When you think of condos in Singapore, sleek, modern developments probably come to mind. But there’s another side to Singapore’s condo scene that may not always be top of mind. We’re talking about condos built in the early 2000s and even earlier. These hidden gems offer a taste of old Singapore’s heritage, boasting an old-world charm that still captivates and feels relevant today.
We take a stroll down memory lane to give credit to these 7 beautiful old condos that have maintained their timeless appeal, proving that age truly makes them more alluring.
1. Castle Green
Image credit: SRX
Year Built: 1997
Location: Yio Chu Kang
First up on our list is the 99-year leasehold condo, Castle Green, located at Yio Chu Kang. As its name suggests, the condo draws its design inspiration from medieval castles, featuring motifs such as corner turrets, crenellated walls, and a beige and brown colour palette that gives it its distinct character. You might also notice the arched gateways at the blocks, which are another feature resembling castles of the past.
Image credit: Space Atelier
In terms of amenities, Castle Green has all the usual facilities you’d expect in a condo, plus a few unique ones such as a squash court, sauna, and even a multi-purpose hall that doubles as a badminton court! The condo is located in Yio Chu Kang, close to other housing estates such as Ang Mo Kio, Lentor, and Mayflower.
Image credit: PropertyGuru
If you’re interested in purchasing a unit, the good news is that there are quite a few units available for sale, ranging from around $1.26M for a 2-bedroom to $2.36M for a 4-bedroom unit. Averaging around $1,2xx – $1,6xx psf, units are relatively affordable compared to other condos, but that’s also because it’s a considerably older development.
Image credit: LIME3
You’ll also find that the unit layouts are quite different from those of modern condos. Units tend to be larger in terms of floor space, with wider living rooms, as well as separate, enclosed kitchens and utility rooms.
2. Arcadia
Image credit: Docomomo
Year Built: 1983
Location: Bukit Timah
Another beautifully designed old condo is The Arcadia, which was one of the early manifestations of the ‘garden city’ vision that Singapore aspired to achieve in its early years. What immediately stands out is its external façade. Comprising 3 cruciform pyramidal towers, each tower has four wings of stepped-back terraces that converge towards the top, creating an outdoor tropical atrium in the middle, complete with planter boxes of lush greenery to create a ‘hanging gardens’ effect.
Image credit: Finbarr Fallon
Apart from being stylish, its design is also practical. The cruciform shape of the development gives each apartment ample exposure, and the way the building slopes downwards provides cross-ventilation within the atrium. The result is a massive air well, ensuring a healthy breeze that circulates throughout the condo to keep the environment cool. From the photos, it undoubtedly looks idyllic and stunning, similar to what you might find at a 5-star resort in Bali!
Image credit: Docomomo
What makes The Arcadia and its 164 units unique is that there is only one unit type available (4-bedroom units), although there are a variety of layouts and floor spaces. It’s also tucked away in a quiet corner of the Bukit Timah estate, bordering forestry on one side and the PIE on the other, giving its residents a peaceful and serene environment to enjoy.
Image credit: PropertyGuru
A check on the property listing platform PropertyGuru shows a handful of units available for sale, though be warned, they are quite costly. Even though the condo only has 4-bedroom units, with the average listing price ranging from $1,3xx to $2,0xx psf, the apartments are huge. And by huge, we mean between 3,466 sqft and 7,502 sqft, which is staggering and absolutely unheard of in today’s modern condos.
Based on the available listings, you’ll need to cough up at least $5M for a unit. Or, if you happen to have $12M lying around, you can purchase a luxurious duplex penthouse here. At these prices, these units are comparable to penthouse units in modern condos, or even landed properties!
3. Pearl Bank Apartments
Image credit: Home & Decor Singapore
Year Built: 1976
Location: Outram
Completed in 1976, Pearl Bank Apartments was the tallest and densest residential building in Singapore at the time, pioneering the concept of high-rise, high-density living in the country.
Its architecture and design were influenced by Brutalism, which was popular in the 1970s and characterised by the use of exposed, unfinished concrete and geometric forms to create large, blocky shapes and repetitive patterns that appear imposing, with a sense of permanence and solidity.
Unlike most other buildings, which tend to be squarish and symmetrical in layout, Pearl Bank Apartments was easily recognisable for its cylindrical shape, with a hollow center that resembled a horseshoe when viewed from above.
This design was a mix of form and function: its cylindrical shape allowed for daylight, ventilation, and maximum panoramic views for all its units, while the opening in the circular structure faced west, minimising direct penetration of the afternoon sun.
Image credit: Capitaland
Following its sale to property developers CapitaLand in 2018, Pearl Bank Apartments was eventually replaced by a brand-new condo development called One Pearl Bank, which was completed in 2024. Featuring two curved towers connected by a “halo” sky bridge that lights up like a beacon at night, the new condo pays tribute to its predecessor, retaining iconic features such as the curvature of the development, while infusing modern elements to give it a refreshed look.
And yes, there are quite a number of units at One Pearl Bank available for sale, though they are indeed quite expensive, at around $2,5xx – $2,6xx psf, owing to its prime location.
4. Costa Del Sol
Image credit: 99.co
Year Built: 2003
Location: Bayshore
It’s natural for residential developments to adapt their design to the character of their surroundings, and this is certainly the case for Costa Del Sol, a 99-year leasehold condo located in the Bayshore area.
As you would expect, the condo takes after a marine and sea theme, coupled with a resort-like vibe that you would associate with the Bayshore and East Coast region of Singapore. It’s in the name, after all! The residential blocks are also curved, emulating gentle waves that reinforce its seaside identity.
What also stands out are the views that its residents have: apart from amazing views of the East Coast Parkway and the sea, inner-facing units will also have views of the multiple swimming pools on the ground floor, which mimic the sea.
Image credit: Jessica Sim
What makes Costa Del Sol even more appealing is the launch of Bayshore MRT station across the road, providing residents with access to the Thomson-East Coast Line. The entire estate is also quite spacious, giving residents a generous amount of space to walk around and enjoy. With units priced at around $1,6xx – $2,0xx psf, they are generally on the higher side but still quite affordable in the long run.
5. Pandan Valley
Image credit: Darren Soh, Docomomo
Year Built: 1977
Location: Ulu Pandan
Completed in 1979, Pandan Valley is one of Singapore’s earliest condos, and an iconic one at that, distinguishable by its cascading stacks and characteristic green roofs. In fact, it was designed by architect Tan Cheng Siong, who was also the mastermind behind Pearl Bank Apartments.
Its 605 units are organised into 3 block types: step, slab, and tower. The overall design and layout were carefully planned around the site’s undulating topography. The colours are also rustic and warm, which is a nod to the past and gives it a timeless charm.
Image credit: Darren Soh, Docomomo
Pandan Valley is also a freehold condo, which is rare in today’s condo market.
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Another interesting aspect of its history is its price. It was developed by DBS Realty, a wholly owned subsidiary of DBS, amidst poor property market conditions, rising costs, and the fact that the concept of a condominium was still unproven among Singaporeans at the time. At the time of launch, units ranged from $80K to $280K for a penthouse… but bear in mind this was the 1980s.
Today, prices for available units range from $2.38M to as high as $5.89M. Apart from buying into a significant icon of Singapore’s heritage, you’re also paying a premium for its location in the prime and popular Ulu Pandan area, which is near central Singapore and home to a private housing enclave.
6. Shelford Mansions
Image credit: Google Maps
Year Built: 1987
Location: Bukit Timah
Another rare freehold condo in Singapore with a unique and beautiful design is Shelford Mansions, built in the 1980s in the Bukit Timah region. Even though it only has 12 residential units, it still comes with barbecue facilities and a swimming pool, so we would still classify it as a condo, though not in the conventional sense.
It is a low-density boutique freehold development, designed with a blend of modernism and subtle classical touches from the 80s. Its light blue and white palette, coupled with its curved arches and villa-style layout, truly makes it stand out, with an iconic old-school design that’s hard to find these days.
Location-wise, it’s close to Holland Village and Bukit Timah, with the CBD just a short drive away. There are also plenty of amenities, such as cafes and convenience stores, just a short commute away.
7. The Draycott
Image credit: Google Maps
Year Built: 1980
Location: Tanglin
Last on our list is The Draycott, another hard-to-find freehold condo development located in the Tanglin-Orchard area.
The condo consists of three distinctive circular towers, and this unique curved architecture guarantees every unit a 270° panoramic view of lush greenery and the city skyline. Units on the higher floors are likely to have breathtaking views of the city lights at night, including the Orchard Road shopping belt, which is just a stone’s throw away.
Each floor is neatly stacked on top of the other in a clean cylindrical tower, making it stand out amidst the other squarish developments in the area. Coupled with a minimalist design (with nothing but greenery on the ground floor and a faint beige facade), it continues to be an iconic landmark of the 80s that remains aesthetically pleasing to this day.
Plus, each floor houses just one apartment, making it a very unique residential development that promises privacy to its residents!
Image credit: PropertyGuru
There are quite a few units listed for sale, though they don’t come cheap. After all, you’re paying a premium to live just 5 minutes away from Orchard Road. The upside is that there is an abundance of amenities nearby, as well as good connectivity to other parts of Singapore.
Old condos that continue to be iconic to this day
Even though new and modern condos built in recent times are stunning in design and architecture, these older condos from the 70s and 80s continue to hold a quiet, enduring charm. If anything, they are living reminders of Singapore’s architectural journey and icons of our heritage.
As the saying goes: “old is gold.” Even though the design styles of condo developments in Singapore have evolved over the years, these old condos continue to hold a timeless charm that makes them relevant and attractive even in today’s market—and certainly a viable option for those looking for a new condo home.
For more articles about unique houses in Singapore:
- Stiletto House in Katong looks right out of Hollywood Hills
- 3D-Printed home in Bukit Timah has no bricks
- 8 Most unique condos in Singapore to drool over while waiting for your BTO
Cover image adapted from: Docomomo, Capitaland
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