5 Lower-Priced Alternatives To The Watergardens At Canberra

The Watergardens at Canberra, a new condominium launch, has generated significant interest, with approximately 60% of its 448 units sold during the launch weekend. This article explores five alternative condominium developments located within a 10-minute walk of The Watergardens, offering potential buyers other options in the vicinity. These alternatives are considered for individuals who may not have secured a unit at The Watergardens or are seeking more affordable choices, given their close proximity and similar locational advantages. The first alternative is The Commodore, an upcoming launch slated for 2026. This development, with 219 units, is expected to offer a more exclusive living environment. Its land purchase price is similar to The Watergardens, suggesting a comparable price per square foot (psf) between $1,400 and $1,490. The Commodore is situated closer to Canberra MRT station, approximately 330 meters away, a nine-minute walk, compared to The Watergardens' 520 meters (12-minute walk). This closer proximity to the MRT station and Sembawang Shopping Centre, particularly once the Canberra Vista is completed in 2024, is a notable advantage. The smaller unit count, however, might lead to higher maintenance fees. Next, 1 Canberra EC, a resale Executive Condominium (EC) completed in 2015, presents a significantly lower price point, with units ranging from $785 to $1,008 psf, averaging $922 psf. This development has already met its five-year Minimum Occupancy Period (MOP), allowing HDB upgraders to purchase units without incurring Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) upfront and enabling immediate rental of the entire unit. While cheaper, 1 Canberra EC is farther from Canberra MRT station (740 meters) and Sembawang Shopping Centre (15-minute walk) compared to The Watergardens. However, its proximity to Ahmad Ibrahim and Yishun Primary Schools could be appealing to families. Eight Courtyards, a private condominium completed in 2014, is located across the road from 1 Canberra EC. Its average price is higher than 1 Canberra EC, at $1,006 psf, ranging from $878 to $1,202 psf. While it is a fully private condo, its location and amenities are similar to 1 Canberra EC, making 1 Canberra EC a more attractive option for HDB upgraders due to its lower price and MOP status. Both developments are less conveniently located than The Watergardens but compensate with their pricing. Yishun Emerald, an older condominium completed in 2002, offers more spacious units at a lower average price of $785 psf (ranging from $732 to $895 psf). Large units over 1,000 sq ft can be found for under $1 million, a rare find near an MRT station. Despite its age and an aesthetic that some compare to HDB flats, it provides good value in terms of space. A side gate significantly reduces walking time to Canberra MRT station to under 10 minutes, contrary to longer estimates from main gate access. However, some units include planter boxes, an older design feature, and its facilities reflect an older era. Finally, Yishun Sapphire, completed in 2001, is the oldest alternative, similar in location to Yishun Emerald. It has an average price of $781 psf (ranging from $723 to $843 psf). Yishun Sapphire is noted for better maintenance than Yishun Emerald but has units closer to MRT tracks, potentially exposing them to noise. Like Yishun Emerald, it offers spacious units with older design features like planter boxes and some ground-floor units featuring large Private Enclosed Spaces (PES). Its side gate also provides a less than 10-minute walk to Canberra MRT station. The article also briefly mentions Provence Residence and Parc Canberra EC as additional nearby EC options, highlighting that while ECs offer lower price points, they come with MOP and resale restrictions that The Watergardens does not have. #PropertyPicks #CondoAlternatives #WatergardensAtCanberra #CanberraMRT #ExecutiveCondominium #PrivateCondo #PropertyComparison #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyPicks #CondoAlternatives #WatergardensAtCanberra #CanberraMRT #ExecutiveCondominium #PrivateCondo #PropertyComparison #RealEstateInvesting

46 months ago

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