——在生活空间大小之外，同时平衡地点、交通连接、配套设施、通勤时间、生活方式和可负担性。 -------- 设计紧凑型住房 较小住房并不一定意味着舒适度受损。通过周到设计，以空间换取更便利地点，仍可打造宜居之家。 室内设计公司 SuMisura 董事兼联合创办人 Angela Lim 指出，大多数屋主——从年轻专业人士和家庭到退休人士——都希望拥有“无压力生活”，住在易于维护且适合其不断变化生活方式的住房中。 Lim 表示，对于经常期望住所兼作工作空间的年轻专业人士，滑动隔音板、长虹玻璃隔断和定制书房凹位，可帮助在工作与休闲之间创造明显的视觉转换。 可变形和模块化家具也已成为紧凑型住房设计的常见元素，折叠式书桌、可伸缩餐桌和 Murphy beds 可在节省空间的同时最大化功能性。 与此同时，有孩子的家庭往往优先考虑打造彼此区分但相互连接的生活区域。滑动玻璃隔断或可移动墙体可以在儿童空间和公共区域之间形成临时分隔，同时让父母保持可视性。 对于空巢人士，重点通常在于原居安老。防滑、平整的地板可减少绊倒风险，而拆除非结构墙则可拓宽走道并改善无障碍通行。 当 80 多岁的 Chia 夫妇最初从洋房搬到公寓单位时，新居感觉相当局促。因此，他们要求室内设计师安装大量镜子，“让我们误以为这套公寓有两倍大”。 SuMisura 的 Lim 表示，策略性摆放的落地镜，是营造更大住房错觉的最有效方法之一。 当镜子放置在窗户对面时，会反射自然光和景观，在视觉上扩大空间，同时营造更强的纵深感。 她补充说，整个住宅使用连续地面材料，可进一步模糊房间之间的边界，使空间感觉更开放、更宽敞。